The Best Army Boots (Review) in 2020

Army boots are a common item that people use whether they’re in the military or not. Often, the rugged construction is perfect for people who work on their feet all day, especially outdoors or in rough terrain. Army boots can give you the support that you need without adding to any fatigue you would normally experience. 

Another reason people opt for army boots is because they also offer protection and comfort by way of water resistance and breathability. No one wants to work all day in sweaty or waterlogged shoes, and army boots come in a range of styles to keep feet dry and comfortable.

Why Do You Need Army Boots

Army boots are a critical piece of gear that military personnel wear—and for good reason. One of the most basic features is that they allow service members to work or walk in extreme conditions for extended periods of time without suffering from premature fatigue or discomfort in their feet. While you still need to pick the right type of army boots that best suits the terrain and conditions you’ll face, in general these boots offer more protection, cushioning, and support if you have to stand or walk for long periods of time. 

Depending on the type of army boot you select, you might pick a pair that offer additional features like a steel toe. Although it’s not necessary for everyone, this can be a lifesaver if you’re working around heavy items that could potentially fall on your feet. While a regular boot with a softer toe construction won’t be of much use if you drop a heavy object on your foot, a steel toe can protect you from breaking a bone or causing any other serious injuries.

Finally, one of the biggest benefits from owning a quality pair of army boots is that they often come with enhanced features to improve your comfort. This can range from moisture-wicking options that help to reduce sweat in hot weather to having actual holes drilled into the sole to help improve breathability. Again, the options you choose are going to be dictated by conditions you think you’ll experience. 

Benefits

• Improved comfort for long distance walking
• Provide enhanced protection in potentially hazardous environments
• Waterproofing and moisture-wicking to keep your feet dry from sweat or wet weather

Types of Army Boots

Army boots come in a variety of configurations. In order to find the best option to suit your needs, you need to know the most common versions that are available, how they differ, and how they can benefit you. While all army boots offer an enhanced degree of protection and comfort over a traditional work boot, they are not all equal. Below, we outline the most common types of army boots and their specific benefits. 

• Tactical Boots

Tactical boots are designed to be lighter, thinner, and more flexible. This is so that you can move quickly and frequently without feeling weighed down. Tactical boots have a thinner sole, and are also designed out of a thinner leather. Tactical boots are not designed for heavy-duty activities and aren’t designed to last as long as traditional combat boots. 

• Combat Boots

Combat boots are what most people think of when they picture army boots, and are the style most frequently worn by military personnel. These boots are made from a heavier leather and are designed to be worn for long periods of time. Depending on the terrain conditions, combat boots can be further categorized into groups such as jungle boots and desert boots. Combat boots are typically waterproof and feature an inner, mid, and outer sole. The inner sole is built for shock absorption and can be replaced when it wears out. 

• Parade Ground Military Boots

Of the most common army boots you’ll find, these are most likely not going to be high on your list. As the name implies, these boots aren’t designed for heavy activity like basic training or even for tactical missions. Instead, they were originally designed as a lighter army boot specifically for use during marching or simple drills. You might consider these boots more aesthetically pleasing than a combat or tactical boot since the toe caps are designed to be polished to a high shine. While it’s not a shoe that’s just for show, this type of army boot is often reserved for military events. 

What to Look for When Buying Army Boots

Army boots are one of the few clothing and accessories categories where function trumps fashion. While you might like the idea of a slick-looking pair of army boots, what’s more important is how they hold up for your intended activities. Picking the wrong pair of boots could have you limping at the end of the day, or having to replace them faster than you expected. Always take your environment and activity level, the boot’s materials, and their comfort features in mind when you shop for a pair of army boots. 

• Environment

This will be one of the most important features you need to consider when shopping for a quality pair of army boots. As we outlined above, not all army boots are equal. If you expect to cover rough terrain and need to cross long distances by foot, tactical boots wouldn’t be ideal while combat boots would be better suited. Consider picking your army boots based on how you plan on spending the most time while using them. Always check the product description, as this is where recommended terrains and activities will be listed for the boot you’re planning to buy.

• Materials

After you’ve determined whether or not a boot is suitable for your planned activities, look at the construction. Army boots can be placed into two categories — those that are made from natural materials and those that are synthetic. Natural materials include leather and textiles, which tend to be more durable. Synthetic materials offer a lighter weight experience, but can wear out faster. In some cases, you can find an army boot that combines synthetic and natural materials for a durable construction that won’t weigh you down. Therefore, you’ll need to pick the right army boots that meet your functional needs but won’t need to be frequently replaced. 

• Comfort

By many standards, comfort should be the most important qualifier for picking the right pair of army boots. Obviously, these types of boots are meant to be worn through heightened levels of activity, or for longer periods of time. With that in mind, you want to select a pair of boots that will provide proper cushioning and support so that your feet avoid fatigue and injury. Look for options like cushioned insoles and supportive ankles to keep your feet in place no matter what your activity level. 

Part of this can include the process of breaking in your army boots. These are sturdier boots that will take more than a day or two to break them in so that they feel like a cozy pair of older shoes. To ensure that you’re breaking in your army boots properly, and aren’t risking blisters, always follow the manufacturer’s directions. 

Tips for Buying and Using Army Boots

Army boots are ideal for extended periods of activity in varying terrains and weather conditions. Over time, these boots grew popular with people outside the military. Whether they were worn by outdoor enthusiasts or by those working in settings that required a sturdier shoe, the army boot was a smart go-to option. But for military personnel, their choices are limited to the approved brands and styles of their respective military branch. 

For the rest of us, these tips can make the transition to army boots easier. Whenever possible, try these shoes on before buying them to ensure a proper fit. You can also test the added weight and see if it’s manageable. Unless you absolutely need a heavier boot, opt for a lighter-weight boot. Army boots are heavy, so if you don’t have to pick the heaviest model, this will make wearing them easier and more comfortable. 

Finally, look for army boots with side zips along with laces. This isn’t just about aesthetics—side zips are easier to use. Original army boots only offer laces, which is annoying if you have to tie your laces every time you wear them. A side zip makes this process infinitely easier. 

• Wherever possible, try before you buy.
• If conditions permit, opt for lighter-weight boots. 
• Side zips can be a time saver. 
• If you’re in the military, always get approval before purchasing your boots.

Best Army Boots FAQ:

If you’re new to the world of army boots, it’s easy to be overwhelmed as you try to understand how to compare styles and look for the most authentic pair of boots. We’ve outlined a few of the top considerations to keep in mind such as toe protection designations and specifications set forth by the military. 

Q: Why should I care if a boot is “Berry compliant?”

A: Army boots marked as Berry compliant are designed with materials from primarily American businesses. This is important if you believe in buying American-made products. 

Q: How can I figure out the toe protection of a pair of army boots?

A: Toe protection is designated by the initials ST, CT, and AT. ST stands for steel toe, CT for composite safety toe, and AT for alloy safety toe.

Q: I want a military boot. Which army boot is considered standard issue?

A: There is no “standard issue” army boot that all military branches use. Instead, look for a Berry compliant boot, since this meets Department of Defense manufacturing regulations for the military. 

Our Top Pick

If you’re focused on getting the best army boots that offer the most features, versatility, and longevity, then our Top Overall Pick, the Under Armour Men's Valsetz RTS Military and Tactical Boot should be in your shopping cart. These boots offer moisture-wicking, water resistance, and a slip-resistant sole, along with enhanced technology to comfortably grip your ankle and provide effective support throughout the insole.