20 Best Tactical Boots For The Military

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Either you’re in the military or law enforcement, or you’re in neither of those camps and you just want an all around rugged pair of the best tactical boots. Whatever the case may be, as a serving member in the Armed Forces, I made a list of what I believe to be the best tactical boots out there.

This list is comprised base on either personal experience, my peers’ experience, or online opinion.

So what are the best tactical boots for military personnel?

GORUCK MACV

Check out my full in-depth review on the MACV-1!

Specs
Weight: 910g/pair
Colour: Coyote Brown, Black
Height: 6″ (Mid Top) and 8″ (High Top)
Upper: Suede Leather/1000D Cordura
Midsole: Lightweight EVA
Outsole: High traction rubber

Overview
I had to scratch my head for something negative about this boot, because I honestly couldn’t think of one right away! The MACV-1 isn’t waterproof, and it was designed that way for a reason. If you have a boot that is waterproof, if any water gets in, then it’s not coming out.

GORUCK designed the MACV-1 with eyelets on the inner bottom of the boot so that when water gets in, water will get pushed out with every step. This is the modern day jungle boot.

Specifically tailored for the Special Forces community, the MACV-1 is durable, lightweight, and ideal for those long and heavy marches.

Rocky S2V Tactical Military Boot

Specs
Weight: 4 pounds/pair
Height: 8″
Colour: Coyote Brown, Black
Footbed: Rocky® Air-Port® cushion
Outsole: VIBRAM
Lining: Moisture Wicking with Aegis Microbe Shield
Construction: Triple stitch

Overview
With over 600 reviews on Amazon, the Rocky S2V’s have a rating of 4.5/5!

When the Canadian Forces first allowed its members to go out and get a pair of their own combat boots for reimbursement, the Rocky S2V Tactical Military Boot was the go-to boot that everyone got. I remember myself going to the CANEX to buy a pair, but I didn’t have the initial $340 at the time to buy them. I eventually bought the Lowa Z-8S.

A unique feature of the Rocky S2V’s is that the sole is stitched to the upper of the boot. Most tactical boots are joined by an adhesive, but the stitching provides a stronger hold.

First Tactical 7″ Operator Boot

Specs
Height: 7″
Weight: Unknown
Colour: Coyote, Black
Material: Suede/Textile
Outsole: Rubber

Overview
As the name of the boot says, the First Tactical 7″ Operator Boot was specifically designed to meet the high standards of the Special Forces community. Right out of the box, these boots are ready to be run in.

The Operator Boot is very affordable on the First Tactical website.

An issue is that the laces wear out quickly, but that’s an easy and inexpensive fix. If you wear this boot daily for hours, you should be able to get at least a year out of them.

These aren’t what I would consider a tough and rugged boot, but they should last a long time with proper care.

5.11 A/T 8″ Non-Zip Boot

Specs
Height: 8″
Weight:
Colours: Coyote Brown, Black
Material: Suede/Air mesh nylon
Footbed: Ortholite
Outsole: Slip/Oil Resistant
A.T.L.A.S. Support Plate
Shock-absorbing Force Foam
Impact cushioning

Overview
The 5.11 8″ A/T Non-Zip Boot is a performance boot designed to be able to take on those heavy-load patrols with the A.T.L.A.S. Technology, which stands for All Terrain Load Assistance System.

These 5.11 Tactical boots are ideal for use by military personnel on operation, for hiking, for going out hunting, or just as an every day comfortable lightweight boot!

They have a great rating of 4.5/5 stars on the 5.11 Tactical website.

Keep in mind that these boots run about half a size small, so order a bit larger to be safe. I find this is common with tactical boots though anyways because as you’re on your feet for long periods of time, your feet do swell a little bit.

Lowa Z-8S C

Check out my in-depth review on the Lowa Z-8S

Specs
Colour: Coyote, Brown, Black
Height: 8″ (6″ available with Z-6S)
Weight: 1400g/pair
Antistatic Sole
Waterproof Upper
Gore-Tex option
Available in Women’s

Overview
The Lowa Z-8S have a nearly perfect rating online, and I have personally worn the Z-8S since 2020 and they are one of the best boots I have ever worn to this day.

The Z-8S are one of the more popular tactical boots that I’ve seen others wearing in uniform. Lightweight, extremely durable, and water repellent (waterproof with the Gore-Tex version), this boot is literally everything you could want out of a combat boot. It would also be perfect for long hikes or hunting.

The one issue I personally have with the Z-8S is the pull loop material being made of the suede leather. Because of this, the pull loop has ended up falling down (oppose to how the picture shows) and also it’s very difficult to get my index finger inside the loop to pull my boot on.

I would have much preferred a nylon material like the Lowa R-8S Patrols, which is next on the list.

Lowa R-8S GTX Patrol

Check out my in-depth review on the Lowa R-8S GTX Patrols.

Specs
Weight: 1320g/pair
Height: 8 inches
Upper: Split leather/fabric material
Insole: ATC
Midsole: DuraPU®
Outsole: LOWA® Patrol
Lining: GORE-TEX
Stabilizer: Hard

Overview
I just got my hands on these boots in early 2022, and they feel amazing!

The Lowa R-8S are a lightweight, durable, flexible boot with a waterproof Gore-Tex liner. Along with the Z-8S model, the R-8S Patrols are one of my all time favourite tactical boot. I’ve only seen a couple pairs of these boots walking around on base, but I think as time goes on more and more people will be buying these and wearing them in uniform.

A couple of cons that I mentioned was about the break in time, and the slippery on ice. When I first put the Lowa R-8S on, I knew right away that the outsole was harder than the Z8S model.

The other thing was just how slippery they were on icy surfaces. Of course ice is going to be slippery, but I’m normally pretty good at walking on ice and keeping my balance, but I probably looked like a newborn giraffe! Other than that, the R-8S are fantastic.

They only took a few days to break-in really, and I haven’t had any issues with them at all.

Lowa Zephyr GTX HI TF

Specs
Weight: 1230g/pair
Colour: Coyote, Black
Height: 8″ (6″ available with the Zephyr MID)
Upper: Suede
Insole: ATC
Outsole: LOWA® Cross II
Lining: GORE-TEX

Overview
The Zephyrs have a near perfect rating on Amazon. Like the other Lowa boots I’ve listed, the Zephyr is lightweight, durable, comfortable, and waterproof. As well as the other Lowa boots, the Zephyr does have a higher cost, but you pay for what you get!

Also, because of the Gore-Tex lining, they aren’t the most breathable boot, so your feet may get sweaty during warmer seasons.

This is another popular boot within the Canadian Forces. People I’ve talked to have said how much they like them and how comfortable and lightweight they were. With the CANFORGEN 135/20, CAF members are able to choose either the 8” or 6” models. Lowa does make a LOW version of the Zephyr, but this is too short for the Canadian Forces dress regulations.

Lowa Elite Desert TF

Specs
Colour: Coyote, Tan
Weight: 1550g/pair
Vibram Outsole
Heat Resistant
Fuel Resistant
Slip Resistant
Waterproof Upper
Antistatic Sole
Soft Rubber

Overview
The Lowa Elite Desert combat boots are built tough for military members and special forces units who are operating in tough terrain and desert conditions.

People have said that these boots are extremely comfortable and still fairly light, but you’re going to be spending a bit more time breaking them in due to just how rugged these boots actually are.

Salomon Quest 4D Gore-Tex Forces 2

Specs
Weight: 1348g/pair
Height: 6″
Colour: Slate, Ranger Green, Black, Coyote
Outsole: Contagrip
Lining: Gore-Tex
Anti Slip

Overview
Right away I’ll get into it and say that some people have expressed discomfort with these boots. There is a piece of plastic on the inner side that may cause pressure. That being said, I personally know a buddy that has these as their work boots in the Canadian Forces and he loves them!

Because they’re a 6″ boot, these are not AR 670-1 Compliant. The Salomon Quest 4D Gore-Tex Forces 2 have a nearly perfect rating on Amazon with nearly 700 reviews at the time of this article.

Salomon Guardian

Specs
Colour: Coyote
Height: 8″
Weight: 1420/pair
Upper: Suede Leather
Outsole: Contagrip
Anti-debris Mesh
Available CSWP Waterproof

Overview
The Salomon Guardians are an 8″ tactical boot that both looks good and feels good. A point that is made though is if you have flat feet to purchase thicker insoles.

Depending on your preference, you can get a pair of Guardians that are either breathable and water repellent, or a pair that is completely waterproof! People have stated that these boots are extremely comfortable, regardless of the temperature they’re operating in.

Salomon XA Forces 8″ Gore-Tex

Specs
Weight: 1350g/pair
Height: 8”
Colour: Black
Upper: Textile/Synthetic
Lining: Textile
Outsole: Rubber
Drop: 10mm
Waterproof

Overview
With a near perfect rating, the Salomon GTX Forces 8” boots have been said to be the most comfortable boots worn!

The only main issues were that the colour of the boot looked more of a greenish tone. But this could have been a manufacture issue for that specific pair of boot. And the other issue was with the the laces that they get worn out quickly.

This is something that happens regularly with combat boots regardless of the make.

The cost of the boots are under $300 as well, making them slightly more affordable than some other durable tactical boots out there.

Belleville One Xero C320

Specs
Weight: 1134g/pair
Colour: Coyote Brown
Height: 8″
Upper: Cattlehide Leather/Nylon
Midsole: Polyurethane
Footbed: Polyurethane
Outsole: Exclusive VIBRAM Incisor
Insulation: Non-Insulated
Toe Protection: Soft Toe
Manufacturing: Made in USA (Berry Compliant)

Overview
With nearly 500 reviews at the time of this post, the ONE XERO combat boot has a rating of 4.5 out of 5! About 75% of the reviews have given this boot 5/5 rating. People have mentioned how extremely lightweight and comfortable they were.

One person specifically said they had a pair for 4 years with “easy” use, little field work, mainly indoor office work and they were the lightest and most comfortable military boots they have worn after 24 years in uniform!

The one issue that I’ve seen is that some have experienced the heel separating between the outsole and the boot, but I’ve noticed now that there is stitching on the toe and heel, so this may have corrected that issue.

Belleville Mini-Mil TR105

Specs
Weight: 910g/pair
Color: Coyote Brown, Black
Height: 8″
Upper: Cattlehide Leather/Nylon
Midsole: Polyurethane
Footbed: Polyurethane
Outsole: Exclusive VIBRAM Incisor
Insulation: Non-Insulated
Toe Protection: Soft Toe

Overview
I personally know military members who have worn these boots, and they’ve said themselves how comfortable and lightweight these were on the feet. One was an aircraft technician, and the other individual was a tactical helicopter pilot. If your priority is comfort then these are a great boot to have!

At the time of this post, the MiniMil has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 at nearly 1000 ratings! People have gone on to say just how comfortable these boots feel, similar to an athletic footwear, even after 2 years of daily use!

Some pros are that they have some good flex, huge amount of toe room, grips well, break-in fairly quickly, and the laces are paracord style material which feel very strong and should last the life of the boot!

Because of the break-in period it’s been recommended to get a good pair of cushioned hiking socks, but that shouldn’t last too long.

Altama Foxhound SR 8″

Specs
Height: 8″
Weight: 1360g/pair
Colour: Coyote, Tan, Black
Lining: Moisture wicking mesh
Outsole: Carbon rubber
Slip-resistant
Non-marking

Pros
Affordable
Comfortable
Breathable
Quick Break-in time
Lightweight
Safety-Toe option

Cons
Stiff front

Overview
I know four individuals who wear the Altama Foxhounds daily and they have all told me I should get a pair. They are light, comfortable, provide good ankle support, and look sharp too.

I talk to one of them and asked if they had anything negative to say about the boot, and the only thing was that the front of the boot under the laces took a bit longer to break-in than the rest of the boot did. But that wasn’t even a huge deal to them.

On the CANEX website, out of 25 reviews, 20 have rated the boot a 5/5 while the remaining 5 reviews gave the Altama Foxhounds a 4/5 stars.

Danner Tachyon

Specs
Weight: 740g/pair
Colour: Coyote Brown & Black
Height: 8″
Upper: Roughout Leather/1000D Nylon
Midsole: Lightweight EVA
Footbed: Polyurethane
Outsole: Superior abrasion resistant rubber
Insulation: Non-Insulated
Toe Protection: Plain Toe

Overview
At the time of this post the Danner Tachyons have a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars with nearly 3000 reviews on Amazon!

Check out Amazon for the latest prices!

The Tachyons are possibly Danner’s most popular tactical boot. They’ve stated that they have 80 plus years of experience making boots, so when they set out to make a lightweight trainer they created a boot that acts like a shoe, not a shoe that acts like a boot.

I know someone in the combat arms that wore these boots mainly in garrison for a couple of years and they didn’t take any damage at all. Once they went into the field though they started to get worn and maybe lasted another year.

Danner Tanicus

Specs
Weight: 1105g/pair
Height: 8″
Colour: Coyote Brown, Black
Insulation: Non-insulated
Footbed: Polyurethane
Lining: Non-waterproof
Liner: Mesh
Outsole: Danner® Tanicus

Overview
One of the most prominent issue I see out there is that the Danner Tanicus runs narrow. Other than that, people absolutely love these boots. Danner designed the Tanicus to be a lightweight mission ready boot. The Tanicus also come in 3 options for the Coyote Brown colour. You can get the normal Tanicus, the waterproof ones, or the pair with side zippers. On Danner’s website, the Tanicus have a respectable 4/5 stars.

Under Armour Micro G®

Specs
Weight: 907g/pair
Height: 7″
Colour: Coyote Brown, Black
Sole: Rubber
Material: Rough-out leather
Outer: 1000D Cordura

Overview
The UA Micro G military boots have a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon. Users have said how lightweight and comfortable the boots were on their feet for hours at a time.

An issue that’s been brought up is how the fabric on the inside that contacts the heel does wear over time. The other issue is the outsole has separated, where you can see in the above photo where it looks like there is a two piece outsole.

That being said, this can easily be fixed with some super glue, as that’s probably what is holding the pieces together in the first place.

Now, this individual who stated this problem said they walk on average of 24,000 steps a day! So, if you’re using these for moderate use, you should have no problem at all!

Under Armour Tac Loadout

Specs
Weight:  907g/pair
Color: Coyote Brown, Black
Height: 8″
Upper: Roughout Leather/Cordura
Midsole: Ultralight Micro G EVA
Outsole: VIBRAM with MegaGrip rubber

Overview
People have expressed how comfortable the UA Tac Loadout boots are on their feet all day long. When looking at this boot, it looks identical to an athletic shoe with the additional high ankle support. I’ve tried to find a pair of these on the Under Armour website, but haven’t been able to, which might indicate that these boots are discontinued. At the time of this article though, they are still available on Amazon.

Oakley Light Assault 2 Boot

Specs
Weight: 800g/pair
Color: Coyote, Dessert, Sage, Black
Height: 8″
Upper: Genuine Leather/Cordura
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Slip resistant rubber
CANFORGEN 135/20 Compliant

Overview
I know someone who is wearing these in the military and they have shared with me how comfortable and lightweight the Oakley LT Assault 2s are. Although some have expressed on reviews that they’re not that great, on Amazon they have a good rating of 4.6 / 5 stars with over 2600 reviews at the time of this article. Seems to me that people love this boot. Also, if you’re in the US Army, they are indeed AR 670-1 Compliant.

Oakley Elite Assault Boot

Specs
Weight: Unknown
Color: Coyote Brown
Height: 8″
Upper: Suede/Cordura
Midsole: Vibram SPE
Outsole: Vibram Litebase
Water Repellant
CANFORGEN 135/20 Compliant

Overview
The Oakley Elite Assault boot is honestly a hit or miss for people. It still has a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon, but there have been numerous reviews on the lack of durability. These boots are extremely affordable as well! I’ve looked around and they’re usually under the $200 price depending where you buy.

Although there have been complaints about the durability, the majority of customers said they are extremely comfortable on their feet. Even during long ruck marches, they didn’t get any blisters on their feet, which is all you can hope for!

Conclusion

I hope you found this list of the 20 best tactical boots helpful! Even if you’re not a serving member of the Canadian Forces, you’re sure to find a boot in this list that will work for you, as many of these boots have worked well for myself, my personal friends, and co-workers.

Thanks for reading! Cheers.

The views expressed in this article are the personal views of myself and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of National Defense, the Canadian Forces, or its components.