Robust Materials
Comfort and Breathability
Tactical boots should also be selected for their comfort credentials. The overall manufacturing standard of the boots themselves will increase levels of comfort, but there are many more features to consider to ensure you are investing in something comfortable. Cushioning is particularly important. You will want to select a pair of tactical boots that include a cushioned insole as standard. A cushioned tongue will also improve overall comfort. More premium tactical boots will also include shaped supports for a more contoured fit.
It is very important to consider airflow when shopping for tactical boots. Mesh panels will encourage optimal airflow and breathability, wicking away any sweat and other moisture from the inside of the boot to keep your feet dry. Not only will this make for a more comfortable experience, it also increases performance and prevents the development of odour causing bacteria within the shoe itself.
Slip Resistance
Waterproofing
Fastenings
Maintenance
The Best Tactical Boots
If you are in need of a new pair of tactical boots, read on to discover our pick of some of the best footwear you can currently find available on the market.
Danner Mens Wildland Tactical Firefighter Black 8 Inch Boot
The Wildland Tactical Firefighter boot brings together the best in lightweight design with superior support. These premium boots are not only fire-resistant, they are also incredibly durable, with hard-wearing leather ensuring plenty of wear. Despite being incredibly rugged and fit for the most demanding of situations, they are surprisingly comfortable, with breathable mesh lining throughout. Reinforced stitching between the outsole and upper sections of these boots ensure long-lasting performance, while the Vibram S587 outsole is designed to handle a wide variety of extreme situations.
A WTF platform construction further enhances the rigid performance and stability in demanding environments, with a full-length board made from heavy-duty polypropylene and steel shank included as standard. These boots are also incredibly comfortable, with a supportive fit that won’t constrict the toe. The innovative heel contours will also appeal to those looking for the perfect balance of comfort and stability underfoot.
Salomen Men’s Black Urban Jungle Ultra Tactical Boot L39824300
These Salomon Urban Jungle Ultra boots are the ideal choice for those looking for hard-wearing gear that can cope with extreme situations. A superior chassis makes these boots incredibly stable when worn, even when carrying out demanding activity. Comfort is also assured thanks to an EVA midsole, with minimal stress placed on the foot, even after many hours of wear. A premium Contragrip sole also delivers incredible levels of traction, keeping you firmly on your feet at all times.
Made from full-grain leather, these boots are designed with long-lasting wear and durability in mind. The superior grip sole is further bolstered by perforated grooves, providing you with excellent traction on slippery surfaces. An EnergyCell EVA foam insert also means you can look forward to excellent shock absorption performance.
First Class 6″ Coolmax Ryno Gear Tactical Combat Boots (Beige, 8)
First Class delivers with these Coolmax Ryno Gear Tactical Combat Boots. All the essential credentials for a quality pair of boots are on show here. Hard-wearing materials have been carefully selected to ensure a particularly rugged set of footwear. A combination of natural leather and ballistic nylon makes up the bulk of these boots, providing maximum levels of comfort and ensuring long-lasting wear.
Breathable mesh lining also ensures your feet stay cool and dry when outdoors, while padded collars further enhance comfort while also protecting your ankles as you enjoy a high-octane game of paintball. Another key draw of these tactical boots is the inclusion of removable shock absorbent insoles. These not only increase comfort levels, but also serve to protect your feet and ankles during more rigorous activity.
Smith & Wesson Footwear Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots, Black, 9W
These Smith & Wesson Breach 2.0 Tactical Boots are a stylish and durable choice of footwear for paintball. High-quality materials are the order of the day here, with a robust combination of leather and nylon providing you with plenty of protection without sacrificing comfort. These boots have been manufactured to a very high standard to ensure long-lasting wear, while a gusseted tongue is also on hand to keep the insides of your boots free from dirt and debris.
Despite being robust and rugged in construction, these boots feel surprisingly light on your feet. These is due to a lightweight EVA midsole that ensures optimal comfort and superb levels o cradled support. You can also look forward to superior slip resistance here. The rubber outsole has been specially engineered to reduce traction loss, with an innovative groove pattern that will grip to all types of surfaces securely.
Bates Men’s USMC Lightweight DuraShocks Boot Military & Tactical, Olive Mojave, 10
These Bates USMC DuraShocks Tactical Boots are a premium choice of footwear for paintballing. They might be a little more expensive than other options on this list, but you get plenty of first-rate features for your added investment. Made from high-quality materials, these boots are manufactured to last. A rugged combination of leather and nylon make up the bulk of the shoe itself, ensuring optimal protection and a superior fit. These boots also feature a higher shaft than other footwear, further enhancing the feet and ensuring everything up to the ankle is protected and properly supported.
The Wolverine Warrior leather upper also ensures these boots hold up well to repeated use outdoors. Not only will they maintain a superior finish for longer, the advanced material is also resistant to staining and will stave off abrasion. The durable rubber sole will also ensure added levels of support and shock resistance, while the intricate groove pattern will ensure you stay firmly on your feet in all conditions. These DuraShocks boots might come with a hefty price tag, but they more than deliver in every respect.
Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot
Here is another great pair of tactical boots from leading manufacturer Bates. These Ultralite tactical boots score top marks in almost every respect. A superior construction ensures these boots are built to last, with a robust combination of leather and nylon holding up well to repeated use and punishing outdoor conditions. A lightweight EVA midsole provides essential cushioning and further comfort.
The mesh lining on offer here is also an appealing feature, wicking away moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The rubber sole protects against shocks and impacts, with the tread pattern providing you with plenty in the way of slip resistance, no matter what conditions you are playing in. The outsole is further enhanced by an oil resistant finish, ensuring no slips in even the most challenging of environments. An affordable choice of tactical boots for the beginner and advanced player alike.
Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military Coyote Boot, 10.5 Regular
There is lots to love about these Garmont TB Bifida Tactical Boots. Although more expensive than other options on this list, these Garmont boots deliver superior specs in every respect. Manufactured to an incredibly high standard, these boots are made from a robust nylon webbing material that ensures long-lasting wear and minimal abrasion. Comfort is also a priority here.
The PU breathable footbed and EVA insole keeps your feet cool and dry, even in wet conditions. The instep is also enhanced by zero optical refraction hardware components, bringing you first-rate performance as you play. You can also expect quality slip resistance here thanks to the first-rate rubber outsole, with an expertly designed grip to accommodate all playing conditions.
Rocky mens S2V Tactical Military Boot Coyote Brown
These Rocky S2V Work Boots are an easy choice for paintballers looking for the perfect combination of robust design, long-lasting wear and eye-catching aesthetics. Made from a premium blend of genuine leather and durable synthetics, these boots are built to last and will hold their shape for a long time to come. An impressive shaft length also means these boots promise a good fit and plenty in the way of support as you play.
The leather elements are flash and wear resistant, while the mesh linings bring essential breathability to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The outsole is particularly robust, with oversized groove treading for reliable slip resistance, bringing you more confidence as you play. The neutral aesthetics of these tactical boots ensure they will coordinate well with the rest of your paintball gear, while the hard-wearing materials are easy to clean and are resistant to staining.
Danner mens Acadia 8″ Boot Black
These Danner Acadia Boots make an instant impression with their stylish exterior and robust design. Made from genuine leather and premium synthetics, you can expect these boots to hold up well after many a game of paintball. The leather itself is full grain, making it particularly rugged and resistant to abrasion and staining, while the 1000 denier nylon is also first-rate. There is also waterproof Gore-Tex lining as standard here, with the material also boasting impressive levels of breathability to maintain optimal airflow to keep your feet cool and dry at all times.
These boots have a particularly high shaft for added foot and ankle support, while platform heel provides added levels of shock and impact protection. If you are looking for a stylish pair of tactical boots that will last for a long time and boost your performance in the field of play, these are the way to go.
5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 6″ Tactical Side Zip Military Boot
These A.T.A.C. 2.0 Tactical Boots are an easy choice for those looking for footwear that holds up well to rigorous play and provides plenty in the way of comfort. These tactical boots have a full-length dual Ortholite footbed, as well as Achilles heel flex zone technology to deliver the very best in comfort and flexibility. Ortholite Achilles cuffs also come as standard, further boosting the comfort credentials of these boots.
These boots are specially designed to protect you from injury when you play, with a shock mitigation system and strobal construction as standard feature. The outsole has been treated with a slip and oil resistant finish, keeping you on your feet in all conditions. Although ideal for paintball, the low profile design of these boots means they can also be worn for all manner of outdoor pursuit activities.
Maelstrom Men’s TAC FORCE 8 Inch Military Tactical Duty Work Boot with Zipper, Black, 10.5 W US
These Maelstrom Tac Force Tactical Boots will help ensure better performance when playing paintball. Made from a hardy combination of leather and premium synthetic materials, these rugged boots are built with durability in mind. The full-grain leather and nylon upper is incredibly easy on the eye, with the material combo suitable for polishing so you can keep your boots looking their best for longer. There is also superior lining on offer here, with breathable fabric on hand to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry and comfortable.
The durable rubber outsole is also engineered to last for longer, with an engineered tread pattern that will deliver maximum grip on all types of terrain. You can also look forward to premium shock absorbance here, with a removable cushioned insert provided. Semi-rigid heels and reinforced toes will also keep your boots from warping and losing their shape, even if you are a regular player of paintball. These boots are also incredibly user-friendly, with YKK heavy-duty side zippers present to allow for swift closure and removal.
Under Armour Men’s Valsetz RTS 1.5 Side Zip Military and Tactical Boot
These Valsetz RTS 1.5 Tactical Boots from Under Armour hit high notes across the board. These stylish boots are incredibly durable, with carefully selected synthetic leather and textile panels ensuring they hold their shape for longer and enhance your performance as you play. The synthetic materials used here are not just easy to clean and care for, they also bring the overall weight of the boots down, allowing you to stay light on your feet.
The mesh panels also ensure optimal levels of breathability, with advanced airflow to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The fit is particularly good with these boots, with UA ClutchFit ankle support offering contoured cradling for your feet and ankles in all the right places. These boots are also very easy to get on and off thanks to the inclusion of a handy side zipper. A great value choice of footwear for those looking lightweight comfort and reliable performance.
Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot, Black
These Stellar Tactical Boots from Under Armour are a very affordable option for those weary about budget. Made from a quality combination of leather and textiles, these boots look great and perform well. The DWR treated leather is particularly robust and easy to maintain, while 900 denier nylon elements provide you with essential breathability to keep your feet cool and dry for longer.
The leather parts of these boots can be polished to ensure they are looking their best for longer, while the remaining nylon sections ensure quick-drying performance. The Ortholite sock liner has also been treated with anti-odour technology, reducing the amount of maintenance you need to carry out to keep your footwear in first-rate condition.
Merrell Mens Moab 2 8in Tactical Waterproof Boots, Black, 12, Medium Width
These Merrell Moab Tactical Boots have been carefully designed to ensure optimal performance. The materials used are all first-rate. The boot uppers are made from genuine leather that has been coated with a polyurethane finish to ensure waterproof performance. Meanwhile, the mesh lining sections provide you with essential breathability, keeping your feet comfortable and dry at all time.
These boots are further enhanced with stability arms and spray rubber components, giving you an added sensation of security and boosting durability all round. The Virbac TC5+ outsole is particularly impressive, delivering superior levels of traction on all surfaces, ensuring these boots are a go-to for play in even the most toughest of environments.
