10 Best Combat Boots in 2021

The best combat boots need to be tough, durable, comfortable, and always ready for action at all times. Your combat boots need to keep you safe, comfortable, and stable, whether you’re running, walking, or standing still for long periods of time. One of the biggest problems you can have from bad combat boots is blistering, and foot pain and a good pair of combat boots should help you to avoid that and many other problems at all times.

No matter what your plans are or how you intend to use your combat boots, you’re going to need something that’s comfortable, protective, and stable in order to keep your feet in the best condition possible even in more intensive and active situations where you need to be able to walk, run or stand for long periods of time without being able to take off or adjust your combat boots at all. Finding the right pair of combat boots for your feet is important, and we’re here to help you work out exactly which ones those are.

Below, you will find our best combat boots reviews, where we will look at each of our top 10 combat boots 2021 and explain what helps each of them to stand out from the crowd. There is also a buyers guide, breaking down some of the most important things you should keep an eye out for when you are looking to buy a new pair of combat boots.

Related: Top Tactical Boots.

View the Best Combat Boots, Below.

• 5.11 ATAC Combat Boots
• Belleville TR550 Khyber Hybrid Boot
• DailyShoes Women’s Military Combat Mid Calf Boots
• Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0
• Oakley Men’s Light Assault Boot 2 Boots
• Ryno Gear Tactical Combat Boots
• Danner Men’s Tachyon 8 Coyote Military Boot
• Dr. Martens Men’s Combs Nylon Combat Boot
• Reebok Work Men’s Rapid Response Boot
• Maelstrom Men’s Tac Force Military Work Boots

1. 5.11 ATAC Combat Boots

The 5.11 ATAC Combat Boots are among the best budget combat boots out there, thanks to their comfortable and well-designed nature and impressively sturdy and long-lasting construction. These boots are a little on the heavy end, thanks to their leather upper and synthetic rubber sole, but they promise a long lifespan with minimal maintenance required in order to keep them in great working condition throughout.

These combat boots feature a handy moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet dry and comfortable even in hot, sticky, sweaty environments, keeping you as comfortable as possible in poor conditions and preventing overheating as well as reducing unpleasant odors and the risk of infection.

The moisture-wicking lining of the 5.11 ATAC Combat Boots makes these a great choice for keeping your feet cool and dry in even the hottest and sweatiest environments for comfort in all situations.

2. Belleville TR550 Khyber Hybrid Boot

The Belleville TR550 Khyber Hybrid Boot is a tough boot designed to keep your feet well protected on the roughest of terrain. Made from durable leather, they are sturdy and fully army approved, but heavy. This makes them a great choice for cold weather, and they perform best in the dryer, colder environments thanks to their high level of insulation. They are surprisingly affordable for leather boots and offer quick drying and unexpectedly breathable construction for a more advanced combat boot style.

The side zipper is a great extra feature, making it as easy as possible to take these boots off and put them on again, and the thick and textured Vibram rubber sole protects your feet, ankles and joints from impact shocks when walking or running.

Tough and made from army approved materials, the Belleville TR550 Khyber Hybrid Boot is a great choice for keeping your feet safe and comfortable in cold, dry environments and on rough terrain.

3. DailyShoes Women’s Military Combat Mid Calf Boots

The DailyShoes Women's Military Combat Mid Calf Boots are ruggedly crafted for safe and comfortable walking on all terrains that you might encounter. It has a slip-resistant rubber outsole which is designed for high traction on slippery surfaces such as smooth indoor floors and icy sidewalks, as well as a high level of grip on rougher outdoor terrain.

The insole of these combat boots is well padded for comfort and shock protection, while the vegan leather upper is tough and durable enough to survive intense regular use for long periods of time.

The zippered storage pocket built into the DailyShoes Women's Military Combat, Mid Calf Boots is a handy added storage feature that helps these combat boots to stand out from the crowd.

4. Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0

The Smith and Wesson Men's Breach 2.0 combat boots are comfortable and lightweight and feature a large and easy to use zipper to make them easier to put on and take off at high speed. The padded collar and tongue give a little protection for the uppers, keeping your feet protected from unexpected impacts, but the sole is where most of the durability comes in.

The high traction rubber outsole is slip-resistant, while the EVA foam midsole gives a high level of support and shock absorbency to protect your feet and ankles from impacts while you run.

Offering a lightweight and breathable construction, the Smith and Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 combat boots are a great choice for anyone working in hot, humid environments, thanks to their ability to keep your feet cool and comfortable.

5. Oakley Men’s Light Assault Boot 2 Boots

The Oakley Men’s Light Assault Boot 2 Boots are made from lightweight and breathable synthetic materials, keeping your feet cool and fresh in the field even during more intense activities in hot weather. The sole is padded with a sturdy EVA foam midsole to absorb shock from your footfalls, ensuring that the shock of impacts when you run is dissipated as far as possible before it reaches your feet, protecting your feet, ankles and joints from damage and injury when running.

The tough, durable nylon laces supplied with the Oakley Men’s Light Assault Boot 2 Boots are strong enough to stand up to an impressive level of punishment, leaving you with no major weak points in the construction of these high quality, lightweight combat boots.

If you want to move quickly and confidently over even the most unstable and difficult terrain, the Oakley Men’s Light Assault Boot 2 Boots provide all of the lightweight protection and stability you need in order to be confident in your ability to do this.

6. Ryno Gear Tactical Combat Boots

The Ryno Gear Tactical Combat Boots are a great choice for anyone on a tighter budget who still wants a high quality, comfortable pair of combat boots that won't fall apart immediately. Made from leather and nylon, these combat boots might not last for quite as long as a full leather pair but are long-lasting enough to be a good choice for most users. The lining is water-resistant and breathable, allowing sweat and foot heat out but preventing external humidity from getting in.

This combat boot is not completely waterproof, but it keeps your feet dry in damp situations. The removable shock-absorbent insoles included with the Ryno Gear Tactical Combat Boots are well padded and protect your feet and ankles from impact shocks, keeping you safe from injury during more intense activity.

Lightweight and affordable, the Ryno Gear Tactical Combat Boots are a great choice for comfort and an unobtrusive combat boot experience for intensive work and long days.

7. Danner Men’s Tachyon 8 Coyote Military Boot

If you are looking for a tough and stable combat boot that’s lightweight enough to feel unobtrusive and comfortable even after a long day of walking or running, then the Danner Men’s Tachyon 8 Coyote Military Boot is a great choice. This lightweight and stable combat boot might not last for quite as long as some of the other models of combat boots available, but its focus on comfort is worth noting.

The Danner Men’s Tachyon 8 Coyote Military Boot is built with a footbed made from open cell polyurethane to enhance the airflow around your foot for breathability and comfort, keeping your feet cool at all times, and the toe box is extra wide for added comfort around your toes.

Lightweight and stable no matter where you are, the Danner Men’s Tachyon 8 Coyote Military Boot is a good option for any user, no matter whether you’re a hiker, an active military member, or just an outdoor enthusiast who wants something high performance and comfortable.

8. Dr. Martens Men’s Combs Nylon Combat Boot

If you're looking for something a little more stylish and casual than most military boots, then the Dr. Martens Men's Combs Nylon Combat Boot might be the perfect combat boot option for you and your particular needs. Its durable construction and rugged sole make it a great choice for longer-lasting wear with no need for replacement for a long time.

It might not be quite as professional and rugged a choice as many military approved combat boots, but the Dr. Martens Men’s Combs Nylon Combat Boot offers the advantage of recognizable and stylish classic Dr. Martens design. The sole is tough and resistant to slipping and abrasion, as well as repelling both oil and fat, keeping you safe and stable at all times.

Combining practical combat boot construction with iconic Dr. Martens design, the Dr. Martens Men’s Combs Nylon Combat Boot is an attractive and stylish combat boot that offers great performance for active or casual wear.

9. Reebok Work Men’s Rapid Response Boot

The Reebok Work Men’s Rapid Response Boot is a lightweight combat boot that offers a high level of breathability and flexibility with minimal weight, at the cost of a little stability and protection. These boots are entirely metal-free, making them a great choice for anyone who has to pass through metal detectors on a regular basis for work or travel, and the upper is made from breathable and lightweight materials to keep your feet cool and comfortable at all times.

They aren't the most durable boots out there, and the soles don't offer an enormous amount of support and protection, but they're comfortable and lightweight, and that's worth quite a lot.

Light, breathable and comfortable, the Reebok Work Men’s Rapid Response Boot is a great option for walking, running, or any other outdoor activity that might require more intensive movements and flexibility.

10. Maelstrom Men’s Tac Force Military Work Boots

The Maelstrom Men's Tac Force Military Work Boots are stylish and well-designed combat boots that offer a high level of comfort and support for a wide range of different uses. The durable rubber outsole of these combat boots is precision-engineered to maximize grip on as many different terrain types as possible, from slippery surfaces to unstable rough terrain.

This combat boot style also features a semi-rigid heel and toe with reinforced elements for added stability, keeping your feet stable and well-protected at all times. As an added bonus, these boots include a durable YKK side zipper, allowing for exceptionally easy putting on and taking off of the Maelstrom Men's Tac Force Military Work Boots.

One of the most notable features of Maelstrom Men's Tac Force Military Work Boots is that the company donate 1 dollar to a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of veterans and military families nationwide for every pair of Maelstrom boots sold.

Combat Boots Buyer’s Guide

Materials for Combat Boots

There are a number of different materials commonly used in the manufacture of combat boots, from leather to synthetic materials, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of. There’s also the question of budget to consider, as some materials tend to be more expensive than others.

cIf you’re looking for a long-lasting and waterproof pair of combat boots, then leather is the material to go for, particularly if you can find a pair with tough rubber soles as well. This is a relatively heavy and expensive option, as genuine leather is one of the most expensive materials available. It is, however, the only material possible for AR 670-1 compliant combat boots!

If you want something lighter and more affordable, then synthetic leather and nylon are perfectly valid choices. These tend to be less waterproof and a bit less durable and long-lasting, but can be much more affordable and often weigh far less in addition to this.

Lightweight vs. Heavy Combat Boots

Combat boots are available in a wide range of styles, materials and construction types, and knowing which type is best for your needs is an important part of buying a pair of combat boots. One of the most important aspects to consider is the weight. High cut, steel-toed boots made from durable leather are incredibly tough and protective, but they’re heavy, and that’s an important consideration.

If you’re wearing heavy combat boots, they’ll provide a great level of protection and stability for your feet, but if you’re walking a lot, then they’re going to slow you down and tire you out faster. If you want combat boots for wearing on a construction site or other environment where protection is the most important consideration, then you’re definitely going to want to look for a pair of heavy combat boots made from the toughest, densest and heaviest materials possible.

For most situations, though, you’re going to want to look for more lightweight models of combat boots, as these will be more unobtrusive and weigh you down less. If you’re moving around a lot outdoors, such as hiking or running, then you’ll find that heavy boots will tire you out quickly, so the lightest boots possible are going to make a huge difference to your stamina and comfort over the course of a long day.

Boot Height

The height of your combat boots is an important consideration because it affects the level of support and protection your ankles receive when wearing your boots. Lower ankle boots will give a high level of flexibility, but higher shafts protect your ankles from twists, sprains, and other injuries.

If you’re planning on using your combat boots for situations that don’t involve much intensive activity, then a low ankle boot is a good choice. These lower shafts are generally easier to slip on and remove than higher boots, and also often much lighter in weight, making them more comfortable for casually wearing for long periods of time without tiring out your legs.

Boots that cover your ankle and rise a little higher are the best choice for most situations, as they offer protection and support to prevent you from rolling your ankles during physical activities. They also don’t add too much weight and obstruction.

If you spend a lot of time walking in the woods or swamps, then a higher boot can be important. The higher your boot is, the more effectively protected your ankles will be against rolls, sprains, and other injuries. This makes a huge difference when you’re walking or running through areas of unstable or hazardous terrain, keeping your feet and ankles safe even when the ground slips under you or your foot catches on an unseen protruding root.

Toes

The belief that genuine military combat boots always have to have a solid steel toecap is, in fact, entirely untrue. Steel toes on combat boots can be useful, as they protect your toes from injury from stubbing your toe or dropping something on your foot, but they can add an enormous amount of weight to your boot and reduce insulation significantly.

If you work in a construction site or other environment where injury to your feet is a major risk, then steel-toed combat boots are a good choice, but in most other situations you’re actually better off with a rubber or leather reinforced toe to your boots. This is particularly worth considering if you work somewhere where you have to pass through a metal detector on a regular basis, as having to remove your combat boots every time you pass through the metal detector can be time-consuming and frustrating!

If your boots are made from durable materials such as good quality leather, they actually provide a relatively high level of protection on their own without needing steel toes!

Army Combat Boot Regulations (AR670-1)

If you’re planning on using your boots for active military service, then they’re going to need to conform to the army’s regulations on acceptable combat boots. The regulation that matters here is AR670-1, covering the acceptable styles and materials for combat boots.

In order to conform to AR670-1, combat boots must be between 8 and 10 inches in height and must have soles of 2 inches or less in-depth. The sole must be relatively flat, and cannot curl up above the toe or heel. The outsole must be made from either rubber or polyether polyurethane (not to be confused with polyester polyurethane, which is not permitted).

In terms of materials, combat boots must be made from genuine cow leather in order to comply with AR670-1 – no vegan or synthetic materials are acceptable, and nor are non-cow leather materials. Non-mesh textile areas are acceptable, as long as the majority of the upper is made from genuine cow leather.

AR670-1 also covers the color of your boots; in order to comply with this regulation, combat boots are required to be either tan or coyote in color. In addition to this, the sole must be the same color as the upper of the boot. This narrows down your range of possible choices significantly if you need to use your combat boots for active military purposes.

Expert Tip

Consider what you’re planning on using your combat boots for before you buy! Active military service will have different requirements from hiking, and construction sites will also differ.

Did you know?

Military regulations on combat boots are rigid, and cover everything from materials and style to color. If you’re planning on using your combat boots in military environments, familiarize yourself with the regulations before you buy anything!