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 of the Vietnam era or modern, well-ventilated tan designs that blend better with dirt and brush, combat boots have earned a reputation for reliability. 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, which may come in a much broader range of fits and styles?

Advantages of Combat Boots

Each branch of the United States military has unique regulations on "acceptable" boots for service members' uniforms. While design goals and expectations may differ, one element remains consistent across all military-style designs: durability. Soldiers expect their boots to last through years of daily use, multiple deployments abroad, and extreme terrain. As a result, all but the cheapest options on the market feature thick, durable leather and multiple rows of stitching that help keep the boots and soles intact. They are well-fitted through even the trials of combat.

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

Disadvantages of Combat Boots

Soldier footwear may not suit everyone seeking durable work or hiking boots. While current regulations increasingly allow more flexible designs and offer better comfort options, many civilian offerings provide superior comfort through alternative materials and sizing that differ from the military's strict requirements.

For example, combat boots must rise well above the ankle for support and to fit under uniforms, whereas civilian hiking boots and shoes have no such requirements. Military options often dissipate heat less well and are less comfortable, especially without long pants or long socks to prevent direct skin contact. Plus, high-end civilian options can be just as durable as military-style boots, though they are often priced higher for the same durability and weather resistance.

Conclusion

Read reviews and opinions on any pair of boots you want to try, and look for reviews from people who have worn many pairs over their lifetime. It's always best to visit 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 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 swap the insoles for more comfortable ones while continuing to use them. Just remember to break them in if you haven't done so already. How about jumping in the shower with them, then going on a 12-mile foot march with a 35-lb pack to remember the old days?