Tactical boots are a real money-wise and time-wise investment. The main reasons behind this are that, if you end up with the right pair, you have a whole new look style, you have fewer corns in the ball of your feet and after all, you have happy feet at the end of hard days.
Yes, tactical boots are for everyday use. It’s not like hiking boots, sneakers, military boots that just belong to a separate world. Tactical boots can be worn to do just about anything.
You can go shopping, do gardening, work at either the construction site or in the office, go for a hike, and even dress up with them like with a pair of sneakers or work boots.
What else makes you feel that a tactical boot is not a boot to wear every day except work? It could just be that people are so used to seeing your boots on every occasion. I am just kidding but actually, there are also downsides to wearing tactical boots everyday.
Let’s figure out more!
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Are tactical boots good for everyday use?
Yes, generally speaking. “Everyday use” means that the boots can be worn for work, outdoor activities, and even indoors as long as you want them to, as they come in a variety of designs classified by shaft height, use, and material.
Here are the general characteristics of tactical boots that provide good conditions to be worn every day. Besides, we’ll also point out a couple of opposing opinions that you probably won’t want to wear tactical boots on a daily basis.
Why should I wear tactical boots for everyday use?
1. Lightweight
Each of us often spends 8-14 hours a day standing on our feet to earn genuine money to support our family and children. Some of you have to stand in the line to do heavy manual work. Others may have to walk constantly for more than 10 hours each shift.
Good footwear should make you feel most comfortable and light when walking and standing on it all day. That’s why you should wear tactical boots to work – because they’re heavenly lightweight.
Most tactical boots have an ergonomic boot structure that reduces unnecessary details that increase the weight of the boots.
This enables the design to optimize productivity for all types of work. This is reflected in the upper part of the boots, which is a combination of leather and mesh (or textile, nylon) to increase breathability and reduce weight.
Boot outsoles can be integrated using synthetic rubber instead of natural rubber to reduce weight without sacrificing the anti-slip effect of the sole.
On any pair of tactical boots, you won’t find any superfluous details. This ensures your feet don’t have to suffer any extra ounces from standing all day on your feet, causing pain and entanglement when moving.
2. Comfortability
When the lightness of tactical boots is properly provided, comfortability is also optimally guaranteed. But it doesn’t just stop there.
Tactical boots are provided with a special cushion foam construction in the midsole than other conventional footwear to adapt to the possibility of heavy abuse in different conditions of use.
The midsole will focus on providing support for the heel and arch to reduce pressure on the foot when standing for a long time, thereby reducing leg fatigue significantly.
In addition, the boot construction holds up the legs and feet snugly but still creates enough room for the toes – called roomy toe boxes, which helps increase toe comfort if you need to bend, press the toe as often as when shifting gear or pressing the car throttle.
Most tactical boots will have a padded collar, which is a cushion to support the ankle when you have to climb, sit or move around this position continuously.
This design also reduces the unnecessary space between the ankle and the tactical boots to help the boots hug the foot closer and ensure foot adhesion when moving continuously.
3. Breathability
Breathability in tactical boots is a big competitive point, whether in winter tactical boots or jungle tactical boots. But it is a fact that the breathability in each type of tactical boots is different.
For example, jungle tactical boots will have a design with additional vented holes, mesh lining and mesh upper to increase air exchange between inside and outside as well as increase the possibility of drainage in wet conditions.
But the breathability of winter tactical boots is not the same. This is reflected in the waterproof and breathable lining placed between the insole and the outer material.
If you wear tactical boots for more than 10 hours a day, the breathability of your feet is essential to ensure the best foot health. Wearing tactical boots daily from month to month, season to season causes your feet to sweat to varying degrees depending on the weather outside and your performance.
Therefore, this is one of the important features of tactical boots that will keep your feet healthy and comfortable all year long.
4. Waterproofness
You never know when a sudden downpour will hit your feet. At any moment you might step across a small puddle or wet lawn. If your boots are not waterproof enough, your feet will quickly get damp.
Many people complain about this feature of tactical boots because a boot that is 100% waterproof is almost a myth unless you are wearing rubber boots. But if you seriously require this feature, you can look for the following features that increase waterproofing.
Gusset tongue: this design minimizes the water entering from the outside through the openings in the tongue and eyelet holes of tactical boots.
Seamless leak-free construction: this construction ensures minimal water ingress from the outside through the boots stitching. Instead, the sole of the boots will be attached with water-resistant glue instead of being sewn into the upper part.
Booties/waterproof lining: This is a “luxury” feature and it also increases the price of your tactical boots. The waterproof lining is attached to the inside of the boots to help prevent water from the outside from penetrating deep into the inside of the foot.
Read more: Should Tactical Boots be Waterproof?
5. Protection
Tactical boots are also integrated to be used as work boots. Therefore, you can find some typical features such as protective toe caps, fireproof leather, and non slip rubber outsoles.
You probably won’t feel the need for these features when using them for all day-to-day purposes, especially the non-slip outsole feature.
But you may encounter slippery surfaces all the time, from the kitchen out to the street, not just at the workplace.
You can feel this feature in every type of boots on the market today. But the quality, tear and wear resistance, and durability of the rubber outsole of tactical boots are really different and much better.
Protective toe caps can increase the weight of your boots by several ounces. But if your job does not require this support seriously, you can choose TPU toe caps to still ensure toe protection but sending off some more weight to the boots significantly.
Fireproof leather is a special feature and doesn’t seem to matter too much if you’re not a firefighter. You may not know it, but most full-grain leather is naturally resistant to fire. So whether to pick the feature or not, it’s up to you.
6. Foot support
Yes, this is exactly what makes you can’t help but wear tactical boots every day. Tactical boots are lightweight, so they provide effective energy return on every step of the wearer.
You will feel support and a slight push to help relieve pressure on your ankles and feet when climbing or running continuously.
Shanks are also a necessary condition to correct your walking gaits. They provide arch support to keep your footing steady and balanced, especially when walking on uneven surfaces.
This limits the chances of you getting your feet twisted or crossed while wearing tactical boots and doing all sorts of things.
Many tactical boots have heel gels added to help reduce pressure on the ankle, thereby reducing the risk of ankle and calf pains when standing on the foot all day long.
A lot of people say their feet are happy at the end of the day after more than 10 hours walking all day long.
7. Uniform look
Most tactical boots are black, made of leather, and polishable toe caps. This gives tactical boots a typical uniform look that anyone can wear.
This is even more important if you work in the police, government offices, security or factory staff.
In addition, high collar tactical boots with a padded collar design can be comfortably worn over pants or underpants. So you can team black tactical boots with any work uniform.
8. Versatility
The biggest difference between tactical boots is their versatility, making them a convenient and active everyday wear option.
The boot structure is soft, holds up the feet well, is comfortable, and provides good support so that tactical boots can be worn as work boots or also be worn as uniform boots or fashion boots.
Some lines of tactical boots have even extremely trendy, stylish, and eye-catching designs like a pair of sneakers.
You can also find lines that are as strong and dynamic as a sports shoe but look much more well-constructed and well-stitched. Therefore, you can completely wear them with clothes to go out, work or even go to a party.
Why shouldn’t I wear tactical boots for daily use?
1. Boring
Wearing the same boots day in and day out can really make you look like a broke guy, especially when you’re wearing tactical boots from work down to the bars.
To make a better impression on people, I recommend you wear tactical boots for heavy abuse activities like work and outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, or outdoorsmen.
For activities that need to show up, you should choose a pair of shoes that are more fashionable, airy, and comfortable.
2. Bulky construction
Some types of tactical boots really have bulky construction such as winter tactical boots.
In almost all force majeure situations such as in deeply cold conditions or working around hot, fire, or electrical surfaces, you should wear bulky tactical boots for the best protection and support.
However, wearing bulky footwear every day will bring a certain feeling of discomfort and over-heat, making you unable to move flexibly around the ankles and feet.
3. The issue of durability
This is probably why a lot of people complain about tactical boots. The durability of a pair of boots depends on many factors from construction, manufacturing techniques to usage activities.
Wearing tactical boots every day also reduces wear resistance and durability significantly. Because you will maximize the use of boots in every angle and area on the boots.
We also understand that there is not a single pair of boots made to do everything and still be incredibly durable.
Therefore, sometimes you will have to choose and sacrifice some features over others for your use.
4. Not for all season
Just because a pair of tactical boots work well in the summer doesn’t mean they’ll give the same performance in the winter.
Simply because the features of these two tactical boots are different, resulting in different effectiveness in different weather conditions. If you plan to wear winter tactical boots in the summer, you will regret it.
Top 3 Handpicked Tactical boots for Everyday Use
It’s not difficult to find a pair of tactical boots for everyday wear. But it can be pernickety if this is your first time buying all-purpose tactical boots. Here are our top 3 picks for you.
1. Bates Men’s 5″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Military Boot
Many police and law enforcement professionals are big fans of these Bates Men’s 5″ Ultralite Tactical Boots due to their polishable black decent look. The boots are fairly lightweight and comfortable for standing up to 12 hours a day all day long.
The low-cut design provides great flexibility around the ankles and overall breathability in hot conditions. The design is also suitable for wearing for every purpose such as running, outing, uniform, or patrolling.
A padded collar provides extra comfort and helps hold up the feet better whether you climb, crawl or jump. The wearer can receive plenty of toe roomy boxes which give a great space for moving your toes.
You can experience a proper foam cushioning midsole but it’s difficult to expect the right support for high arches from the insoles. Therefore, you probably find a way to insert another orthopedic insole for better arch support.
Many said the boots break in right out of the box and bring up excellent comfort right from the first place. But according to my experience, you may also suffer some little break-time periods in the very first uses.
Overall, the boots possess a soft, yet well-made construction that can be worn from offices down to the garden or outdoor picnics.
I am not pretty sure about the water repellency but you can feel rest assured about how good Bates DRYGuard membrane can deliver great waterproofness from the inside out as well as breathability.
Features
- Quality leather and nylon upper
- Synthetic highly non-slip rubber outsole on all terrains
- Bates waterproof membrane for breathability
- Removable foam cushioning insole
- Side zippers are provided
- The 5″ shaft height
Con
- Moderate durability
2. Under Armour Unisex-Adult Stellar Tac Side Zip Sneaker
These Under Armour Unisex Stellar Tac Tactical Boots with mid-calf design are incredibly functional on light to heavy duties. The boots are lightweight, some even said they give a feel as light as tennis shoes when being on your feet all day long.
If you are a sort of boot destroyer, you can still experience proper wear and tear resistance due to their sturdy boot construction and leather & 9D Nylon upper. Walking more than 10 miles a day is a good number the boots can handle.
Many don’t find much soreness, pains, or corns in the ball of the foot. Since the boots don’t have a waterproof membrane on the inside, they can send off a good level of water repellency to some extent.
The boots are lightweight, obviously but they can be stiff right out of the box. But do not worry too much, the boots will be quickly softened after some use. The quick-dry minimalism structure is excellent to ensure breathability and ventilation.
However, under very hot conditions, your feet still feel overly hot but no sweaty feet with bad odors. The TPU shanks are lightweight enough to not weigh your feet down but still are good at balancing your walking gaits.
Features
- Quality leather and 9D Nylon upper
- DWR finish for great water repellency and breathability
- Side zippers are provided
- TPU shanks for feet stability and balance
Con
- Moderate waterproofness.
3. Rocky Men’s Ry008 Military and Tactical Boot
Last but not least, we came up with a pair of high collar tactical boots with better protection overall, Rocky Men’s Ry008 Tactical Boots.
These boots are an excellent option for jungle, mountain, and hot conditions as they possess fast-drying material, vented holes, and minimal boot construction. Black polishable toes make them the best option for law enforcement uniformity.
With water-resistant materials like Nylon, the boots are fairly lightweight, therefore providing good comfortability to your feet when standing up to 12 hours a day.
Besides, the Rocky Air-port cushion midsole features great foam and support for heels and arches. Therefore, it helps circulate every step. The speed lacing system can be easy to put on but also can be cumbersome to tie from the beginning.
Some may not experience enough foam or cushion from insoles due to the fast drying and minimal boot construction. I suggest inserting added orthopedic insoles for better arch support.
The 8″ shaft can give very good protection against overheating or electrical transmission and hot metal surfaces. The toe design seems to be proper for wide feet with plenty of toe roomy boxes.
After the boots completely break-in, you’re going to love to wear them for several outdoor activities and work.
Features
- Quality and lightweight leather and nylon upper
- Black polishable toe for uniformity
- Vented holes and fast-dry materials for breathability and ventilation
- Non Slip rubber outsole on all terrains
- The 8″ shaft height
Con
- Moderate durability.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you are planning to be a heavy-duty operator or a die-hard motorbiker, these multi-purpose tactical boots are the best choice overall without any doubt.
They are made to survive extreme conditions, risky surfaces, or even harmful substances.
So tactical boots are perfect from casual to expert as they are fairly lightweight, functional, and excellent for everyday use.