Why would you like a pair of boots that do not provide enough grip on the surface?
If your work work requires you to spend long hours on your feet or exposes you to wet or oily surfaces, then a pair of slip resistant boot is a must.
Slip resistant boots will give you decent grip anywhere and provide you with safety and security.
But are tactical boots slip resistant? Well, the answer is “Yes” most tactical boots if not all are slip resistant and will give enough grip for sure footing on wet, ice, grease or sleek liquid.
No matter what the situation whether it is wet, greasy, slippery, or rough surfaces, slip resistant tactical boots will keep you stand and safe in such situations.
One of the promising features of tactical boots is their slip resistant rubber outsole which provides perfect traction on the floor and prevent slipping.
What Make Tactical Boots Slip Resistant?
There are many features that make tactical boots slip resistant but the most distinguishing features are their rubber outsole, EVA midsole, and tread pattern.
Here is a breakdown of some of the essential features of slip resistant tactical boots:
1) Rubber Outsole
The outside of the boots of the boots is commonly referred to as the “sole” but to avoid confusion with the insole and midsoles, the outsole is the part of the boots that come in contact with the ground.
The outsole is usually softer and is made up rubber which provides slip resistance when exposed to wet and slippery surface.
The softer rubber outsole of the boots makes them grip a slick floor more effectively. This means that even on hardwood, quary tile, or linoleum floor, a slip resistant tactical boot will be able to grab and hold compared to non-slip-resistant boots.
2) Multi-Terrain Tread
Another feature that makes tactical boots slip resistant is the tread pattern. This is usually a little squiggles, circles, or hexagons on the bottom of the outsole.
The function of the tread is to help grip the floor without collecting water underneath. The smaller the tread pattern, the better the slip resistance.
Other Essential Features of Slip Resistant Tactical Boots
- Soft and durable EVA rubber outsoles
- Lightweight
- Padded collars
- Cushion midsoles
- Ortholite footbeds with arch support
- Water and strain resistant uppers
Benefits of Slip Resistant Tactical Boots
Here are some of the benefits of having a pair of slip resistant tactical boots:
- Their sturdy thick rubber outsole gives you perfect traction any surface
- Slip resistant tactical boots provide grip on any floor no matter if it is wet or oily
- They are specially designed to protect you from slipping
- They provide better grip and traction compared to non-slip-resistant boots
- They enhance your safety at different surfaces and removes the fear of slipping
- Their anti-slip rubber outsole is comparatively more durable than other outsoles
- They have very light but sturdy soles
- Slip resistant tactical boots will prevent you from injuries like fractures, strains, dislocations, sprains, and torn muscles
How Can You Tell if Tactical Boots are Slip Resistant?
If you are shopping online, it can be challenging to figure out whether tactical boots are slip resistant or not since you can not probably see, touch, or try them out.
Now lets take a look on how to tell if tactical boots are slip resistant or not and I also share with some of the best slip resistant tactical boots to make it easier for you to choose a good pair of slip resistant tactical boots.
So how can you tell if boots are slip resistant?
1) Is Slip Resistance Specified?
While this might seem obvious, one of the best and simple ways to know if boots are slip resistant is to check of slip resistance is indicated in the description.
In many slip resistant boots, it will be specified that the outsoles have passes ASTM international F1677 standard, which means that they’re tested for performance on a variety of wet and oily surfaces.
2) What Does the Boots Look Like
Whether slip resistant is indicated in the description or not, you should take a look at the outsoles of the boots before buying.
With slip resistant tactical boots, you will want a sturdy EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) rubber outsoles that is slightly rounded on the side.
The idea is that with a typical flat outsole, liquid can easily get underneath which can lead to trips, slips, or falls. So unlike non-slip-resistant boots, slip resistant outsoles will prevent water and liquid from getting trapped underneath the boots.
Even though durability is needed, the outsoles should be relatively soft, flexible, and lightweight. This is because a boot with light and flexible outsole will absorb shock and help avoid fatigue.
Top 3 Best Slip-Resistant Tactical Boots
Now that you have an idea on the features and benefits of slip resistant tactical boots, below is handpicked list of top 3 best slip-resistant tactical boots.
1) Reebok Work Men’s 8″ Rapid Response RB
Reebok Men’s 8 Rapid Response RB tactical boots is considered one of the best slip-resistant tactical boots.
The boot features a padded collar and shaft, EVA midsole, PU cushioned footbed, and double density rubber outsoles. These features makes it both slip, oil, chemical, abrasion, and heat resistant and to also offer traction on all surfaces.
Additionally, they possess a side zipper for easy on and off, and a leather and ballistic nylon offers for more comfort and durability.
With their thick anti-oil and anti-slip rubber outsoles, the boots will provide a reliable resistance to any surface.
2) Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boots
The Bates Men’s 8 Ultralite tactical boots is also one of the finest slip resistant tactical boots available.
The boot features a cushioned EVA midsole and a consolidated rubber outsole which is not only thick and durable, but very slip resistant.
Furthermore, the boots possess a side zipper and are manufactured with leather and nylon for enhanced durability.
Breathability is another cool essential feature in this boot as they possess a moisture wicking lining for more breathability.
As for comfort, the boot is lightweight, features a cushioned EVA midsole, wicking lining for breathability, and a side zipper for comfort and durability.
Surely these boots can be a perfect choice for a slip resistant and comfortable tactical boots.
3) 5.11 Men’s Speed 3.0 Jungle Tactical Boot
5.11 Men’s Speed 3.0 Jungle Tactical Boot another pair of best slip resistant tactical boots available.
The boot is made of suede leather and nylon and features an ortholie insole, slip resistant rubber outsoles and a slip resistant multi terrain tread which make it slip resistant and to offer traction on all surface.
Basically, these boots give you all the essential features that are needed in a best slip resistant tactical boots.
These 5.12 men’s speed tactical boots will be a perfect choice for any kind kind of environment be it wet or harsh as they provide a solid traction on all surface. These boots will dry out very quickly due to their rapid-dry, slip, and water resistant technology.
Furthermore, they possess an ortholite insole which will provide you with all the comfort you will need during long work and tough situations.
The boots also posses a slip resistant multi terrain tread and rubber outsoles to provide a decent traction on wet and oily surface.
If you are looking a pair of slip resistant and good tactical boots, then you should definitely give 5.11 Men’s Speed 3.0 tactical boots a try.
Conclusion – So are Tactical Boots Slip Resistant?
Now that you know that tactical boots are slip resistant, the features that make them slip resistant, benefits of slip resistant boots, and how to tell if boots are slip resistant or not.
Go and get yourself a good pair of slip resistant tactical boots and try them out yourself. If you are having difficulty choosing a good pair, I share with you some of the best slip resistant tactical boots and you can not go wrong with any of them.

Jesse is the main author of Tactical Angle. He’s also an avid survivalist, backpacker, and fishkeeper. He spends time setting up/maintaining my fish tanks, hiking, hunting, and climbing mountains.