Best tactical boots reviewed for ankle support.
A good pair of tactical boots will be one of the most important purchases you can make. This is far more important when it comes to ankle support, especially in tactical operations and outdoor activities.
For this list, we reviewed over 50 pairs of tactical boots currently available. As a result, we picked the best tactical boots for ankle support, each for different category/activity:
- Best Overall: Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military
- Best Runner Up: Thorogood GEN-Flex2 8”
- Best Value: Oakley LT Assault 2 Boot
- Best Budget: FREE SOLDIER Men’s Waterproof
- Best Waterproof: 5.11 Men’s Union 6″ Waterproof Tactical Boot 6” Wp
- Best Composite Toe: Bates Men’s 11″ Paratrooper Side Zip Military and Tactical Boot
- Best Women’s: Bates Women’s Gx-8 Gore-tex Waterproof Side Zip Boot
- Best Lightweight: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof
- Best Breathable: Danner Men’s Acadia 8″ Boot
- Best for Hiking: Salomon Forces Quest 4D GTX 2 EN Tactical Shoes
Ready? Let’s get started…
The Top 10 Best Tactical Boots for Ankle Support
Best Overall: Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military
Key Features
- Suede leather + 600D nylon + nylon webbing lining and metallic eyelets
- PU breathable footbed
- EVA insole
- Zero optical refraction hardware at the instep
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
Pros
- Provides the best ankle support
- Offers unsurpassed comfort and protection
- Good grip on wet and muddy terrain
- They are lightweight, and the break-in period is very quick
- Very durable and offer an outstanding balance of comfort and support
- Very comfortable, fit as expected, and can withstand the elements
Cons
- The tongue is a little bulky and takes some getting used to
Garmont is well-known in the tactical gear community. The Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military Boot is the best tactical boot for ankle support.
This tactical boot is made with suede leather + 600D nylon + nylon webbing lining and metallic eyelets and is known for outstanding quality and attention to detail. The boot provides unsurpassed comfort and protection in demanding field conditions and under heavy loads.
The Garmont Men’s T8 Bifida Tactical Military Boot provides lightweight performance and features zero refraction hardware at the instep for a flawless performance suitable for amphibious environments or extremely wet climates and for missions where speed is paramount.
The boots come with durable upper construction that offers excellent breathability and ventilation and features a slip-resistant rubber outsole and treads design to grip the ground.
Best Runner Up: Thorogood GEN-Flex2 8”
Key Features
- Breathable premium leather
- Dual-density rubber outsoles
- Removable single-density polyurethane footbed
- Composite shank construction
- High shine polishable toe and heel counter
Pros
- Durable and wear resistance
- Excellent ankle support
- Lightweight and flexible
- Outsole meets ASTM F2813 slip TY test standards
- Ideal for a range of applications/activities
Cons
- Heavy and a bit clunky at times
Thorogood tactical boots are designed for the rough, tough, classic hard-working people who need footwear that does the job. The GEN-Flex2 8” is a durable, lightweight, and flexible tactical boot with excellent ankle support to get the job done.
The GEN-Flex2 8 is made with breathable premium leather and features a dual-density rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs, which provides superior grip and resistance to oil and slick surfaces.
This tactical boot features a removable single-density PU footbed for comfort and durability to offer optimal shock absorption, a high shine leather at the toe and heel of the tactical boot to give it a polished look, and a Goodyear Storm Welt Construction that provides superior wear resistance.
Best Value: Oakley LT Assault 2 Boot
Key Features
- Polyurethane-treated Cordura® and genuine leather upper
- AR670-1 Compliant
- Speed lace system
- EVA midsole
- Shock mitigation system
Pros
- Lightweight and provides long-lasting comfort
- Built for mobility and protection
- Excellent shock absorption
- Superior ankle support
- Very durable and can stand up to rough wear
Cons
- Not waterproof
If you’re looking for a lightweight and AR670-1 compliant tactical boot for ankle support, pick the Oakley LT Assault 2. These tactical boots are built with mobility and protection in mind yet provide enough ankle support to get the job done.
Unlike other tactical boots on this list, the Oakley LT Assault 2 is AR670-1 compliant, and you’ll be fully prepared for any obstacle that comes your way.
The light Assault Tactical Boot 2 features an EVA midsole that moves naturally with your foot while providing plush shock absorption and comes with a slip-resistant rubber outsole that adds traction and durability.
Best Budget: FREE SOLDIER Men’s Waterproof
Key Features
- 100% cattle hide leather & polyester fabric
- Removable anti-fatigue footbed
- Compression-molded EVA foam midsole comfort system
- Insulated rubber outsole
- Waterproof socks
- Arch support
Pros
- Excellent ankle support
- Comfortable for standing/walking all-day
- Breathable and water-resistant
- Lightweight, flexible, durable, and reasonably priced
- Fit true to size
Cons
- Not good for cold weather
Designed for spring-summer and winter with urban casual fashion style, the FREE SOLDIER Men’s Waterproof Tactical Boot offers excellent ankle support and all-day comfort, perfect for indoor and outdoor activities.
The FREE Soldier Waterproof Tactical Boot is made with 100% cattle hide leather & polyester fabric and features a compression-molded EVA foam midsole for comfort and support and waterproof coating on the outer surface to keep water from entering the boots.
This boot provides a lightweight fit and true to size and is made in US sizes, including medium-sized and wide size fit, to ensure maximum support and comfort.
The Free Soldier tactical boot is durable & protective, and the upper parts of the boots are made of plaid fabric, which is anti-puncture.
The body part of the boot is made with TPU material which is wear-resistant and features an EVA midsole for flexibility, lightweight, and excellent cushioning all day.
Best Waterproof: 5.11 Men’s Union 6″ Waterproof Tactical Boot 6” Wp
Key Features
- 50% Suede and 50% Nylon
- OrthoLite insole
- Speed 3.0 Jungle platform outsole with forefoot lugs fence-climbing toe
- Slip-resistant multi-terrain tread
- Traditional round toe and high cut design
Pros
- Very comfortable and lightweight
- Waterproof and breathable
- Offers optimal ankle support
- Very durable and high quality
- Inside of the boot provides insulation and soaks up a sweat while keeping water away
- Features a thin lining inside the boot
Cons
- You have to almost unlace the boot to put it on
- Quite expensive
The 5.11 Men’s Union 6″ Waterproof Tactical Boot 6” Wp is one of the best waterproof tactical boots currently available and offers optimal ankle support and delivers better cushioning and support.
The boot is very durable high quality, constructed with leather and nylon, and showcases a durable construction that guarantees wear and tears resistance and withstands heavy use.
The 5.11 men’s Union is comfortable to wear and features an Ortholite insole and Speed 3.0 jungle platform outsole with forefoot lugs fence climbing toe to deliver better support and cushioning.
This is multipurpose footwear excellent for combat or work and personal wear. The boots have a professional design and are developed with a traditional round toe and high cut design and boast a classic shape while ensuring optimal ankle support.
Best Composite Toe: Bates Men’s 11″ Paratrooper Side Zip Military and Tactical Boot
Key Features
- Full grain waterproof Nubuck leather with 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon
- Non-Metallic ASTM F2413-11 Rated Composite Toe
- Breathable Waterproof Membrane with Moisture Wicking
- Removable cushioned insert
- YKK side zipper
Pros
- Very comfortable and offers good ankle support
- Durable and cement construction
- Waterproof and breathable
- Delivers flexibility and performance
- Ideal desert-colored boot for any situation.
Cons
- Expensive
The Bates Men’s 11″ Paratrooper is a non Metallic ASTM F2413-11 Rated Composite Toe tactical boot that provides excellent ankle support and is one of the best composite toe tactical boots currently available.
The boot is very comfortable and features a removable cushioned EVA midsole that delivers flexibility and performance and comes with a breathable waterproof membrane with a moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet cool and dry.
The Men’s 11″ Paratrooper is made with wolverine leather and features a YKK side zipper for easy on and off. And is oil, slip, stain, and abrasion-resistant combined with the protection of a composite toe, ideal for any situation.
Best Women’s: Bates Women’s Gx-8 Gore-tex Waterproof Side Zip Boot
Key Features
- Leather and nylon
- Breathable waterproof GORE-TEX membrane with a moisture-wicking lining
- Removable cushioned insert
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- YKK side zipper
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent ankle support and stability
- Waterproof and breathable
- Durable and quality construction
- Stylish and look professional
Cons
- No back loop to help pull the boot on
Bates Women’s Gx-8 is one of the best women’s tactical boots available and one of Bates’ best-selling tactical boots. The boot is a classic lightweight style that is breathable, provides all-day comfort, and excellent ankle support.
The boot is durable and has a waterproof full-grain leather and performance nylon upper with protective panels, a YKK side zipper for quick on and off, and a slip-resistant rubber outsole for grip and traction.
The Women’s Gx-8 is lightweight and comfortable and features a lightweight cushioned EVA midsole and removable cushioned insert to provide all-day comfort.
Best Lightweight: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof
Key Features
- Waterproof leather and ripstop uppers
- Rubberized mesh ankle upper
- Vibram TC5+ outsole
- Lightweight nylon arch shank
- Heavy-duty YKK medial zipper
- KINETIC FIT footbed with added zonal arch support and heel cushioning
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible
- Very comfortable and excellent ankle support
- Suitable for long days on duty
- Easy entry and exit
- Stands up to the most demanding jobs
Cons
- The seams on the toe box are not big enough
The Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof is a classic lightweight tactical boot with the same out-of-the-box comfort you love from the original Moab hiking boot, reinvented for long days on duty.
The boot is made with durable waterproof PU-coated leather and ripstop textile uppers, and the midsole features a Merrell air cushion in the heel to absorb shock and add stability.
There’s a lightweight nylon arch shank that gives you support and a closure bellows tongue attached to the upper of the boots on both sides to keep out debris.
This boot features a stability arm with spray rubber, which adds security and durability, a Kinetic Fit footbed with added zonal arch support and heel cushioning, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole for durable traction in any environment.
Best Breathable: Danner Men’s Acadia 8″ Boot
Key Features
- 100% leather and Cordura
- Vibram sole
- Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining
- Supportive fiberglass shank
- Non-metallic toe that meets or exceeds ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH standards
Pros
- Very comfortable with a lot more support in the ankles
- Warm enough for winter
- Stitch down construction
- Looks professional and stylish
- It fits perfectly and breaks-in nicely
Cons
- A little heavy
Danner craftsmen are known for paying attention to details and forgoing quantity over quality. The Danner Men’s Acadia 8″ Boot is a top-quality tactical boot that is not only waterproof and breathable but also offers superior comfort, protection, and utmost support with a high ankle and lace-up closure
The Men’s Acadia 8″ is very durable with stitch-down construction and is with full-grain leather and 1000D nylon with breathable and waterproof Gore-tex lining to keep water away while ensuring ventilation.
The boot features a non-insulated shank of fiberglass for additional support and a stable underfoot platform that provides support and traction. At the same time, the plain toe meets or exceeds almost any uniform requirements and standards you need.
Best for Hiking: Salomon Forces Quest 4D GTX 2 EN Tactical Shoes
Key Features
- Made with anti-debris mesh and nubuck leather
- Shock absorption
- Slip and oil resistant, resistant outsole
- Mudguard
- Anti-static and anti-puncture
Pros
- Excellent ankle support without feeling restrictive
- It comes with premium technology for prolonged wear over rugged terrain
- It offers the support of a mountain boot while still being flexible
- Precise, customized fit, and super comfy out of the box
- It is static and provides excellent support, traction, and weather protection
Cons
- Take a few days to break-in
The Salomon Forces Quest 4D GTX 2 EN offers excellent ankle support for hiking and operations in the most rugged terrain.
The boots feature a premium technology for prolonged wear over rugged terrain to give you the support and grip of a mountain boot while still having the flexibility to take a knee or sprint to the target.
The QUEST 4D GTX is one of the best tactical boots on the market and is built specifically for the military. The boots have been proven & tested in the field and closely resemble the design used in the standard-issue tactical boots.
This boot is comfortable, durable, anti-static & and anti-puncture is made with anti-debris mesh and nubuck leather and features Salomon’s Vibram-like technology with comparable shock absorption.
Buying Guide: Things to Look for in Tactical Boots for Ankle Support
Many people believe that high-top boots provide more ankle support. But that’s not true. While higher usually offers additional ankle support, it’s not the only factor to consider.
Below are factors to consider when choosing the best tactical boot for ankle support:
Arch
Tactical boots with stiffer arches offer increased ankle support regardless of the height or cut of the boots.
Shape
The shape of the tactical and how it fits is an essential factor when it comes to ankle support. Boots that are too narrow will pinch your foot, causing you to walk unnaturally, putting you at risk of an ankle injury.
Additionally, a boot that is wide enough or larger than needed may offer increased comfort but can cause you to lose stability which can also increase the risk of an ankle injury.
Midsole
While the midsole or cushion is not specifically designed to protect the ankle, it impacts the overall support of the boot. A durable and responsive midsole will increase the support of the boots.
Outsole
A sole that’s wide, flat, and constructed with shock-absorbing materials offer increased protection from trauma and provides more stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are Boots Good for Ankle Support?
A. Yes, tactical boots are very comfortable and offer excellent ankle support.
Q. Do 6-Inch Tactical Boots Provide Ankle Support?
A. Yes, 6-inch tactical boots provide excellent ankle support, comfort, and stability for walking over uneven terrain, long-distance hiking, and running
Q. Are High Tops Good for Weak Ankles?
A. Yes, high tops are good for weak ankles and are thought to give a lot more ankle support because they are laced up above the “ankle” bones.
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.
