Top Combat Boots – 5 Battle-Ready Worn & Tested Options [2023]

Noteable Mentions

Magnum Panther Steel Toe Boot

The Magnum Panther Steel Toe Boot is built with strong leather that keeps the foot protected in challenging surroundings that you may encounter in the field. The upper is equipped with mesh sections that allow air to move continuously into the boot, promoting a breathable environment as heat and moisture are dispersed before they can develop into overheating. The inner lining quickly wicks away moisture so that the foot will remain dry and comfortable throughout the day, even with nonstop boot use in humid or hot locations. The steel toe caps offer maximum protection against heavy or blunt objects that can suddenly roll or drop on top of the boot to prevent serious foot injuries in hazardous environments. The boot uses rustproof hardware that can be relied on to work and look remarkably well in demanding settings without easily breaking apart in the process. The insole is shaped to follow the contours of the foot for superior comfort and cushioning that wards off the pain while you’re spending the better of the day walking or staying in an upright position. The rubber outsole offers strong traction to help you navigate rough or slippery terrains with ease, enabling you to focus on crucial tasks without worrying too much about slipping in tricky conditions. Read Full Review.

Magnum Viper Pro Boot

The Magnum Viper Pro Boot has a fully waterproof construction that completely blocks wet elements to guarantee continuous foot dryness and comfort when you’re in exceptionally wet environments for prolonged periods. It has a lightweight structure that doesn’t weigh heavily on the foot, making it ideal for tactical or law enforcement duties as well as other physically taxing professions that require you to stay on your feet for long hours at a time. The snug fit secures the foot in place to prevent it from shifting unintentionally inside the boot, especially when you need to rapidly move across unstable ground conditions. The quick response footbed absorbs the shock that’s produced by all-day walking and evenly spreads the impact throughout the boot to stop foot fatigue development, allowing you to move without feeling extreme foot pain for longer. The ankle area is reinforced with generous cushioning to protect the ankle from getting bruised in case of exposure to blunt force or extremely abrasive objects. The high-traction outsole promotes a safe walking experience as it maintains your stable footing in tricky surface conditions, making it much easier for you to move quickly without compromising your safety and comfort. Read Full Review.

Skechers Work Markan Bovill Boot

The Skechers Work Markan Bovill Boot has a smooth leather upper with Cordura mesh panels that allow more air to get in to promote long-lasting breathability that prevents overheating. These panels also increase the upper’s strength so it can easily take on challenging settings without compromising the boot’s structural integrity. The stain and water-repellent leather can easily be cleaned and gives you the confidence to move freely outdoors and in other tough environments without worries that the boot’s aesthetics and function will easily deteriorate with exposure to hazardous substances and/or objects. The leather has enough flexibility to adapt to the foot’s movements to allow you to move naturally without extremely rigid materials getting in the way of your mobility. The side zipper makes it easier for you to pull on the boot quickly because you won’t need to spend a lot of time fiddling with the laces. The zipper is held in place by a top strap to ensure the boot’s secure fit throughout the day. The memory foam insole follows the foot’s shape and relieves stress points so that blisters won’t easily form even when you’ve been walking all day long. The air-cooled memory foam encourages good ventilation to stop moisture and heat build-up to keep the foot feeling cool and fresh for hours. Read Full Review.

Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot

The Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot is very comfortable and lightweight so you can count on it to deliver a supremely comfortable experience when you need to walk and stand for long hours at a time. It almost feels like you’re wearing tall sneakers that allow you to move as freely as possible with no stiff materials to hamper your agility. The side zipper allows easy access as the foot is welcomed into the boot without the need to exert too much and effort with every use. An exclusive ankle support system clutches the ankle and conforms to its shape to keep it secured in place so you can move as quickly as you need to while preventing the foot from accidentally shifting inside the boot. A TPU cap guards the tip of the boot against being scratched or scuffed by abrasive objects and is especially beneficial if you need to kneel a lot on the job. The perimeter is wrapped with a PU film that delivers maximum abrasion resistance to ensure that the boot won’t easily be damaged when it’s used in challenging work environments that are constantly exposed to abrasion hazards. The OrthoLite sock liner provides generous cushioning to comfortably cradle the foot while delivering antimicrobial properties for continuous odor control. Read Full Review.

Original SWAT Alpha Fury Boot

The Original SWAT Alpha Fury Boot has a lightweight structure that can be used for comfortable walking for hours since it doesn’t drag heavily on the foot. The mesh panels on the upper encourage more air to come into the boot so the interior easily maintains a breathable environment, with excess moisture and heat dispersed quickly before they can develop into overheating. The molded EVA midsole offers strong shock absorption to fight foot fatigue as it spreads the force evenly across the boot, so it won’t be concentrated on one area alone. The rapid lacing system allows you to conveniently lace up and adjust the boot fit in the quickest way, so you’ll always have a comfortably secure fit. The Achilles cushion offers increased stability and comfort to keep the foot firmly in place to prevent unintentional foot shifting within the boot. The flexible sole doesn’t interfere with your natural foot movements so you can walk freely without dealing with uncomfortably rigid soles that can hamper your steps. The slip-resistant rubber outsole helps stabilize your steps so you can safely walk in tricky ground conditions without losing your balance. Read Full Review.

Selection Methodology

We chose the products in this list after testing them in different settings while considering the qualities required for the best combat boots.

Waterproofness – Combat boots are used mostly outdoors, exposing them to the elements and rapidly changing weather conditions. Strong waterproofing ensures that the foot will continue to enjoy a comfortable dry environment even when the footwear is used in exceptionally wet conditions for long hours at a time.

Strong Traction – The conditions where combat boots are used are often challenging, and the same can be said for the ground conditions that need to be navigated. Combat boots with high-traction outsoles strongly grip surfaces, making it easier to walk as quickly as necessary while avoiding slipping accidents.

Flexibility – Combat boots are worn for duties and activities that require agile movements. Flexible materials enable the boots to move with the foot’s natural motion. This makes it possible for the wearer to move nimbly in response to any situation that can arise while on the job, without anything in the boot’s structure that can restrict efficient movements.

Durability – High-quality combat boots are built with durable materials to ensure they’ll withstand the heavy beating that goes with tackling challenging surroundings for long periods. These materials keep the components strong and durable, providing lasting benefits even in the most demanding settings.

Minimized Weight – The best combat boots are durable enough to last through tough conditions but also lightweight for all-day comfort. These boots have reduced weight profiles, making them easier to use as they don’t drag on the feet with excess bulk the way heavy work boots do.

Boots Performance Evaluation

Our team chose the products included in this list by deliberating on the important features for selecting the best combat boots. The comfort & fit category examines the details that enhance the boot’s comfort level. The durability category studies the components and their ability to prevent premature damage when the boot is used in challenging scenarios. The design & build quality category reflects the aspects that significantly contribute to the boot’s functional and aesthetic strengths. The sole & traction category considers the outsole’s structure and traction level to determine if it can keep the wearer walking safely on tricky surfaces. The water resistance category checks if the boot has waterproof materials that prevent liquid penetration. The value-for-money category examines the benefits the boot offers and relates it to the price point.

Overall

The Reebok Sublite Cushion RB806 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot is our top pick as it’s packed with top-notch qualities, including a waterproof structure, comfortable cushioning, and electrical hazard protection. The Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Response Waterproof Boot comes next with superb features such as an exceptionally comfortable design, waterproof upper, and strong traction. The Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Leather Waterproof Tactical Boot gets third place with remarkable attributes, including premium design, shock absorption, and a flexible toe cap. The Magnum Viper Pro Boot comes in fourth with notable qualities such as lightweight yet strong construction, thick cushioning, and moisture-wicking components. Finally, the Skechers Work Markan Bovill Tactical Boot gets the last place but still showcases admirable features such as a versatile design, air-cooled memory foam insole, and water-repellent upper.

Comfort & Fit

The Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Response Waterproof Boot is the most comfortable choice with its generous cushioning, contoured footbed, breathable lining, and air-cushioned heel. The Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Leather Waterproof Tactical Boot follows its strong shock absorption and thickly cushioned interior. The Reebok Sublite Cushion RB806 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot and Skechers Work Markan Bovill Boot have the same scores with comfortable features such as ample cushioning, shock absorption, and lightweight structures. The Magnum Viper Pro Tactical Boot comes in last because it was difficult to put on.

Design & Build Quality

The Reebok Sublite Cushion RB806 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot and Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Response Waterproof Boot got top scores for this category, with premium designs and strong structures. The other three products followed with the same high scores for streamlined profiles and high-performance features.

Durability

The Reebok Sublite Cushion RB806 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot got top marks for its durable waterproof construction that can withstand heavy use in tough conditions. The Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Response Waterproof Boot, Magnum Viper Pro Boot, and Skechers Work Markan Bovill Boot scored similarly for robust designs. At the same time, the Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Leather Waterproof Tactical Boot came in last because of plastic lace hooks that didn’t look durable.

Sole & Traction

The Reebok Sublite Cushion RB806 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot and Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Response Waterproof Boot both had the highest traction levels, followed by the Magnum Viper Pro Tactical Boot with its grippy outsole. The Skechers Work Markan Bovill Tactical Boot and Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Leather Waterproof Tactical Boot both came in last for outsoles that didn’t feel grippy enough to prevent slipping on exceedingly slippery or unstable surfaces.

Water Resistance

The Reebok Sublite Cushion RB806 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot, Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Response Waterproof Boot, and Magnum Viper Pro Boot all got the same high marks for waterproof designs. Meanwhile, the Skechers Work Markan Bovill Tactical Boot had a lower score because it only had a water-repellent upper.

Value for Money

All the products had the same high scores for value for money as their remarkable qualities more than justified their price points.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

The products included in this list have been evaluated based on the qualities we discovered were essential for the best combat boots. The products that had the highest scores – Reebok Sublite Cushion RB806 8-Inch Tactical Waterproof Boot, Merrell Moab 2 8-Inch Tactical Response Waterproof Boot, and Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Leather Waterproof Tactical Boot – were packed with comfortable features for pain-free walking or standing in place, which may be required if you’re on duty. These boots also have durable and protective qualities that withstand challenging environments and difficult situations. The reviews can serve as guides that will help streamline your search for the best tactical or combat boots.