When you’re on the field, you’ll need footwear supporting your quick responses to any situation. If you’re not keen on spending hours sifting through a lot of tactical boot options and their details, I’m here to help you. I’ve put to the test two high-quality tactical boots from Under Armour – the RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot and Stellar Tactical Boot – to see how they keep up with the different environments and activities associated with tactical duties.

Can the Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot and Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot protect the toes against hazardous impact and compression?

These tactical boots don’t have safety toe caps. Without toe protection, I found that they’re unsuitable for working in conditions where there are risks of heavy items falling on the feet by accident. It should also be noted that tactical boots are focused more on speed and agility while on duty instead of toe protection, so having no toe protection isn’t a major setback in this case.

Winner: The Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot and Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot don’t have waterproof designs, so they don’t stand out when it comes to water resistance.

Do the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot and Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Boot have similar styles?

It’s quite easy for me to tell these tactical boots apart. The Stellar Tactical Boot is 8 inches tall, with an upper constructed with a combination of leather and textile sections. The leather covers the forefoot and is polishable, so I can quickly prepare the boot for use in ceremonial dress uniform. Sturdy black laces blend in to give the boot a seamless aesthetic. This boot is rugged and sleek at the same time. I discovered that it’s a bit difficult to put on, given the tall height and without a side zip to help make things more convenient.

Meanwhile, the Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot features a 7-inch profile. It looks sportier than the Stellar and almost resembles some of my basketball shoes. It has the athletic feel to go with the silhouette, so it’s versatile enough for my off-duty activities. The boot’s upper is also built with leather and textile, although the leather parts take up less space than the other boot’s. A side zipper offers a quick boot on and off, ideal for breezing through the prep time when speed is of the essence.

Winner: These boots are both winners in style. The Stellar is taller and looks sleeker, with a polishable forefoot that’s ready for use in more formal settings. Meanwhile, the Valsetz 1.5 has a sporty, versatile look and a convenient side zipper.

How do these boots perform on slippery or unstable ground conditions?

These boots are built with rubber lug outsoles. The grippy material helps maintain steady footing while I walk on wet or muddy ground and loose soil, which can be encountered on the field. The outsoles on both boots are flexible, so they don’t get in the way of the agility and speed I need most while on duty. However, the traction level of both boots’ outsoles isn’t exceptional. This means the sole may not have the firmest grip in severely slick or slippery ground conditions.

Winner: Both boots’ rubber lug outsoles are winners when it comes to traction. These outsoles are also flexible and comfortable to use without interfering with the feet’s natural motion.

Will the Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot and Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot keep the feet comfy in humid or warm conditions?

These boots are designed to keep the feet cool for as long as possible. I like how the uppers feature nylon sections allowing air to enter, so the interiors can enjoy good ventilation even if the exterior temperature and humidity soar. The breathable materials on the uppers also help moisture and heat to escape more quickly. This helps protect my feet against uncomfortable sweating and overheating, especially when I use the boots for long shifts doing strenuous work. The Valsetz has an Ortholite sock liner, while the Stellar boot has an Ortholite insole. These components have open-cell structures that further help with air circulation and heat dissipation, helping sustain the cool feeling for my feet to enjoy throughout the day.

Winner: The Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot and Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot are winners for breathability. They both have breathable nylon uppers that allow more air to enter and heat to escape. They also have Ortholite components to aid with air circulation and moisture control.

Do the interiors of the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot and Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot have enough cushioning?

These boots provide ample padding to maintain my feet’s comfortable feeling for hours. The Stellar boot has an Ortholite insole, while the Valsetz boot comes with an Ortholite sock liner, with both components working to cushion the feet against the impact of walking on hard surfaces. Both boots have EVA midsoles that soak up the shock resulting from hours of walking, delivering an extra layer of cushioning from the bottom so my feet didn’t feel fatigued. These boots’ collar and tongue sections are nicely padded, shielding the skin against chafing after extended periods of walking and doing other activities.

Winner: The Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot and Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot stand out with equally comfortable cushioning.

Are these boots heavy?

These are some of the most lightweight boots I’ve used, even outside the tactical boot category. They use lightweight materials, including nylon sections on the upper and EVA midsoles, to keep the weight down without compromising superior functionality. Even the shanks – made with TPU – weigh much less than the steel shanks that are usually fitted into some of my work boots. The Valsetz weighs less because it’s a bit shorter than the Stellar boot.

Winner: These boots are both lightweight, although the Valsetz 1.5 RTS Boot stands out a bit more with a slightly lower weight profile mainly because of the shorter height.

How are the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot and Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot’s performance when it comes to ankle support?

They both deliver reliable ankle support. The Valsetz RTS Boot stands out more, though, with an exclusive UA ClutchFit system. This dedicated ankle support system hugs the ankle and follows its shape, delivering strong ankle support to prevent unintended movement or twisting. On the other hand, the Stellar boot’s tall height and snug fit work together to secure the ankle in place, but I noted that it’s not as efficient as the exclusive ankle support system offered by the Valsetz.

Winner: The Valsetz Tactical Boot wins in ankle support, with a dedicated ankle support system protecting the ankle against accidental twisting while walking on unstable ground.

Do the Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot and Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot have waterproof materials?

These boots don’t have fully waterproof designs. The Stellar Tactical Boot’s leather sections are water-repellent, stopping liquids from entering to keep my foot comfortable and dry while working in wet surroundings. On the other hand, the Valsetz Boot doesn’t offer any liquid resistance, so wet elements can quickly seep in through the breathable upper sections.

Winner: Although not completely waterproof, the Stellar Boot comes out on top of this comparison with water-repellent leather.

How do these boots perform with long-term use?

These boots are designed to keep up with high-intensity activities associated with tactical duty. I’m impressed that the Stellar Tactical Boot’s breathable upper sections are made with 900-Denier nylon – tough enough to resist abrasion and other signs of damage for long-lasting benefits. Double stitching throughout the boot ensures the different sections are securely bonded and won’t easily fall apart. Meanwhile, the Valsetz Boot has a welded PU film covering the perimeter to protect against abrasion. It also has an external TPU cap that forms a barrier against abrasive materials and mild impact.

Winner: These boots are sturdy enough to keep up with the demands of typical tactical duty scenarios. It should be noted that their structures are not completely heavy-duty, so they’re not as durable and long-lasting as tough work boots.

Who’s the Overall Winner?

These two tactical boots emerge on top with the same strengths and weaknesses. The Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot has a slightly better performance when it comes to comfort, with the shorter height resulting in a lower weight, as well as a dedicated ankle support system. On the other hand, the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot outperforms the Valsetz in terms of water resistance.

Recap

Go for the Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot if you:

• Need outstanding ankle support
• Prefer exceptionally lightweight tactical boots
• Breathable materials

Choose the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot for:

• Wet conditions
• Better coverage with a slightly taller profile
• Comfortable cushioning

Conclusion

Tactical boots are designed to support your feet so you can move and respond as quickly as needed on the field. The Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boot and Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot have impressive performances on duty, with almost similar qualities to keep up with tactical duty requirements efficiently. Choosing between these two is best done by focusing on the aspects where each one excels so you can pick the boot that matches your tactical boot needs.