The kind of tactical boots that soldiers, DEA agents and SWAT team members use on their line of duty can either make or break an operation. It can also be the cause of death in some occasions. Tactical boots, better known as zip boots are known to provide traction, comfort, protection and mobility to anyone who uses them. Without all these things in a zip boot, the lives of soldiers can be compromised. Anything less than the quality provided by tactical boots can mean life or death on the part of soldiers and police forces. These boots were designed to withstand tough terrains, extreme weather conditions and even long periods of continuous use.
Selecting the right boots is crucial to any operation. Despite the different brands alongside the improving technologies that consumers can now choose from, a lot of uniformed personnel are still wondering what is the best for their needs. Despite the common denominator in every brand that these shoes were built to last, there are a lot of concerns that users need to look into. From anatomic factors to the level comfort that the boots are going to give to the user, these should all be reviewed to achieve optimum performance during a tough mission.
Lightweight, durable, and perfect! -Jin Kim-Amazon
The Top 10
We researched and tested plenty of the major vendors of tactical boots out there; Oakley, Rothco, and Rocky, just to name a few and found plenty of differences between these manufacturers.
Image | Amazon Link | Made Of | Color | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mens Rothco Forced Entry Tactical Boots | Leather | Black | $$ |
 | Rothco Deployment Boot | Leather | $$ | |
 | Rothco Forced Entry Tactical Boot | Leather | Black | $$ |
 | ArmourBound Men's UA Valsetz Tactical Hiking Boots | Synthetic | $$$ | |
 | Rocky Men's C4T Tactical Boot | Leather/Textile | $$$ | |
 | Maelstrom LANDSHIP Military Tactical Boots | Leather | Black | $$ |
 | Blackhawk Men's Warrior Wear Black Ops Boots | Leather | Black | $$$ |
 | Bates Men's ZR-8 Side Zip Military Boot | Leather and Synthetic | Black | $$ |
 | 5.11 ATAC 8 Inches Men's Boot | Leather and Fabric | $$$ | |
 | Palladium Men's Pampa Tactical Boot | Leather and Fabric | Black | $$$ |
Since different feet have different needs, there are some unique qualities that each brand possesses that may be liked or disliked by a consumer. Majority of people who need the zip boots, typically have to try different brands from Under Armour to Converse just to find out which design best fits their needs.
What To Look For When Shopping For Tactical Boots?
Aside from choosing the brand, there are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for your boots. The best tactical boots can only be defined by comfort, versatility, durability, and, of course, the price. All of these factors should all be considered given the requirements of most people who use these boots. When you have a life or death situation on your nine to five occupation, these factors will all have to be weighed in order to shop for the best tactical boots.
Lightweight
One of the things that most people notice is that zip boots used by the military, the swat or by mountaineers are typically heavier than most footwear on a casual day. However, the best tactical boots will stand out with a lightweight design that allows the users to run. Mobility is an imperative factor that plays out especially on dangerous situations and extreme conditions that most users need to face.
Comfort
Different feet may have different fit to different shoes. Generally, you will never be able to find out the comfort of a shoe until you tried it yourself. The user reviews online can say a lot about what the shoe is all about. The amount of cushion that it provides on the soles of your feet can make the difference. Since some users are expected to use the footwear for several hours at a time, the best tactical boots should provide not only the best comfort in your midsoles but also stability on the ankles.
Resistant to Extreme Conditions
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or military personnel in need of the best tactical boots, it is necessary to always consider how the product would fair against the extreme conditions. Whether it is a dry and hot weather or cold and wet condition, the boots simply need to last on different environmental topography. Most boots have designs resistant to water in order to increase comfort and reduce incidences of infection.
Protection
Zip boots were made in order to protect your feet. In order to know if the product is going to produce enough support for your feet, you need to know the construction of the head part of the shoes. The best brands of boots will typically provide a safety toe design that can deliver a layer of protection in case something falls on your feet. But of course, different brands have varieties of designs and may also have different focal points.