The Best Military Winter Boots

reviews military tactical boots for winter cold weather

Sloshing through the deep winter snow, crossing ankle-deep creeks, tracking that game, fishing by the ice hole all day long, working outside, or being on patrol, water and cold will do nothing but try and get at your feet. You know you need the best solution to get good care for your feet while on duty or in the field, and the answer comes from those who answered the same questions before you: the military. What better place to look for suitable protection from cold weather and moisture if not in the long-tried-and-tested army toolkit?

You are looking for boots that:

  • Last long
  • Are comfortable
  • Are waterproof
  • Keep warm in the harshest of winters

So let’s see what are the time-tested boots worn in training and in combat by our servicemen and servicewomen, and that are also available for civilian purchasing, either from military surplus outlets, or direct from manufacturers working for the Army. Some of the military winter boots presented here have versions for women, so read on if that’s what you’re after.

Tip: If you’re spending a lot of time in the snow and your boots get wet, and dampness and cold get to your feet more often than not, then here’s a tip: wear a pair of Goretex socks under your regular boot socks. It’s the best way to keep your feet dry and warm (or at least dry, if not warm). For Goretex socks look here

Table of select military/tactical winter boots

ImageNameDescriptionRatingLink

5.11 Men's ATAC 2.0 8" Tactical Storm

Side zipper
Shock mitigation system
Enhanced comfort and flexibility
Knife pocket

[usr 4.7 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Bates Men's Gx-8 Insulated Boot

GORE-TEX waterproof and warmth
Side zip for quick on/off
Tactical, slip resistant, durable outsole

[usr 4.6 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Rocky Alphaforce Zipper Waterproof Duty Boot

Waterproof construction
Full-grain water-resistant leather
Oil- and slip-resistant, non-marking
Side Zipper for Easy On and Off
Lightweight 1000 denier nylon

[usr 4.6 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Under Armour Stellar Tac Boot

Waterproof boot liner for added shield from the elements.
High-traction rubber lug outsole for grip & stability in a variety of conditions.
Molded midsole with reinforced shank for protection & support.
Quick-dry minimalist design with polishable toe.

[usr 4.6 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Bates Men's 8" Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot

YKK side zipper for quick on/off
Slip resistant rubber outsole
Durable leather and performance nylon upper
Moisture wicking, breathable lining

[usr 4.6 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX Duty Boot

Rubber sole
Durable, waterproof, full-grain leather and 500 Denier nylon upper
Polishable toe
GORE-TEX liner keeps feet dry and comfortable

[usr 4.6 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Danner Men's Vital Insulated 400g Shoes

100% Leather and Textile
Rubber sole
Danner Dry waterproof protection
Lock and load lacing system for a secure fit

[usr 4.7 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Reebok Work Men's Rapid Response

XTR Brand Composite Toe Cap
Foot Force F2A Athletic Footbed
Side Zipper
Electrical Hazard Protection
Composite Toe
Airport Friendly

[usr 4.7 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Under Armour Men's Valsetz RTS 1.5

Lightweight TPU Shank For mid-foot support
High traction rubber lug outsole
Ultralight Micro G EVA midsole
Side zip for ease of entry
Toe cap for protection

[usr 4.5 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Salomon Forces Quest 4D GTX 2 EN Tactical Shoes

Lightweight mountain tactical boots provide great support, traction & weather protection with outstanding comfort.
For Operations in Rugged Terrain

[usr 4.8 size=16]See reviews and pricing on Amazon

Reviews of the top-rated military boots for cold weather

Under Armour Men’s Stellar Tac Boot

If your budget is tight, but you still need a pair of boots for your military missions in the winter, the Under Armour Men’s Stellar Tac Boots make an appropriate choice.

The boots are made with 100% leather and 900D nylon to feel comfortable right out of the box. The more you wear the shoes, the better they will conform to your feet’ specific shape. Also, the boots are made with durable materials but won’t feel heavy on the feet.

Under Armour Men's Stellar Tac Boot reviewSee Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

Protection against the elements is incredible considering the price you’re paying; it’s because the boots feature a waterproof boot liner that keeps the elements from entering inside the shoes.

Comfort is impressive, and the boots come with molded EVA midsole and reinforced TPU shank, providing superior protection and support. The shock absorbency is exceptional too. The heel is contoured, and it stays in place while you’re on the move.

Traction and stability are also excellent for the boots, which come with a rubber lug outsole for increased grip and stability on various surfaces. Moving through the snow won’t be a problem with these boots.

The lacing system is adequate, and the laces are strong and long; the metal hardware at the ankle is durable and keeps the laces secure in place. The loop on the back eases the use; some would have liked a side zip for the boots.

The quick-dry minimalist design and easy to polish toe will complete the description of the boots that manage to impress, despite their price.

Rocky Men’s RKYD011 Military and Tactical Boot

The Rocky Men’s Rkyd011 Military and Tactical Boot bring numerous good things to the table, and the overall value for the price makes the most important to name. The boots are made with 100% leather and textile, making them comfortable right from the beginning. As it’s waterproof leather, the boots will take a beat. The 900 D combination nylon is durable too, and together with leather, resist excess abrasion.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The boots are conceived with the Rocky Waterproof system, allowing adequate ventilation inside the shoes while blocking water from inside the shoes. Your feet will remain dry, and don’t get sweaty either. Since the boots come with 400g of 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation, they will also keep your feet warm.

Traction and grip are also excellent, and the boots come with RigiTrac molded EVA rubber outsole, providing resistance to oil and slip. The soles will bite the rocky and icy terrains, helping you move forward efficiently.

Comfort isn’t skipped, and the boots come with a high-performant footbed that is cushioned and moves air with every step you take. It’s made with long-lasting PU that keeps its shape and doesn’t break down. Some find the boots a tad narrow.

The boots come with a side zipper for effortless use and are entirely black with a black side zipper and black laces.

Belleville Men’s 770 200g Insulated Flight Boots

If you’re looking for winter boots that also work in the summer, the Belleville Men’s 770 200g Insulated Flight Boots are a dependable model to try.

The boots will fit great right out of the box as they’re made with soft leather and synthetic. It’s a 100% pure cowhide leather and high abrasion nylon, which gives fantastic durability to the boots.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

It would help if you didn’t worry about water getting inside the boots because they have Gore-Tex liner for excellent waterproof protection. The waterproofness is superior, but you don’t lose breathability either, which is why you can comfortably wear the boots in the summer too.

The 200g Thinsulate Insulation will keep your feet cozy and warm in winter temperatures. Traction on ice and snow won’t be any issues because the boots feature Belleville’s patented Vanguard running a sole build with the cushioned direct-injected midsole and 100% Vibram Sierra outsole. The Vibram Fire&Ice outsole on the shoes is made with a particular rubber compound that doesn’t become stiff in cool temperatures, ensuring superior traction on icy surfaces.

The boots are sneaker comfortable and easy to lace. The loop on the back helps you put them on effortlessly, and the shoes are high for better ankle support. The laces are strong, and there’s metal hardware for durability. Some think that the boots are a tad flat, but the shoes are always a sure buy.

5.11 Tactical Men’s ATAC 2.0 8″ Combat Side Zip Boots

There are many good things to say about 5.11 Tactical Men’s ATAC 2.0 8″ Combat Side Zip Boots, but versatility is one important to name. The boots make the perfect choice for year-round use and come with build and features that make them reliable both in the cold snow and on a hot summer day.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The boots are made with leather and textile, so they will take the shape of your foot the more you wear them, leading to a perfect fit. It’s premium leather and nylon upper material, so the boots will feel comfortable and handle prolonged use.  They’re lightweight and reliable and feature an airflow tongue and full-length dual durometer OrthoLite footbed. It means that your feet will stay dry and cool on hot summer days and won’t get sweaty when pairing the boots with a warm pair of woolen socks in the winter.

The boots also come with full-grain leather toes, a Shock Mitigation System, and Ortholite X25 foam underlay for a superior rebound, support, and padding. The lining presents Agion antimicrobial treatment, so no worries about foul odors while wearing the boots.

The typical round toe and 8-in high0cut design take the specific shape of military boots while offering excellent ankle support. Features such as YKK side zipper and hidden knife pocket may seal the deal for many. The price is attractive, and you shouldn’t skip the boots, especially when you need all year round boots for military purposes.

Bates Men’s Gx-8 Insulated Waterproof Boot

Made in the USA, the Bates Men’s Gx-8 Gore-Tex Insulated Waterproof Boot impress with the build and features, making them a perfect choice for military, law enforcement personnel.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The boots are made with high quality 100% leather and synthetic, so you will find them perfectly contoured after the shape of your feet after some time. These are ankle-high waterproof boots made with ballistic nylon upper, so durability is superior. They feature a side zip closure on the inside with a hook-and-loop strap. Putting on the boots/take them off will always be fast and effortless. Still, a loop on the back would have made use a lot easier.

The collar is just enough padded to provide comfortable wear but not too much to affect flexibility or cause overheating. The boots come with 200g Thinsulate insulation, so they will keep your feet warm in the cold winter. The lining is Gore-Tex waterproof, so your feet stay dry and warm. A Gore-Tex bootie goes around the boot, creating a long-lasting barrier to water penetration while helping moisture vapor escape away from the foot.

Many features make the boots comfortable such as the EVA midsole and the comfort insert that is completely padded and easy to remove for best fit. Speaking of fit, some render that the boots sit instead on the narrow side.

The boots have a flexible cement construction with non-metallic elements; they are security friendly. No worries about traction on the snow or ice as the boots come with a slip-resistant sole, keeping you always on the move in the winter.

Danner Men’s Lookout Boot

Some things you can never go wrong with, and it’s the case of Danner boots. The Danner Men’s Lookout 8″800G Military and Tactical Boot will impress with support, durability, and padding, providing the best comfort right out of the box. The boots are made with waterproof full-grain leather (easy to polish) and ripstop ballistic nylon upper; durability isn’t a problem. Despite the full-grain leather, you will find the boots lightweight.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The shoes also come with a waterproof Danner Dry liner that draws moisture away from your foot while providing warmth in the winter. The 800 g Thinsulate Ultra Insulation will keep your feet in the coldest weather.

In terms of comfort, we also need to note the dual-density (patent pending) footbed that works perfectly with the underfoot venting for superior ventilation. The Airthotic heel clip counts for the support, and the wide toe box ensures a more active fit. The boots feature molded thermoplastic polyurethane cup for superior arch support and a tremendous cushioning heel for excellent shock absorption. The air vents provide ventilation, and the mesh top cover speeds up the drying.

Traction and functionality are also outstanding as the boots come with a rugged outsole with a dynamic lug pattern. The grip is incredible on all surfaces.

The boots do run wider in the toe box, so make sure of your size when buying. However, the broader toe box counts for the athletic and responsive fit. They make a wise investment in the long run and won’t let you down through the deepest snow and slippery ice.

Garmont Men’s T8 Extreme Boot

You won’t be taking any chances with Garmont Men’s T8 Extreme GTX Insulated Tactical Military Boot as they’re tough as nails and reliable for your winter military missions.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

These boots are conceived for various activities by law enforcement and military professionals and outdoor frenzies. They’re made with Gore-tex insulated Comfort product technology, so they are reliable to wear in the snow, rain, and cold conditions. They’re both waterproof and breathable, and the insulation will keep your feet warm in most freezing weather. The ventilation is adequate, and the materials dry fast for best comfort.

The boots are made with suede leather, 600 D nylon, and nylon webbing, so they are comfortable right from the first wear.

Warmth isn’t enough for military boots, as traction and stability on snow/ice are also essential. The boots feature a Vibram outsole, providing grip and traction on ice, snow, and rugged surfaces. The boots will take the most challenging conditions and provide superior comfort even when you’re heavily backpacking or spend many hours on the road.

The metal hardware works perfectly with the wide laces, for best fit, without worrying about laces or loops breaking down in the middle of your tactical duties. The loop on the back eases out the use, and boots are AR670-1 compliant. They rock a modern appearance and make an excellent choice for military personnel.

One may feel the boots a bit tight, but the boots fit most shapes of feet.

Danner Men’s Stalwart Boots

There are numerous good things that Danner Men’s Stalwart Side-Zip 8″ Military and Tactical Boots put to the table, and durability is probably the most important.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The boots are made with full-grain leather, so they will conform to your feet’ unique shape the more you wear them. It’s durable and robust full-grain leather.

These are 100% waterproof and dependable for winter use; they come with Gore-Tex liners so water won’t get inside the boots. Simultaneously, moisture and sweat will always escape, so your feet stay dry and warm all day long.

Another aspect specific for these boots is the Bi-Fit Board, which means that the shank and the midsole are combined to just one piece, molded for perfect fit of the boots’ shape and contours. The technology eliminates unnecessary weight but provides better support.

The Vibram Kleeterlifft outsole is light and slip-resistant. The low lugs will ensure excellent stability in urban environments, and the Vibram compound will increase the durability.

The build is unmatched, and the boots are handcrafted to create a broader platform. The stitch down body ensures exceptional stability underfoot. Side to side movement and support is superior, and the boots are re-craftable.

The boots are easy to use, as they have a semi-locking side zipper that locks itself closed when it’s zipped up. At the same time, it will be easy to release if you pull the zipper down.

The boots may feel a tad hot in the summer, but they will always feel warm, dry, and dependable in the winter.

Z-8N GTX Black Boots Military Tactical Z8 Lowa

Don’t let the rugged looks of the Z-8N GTX Black Boots Military Tactical Z8 Lowa mislead you, as these boots are some of the most comfortable and lightweight boots you could ever buy.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The boots are stable, supportive, and come with built-in fast rope ability, making them perfect for law enforcement, SF, and military professionals. They combine both the regular combat boot and multi-functional military boots and impress with versatility.

The boots are made with nubuck leather, which explains the light build but without sacrificing the stability. The lightweight Goretex Extend Comfort Footwear lining will keep your feet warm and dry in cold temperatures.

There are many great things on the boots, and hydrophobic leather, highly abrasion-resistant laced, and patented Monowrap PU midsole are some to name. The rubber outsole and Lowa’s Tactical Z Trac sole provide traction and stability on all terrains, snowy and icy surfaces. The special Fast Rope insert makes the boots multi-functional. The loop on the back eases the use, and the metal hardware ensures the safest lacing system.

The boots are tall and comfortable, and great for running too. The leather is soft and will take the shape of your feet for superior fit. The price may throw some people off, but the boots are worth every single penny.

Danner Men’s Rivot TFX 8″ 400G Boot

Military professionals know that great military boots come with a price, so they are willing to pay the extra buck for incredible boots. The Danner Men’s Rivot TFX 8″ 400G Military & Tactical Boot perfectly fit the description and make a wise investment in the long run.

See Price and Reviews on Amazon

The boots have a bullet-proof build since they’re made with a full-grain leather upper and 1000D nylon for excellent protection against abrasion and elements. These are 100% waterproof and breathable boots that feature Gore-Tex liner, so no water gets inside, while moisture and sweat are pushed outside the boots. Your feet remain dry and cozy all day long.

You will be able to rely on the winter boots as they feature 400g Thinsulate Ultra Insulation; it will keep the feet warm in rain and snow without adding weight.

Traction is also impressive since the boots come with Vibram Rivot TFX Outsole; it ensures excellent braking, acceleration, pivoting and overall traction in most challenging terrains. The outsole features 360degree pivot point lugs and broad flat lugs smartly displayed. The Terra Force X platform ensures practical and lightweight traction, a side support for better maneuverability, protection against tiredness and arch pressure, and heel-to-toe energy transfer.

The hardware ensures tightening from toe to top with one swift tug for the tightest fit. The price tag remains the main downside, but real military professionals know that high value comes with a price.


Buying Guide

Should you look at the market looking for military boots for the winter, you may be overwhelmed by the possibilities. Setting some criteria will help you identify the best military boots for winter use.

Durable build

Not all expensive boots are long-lasting, but it doesn’t mean that you should expect durability for your shoes when you pay less than $100. Stitching that is tidy and neat is a sign that boots are very well made; there should be no wear and tear signs either. The outsole that is stitched and not glued will take longer, so pay attention to all details.

100% leather lasts longer than synthetic leather; many military boots are combined with nylon for best fit and comfort. The higher the Denier number on nylon, the better its durability and boots will be.

The laces should be rugged and thick, and metal hardware will ensure a secure lacing for the boots. Great military boots will have a durability feel and won’t disappoint either.

Features for warm comfort

Not all military boots will keep your feet warm in the winter, no matter how great they are from all the other points of five. The range-of-temperature should be stated so that you may select boots for intermediate cold weather or freezing weather.

No military boots will be reliable for winter use unless they’re waterproof. When the boots aren’t waterproof, snow/water will get inside, getting your feet wet. Even if the boots keep you warm, your feet may get sweaty, but sweat has to be helped escape from the boots for dry wear.

Most reliable military boots for winter are made with Goretex or waterproof leather. Also, make sure that the boots are high so you may walk in the snow; otherwise, you will need gaiters too.

Waterproof build

Good military boots for winter are made with gore-tex, PU coating over nylon, and waterproof leather. Rubber and neoprene also have waterproof abilities, but they lack breathability.

Keep in mind that waterproof boots will retain sweat, which can easily make you feel cold in the winter. Look for boots that are waterproof and breathable at the same time.

If your boots are made with leather with water-resistance treatment, you will need to renew water-resistance treatment.

Traction & stability

Your military boots for the winter should provide stability and traction in the snow and icy surfaces. Your boots have to deliver adequate grip and balance, no matter how slippery, muddy, or snowy the terrain becomes.

Thick rubber soles will take the five you traction you need in the winter, and Vibram soles stand out as the most reliable type of sole for winter boots.

Ease of use and comfort

You won’t be able to tell if the boots are comfortable unless you put them on. Online shops will always give you better prices, so you should go to stores to try the boots before placing the order. Go in the afternoon (the feet are swollen at the end of the day) while wearing the woolen socks you will wear with the boots. Identify sore points and try to walk a bit in the boots.

Side zips ease out the use, which is something that many military professionals look for in military boots. No matter how waterproof, warm, or reliable the boots are in the winter, it would help if you never skipped the comfort wear. No boots are acceptable if they give you blisters and compromise your power of concentration in the middle of your military activity.


Fundamental features of military boots for winter

If comfort or traction is essential for all military boots, some features are specific only for boots to use in the winter. Keep reading for the details.

Temperature ratings

There are five primary temperature ratings for tactical/military boots for winter use; you have to select according to your needs.

If you’re buying extreme cold weather boots for intermediate cold weather, you may spend too much on your boots. Also, your feet may get too hot in the boots, causing blisters from sweat.

Sharp toe cap

Composite and steel toe caps are used for boots that don’t come with one. They ensure superior protection in most difficult situations, where the risk of falling objects or collision is high. You may also add crampons for improved toe protection.

Gusseted tongue

If your boots aren’t waterproof, you should look for boots with a gusseted tongue that will stop water from getting inside the boots.

Gaiter Ring and Soft Cuffs

Soft cuffs and gaiter rings make reliable additions to winter boots. Soft cuffs offer warmth to feet and lower legs, whereas gaiter rings let you attach gaiters to the boots when the boots are short and the snow is deep.

Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions about these boots. Are they –

  • Best boots for cold weather; best boots for winter
    Arguably these are the best boots for cold weather or the best boots for winter that are out there. Not just the best military winter boots, but some of the best winter boots, period. Read the reviews from owners in the links above, and you’ll be convinced.
  • Best work boots
    They’re all good work boots, but it really depends on your working conditions. If you live and work in Alaska or other freezing areas, then the Bunny boots are very popular in those climates. If you have milder weather, you could go with the Belleville or the Danner USAF. The Belleville has a steel toe which makes it suitable for construction work. These boots will last for 2-3 years or more under really heavy work conditions. They are not just durable, they’re also comfortable, and that’s a thing people who work hard appreciate greatly.
  • Best waterproof snow boots
    Truly waterproof are the all-rubber Mickey mouse and Bunny boots, with a second best being the Combat Gore-tex boots which can take several minutes of standing in water without leaking. The other boot models could take a fast crossing of a large puddle or shallow stream of water, but they would be best described as water-resistant. They all behave well when walking in snow, but keeping compact water out for longer than a minute is a different story.
  • Best uniform boots; best patrol boots; best EMS boots
    People working in the army, law-enforcement, security, and EMS tend to prefer black polished boots. Any of the three models we presented are suitable. Those who don’t want to pay the higher price tag for the Danner Acadia boots, will find the Bates or the Goretex ones well satisfying. They are army-grade, long-lasting and comfortable.
  • Best boots for snow and ice
    Again, these are arguably the best boots for snow sloshing that are out there, and we’ll review other kinds and brands in an upcoming article. Are these the best boots for ice as well? The Vibram soles used on most all of these boots gives them great traction on ice, much better than any regular boot you may have used so far.
  • Best warm boots
    Since these are snow and winter boots, one main purpose is for them to keep feet warm. However, it all depends on how harsh the weather is, that you’re using them in. For Alaska-style frosts, you’ll only be warm in Bunny boots, especially if you want to be warm for a longer period of time. Again, if you do ice hole fishing, you will need boots that keep you warm the whole day, which is a hard thing to find – again, the Bunny boots will do the job. The Belleville and Danner USAF boots will keep warm in really cold weather but for shorter periods of time. The models labeled for moderate cold weather will do a good job at keeping warm in city conditions or situations where you don’t stay out a whole lot.
  • Black winter boots for uniform or city duty/work
    Three highly-rated models of black winter boots are available. Wear a shiny polish at all times and take my advice to not cut corners and buy the cheapest polishing stuffs if you want to get a long life out of your boots.
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