The Best Combat Boots

Buying Guide

Whether you’re running tactical drills, doing a lot of hiking or just like the aesthetic of chunky footwear, combat boots are a great accessory to have in your closet. Both highly functional and fashionable, they can be worn for a number of different purposes to keep your feet safe, protected and looking awesome.

One of the most important qualities to look for in a pair of combat boots is waterproofing. Often worn by those in the military or police forces, combat boots need to be able to stay dry, even in very wet conditions. Having soaking feet while responding to an emergency situation is not ideal. In a similar vein, combat boots need to be able to dry quickly. Whether they get soaked in the rain or from being washed, not getting damaged by exposure to water is key as well.

Combat boots appear to be quite thick and heavy, but effective ones are actually lightweight. That’s because they can’t weigh down the wearer while they are doing important things that require dexterity, flexibility and mobility.

Nonskid qualities are also important to have in combat boots, since you will likely wear them in slippery conditions that include ice, water, snow, mud, sand and more. Look for combat boots that have a large tread pattern that covers the entire sole of the shoe. The spaces in the tread pattern should be large enough to allow water to channel through the sole of the shoe.

• When it comes to the height of your combat boots, the most common options are 6 or 8 inches. Eight inches is a good choice if you require extra ankle support or have suffered from any previous ankle injuries. Six inches offers more flexibility while still supporting your ankle.
• If you tend to have sweaty feet or like to wear thick socks, you may be looking for a combat boot that is breathable. However, you may have to choose between waterproofing and breathability. Typically, you cannot find combat boots that can have both qualities. Usually when the shoes are designed to keep water out, they also limit the amount of air flow that is possible.
• Another factor to look for in high-quality combat boots is durability. Not only should the boots be able to stand up to tough conditions and heavy usage, but they shouldn’t fall apart after just a few months of wear. Typically, combat books made from nylon and leather offer a high degree of durability.
• Combat boots are bound to get dirty. The best way to clean them is to scrub the outers with a soft brush and soapy water and then wipe them down with a soft damp cloth. Be sure to wash the soles of the combat boots and take out any debris that has been caked onto the tread. If your boots are fully waterproof, you can spray the outers down with a hose as well. To dry the combat boots, you can remove the laces and insoles and put them upside down by a heating vent overnight. Some combat boots can also go in the dryer, but be sure to check the care and maintenance instructions first.