Summary
Tactical boots are supposed to keep the feet protected while also promoting increased mobility – and the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot didn’t disappoint either way. There’s nothing really remarkable about this boot’s appearance – which isn’t surprising, since tactical boots are meant to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the uniform – but the finer details are what make this boot a noteworthy choice. I liked the lightweight structure, making it seem almost like I didn’t have anything on my feet while walking. This reduced weight helped me go through entire shifts without feeling like my feet and legs were extremely strained. While the minimal weight helped with warding off discomfort, the internal padding did a good job as well of ensuring that the boot promoted a comfortable walking experience. The OrthoLite insole delivers plenty of cushioning that helped protect my foot from rubbing painfully against the boot’s base, especially with long hours of use.
The DWR treatment on the leather upper gave me the assurance that my foot wouldn’t easily get soaked when I encountered wet conditions – although I’m fully aware that without completely waterproof materials, this boot isn’t suitable for very wet environments. I appreciated the stability that’s enhanced by the TPU shank, making it easier for me to walk on unstable ground conditions without losing my balance. I appreciated the polishable toe, as it made the boot versatile enough to be worn for roughing it out in outdoor settings as well as for more reserved indoor surroundings. We’ll be taking a closer look at this boot’s features, weighing its benefits and against any components that can be tweaked to further enhance the overall performance.
To keep up with the demands of your job, this tactical boot allows you to enjoy unrestricted mobility on and off the clock.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
It’s not easy to conclude how comfortable the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot is just by looking at it, so I’m glad I had the chance to experience it first-hand in real-life settings. I felt that the interior made a big difference in terms of comfort, with the OrthoLite insole providing a base that’s soft enough to cradle my foot, protecting it from directly feeling the hardness of concrete and other unyielding surface conditions that I needed to walk on regularly.
I liked how this insole relieved my foot’s pressure zones, stopping blisters from developing when I’d spent a lot of time on my feet.
The OrthoLite material worked continuously to deliver the cushioning I needed without the extreme thickness, enabling me to keep on walking almost effortlessly without feeling like my foot was forced into a very tight space – which would’ve resulted in a lot of discomfort, especially with long hours of boot use. Even if it doesn’t have the high-tech features fitted into other footwear, this boot still managed to deliver a comfortable experience that kept me going through the busiest of shifts while protecting my feet against intense pain. The extended height helped maintain a stable fit, keeping my ankle supported to protect it from getting twisted accidentally when I was moving at a rapid pace over uneven or inclined surfaces. My calf and ankle were embraced by the cushioned boot opening, preventing my skin from rubbing painfully against the boot’s interior while promoting enhanced stability at the same time. The angled cut of the boot’s opening made it easier for me to enjoy a wider range of motion, allowing me to walk, bend, kneel, and do other movements without the top of the boot cutting into my calf painfully and restrictively. The EVA midsole added cushioning underfoot for superior comfort and support to stop foot fatigue development.
I especially liked the memory foam material that covered the footbed, as it molded to my foot’s shape, delivering an almost customized level of comfort all day long.
Another important aspect of this boot that helped increase its comfort level is its flexibility. The upper didn’t have a hard time flexing along with my foot’s actions, enabling me to walk comfortably without being limited by stiff materials causing pain and an awkward feeling. The sole was also flexible enough to accommodate my steps with ease.
Weight
This boot has a lightweight structure that added to the overall comfortable experience. As this boot isn’t created with the excessive bulk that can often be seen in conventional work boots, I was able to walk and stand for long periods without my footwear weighing down painfully on my foot. This lightweight profile also made it easier for me to move more quickly as the task requires, enabling me to respond to critical moments efficiently without compromising comfort in the process. The boot’s minimized weight is achieved by combining lightweight materials, such as the EVA midsole and the nonmetallic shank which both worked to deliver superb functionality without adding a lot of bulk to the footwear.
Traction
I thought this boot wouldn’t be able to provide good traction because of its lightweight structure; fortunately, I was proven wrong. The rubber lug outsole came with tiny spikes, helping the boot to bite firmly into the surfaces that I walked on, so I was able to walk with more stability even on wet or uneven ground conditions. It’s worth mentioning, though, that the boot’s traction level may not be high enough to protect from slipping accidents when you’re walking on extremely slick surfaces. The fairly thick sole helped balance out the lightweight construction, giving the boot added stability to make my foot feel more grounded while walking.
Fit and Sizing
This tactical boot is true to size, and I didn’t need to choose a different size to enjoy a comfy fit. I got my usual size 10 and I’m happy to say that the boot fit just right – neither too loose nor too tight to bring discomfort. However, I encountered some difficulties with putting on and taking off the boot, mainly due to the way the tongue is attached to the rest of the upper. While I appreciated the way that the construction helps block unwanted elements such as water and debris, it makes the boot a bit uncomfortable at first when it hasn’t been broken in yet. This issue did get better with time as the tongue’s material became softer, allowing my foot to slide in and out more comfortably.
Waterproofing
The leather upper is enhanced with DWR (durable water-repellent) treatment, delivering an extra layer of protection to resist water, mud, and other wet elements so they won’t easily get into the boot. This protection kept my foot dry during times of accidental exposure to limited liquid quantities, such as a light drizzle when I was working outdoors. However, because it doesn’t have waterproof materials, this boot is inappropriate for use in exceptionally wet surroundings, as it can easily let the moisture seep in, especially with long-term exposure.
Breathability
I’m glad that this boot had a quick-drying design because it helped deal with unwanted moisture and heat. This quality aided in keeping the boot dry while the nylon panels on the upper allowed a bit of air to come in, promoting a breathable interior that prevented overheating, especially with prolonged periods of boot use. The open-cell structure of the OrthoLite insole also helped with breathability, as it encouraged the air to continue moving to prevent heat build-up.
Quality and Durability
The construction and materials used in the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot work together to create a durable, high-quality product that I was able to fully maximize, although I do have some concerns regarding one or two of the boot’s components. The upper combined the best of two materials – DWR-treated leather and 900 Denier nylon – to bring enhanced durability, comfort, and performance. The durable water-repellent treatment gave the leather upper a higher resistance to liquids, making me feel confident that my foot would stay dry and comfortable when the boot was exposed to limited quantities of water and other wet elements.
I liked the addition of nylon panels on the upper, as it enhanced the structure’s strength, making the boot tough enough to withstand heavy use in challenging settings exposed to abrasive objects – all while maintaining its remarkable aesthetics and performance for long-term benefits.
The nylon parts of the upper had another advantage – they allowed more air to enter the boot, promoting breathability as the air moved continuously inside so that pent-up heat was able to dissipate easily. I welcomed the cushioned feel of the boot’s interior, creating a cradle that supported my foot with just enough softness to prevent pain from developing even with extended periods of use. The OrthoLite footbed followed my foot’s shape, delivering a personalized feel so the boot seemed like it was made just for me. I found it impressive that even if the footbed provided ample cushioning, it didn’t make the interior feel too tight the way thickly cushioned insoles do. This footbed’s open-cell construction allowed the air to move freely to protect the boot from overheating. It’s also enhanced with an antimicrobial treatment that inhibits odor-causing bacteria, ensuring that I didn’t need to worry about getting stinky feet at the end of a hectic shift. The sturdy laces felt like they were made to keep up with numerous fit adjustments without easily getting damaged, while the double stitching all throughout the boot worked to maintain the strength of the bond between the upper and sole. I’m surprised that the thick sole was still flexible enough to easily adjust to my foot’s movements, making my steps more effortless and comfortable even as the sole’s thickness lent increased support and stability. I got to test the sole’s ability to resist slipping and am happy to note that it offered decent traction, allowing me to walk safely on wet surfaces with the tiny spikes at the bottom biting firmly into the surfaces I walked on. This is a well-designed boot that delivers lasting durability and comfort, although it was a bit difficult to put on and remove at first because of the way the tongue was attached to the upper.
I believe the absence of fully waterproof materials is worth mentioning, as this makes the boot unsuitable for use in environments that are constantly exposed to water, mud, and other moisture sources. I’m also a bit concerned that the plastic lace hooks on top are more prone to breaking compared to steel parts.
Other Versions
The Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot comes in a black leather construction. It has a version that’s fitted with a side zipper.
The Challengers
Puma Safety Conquest Comp Toe Boot
The Puma Safety Conquest Comp Toe Boot features a waterproof construction that seals out mud, water, and other wet elements, offering long-lasting foot protection against uncomfortable wetness when in work areas exposed to extreme moisture. The waterproof membrane is also breathable, easily dissipating moisture before it can develop into overheating, especially with prolonged boot use in humid or hot conditions. The fiberglass toe cap shields the foot against being crushed in case heavy objects are accidentally dropped on top of the boot in harsh work environments. This composite material has a lighter structure than metal, delivering continuous protection against impact and compression threats without the heaviness that’s associated with steel-toe footwear. The nonmetallic material helps insulate the boot against extreme temperatures for lasting comfort in different temperature settings while offering more space in the toe box to allow the toes to freely wiggle. The rubber outsole comes with strong traction to prevent slipping on tricky surfaces, at the same time offering heat resistance up to 572°F for a safer and more comfortable experience while walking in hot conditions. The side zipper makes it much easier to put the boot on and take it off as it eliminates the need to work through the entire lacing system with every wear. The light-colored upper is quite tricky to keep clean, though, as it easily attracts dirt and stains – so maintaining the boot’s aesthetics can be challenging in the long run.
Magnum Stealth Force Comp Toe Boot
The Magnum Stealth Force Comp Toe Boot is built with strong leather for superior durability that can be relied on for long-term use. It’s quite easy to put on, so wearing it won’t involve a lot of time and effort, unlike other tactical boots that can be challenging to pull and remove. The composite toe cap protects the foot against heavy falling objects in hazardous work conditions, delivering continuous foot safety that doesn’t feel as uncomfortably heavy as steel toe enhancements. This boot is fitted with a composite anti-puncture plate that adds an extra safety layer from underneath, ensuring that the foot won’t be severely injured in case you accidentally step on sharp objects such as glass shards or nails. The OrthoLite insole offers ample cushioning, cradling the foot with the softness that it needs to stop pain from setting in when you’ve been walking on hard surfaces for hours. This material molds to the foot’s contours for a customized feel, enhancing foot comfort without the unwelcome bulk that can make the boot feel too tight. The foamy interior and lightweight structure make this boot a great choice for those looking for a comfortable tactical boot that offers toe protection, although it isn’t ideal for wet environments because it doesn’t have waterproof components.
Bates GX-8 Side-Zip Gore-Tex Boot
The Bates GX-8 Side-Zip Gore-Tex Boot is constructed with premium waterproof leather that stops water and other liquids from entering, ensuring all-day foot dryness even with long hours of exposure to extremely wet surroundings. The addition of the GORE-TEX lining guarantees that moisture won’t be able to seep into the boot, providing maximum comfort and protection from wet elements in different work environments. This waterproof membrane wicks away moisture so it won’t have a chance to build up, helping the boot interior to stay comfortably cool even with hours of continuous use in high-temperature settings. The side zipper aids in convenient boot on and off, cutting short the prep time as it removes the need to deal with the entire lacing system with every boot use. The padded insole works with the EVA midsole to deliver good cushioning, surrounding the foot with the right amount of softness to stop pain while also delivering much-needed support underfoot. The slip-resistant rubber outsole offers a high level of traction, maintaining a stable walking experience even over slick or unstable surface conditions. The cement construction results in a boot that’s comfortably flexible and lightweight, although it isn’t waterproof and can be a bit difficult to pull on, especially when it’s not yet broken in.
Skechers Markan Bovill Tactical Boot
The Skechers Markan Bovill Tactical Boot has an upper that’s made with durable leather featuring a smooth finish that blends in with different uniforms and workwear. The addition of Cordura fabric sections enhances the upper’s resistance to abrasion for increased durability while also ensuring that more air can enter, keeping the boot interior cool for longer. The memory foam insole conforms to the foot’s shape for remarkable comfort, alleviating stress points to prevent blisters from forming over long hours of boot-wearing. The lightweight midsole soaks up the shock that’s produced by walking on hard surfaces for prolonged periods to prevent foot fatigue from setting in. A side zipper offers a more convenient way for the boot to be pulled on and taken off, with a top strap ensuring that the zipper remains in place even with continuous foot movements. The relaxed fit design leaves enough space for the foot to shift from time to time to prevent cramping, especially with extended boot use. However, even with the side zipper, this boot is still a bit tough to put on, and without waterproof parts, itisn’t recommended for extremely wet conditions.
Original SWAT Alpha Fury Boot
The Original SWAT Alpha Fury Boot is created with an upper that’s made with microfiber and mesh, delivering remarkable flexibility to ensure unhampered foot movements. The upper’s materials ensure plenty of air can enter, maintaining a cool interior for a long time for superior comfort even with long hours of use in hot conditions. A rapid lacing system helps you achieve a securely snug fit quickly, while the gusseted tongue stops debris and wetness from getting in, keeping the foot comfy and undisturbed by unwanted elements. The dedicated Achilles cushion delivers lasting comfort while ensuring lasting stability over various surfaces. The thermoplastic heel counter keeps the foot positioned securely to prevent unwanted movement, but works as a double-edged sword, as it also makes the boot more difficult to put on.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot is a good choice if you’re looking for a reasonably priced tactical boot that’s produced by a well-known brand. I liked that it’s comfortable and quite lightweight, making it suitable for security, law enforcement jobs, and tactical duties that involve walking and standing for long hours at a time. The water-repellent leather offers some minimal resistance to liquids but won’t be able to provide maximum foot protection in extremely wet environments. I believe this boot’s durable enough to withstand heavy use in tough settings, although I’m a bit apprehensive that the plastic lace hooks won’t last as long as their metallic counterparts.
