Finding a solid pair of tactical footwear without having to spend an arm and a leg can sometimes prove to be a bit of a difficult task. While you definitely don’t want to skimp out on important features and additions with your next pair of tactical foot apparel, you also probably want to try and save money wherever you can. While there’s nothing wrong at all with trying to save your cash, you will probably find that this will greatly limit the options that are available to you when looking for a tactical boot that’s worth your hard-earned money. If this sounds like a situation you’re currently in, we’d recommend taking a close look at the Original S.W.A.T. Men’s Metro Air 9-Inch Side-Zip. Despite the Metro Air’s lower price tag, we’re still looking at a shoe with a leather build. This is a feature that’s not all that common when looking at tactical footwear that is on the more affordable side of the spectrum, so it’s a very nice and welcome addition to see that Original S.W.A.T. has included it here with the Metro Air. And, on top of the leather construction, we’re also looking at a heel with an air cell that helps to not only make them more comfortable, but also to absorb any direct impacts that the shoe makes throughout your day. These are going to be your lightest options available, usually having features tailored more towards comfort and mobility. Often mesh and lightweight leather materials are going to be used on these types of lightweight boots. In addition to feather like materials, designs that ease the user’s experience are often going to be implemented as well. Ultimately, boots of this caliber are designed for lighter workloads typically being used for recreational activities such as hiking. Lighter boots, due to their mobility, make a great work and day to day boot wear, just without as much durability. The Thorogood Jump Boot is exactly what you want to have on your feet when responding to an emergency. They are durable, lightweight, and flexible enough to keep up with anything that unfolds on your next shift. The Merrell MOAB 2 is the second edition of the Mother of All Boots line tailored specifically for hikers. With performance and comfort at the forefoot of its design, it's a versatile lightweight boot that you can get in a number of shaft heights, as well as upper variations, including a mesh or a Gore-Tex version. If you're looking for something that will work well on all types of terrain, you'll definitely love the MOAB, seeing that it features a Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs that'll provide ample traction even in less than ideal conditions.

Most often, you will hear of manufacturers talking about arch support, which, in fact, is the most important type of support you should be looking into. As the arch of your foot is your natural cushioning system, a shoe that makes it work overtime will not be a good choice in the long run. Not only can it worsen existing conditions, but it can even create new ones, making you unable to walk until you've healed enough. Leather is the most common material used for tactical boots because of its excellent durability and abrasion resistance. More boots these days also include nylon in their uppers. Rubber, on the other hand, is the most common material used in the outsoles of tactical boots. When making footwear that weighs less than its traditional counterparts, manufacturers will often turn to newly developed materials that are less bulky, while still providing similar aspects as their traditional equals. So, just as athletic footwear has moved from leather and rubber towards mesh, knit and foam, a similar tendency is evident in lightweight boots as well.While tactical boots are certainly some of the most efficient and effective accessories to have with you when you’re hard at work, they often have a tendency to come in designs that are a bit gaudy and high-profile. Whether it be because of their design language or ultra-high shafts, it’s a fairly common trend that can sometimes be difficult to get around. If you want your next tactical footwear to be as low-profile and inconspicuous as possible, you might have some difficulty locating one that will be minimal and still offer the features you need at the same time. The folks over at Under Armour were well aware of the situation at hand, and that led them to create the Men’s UA Stellar Tactical Boots. Asolo has been making solid hiking and supportive lightweight boots for years, and while this brand may be more expensive than some on our list of lightweight boots, you get everything you pay for. The Falcon GV, like all of Asolo’s boots, has a Vibram outsole, and a Gore-Tex lining to help keep it durable and water resistant. It’s a mid boot, so you’ll have plenty of ankle support when you’re speeding along the trails! If you want a boot that’s going to be comfortable and help you perform, look for something that uses lightweight materials in its construction. The catch here is that you want to walk that fine line between lightweight materials and choosing a boot that’s still durable enough to handle the situations you’ll throw at them. The first reason is that your ankles or knees are either prone to injury or have been injured in the past. The added support of tactical boots significantly reduces the risk or injuring or re-injuring your ankles or knees while wearing them. Specially tanned in the USA for the Irish Setter Brand, the Trout Brook leather upper on the Ashby is both durable and protective, and can take a beating, regardless of whether you decide to wear it to work, hiking, or just as casual footwear. One of the main selling points of this lightweight boot along, is its ability to resist heat and electrical hazards. The soles can resist heat up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit while the rest of the shoe meets ASTM F2413-11 Safety Standards in terms of electrical resistance, which as a result explains the rather large sole this shoe has.

Weight is obviously the most important factor when choosing a lightweight boot because it needs to be light enough to allow for great mobility, while not being too cumbersome when used on a day to day basis. There are many advantages to having a low weight boot – mobility and flexibility being something that you don’t usually get when purchasing a full-size model. Lighter boots, in general, are usually more low profile, allowing for fantastic all-around versatility which makes them an excellent choice for working as well as recreation. A good pair of tactical boots can withstand any set of elements. Full-grain leather is naturally water-resistant, to an extent. Boots made with full-grain leather will keep your feet dry in light rain, but not through a river crossing. Full-grain leather needs to be sprayed by an additional waterproofing substance for added performance. There are few things more uncomfortable than wet feet in a shoe. Hikers need to be waterproof for the protection and comfort of your feet, not to mention for health reasons. This lightweight boot features waterproof suede and mesh upper that keeps the water out. It’s lacing hardware is also rustproof, a bonus for a hiking boot. The rubber outsole on the Logan is made of MDT rubber which makes it tough and durable. The grooves on the bottom are also multi-directional which provides for great traction. Mud, soft soil, sands, and street, this lightweight boot will get you over it. In reality, we have to account for the fact that our feet swell naturally throughout the day. In addition, additional swelling occurs as a result of the stress we put on our feet through the activities we choose. At the end of a long day, you’ll be happy you chose a pair of tactical boots with a little breathing room. A variety of uniformed personnel has trusted these Bates Ultra-Lites for more than 15 years. Designed to strict Law Enforcement code, these boots built for urban environments with quality leather, 1680-denier ballistic nylon, a flexible athletic construction, and classic styling.

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These boots are made with a combination of full-grain leather and 1000-denier nylon, as well as a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining. They also feature a sleeker and more slender profile and a narrower fit, so these boots are best for those with a more narrow foot. 6. Garmont T8 Bifida

Split-grain leather is a combination of leather and nylon that allows for lighter weight boot construction and increased breathability. Boots made with split-grain leather tend to be a little cheaper, but you’ll sacrifice in the areas of water and abrasion resistance compared to full-grain leather boots. When selecting a new pair of tactical boots, be sure to look for options that include a cushioned footbed, removable insole, or some form of molded technology. The first will give you an added cushion if your job involves standing for long periods. The second will give you the opportunity to replace with an insole that fits more comfortably to your liking. And the third ensures that the interior of the boot molds to your unique foot style. Using EVA foam components in the midsole, as well as a removable insole, the Tactical Sport keeps the weight at around 24 oz per boot, while still giving you all the benefits of a combat style. You’ll also be glad to hear that this lightweight boot has excellent cushioning and arch support, but should you need something custom made, you can easily replace it with your own orthotics. Every time you feel the leather in the boots loosening, stop and re-lace them. Cinch the boots as often as needed, as tighter boots will form to your feet much faster. At the end of your day, place the boots in front of a fan. This serves to dry any remaining moisture without distorting the mold you’ve formed throughout the day. If the boots have insoles, remove them and dry by the fan also. Some boots offer a waterproof lining that keeps your foot dry even if the exterior of the boot gets wet. The balance you’ll need to find is between waterproofing and breathability, as boots that cause your feet to sweat excessively can essentially have the same effect as those that don’t keep your feet dry when it rains.One of the most common materials used in boots is leather, seeing that it's a durable option that provides a good amount of protection. However, it's also a heavy material that may weigh you down, especially if you're hiking, or standing for long periods at a time. Uppers on the Jump are 100% leather, made to stand up to the test of time in the field. A heel counter and toe cap with added polished shine make this pair suitable for uniform attire. Padded tongue and collar provide some cushion against irritations and rubbing, while Good Year storm welt construction pulls together the uppers and outsole for durability and longevity of the boot. The aggressively designed sole is one inch in height for a slight boost, and lugged pattern for traction on slippery or icy conditions. The Garmont T8 Bifida boasts precise fitting for increased comfort and an improved design that enhances flexibility. They feature a suede finish and, like all Garmont footwear, each feature is included to improve stability, eliminate pressure points, and reduce unnecessary weight. 7. Thorogood Jump Boot Uppers are made from synthetics and leather, created to be durable and extend the life of this lightweight boot. Stabilization at the heel is found in the Advanced Chassis, which connects to the sole directly. This is surrounded with foam cushioning, helping to give a pleasant ride during wear. It’s structurally sound and designed to hold your heel and foot in place despite steep or varying terrain.

The Danner Tachyon tactical boots include completely synthetic leather upper and an open cell, polyurethane footbed. The shank of these boots is made of nylon and they also boast a removable insole. Lastly, these Danner boots feature their speed lacing and 3-layer comfort systems for a snug, comfortable fit. 10. Magnum Response 2 Lastly, trying shoes on in the late afternoon is the best way to stimulate the natural swelling that occurs in your feet throughout the day. This will give you the best idea of how your potential new tactical boots will feel after a long, full day of use. Frequently Asked Questions

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Modern tactical boots are tough and rugged, but they’re still only as good as the feet inside of them. This Frequently Asked Questions section will answer several of the more common concerns about selecting, breaking in, and maintaining a pair of tactical boots. Full-grain leather boots can be cleaned with a regular application of water-based detergent. For a more thorough cleaning, try rubbing saddle soap into the leather with a wet cloth until lather forms. Continue to rub the lather into the boots thoroughly before wiping it off with a clean, damp rag. Finally, let the boots dry and buff them with a soft polishing cloth. The saddle soap serves to ride boots of any accumulated dirt and debris while also setting a nice base for a new coat of polish. Summary The Tactical Sport is part of the Bates Ultra-Lites line that offers lightweight boots and footwear made for professionals in the military and law enforcement line of work. It’s made with a completely non-metallic construction, using high-quality full-grain leather and ballistic nylon for the uppers, which results in lightweight boots that are protective and durable, but that still offer the comfort features of athletic shoes through the high performing outsoles and cushioned midsoles. This is an ankle-high hiker that is a lightweight boot for its class, especially considering that it's a waterproof style. Featuring excellent traction, even in bad conditions, it performs well in terms of breathability and protection, allowing you to go on your next hike without having to worry about your boots weighing you down. In terms of support, you'll be glad to hear that the Hi-Tec Logan replaces the standard metal shank with a nylon fork one, reducing the weight that usually comes with a good amount of stability. Asolo technology, such as the Radiant sole, help cushion your foot falls during longer hikes or times of wear. This allows for superior grip, as well as support, and control for pronation. The insole, called the ‘Lite 2 plus’, provides more support while providing the best comfort during wear, as well as contributes to the lightweight aspect of the boot. Molded EVA midsole adds to your support and cushioning. It’s a lightweight boot that has been constructed so you can go longer!