Purchasing the correct tactical boot for police duty is a critical factor in your performance and well-being. The rigors of police work are enough without having to deal with sore and tired feet. The right boot will help minimize the effects of the changing weather conditions, foot pursuits and being on your feet for an extended period of time. It is important to find a boot that will respond to the call of duty as well as you do and will provide a comfortable day on your feet.
I know this first hand, that is why I decided to take the time to put together a list of the 12 Best Tactical Boots for Police Duty Work. My research considered a variety of factors from weight to support. After much consideration and reviewing many great options, my research suggests that the best overall summer work boot is the Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot with its leather and nylon uppers and a molded EVA midsole.
Comparison Table of Top 3 Picks| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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BEST OVERALL  |
BEST OVERALL
|
Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
Best Bang For Buck  |
Best Bang For Buck
|
Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots
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CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
BEST FOR COMFORT  |
BEST FOR COMFORT
|
5.11 Tactical ATAC Men’s 8″ Leather Jungle Combat Military Coyote Boots
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Tactical Law Enforcement Boots For Police Duty
1. Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot
The Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot is a durable, comfortable and water-resistant boot. The Goodyear Welt Construction plus leather upper offers premium durability. In addition to the leather uppers, it boasts an EVA midsole and Ortholite sockliner to maximize comfort. The boot offers water-resistant treated leather to keep your feet dry.
Features: DWR treated leather and nylon upper; rubber sole; Ortholite sockliner; quick-dry design; molded EVA midsole with TPU shank
Pros
- Comfortable – EVA midsole and Ortholite sockliner
- Durable – Goodyear Welt Construction Method and leather uppers
- Water-resistant – DWR treated leather
Cons
- Grip – A little slippery on busy kitchen floors, but great traction outdoors.
2. Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots
The Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boot is a comfortable, durable and affordable boot. It boasts a gusseted tongue and EVA midsole adding extra comfort for those long days or nights on your feet. The rubber soles plus steel shanks offer excellent durability and support. This boot won’t break your wallet either.
Features: Rubber soles; leather and nylon upper; Hydroguard waterproof technology; EVA midsole; steel shank; gusseted tongue
Pros
- Affordable – they are less than comparable boots
- Comfortable – gusseted tongue and EVA midsole
- Durable – rubber soles and steel shanks
Cons
- Sizing – run a little large, order a half size down.
3. 5.11 Tactical ATAC Men’s 8″ Leather Jungle Combat Military Coyote Boots
The 5.11 Tactical ATAC Men’s 8″ Leather Jungle Combat Military Coyote Boots are a favorite of many due to their comfort and durability. This boot offers the 5.11 Shock Mitigation System and open-cell foam cushion to promote comfort. The slip and oil-resistant outsole ensures that you can navigate the most hazardous surfaces. The premium leather outsole can handle the most treacherous terrains.
Features:100% full-grain leather and nylon upper; 5.11 Shock Mitigation System; oil and slip-resistant outsole; open-cell foam cushion
Pros
- Comfort – 5.11 Shock Mitigation System and open-cell foam cushion
- Durable – Premium leather construction and high-grade nylon upper
- Stable – slip and oil-resistant outsole
Cons
- Warmth – they do not keep the foot warm but they do offer breathability.
4. Bates Men’s 8″ Tactical Sport Side Zip
The Bates Men’s 8″ Tactical Sport Side Zip boot is a protective and durable boot with a breathable upper. It provides the ultimate protection with a composite toe and slip-resistant outsole. The upper is constructed with durable leather and nylon. Its moisture-wicking lining in the upper offers optimal airflow making it a very breathable boot almost like zero drop boots.
Features: Leather and nylon upper; composite toe; YKK side zipper; rubber sole; slip-resistant outsole; moisture-wicking lining
Pros
- Protective – composite toe
- Breathable – moisture-wicking lining
- Durable – leather and nylon upper with slip-resistant rubber sole
Cons
- Large toe box – this boot has a large toe box which makes them less than ideal for operating a motorcycle but they do offer plenty of room for an extra pair of socks or insole
5. Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” Duty Boots
The Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” Duty Boots checks a lot of the boxes. It offers a durable, waterproof 500 denier nylon upper.. The steel safety toe protects the foot from duty-related injury. The rubber lugged outsoles offer optimal traction across all terrains and surfaces.
Features: 500 denier nylon uppers; rubber sole; steel toe; waterproof fabric; lugged outsoles; abrasion-resistant toe cap
Pros
- Waterproof – waterproof fabric
- Durable – 500 denier nylon uppers and abrasion-resistant toe cap
- Traction – lugged outsoles
Cons
- Flexibility – you sacrifice flexibility for protection with the steel toe cap
6. Bates Men’s 11″ Paratrooper Side Zip Boot
The Bates Men’s 11″ Paratrooper Side Zip Boot is a durable and comfortable boot. It boasts a sturdy rubber sole and a full-grain upper offering a high level of durability. The cushion removable insert and medial side zip provide a great deal of comfort. The boot with its slip-resistant rubber sole allows you to navigate all surfaces with confidence.
Features: Full-grain leather upper; cushioned removable insert; polishable toe; medial side zip; rubber sole; slip-resistant
Pros
- Durable – rubber sole and full-grain leather upper
- Comfortable – cushion removable insert and medial side zip
- Grip – slip-resistant rubber sole
Cons
- Snap flap – the boot is extremely flexible causing the snap flap above the zipper to frequently become unsnapped
7. Bates Men’s Enforcer 5 Inch Nylon Leather Uniform Boot
The Bates Men’s Enforcer 5 Inch Nylon Leather Uniform Boot is a comfortable, breathable and durable boot. It offers a high level of comfort with a removable insert and EVA midsole. The moisture-wicking lining wicks moisture away from your feet and improves airflow. The combination of full-grain leather and a nylon upper makes it a sturdy and durable boot.
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Features: Leather and nylon upper; moisture-wicking lining; rubber sole; slip-resistant; removable insert; EVA midsole
Pros
- Comfort – removable insert and EVA midsole
- Breathable – moisture-wicking lining
- Durable – leather and nylon upper
Cons
- Protective – no steel toe but great grip with the slip-resistant rubber sole
8. Adidas Men’s GSG-9.2 Hiking Boot
The Adidas Men’s GSG-9.2 Hiking Boot offers breathability, support and comfort. The waterproof Climaproof upper wicks moisture away from your feet and improves airflow keeping your feet dry and comfortable. An EVA midsole and cushioned heel elevate the level of comfort. This boot boasts abrasion-resistant high ankle support and limits the possibility of a sprained ankle.
Features: High abrasion upper; waterproof climaproof; high ankle support; Traxion outsole; extra cushioning under the heel; EVA midsole
Pros
- Comfort – EVA midsole and cushioning under the heel.
- Breathable – Climaproof upper promotes airflow
- Support – abrasion resistant high ankle support
Cons
- Protective – it is a tough boot but does not have a steel toe
9. Tactical Research TR Men’s Khyber TR960Z Lightweight Side-Zip Tactical Boot
The Tactical Research TR Men’s Khyber TR960Z Lightweight Side-Zip Tactical Boot offers comfort and traction in a lightweight boot. The combination of an orthotic insole and shock absorbing midsole reaches a level of comfort few boots match. The rubber Vibram “IBEX” outsole offers great traction and confidence on all terrains. The full-grain leather and nylon upper matches the durability of the competition in a slightly lighter boot.
Features: Full-grain leather and nylon upper; shock-absorbent midsole; rubber Vibram “IBEX” outsole; orthotic insole; side zipper entry
Pros
- Comfort – orthotic insole and shock absorbent midsole
- Lightweight- weighs approximately 1.5lbs
- Traction – rubber Vibram “IBEX” outsole
Cons
- Sizing – runs large order a full size down
10. Thorogood Men’s 8” Side Zip Jump Boot Gen-flex
The Thorogood Men’s 8” Side Zip Jump Boot Gen-flex provides excellent grip on all surfaces with comfort and durability. The comfort of this boot is maximized by an EVA midsole, adjustable lacing and removable insole. The 100% leather construction with Goodyear Storm Welt Construction provides the highest level of durability. It offers a slip-resistant rubber outsole for optimal protection against slips and falls. You may like out recent guide on UGG like boots.
Features: Leather upper; Goodyear Storm Welt Construction; rubber outsole; slip-resistant; adjustable lacing; zipper; removable insole, EVA midsole; composite shank
Pros
- Comfort – removable insole, EVA midsole and adjustable lacing
- Grip – slip-resistant rubber outsole
- Durable – Goodyear Welt Construction and 100% leather upper
Cons
- Breathability – the 100% leather upper provides durability but limits airflow
11. Under Armour Men’s Valsetz RTS Side Zip Military and Tactical Boot
The Under Armour Men’s Valsetz RTS Side Zip Military and Tactical Boot is a supportive boot that offers durability and comfort. The UA ClutchFit technology secure wraps and supports your ankles adding confidence to every stride on uneven terrain. The Micro G foam sole and orthotic sock liner improve comfort. The upper is constructed with abrasion-resistant leather and nylon providing the durability needed for a duty boot.
Features: Leather and nylon upper; Micro G foam; rubber sole; abrasion-resistant film; UA ClutchFit technology; Ortholite sockliner; TPU shank
Pros
- Comfort – Micro G foam sole and Ortholite sockliner
- Supportive – UA ClutchFit technology and TPU shank
- Durable – abrasion-resistant leather and nylon upper
Cons
- Odor – the lack of airflow due to the sturdy construction traps foot odor
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12. Original SWAT Classic 9in. Wide Tactical Boots
The Original SWAT Classic 9in. Wide Tactical Boot is a durable classic that can handle all the challenges of active duty. The rubber sole and steel shank offer a sturdy base. Its Texon insole offers comfort for long days or nights on your feet. This boot excels in durability with its full-grain leather and 1000d nylon Cordura upper making it fit for any task.
Features: Full-grain leather and 1000D Nylon Cordura upper; rubber sole; slip-resistant; Texon insole; rustproof hardware; steel shank
Pros
- Comfort – Texon insole
- Sturdy – rubber sole and steel shank
- Durable – Full-grain leather and 1000D Nylon Cordura upper
Cons
- Flexibility – the full leather toe box is durable but limits flexibility
Tactical Boots For Police Duty Conclusion
The task of finding the right boot for police duty can be challenging and there are many good options. They are often separated by a few key characteristics. Is it a full leather upper or leather and nylon upper? 5” boot or 11” boot? Steel or soft toe? Moisture-wicking liner? Waterproof? In other words, some offer superior durability but are uncomfortable. Others are extremely sturdy but lack airflow. Most offer pros and cons and knowing what you are looking for is the first step in selecting the best boot. The second step is knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each boot. You may also best interested in the best summer work boots.
Knowing this from first-hand experience, I decided to test a variety of police duty boots to help others find the best boot. After hours of research and close examination of a variety of characteristics, I can confidently suggest that the best tactical boots for police duty are the Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot with its water-resistant leather and nylon upper, Ortholite sockliner, EVA midsole and Goodyear Welt Construction.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BEST OVERALL |
BEST OVERALL
|
Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
BEST FOR BANG FOR A BUCK |
BEST FOR BANG FOR A BUCK
|
Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
|
BEST FOR COMFORT |
BEST FOR COMFORT
|
5.11 Tactical ATAC Men’s 8″ Leather Jungle Combat Military Coyote Boots
|
|
CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Austin Mills