As the saying goes, if the shoe fits … but what about the boot? The logical conclusion will be that the most comfortable boot will be the one that fits the best. But what is the standard you will use to describe a tactical boot as comfortable?
When you go shopping for boots, you may simply look at them and say, “Those are nice boots!” However, with tactical boots, the look of the boots should not be your first thought.
If tactical boots are part of your daily outfit, and you bought your tactical boots based on looks, you may regret it before the day is over. Your objective should be to find the most comfortable tactical boot to make your on-the-go life a bit easier.
When you head out there to shop for the most comfortable tactical boots, there are a number of things you will want to look for. Do you know what to look for in a functional tactical boot? Let’s look at the features a tactical boot should have to be considered comfortable.
What Defines a Boot as a Tactical Boot?
Tactical boots are designed to handle rigorous situations. They are sometimes known as police boots, so they must have features that make them stand out from other boots, like hiking boots or field boots. So, let’s check out the features.
Tactical boots are manufactured from different types of materials like full-grain leather, split leather, Nubuck, and suede, as well as a number of synthetic materials.
5 Things to Look for in a Tactical Boot
#1 Lightweight
This is one of the most important feature to look for in a tactical boot and probably the single-most important feature of a pair of comfortable tactical boots.
If you are going to be in a tough situation, and you are doing a lot of running and hiking, you are going to need a pair of tactical boots that will not make you feel like you are wearing a block of cement on your feet after a couple of hours.
Tactical boots should be lightweight and easy to wear. If the circumstances demand you to be where you are needed, you do not want your boots to hold you back. Luckily, the tactical boots you buy from most suppliers these days feel like a pair of running shoes on your feet.
#2 Waterproof
Being waterproof is a key feature in a pair of tactical boots. A fine pair of waterproof tactical boots is a valuable asset for anyone who wants to be prepared for unfavorable weather conditions.
Plus, the fact that your tactical boots are waterproof makes them comfortable to wear in situations where you will be moving in a wet environment.
#3 Foot Protection
One of the key reasons we are wearing any shoes at all is to protect our feet. So, one obvious feature you are going to look for is protection for your feet. Let’s start at the highest part of the foot and take a look at the different factors of foot protection.
#4 Ankle Support and Collar Height
Ankle support is an important feature of any tactical boot for obvious reasons, since the reason for wearing tactical boots is because you will find yourself in rough situations at some point.
If your boots don’t have ankle support, the consequences could be quite painful. The collar height is also very important for ankle support. You want the collar to be high enough to support the ankle, but not too high to retain enough flexibility for support and protection.
#5 Insole Support
Your feet will need some arch support when carrying your weight, so you need to take a look at what type of inner cushioning you have in your tactical boots. You want to feel comfortable, and your tactical boots should support your feet when wearing them.
The mid-sole is the part your feet rest on, and they will determine the overall comfort of your tactical boots. A soft supportive insole that will absorb high impact will not just be comfortable for your feet, but it will also help protect the joints in your ankles and knees. Be sure to look for a tactical boot with a soft, but firm, impact-absorbing insole.
Final Thoughts
One of the nice things about modern tactical boots is that you don’t need to wear those ugly and unsightly tactical boots that first came out in the awful colors that made you want to hide your feet when in public. The latest feature of comfortable tactical boots these days is that you can wear them in fashionable styles and colors.
Now that you have gone through our tactical boots buying guide, go and find the most comfortable pair for you. With these features, you can now find the best tactical boot on the market.
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.
