Planning on going somewhere interesting in the wild? If so, you’ve probably packed most of your gear by now, and you’re ready to go.
Well, almost, because something that’s sometimes ignored by people is probably missing from your equipment and that is proper footwear. While sneakers and flip-flops can be very comfortable to wear, they’re not really a good choice for a special mission, an adventure of some sort. In other words, they aren’t really fit for exploring the wild, be it hunting or camping.
So, if you happen to have thought that wearing one of those is such a good idea, think again! And if you’re really determined to have a complete and enjoyable time, we recommend that you consider investing in the right footwear as soon as possible.
The go-to-choice, in this case, is tactical boots, and for an optimal experience, we recommend that you opt for lightweight ones. We also totally understand that looking for the best lightweight tactical boots out there is not an easy task. That’s why we’ve made this guide, which will hopefully help you understand everything that you need to know about lightweight boots.
Additionally, we chose to review what we think are the five best lightweight tactical boots in the market right now to help you narrow down your choice even more.
Best Lightweight Tactical/Combat Boots: Comparison table
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1. Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites 8 Inches Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boot
Our number one pick for the best lightweight tactical boots, the Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites these boots are made in such a way that they endure any harsh conditions that you might have to deal with during your adventures; they also keep your feet dry, warm, and most importantly, comfortable.
- High-top work shoe featuring lace-up vamp and breathable lining
- Cushioned removable insert
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Their leather and nylon construction offers some top-notch protection for your feet under the roughest conditions. Additionally, these boots won’t wear off that easily, even if you meet some sharp or hard objects, for example.
They also come with some precise mesh lining, which allows for more breathability. These boots offer the best performance out there regardless of the types of surfaces you’re stepping on. Some of you would think that such an amazing construction and performance would mean that these boots are heavy, but we’d like to inform you that they’re actually 30% lighter than most other boots in the market right now.
Their construction, in addition to being very strong and durable, is also highly flexible, offering you a comfortable day-to-day continuous wear.
Moreover, these boots feature removable foam inserts for more cushioning. They will absorb any kind of shock that your feet might meet while walking or running, allowing the muscles of your feet to stretch while exercising any sort of physical activity. Such a solution is perfect for minimizing any kind of discomfort or pain, especially on long periods of use.
The outsole of the boots is highly slipped resistant on most, if not all, surfaces, which is a great thing to have, especially if you’re hiking on muddy grounds or hunting on a rainy day. The boots also feature a toe guard which fully protects your toes when walking through wild terrains. Finally, these boots come in two different colors, black, and sage, which match several different outfits. All of these features make these boots eligible for the title of the best lightweight tactical boots in the market right now.
Pros
- Lightweight & tactical build
- Anti-slip outer sole
- Both the leather and nylon are flexible and durable.
- Removable inserts (extra cushioning)
- Toe guard (additional protection)
- Mesh lining (breathability)
Cons
- People with wide legs might face some difficulties with these boots
2. Maelstrom Men’s TAC FORCE 8 Inch Military Tactical
If what you’re looking for is some lightweight tactical boots that will stay with you for years and will still look elegant, then these are the ones to get. Mainly made of leather, these stylish boots will protect your feet in every imaginable condition.
- THE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE: Our TAC FORCE 8 Inch Tactical Combat Boots are ultra-durable and mission-ready. Our no-break in construction is ready-to-wear right out of the box. Tactical Combat Boots are lightweight, shock-absorbing, and comfortable to keep you ready and mobile in every situation.
- DURABLE PROTECTION: The upper part of these boots uses full-grain leather with nylon fabric for optimal durability and flexibility while the YKK side zippers enable quick and easy on/off.
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The arch of the boots is about 7 inches from the sole, which means that you’ll get the best protection you could possibly ask for when going through wild terrains. The fabric & leather construction of these boots makes them a nice combination of durability and breathability.
Additionally, you can polish the boots whenever they get dirty to keep them elegant looking at all times. The breathable fabric lining exceeds at letting airflow to your feet, thus protecting them from moisture, and as a result, keeping them as healthy as ever. Moreover, these boots come with an extra foot insert, which helps protect your muscles and tendons during long periods of wear.
Additionally, both the tongue and the collar of the boots are cushioned, such a feature helps absorb any shocks that might meet your feet when exploring the wild terrains. Also, these boots come with an anti-slip outer sole that assures your feet will stay stable at all times, and they also come with extra stitching on the front for maximum protection of your toes. Finally, these boots can match almost anything as they come in either black or tan.
Pros
- Long shaft offering extra protection
- A sturdy leather and fabric construction
- Breathable lining offering extra comfort
- Extra cushioning for the midsole.
- The outsole is anti-slip
Cons
- Suffers against sharp objects due to the fragile construction that it has.
3. Under Armour Men’s Valsetz RTS Tactical Boots
When looking for the best lightweight tactical boots or any clothing item for that matter, comfort should be your first concern. These gorgeous boots are made out of a combination of numerous synthetic materials that are abrasion-resistant; in other words, they’re made for the sole purpose of protecting your feet for the longest period possible.
- Genuine full grain leather strap with textile lining
- Custom forming full grain leather footbed
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The Under Armour ClutchFit™ technology that these boots are based on wraps around your feet, providing all the protection and comfort that’s need when discovering the wildlands.
Additionally, the midsole offers you both rigidity and flexibility, while the boots’ shaft rises to ankle level for more protection of your feet, greater stealth while moving, and overall better functionality.
Moreover, the sock liner of these boots is entirely made out of memory foam, which provides further protection of your feet when exploring the wild terrains. The boots also feature full long foam which will act as an absorbent for any kind of shocks that your feet might meet while walking or running. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or just taking a walk, these brilliant boots will are the best lightweight boots out there, especially in regards to comfort.
Pros
- Made out of abrasion-resistant synthetic materials.
- Rigid and Flexible
- Breathable socks liner
- Feature a foot insert for extra cushioning
- Very stealthy
Cons
- They lack arch support
4. Belleville TR960ZWP KHYBER Lightweight Waterproof Side-Zip Tactical Boots
Designed to last you for many years, these tactical boots feature a perfectly made ankle support which functions perfectly as a support for your heels, keeping you stable on any kind terrain that you might be walking on. These tactical boots are made of high-quality leather, which is rather known for lasting long.
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The construction also features nylon fabric, which is famous for being both durable and super comfortable. It is known as the Gore-Tex fabric, which is highly waterproof. The boots’ midsole, on the other hand, is made of EVA foam, and when it comes to absorbing shock when running or walking, this foam is the best at it. Rest assured, as both your muscles and tendons will stay in good condition after long hours of walking, running, hunting, or hiking.
Additionally, these boots have excellent arch support, which is exactly what you will need in case you are going to be wearing these for continuous long hours, expect little to no pain when wearing these. And as the name suggests, they come with a side zip for easy on and off.
Finally, the outsole of these boots is anti-slip, providing the best experience in all weather conditions, including the harshest ones that come to mind. These boots will keep you steady whether you’re stepping on mud, beach sand, lubricant, or even oil. In conclusion, if the region you reside in has frequent rains, we recommend that you pick these boots as they are arguably the best lightweight tactical boots that are waterproof.
Pros
- Waterproof materials (perfect for most weather conditions)
- Durable leather and nylon build
- Anti-slip outsole
- The midsole absorbs any kind of shocks.
- Side zips
Cons
- Reportedly tight around the toes area
5. Maelstrom Men’s LANDSHIP 8 Inch Military Tactical Duty Work Boot
Even though these boots are more on the more affordable side of things in the market, they’re among the best lightweight tactical boots out there right now. For one, their shaft is high enough to provide all the needed protection for both your feet and ankle when walking on different terrains, and without any restriction to your movement whatsoever. You can literally still move and run as fast as possible in these boots without any issue. Additionally, the combination of both leather and fabric in these boots works together to provide you with the best breathability that you could ask for. This is further aided by the lining of the boots which, in addition to making the boots as breathable as possible, helps your feet to stay both warm and dry.
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Further, these are super easy to polish, which means that you can keep them looking all elegant and clean after each wear. Moreover, these boots are cement constructed; in other words, they offer the best and protection possible, while also performing super well at all times. The boots’ collar and tongue are properly padded for maximum comfort and little to no pain.
The midsole is also cushioned well for long hours of wear. It will absorb shock when standing, walking, or running. Finally, if what you’re looking for is some quality boots that will serve you well for long, and won’t cost you that much in comparison to others in the market, then look no further than these brilliant boots from Maelstrom!
Pros
- Very affordable
- Medium to a high shaft for extra protection of your feet
- The use of fabric for optimal breathability
- Easy-to-polish leather
- Extra comfort provided by the padded midsole, collar, and tongue.
- High-quality YKK zippers for easy on and off
Cons
- Lackluster protection in the toe area.
Choosing the Best Lightweight Tactical Boots – Buying Guide
Although we might’ve made it look easy with our five suggestions, buying the best lightweight tactical boots is no easy task. For one, in addition to being both durable and sturdy, boots should obviously be lightweight. To help you make your own pick, we’ve listed the main features that you, as a potential buyer, should consider when shopping for what might be the best lightweight tactical boots out there.
The Materials
One material that boots can be made of is high-quality leather, and although it can be quite expensive, it will last you long, very long. Our main recommendation for you is to stay away from cheap materials, even if they will cost you way less, simply because they don’t offer the same durability or performance that leathers and such offer.
Additionally, you need to make sure that all the different parts of your boots are connected together using high-quality glue and stitches. You also shouldn’t neglect the quality of the zipper and laces because, without them, your boots are somewhat useless. Most decent and excellent boots will combine leather and fabric for maximum comfort.
While the leather will hold the boots together and keep them durable, the fabric will stretch and give the shoes the lightweight status that they need, for you to move fast while keeping your feet fully protected. The material of the boots can be the factor that differentiates it from the rest of the other boots in the market and grants them the title of the best lightweight tactical boots in 2019.
Midsole Cushioning
The most essential feature in the eyes of many, including us, is proper cushioning. Wearing any kind of footwear that doesn’t have proper cushioning will affect your feet badly. Midsole cushioning, when done right, will absorb any shocks that your feet might meet while walking or running.
Additionally, it will reduce any kind of fatigue or pain that your feet might face after wearing your boots for long. You can always get some removable insoles that you can adjust and remove based on your personal preferences. These midsoles are usually made of EVA or polyurethane. While the former is very lightweight and provides some quality cushioning, the latter is more durable and will thus cost you more.
To conclude, you should thoroughly think about what kind of midsole cushioning you want to have in your boots, as it is essential for a comfortable experience.
Breathability
When looking for the best lightweight tactical boots that you could get your hands on out there, breathability should be one of your main concerns. Wearing your boots for long will obviously make your feet sweat. Thus, the need for something that’s breathable is a necessity in case you want to have the best experience.
A number of the tactical boots that are available on the market feature a breathable sock liner, which aims to keep your feet cool at all times. Proper ventilation is needed as it will protect your feet against any skin infections that might be caused by having moist feet, etc.
The Outsole
To have the best walking experience, you need to make sure that your boots come with an anti-slip outsole, which will keep you stable at all times regardless of the surface that you’re walking on. For a boot to even be considered among the best lightweight tactical boots, it should feature an anti-slip outsole. Having one will keep your boots practical and functional during each wear, and reduce the risk of accidents to zero.