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Combat boots are essential gear and need to be rugged, comfortable, and ready for action. Sand or rain, hot or cold, whether you are standing, marching, or running, you need to count on your boots to keep you focused on the mission.
Painful, sore, or blistered feet is the last thing you want to slow you down.
Our selection of the best combat boots are suitable for those in the military or those who work hard and need versatile footwear that is up to any task.
Top Rated Combat and Military Boots
Garmont T8 Bifida 8” Tactical Boot
Popular with the active military, the Garmont T8 has everything you need to perform in any terrain or conditions.
Pros
- Backward-sweeping design provides a snug fit that prevents blisters
- Roller bearing hookless rigging-proof hardware
- Tapered nylon woven footboard provides stability and shock absorption
- Innovative heel retention technology supports your whole body
- Zero optical refraction hardware
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- None!
Compliance
- Army AR670-1
- USAF Multicam
Colors
- Coyote
- Desert Sand
The Garmont T8 is also available in the: Ultra Lightweight NFS version.
Oakley Light Assault 8” Boot
If you want to be confident that you can move quickly and with agility in any situation, the Oakley Light Assault is ready to provide lightweight and superior protection.
Pros
- Built with mobility and protection in mind
- Superior stability in unstable terrain
- Durable laces are made from 100% braided nylon
- Metal Speed Loop Lacing System Coated with Anti-IR
Cons
- Only available in regular width
- May run a little small
Compliance
- Army AR670-1
- USAF Multicam
Colors
- Coyote
- Desert
- Sage
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Rocky S2V Special Ops 8” Boot
Designed for the most challenging demands, the Rocky S2V are built to provide superior protection in rough terrain and to keep you comfortable through it all.
Pros
- Roll-Stop Ankle Stability for superior ankle protection
- PTFE coating for optimal flame-resistance
- Flash and water resistant
- Inner lining with Aegis Microbe Shield for reliable wicking
- Fiberglass 8” shank
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- A few people claim they run small
- More expensive than other popular boots
Compliance
- Army AR670-1
- USAF Multicam
- Navy Working Uniform NWU Type III
- Berry (Made in USA)
Colors
- Coyote
Belleville One Xero Ultra Light 8” Assault Boot
As one of the lightest combat footwear options available anywhere, the Belleville One Xero are surprisingly light and portable even though they don’t sacrifice protection or comfort, especially in hot climates.
Pros
- Ultralight at only 40oz per pair
- Medial and lateral air vents make it highly breathable and ideal for hot climates
- Rubber sole and Vibram Incisor lug design for maximum traction
- Shock absorbent padding and a single density molded insole
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that they lack cushioning, so an additional insole may be necessary
Compliance
- Army AR670-1
- USAF Multicam
- Berry (Made in USA)
Colors
- Coyote
Danner Tachyon 8″ Boot
Light weight and stable in any conditions, the Danner Tachyon is a great choice whether you are in the armed forces, an active hiker, or just an outdoor enthusiast.
Pros
- Roomy toe box for maximum comfort
- Open cell polyurethane for enhanced airflow
- Full rubber outsole
- Pentagonal lugs for reliable surface contact
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that they don’t last as long as the competition
- May run small
Compliance
- Army AR670-1
- USAF Multicam
Colors
- Coyote
Reebok Hyper Velocity 8″ Boot
Built for performance, the Reebok Hyper Velocity is a low-cost option that provides comfort and support even in hot weather.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight for maximum performance
- Removable polyurethane cushion insert
- Excellent slip resistance
- Nylon mesh lining
- Side air vents
- Chemical and oil resistant
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that they don’t last as long as the competition
- May run large
Compliance
- Army AR670-1
- USAF Multicam
Colors
- Coyote
Danner Tanicus 8″ Hot Duty Boot
The Danner Tanicus is combat ready and designed to be light and breathable in hot weather.
Pros
- The lightest, theater-ready military boot from Danner
- Extra cushioning in the midsole
- Dampening heel cup
- Breathable, moisture-wicking mesh liner
- Fiberglass shank
- Pentagonal lugs give maximum surface contact
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that they have a non-standard fit
- Run small, even in the wide widths
Compliance
- Army AR670-1
- USAF Multicam
Colors
- Coyote/Mojave (same)
- Sage
Rocky C4T 8” Military and Tactical Training Boot
The Rocky C4T is a lightweight trainer that is built to protect your feet in any conditions. Moisture-wicking material and ventilation holes ensure your feet stay comfortable with a sneaker-like fit.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Water resistant
- Moisture-wicking material and drainage holes
- Reinforced toe guard
- EVA outsole with rubber lugs
- No metal parts
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- Only compliant with USAF training requirements
- Some claim that they run small
Compliance
- USAF Compliant (in Sage Green)
Colors
- Sage
Reebok Dauntless 8″ Composite Toe Tactical Boot with Side Zip
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If you are in the Air Force and need a composite toe boot that is built to keep your feet safe and dry in any conditions, then the Rebook Dauntless is a very popular choice.
Pros
- Composite safety toe
- Side zipper with Velcro tabs
- Moisture-wicking nylon mesh repels moisture
- Aegis anti-microbial shield prevents bacteria
- Slip and oil resistant sole
- Abrasion and chemical resistant
- Non-metallic and security friendly
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- People claim that they run big, others that they run small
- Some say that they don’t hold up as long as other boots
Compliance
- USAF Compliant (in Sage Green)
Colors
- Sage
Belleville 800 8″ Waterproof Steel Toe Flight and Flight Deck
If you want an excellent boot for use on a cold and wet flight deck, then you need to check out the Belleville 800. People love the durability, comfort, and protection they offer.
Pros
- Gore-Tex waterproof fabric provides protection from the elements
- Steel toe is ASTM F2412-11- and F2413-11-certified and EH-rated
- Vanguard sole with rubber Vibram Chevron outsole
- Polyurethane removeable insole
- Available in wide widths
Cons
- Not great in hot weather
- Heavy
Compliance
- Navy certified for both flight and flight deck use
- USMC flight-approved
- Berry (Made in USA)
Colors
- Black
Combat/Military Boots Size Guide
An important part of finding the right military or combat boots for your needs involves choosing and ordering the right sizes. Even a half-size too large or too small has a tremendous impact on your feet. Most of the time, you will use a Brannock device to find the right size for you. Here are some tips and tricks for making sure your boots fit correctly.
- Do not underestimate the need for a Brannock device. It measures the arch, width, and length of your foot.
- Make sure you have some wiggle room in your toes. Too tight? Your boot is too small. Too much wiggle room? Your boot is too large. If you can curl your toes, but only just, then your boot fits just right.
- Tap your foot on the floor. If your toe grazes the inside of the boot, it fits.
- Boots should always feel comfortable and snug, but never tight.
- Your heels should remain firmly in place and should not slide along the foot bed. If they do, your boot is too large.
- If your boot seems to fit well but feels “off”, try tightening and loosening the laces at certain points to provide more or less flexibility.
- Remember that a safety toe or steel toe makes the toe box feel snugger.
- If your boots are still in good shape but are not as comfortable anymore, a new insole may be the only thing you need to fix them.
FAQ – Choosing the Most Appropriate Boots
Is there any one military boot considered “standard issue”?
No. Several suppliers make boots for the US Military. However, if you want an authentic Army boot, try to find one that is Berry compliant and/or AR670 compliant (learn more about both in our military boot buyers guide).
What does “Berry compliance” mean?
This means that they are high quality and made in the USA.
What are the differences between hot weather and temperate weather boots?
Most hot weather boots have drain holes and air circulation to keep your feet dry. A boot is not a hot-weather boot if it has a waterproof lining. Temperate weather boots may have a waterproof membrane and a fabric liner that wicks moisture away from your foot.
What are the differences between ST, CT, and AT designations?
ST stands for the steel toe, CT stands for composite toe, and AT stands for alloy toe. Learn more in our boot buying guide.
Why should I choose minimalist footwear? Is there an advantage?
Minimalist footwear allows your foot to move as it was intended by nature. As such, your toe and heel are at similar heights and are not influenced by the sole of your boot. These styles are lower to the ground and more lightweight than comparable styles.
Military Boots Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | PRICE | SIZE | Compliance | COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmont T8 Bifida 8" Tactical Boot | $$ | Regular / Wide | Army AR670-1 USAF Multicam | Coyote Desert Sand |
| Oakley Light Assault 8” Boot | $$ | Regular | Army AR670-1 USAF Multicam | Coyote Desert Sand Sage Green |
| Rocky S2V Special Ops 8” Boot | $$$ | Regular / Wide | Army AR670-1 USAF Multicam Navy Working Uniform NWU Type III Berry | Coyote Desert Sand |
| Belleville One Xero Ultra Light 8” Assault Boot | $$ | Regular / Wide | Army AR670-1 USAF Multicam Berry | Coyote |
| Danner Tachyon 8" Boot | $ | Regular / Wide | Army AR670-1 USAF Multicam | Coyote |
| Reebok Hyper Velocity 8" Boot | $ | Regular / Wide | Army AR670-1 USAF Multicam | Coyote |
| Danner Tanicus 8" Hot Duty Boot | $$ | Regular / Wide | Army AR670-1 USAF Multicam | Coyote/Mojave Sage Green |
| Rocky C4T 8” Military and Tactical Training Boot | $ | Regular / Wide | USAF Multicam (in Sage Green) | Sage |
| Reebok Dauntless 8" Composite Toe Tactical Boot (Side Zip) | $ | Regular / Wide | USAF Multicam (in Sage Green) | Sage |
| Belleville 800 8" Waterproof Steel Toe Boot | $$ | Regular / Wide | U.S. Navy for flight and deck USMC flight Berry | Black |
Bottom Line
Whether you are in the military, you hike tough terrain on a daily basis, or you simply like to protect your feed during weekend camping excursions, the top rated military boots can protect your feet and provide comfort at the same time. Choosing a pair of combat boots does not need to difficult and we provide links to plenty of great options.
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I wanted the weight of each pair of boots. This is a major consideration. Please don’t tell me it is light weight. We want to know how many pounds or ounces is the pair of boots.
Thanks for the suggestion. Since the weight is different for every size, we don’t post weights for all of the boots. If you click through on the link to Amazon and then scroll down to the “Product description” section, the weight is listed.
I’m on active duty with 10th Mtn Div and haven’t seen any of these boots worn. Where are the Bellevilles and Garmonts (in other words, where are the boots 90% of ground pounders rely on)?
Thanks for the comment! We’ve updated our options to include more of the popular brands.
The Under Armour tactical boots are fantastic. This is the second pair of them I’ve had and I absolutely love them. The cushioning is amazing, the traction is great also. I like it for it’s comfortability. It’s not stiff. You can run and jump in it. Feet doesn’t hurt after wearing it. I used it for tactical training in the wilderness.
I think Bates Footwear boots are also a good one. The rubber outsoles make them slip-resistant even in the winter. It is amazing how even when used on rocky roads, I cannot feel the gravel underneath. These tactical boots are a suitable choice for those who work all year round and in any season.