Should You Buy Combat Boots for Everyday Use?

Military-style combat boots have been a favorite of many outdoorspeople for decades. Whether they are the rugged, hot, black leather boots from the Vietnam era or the modern, well-ventilated tan designs that blend in better with dirt and brush, combat boots have earned a reputation as reliable footwear. Combat boots can last through hundreds of miles of treacherous terrain with a heavy pack on your back. But are they truly any better than civilian-grade hiking boots that may come in a much broader array of fits and styles?

Advantages of Combat Boots

Every branch of the United States military has unique regulations on "acceptable" boots for every service member's uniform. While their design goals and expectations may differ, one element that remains consistent across all military-style designs is durability. Soldiers expect their boots to last through years of daily use, multiple deployments abroad, and extreme terrain. Thus, all but the cheapest options on the market have thick, durable leather and various rows of stitches that help keep both the boots and their soles intact. They are well-fitted through even the trials of combat.

As the modern military expands and remains more present at home in garrison environments, companies have begun creating more comfortable footwear options that retain the same durability and weather resistance as boots from decades past. With millions of soldiers clamoring for inexpensive and comfortable options that still meet strict regulations, modern boots have become stylish and enjoyable to wear daily.

Disadvantages of Combat Boots

Soldier footwear may not be the best option for everyone seeking a durable pair of work or hiking boots. While current regulations increasingly permit more flexible designs and offer better comfort options, many civilian offerings can provide superior comfort through alternative materials and measurements that differ from the military's strict requirements.

For example, combat boots must reach well above the ankle to provide better support and uniform compatibility, whereas civilian hiking boots and shoes have no such requirements. Military options often have worse heat dissipation and comfort, especially without a pair of long pants or long socks to prevent direct skin contact. Plus, high-end civilian options may be just as durable as military-style boots, although they are often priced higher for the same level of durability and weather resistance.

Conclusion

Make sure to read reviews and opinions on any pair of boots you wish to try, and look for reviews from people who have worn many pairs over their lifetime. It would be best to always go to a physical store to try different sizes and options, as some manufacturers may size their footwear up to two sizes above or below what you might expect. However, combat boots may be just what you need for durable, comfortable, inexpensive footwear.

I wore the Bates E01450 M-8 Men's Hot Weather Desert Tan Tactical Boots while deployed in Iraq and in countless training exercises in multiple training environments. They are great, non-issued military boots. I still have them, and they still look great!

If you are like me, you might have a few military-issued combat boots lying around. You might want to change the insoles to make them more comfortable and continue using them. Just remember to break them in if you haven't done so already. How about jumping in the shower with them and then going for a 12-mile foot march with a 35 lb pack to remember the old days?