The 5 Best Tactical Boots (U.S. Military Certified) of 2022
Our feet are the roots of us. When something goes wrong with the feet, it tends to affect everything we do.
You can be optimally prepared in every single other way, and if you start having foot trouble, depending on what you’re doing, you’re done.
Whether you’re a soldier, special forces, police officer, search & rescue, first responder, or even a highly capable and prepared civilian, when it comes to maneuvering over tough terrain for long periods of time, tactical footwear quality is a top priority.
Choosing the right tactical boot is even more important if the safety of others, one way or another, lays in your hands and depends on your performance, speed, and precision.
If you’re first responder/search & rescue personnel, you know all too well how important rugged light-weight footwear can be to ensure you are doing everything you can do, optimally, for the people you are aiming to save and protect.
If you’re in battle, especially a firefight, a split-second’s difference between how quickly and safely you can move can be the difference between living and dying.
What are the Best Tactical Boots on the Market?
Well, “it depends”. There is no ONE Best Tactical Boot. However, there are some universal things to consider that are qualities that all tactical boots should share. Some boots are going to be stronger in some areas than the others, but for the most part, you should look for these things.
We can start with the basic idea that your feet must always stay comfortable and dry. Aside from that, other qualities that all tactical boots should share are; durable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, and they must have great traction.
Without any one of these things, your boots aren’t very tactical.
Can You Run In Tactical Boots?
The short answer here is YES. You should most certainly be able to run, and run well, in your tactical boots. Again, without this quality, your boots aren’t exactly tactical.
With that, some tactical boots are lighter than others, resulting in some tactical boots being better for running than others.
If being able to run as fast as possible is one of your top priorities, you are going to want to seek out ultra-lightweight tactical boots.
Just be careful that you aren’t skimping on quality or comfort just to get the lightest weight boot.
What Boot Does Special Forces Wear?
Every branch of the United States Military, including Special Forces (as far as we can know), have rules when it comes what is allowed to be worn by soldiers. When it comes to boots, each branch has there own codes and articles to what boots are permitted.
Compliance codes for what boots are permitted by the Marines are MCO P1020.34H and MARADMIN 105/16.
The Army uses the compliance code, AR 670-1, and the Airforce code is AFI 36-2903. The U.S. Navy released NAVADMIN 214/17 and Article 3603.8 stating what tactical boots are allowed.
Every boot on our list today is compliant with at least one of these branches. If the most powerful military in the world approves a boot to cover the feet of it’s soldiers, you can imagine that it’s probably a high quality boot.
So, with these things in mind, let’s take a look at The Top 5 US Military Certified Tactical Boots of 2022!
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The Top 5 US Military Certified Tactical Boots of 2022
Danner Men's Marine Expeditionary 8" Combat Boot
The Danner Men's Marine Expeditionary 8" Combat Boot is a RUGGED all-terrain boot that is built with nothing but the best materials.
Developed side by side with the United States Marine Corps, the Danner Men's Marine Expeditionary 8" Combat Boot earned its name among elite warfighters as being the only proven USMC rugged all terrain boot available.
Precisely crafted with a highly durable nubuck leather, a tear resistant 1000 Denier nylon, and an advanced Vibram 360 Dri Ice outsole.
The Danner Men's Marine Expeditionary 8" Combat Boot embodies Danner's commitment to crafting higher standards.
A handcrafted stitch-down boot, ready for combat terrains. The Vibram outsole and nubuck leather offer quality and support with a USMC Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem.
Made in USA - Berry Compliant
Berry Compliant is a certification that meets or exceeds the most stringent guidelines set by the Federal Trade Commission. Every component of this product, down to the raw material sourced to manufacture each part, is sourced from the United States.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Nubuck Leather & 1000 Denier Nylon Upper - For abrasion- and scuff-resistance, we use full grain nubuck leather combined with lightweight, breathable Denier nylon. This combination offers some of the best protection in cold and wet environments.
Mesh Lining - Lightweight and breathable for total foot comfort.
USMC Certified - Developed for the United States Marine Corps, this boot has served expeditions around the world.
Speed Lace System - Our special hardware allows you to tighten from toe to top with one swift tug for a secure, tight fit.
Vibram 360 Dri Ice Outsole - An advanced lug design combined with Vibram's Dri-Ice compound keeps this outsole flexible and stable in extreme cold.
Extended Sizes - To accommodate more people, we've made this boot in extended sizes. We recommend women select 1.5 to 2 full sizes down for correct fit.
Stitchdown Construction - Handcrafted to provide a wider platform, our legendary stitchdown construction offers increased stability underfoot. Many of our stitchdown boots can be recrafted.
How It Fits - The 610 is our most universal last and can be worn by all foot shapes and sizes. It provides a snug fit through the heel while allowing ample toe room for most versatile fit. This allows more support and side-to-side movement.
Re-craftable - Extend the life of your boot with our recrafting services. This boot is eligible for a number of paid services, including part replacement, leather care and restitching. See our Recrafting page.
365-Day Warranty - If you suspect your purchase isn’t up to our unrelenting standards, or is defective in any way, we want to make things right. We offer a 365-day warranty across our entire footwear line.
“ARM YOUR FEET”, is the slogan used by Belleville, which reflects how serious they are about designing top-of-the-line tactical boots.
The Belleville C312 ST Hot Weather Steel Toe Tactical Boot has been athletically constructed and features a 100% rubber EXCLUSIVE VIBRAM "INCISOR" outsole.
This tough and durable outsole not only reduces the weight of the boots but is also long-wearing, slip-resistant, flexible, and shock absorbing.
Made in USA - Berry Compliant
Berry Compliant is a certification that meets or exceeds the most stringent guidelines set by the Federal Trade Commission. Every component of this product, down to the raw material sourced to manufacture each part, is sourced from the United States.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Height: 8" (Standard Military Height)
Upper: 100% cattlehide leather & nylon fabric
Midsole: Highly cushioned, shock absorbent midsole
Outsole: 100% rubber EXCLUSIVE VIBRAM "INCISOR"
Insole: Single density molded removable insert
Steel toe meets ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 standards for impact & compression and EH rated
Padded collar and tongue for added comfort
AR 670-1 Compliant
AFI 36-2903 Compliant
Meeting the on-base uniform requirement, the Salomon Men's Guardian CSWP Tactical Boot is a waterproof, high-performance boot built for traction, marching comfort and durability.
Capitalizing on Salomon's knowledge of trail running and hiking, this boot delivers confidence in every situation. ClimaSalomon WaterProof delivers complete weather protection in any environment.
Salomon Men's Guardian CSWP Tactical Boots are Army Certified.
Salomon’s FORCES line of performance shoes offer stable, durable support for intense conditions. Whether you are into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, Salomon Men's Guardian CSWP Tactical Boots delivers complete waterproof protection but remains flexible and comfortable.
Providing amazing traction and durability, a dual-compound Contagrip outsole has big, penetrating lugs and a pronounced break for traction on the ground, descending, and climbing ladders.
Since 1947 Salomon has used their passion for outdoor sports & innovation to create top-of-the-line gear.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Meets Uniform Requirements: Capitalizing on Salomon's knowledge of trail running & hiking, the waterproof Forces Guardian CSWP is a light, high-performance boot built for traction, marching comfort & durability.
AR 670-1 Compliant
Duty Boots: Combining lightweight materials with best in class hiking technologies, Salomon's Forces tactical boots deliver the perfect match in uniform while patrolling city street or in far off lands
Tactical Footwear: Military personnel, law enforcement professionals & more need the right equipment. Salomon’s FORCES line of performance shoes offer stable, durable support for intense conditions
Time to Play: Whether you are into trail running, hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering, Salomon has shoes & gear for kids, men & women to help you conquer a new distance, personal record, or event!
Meets standard on-base uniform requirements.
The Belleville 800 ST Waterproof Steel Toe Flight & Flight Deck Boot is Belleville's top-of-the-line duty boot for military and law enforcement professionals.
Certified by the U.S. Navy for both flight and flight deck use, the all black leather, GORE-TEX lined Belleville 800 ST Waterproof Steel Toe Flight & Flight Deck Boot is fully waterproof and contains a 100% rubber Vibram Chevron outsole to minimize foreign object damage (FOD) and improve traction on wet shipboard surfaces and asphalt tarmacs.
It offers protection from wet weather with a Gore-Tex waterproof bootie and a moisture wicking lining. The steel toe is ASTM certified and is ideal for working around hazardous equipment. The 800 ST is designed for demanding environments.
Made in USA - Berry Compliant
Berry Compliant is a certification that meets or exceeds the most stringent guidelines set by the Federal Trade Commission. Every component of this product, down to the raw material sourced to manufacture each part, is sourced from the United States.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Waterproof Cattlehide Full Grain All-Leather Upper Engineered for Superior Breathability
VANGUARD sole construction combining a cushioned direct injected midsole with a 100% rubber
VIBRAM Chevron outsole for FOD minimization
GORE-TEX waterproof fabric bootie
Steel toe is ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 certified and EH rated
8” height
Made in USA & Berry Compliant
U.S. Navy Flight & Flight Deck Approved
ANSI Class 75 Steel Toe
CAMBRELLE Lining
Polyurethane Removable Insert
From rocky mountainous terrain to hard pounding concrete roads, the Tactical Research Khyber TR550WPINS 8” Lightweight Waterproof 400g Insulated Mountain Hybrid tactical boots will outperform when tested in any environment.
This mountain hybrid boot was specifically designed for all-terrain use. With great design comfort and durability features, such as its lace-to-toe lacing system, the TR550WPINS has a customized fit and features 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation and a waterproof and bloodborne pathogen proof membrane.
Tactical Research is a leading supplier of combat boots, military boots, and tactical boots for active-duty men and women. Whether or not you're currently serving in the US Armed Forces, start your search for tactical gear with the company that combines cutting-edge technology with over a century of experience making footwear.
The Tactical Research Khyber TR550WPINS 8” Lightweight Waterproof 400g Insulated Mountain Hybrid is a field-ready combat boot in the Coyote Brown color designated by the US Army, US Air Force, and US Space Force for wear with the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Army Combat Uniform (ACU) under AR 670-1, AFI 36-2903, and SPFGM2020-36-01.
The upper of this men's military boot is made of durable cattlehide leather and breathable nylon fabric with a moisture-wicking liner to keep your foot dry.
Ample ankle support helps prevent sprains and other injuries. A shock-absorbing midsole cushions your foot, and a Vibram Ibex rubber outsole with heel and toe bumper provides aggressive traction for climbing walls and mountainsides.
Designed for cold weather, the Khyber is waterproofed and insulated to keep out rain, snow, blood-borne pathogens (BBP), and sub-zero temperatures.
Purchased mainly by shoppers looking for Army boots for men, the Khyber isn't just a men's military and tactical boot. It also serves well for work, hiking, and recreation in cold or wet weather.
So whether you're looking for an Army-ready Coyote Brown military boot, or a first responder boot for EMS work in northern locales, or a beige men's boot for airsoft or paintball in the snow, look no further than the Khyber insulated and waterproofed boot.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Durable upper made of cattlehide leather and nylon fabric
8" (Standard Military Height) combat boot in Coyote Brown for wear with OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) ACU (Army Combat Uniform) by US Army, US Air Force, and US Space Force personnel.
Complies with AR 670-1, AFI 36-2903, and SPFGM2020-36-01
Waterproof and blood-borne pathogen (BBP)-proof membrane protects against spills, stains, and biohazards, making this boot perfect for an EMT sole
434 GRAMS (400g) THINSULATE insulation keeps your feet warm in freezing or even sub-zero temperatures, making these men’s combat boots perfect for cold weather jobs.
EXCLUSIVE, 100% RUBBER VIBRAM IBEX OUTSOLE is low-profile and flexible while providing tactical traction for quick changes in direction of movement on rugged terrain with aggressive, angled lugs.
A heel and toe kicker helps with scaling walls and mountainsides.
TR-1 PREMIUM LOAD-BEARING ORTHOTIC INSOLE helps prevent foot, back, and knee pain no matter what you’re carrying.
HIGHLY CUSHIONED EVA MIDSOLE on these army boots for men absorbs impact shocks for high-intensity jobs, no matter the terrain.
BREATHABLE BREATHE-RIGHT MOISTURE-WICKING combat lunar lining pulls sweat away and out to keep your feet dry and reduce chafing.
HEIGHT: 8” (Standard Military Height)
UPPER: 100% cattlehide leather & nylon fabric
MIDSOLE: Highly cushioned, shock absorbent midsole
OUTSOLE: 100% rubber EXCLUSIVE VIBRAM® “IBEX” outsole for rugged terrain
INSOLE: TR-1® load bearing orthotic insole
Low profile sole reduces weight & improves mobility
Sharp angled lugs and defined heel maximize traction
Deeply serrated toe bumper aids in vertical climbing & crawling
Rappelling bars on outsole to extend wear
AR 670-1 Compliant
AFI 36-2903 Compliant
“If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever”
— George Orwell
This day in time, seemingly more than ever, it is important that we men stay rugged. We need to be ready for whatever the world has to throw at us these days and we need to remain steadfast, ready to defend our loved ones and our homes if we have to.
It is a good general practice, for many reasons, to stay strong, healthy, and light on your feet. Keeping yourself in shape simply makes life easier. It keeps your mind clear and keeps you on your toes. However, what we put those toes into can either hinder or help.
Whether you’re a soldier, police officer, first responder, or just an avid outdoorsmen, the proper rugged footwear ensures that you are performing optimally.
Again, choosing a boot that is approved by the most powerful military in the world should be an indication that if you’re putting one of those boots on your feet, you are doing everything you can to take optimize your performance while maneuvering.
We hope this article today has helped to educate you on tactical boot standards and that your decision on The Best Tactical Boots you choose is a solid one.
Stay practical, tactical, and RUGGED!
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