Are Combat Boots Good For Hiking? A Field-Tested Answer

Combat boots are durable, tough boots, which are mainly used in the military. People in the military walk with them for miles, with heavy equipment. But are military boots good for hiking?

Hiking boots are suitable for hiking, especially on long and difficult treks with heavy equipment. They aren’t ideal for short hikes on comfortable trails because they’re heavy and not particularly breathable.

Read on to learn more about hiking in tactical boots, their pros and cons, and more.

Should you wear combat boots for hiking?

While many people in the military use combat boots every day, this might not fit every scenario. Many people like their combat boots and swear by them, but others don’t like them at all.

Generally, combat boots are only recommended for rough hikes with heavy gear, where ankle support and protection are especially important. On easier trails with light equipment, the benefits of the shoes aren’t significant, and their weight becomes a major downside.

We recently tested a pair of combat boots on a day trip, so see how comfortable they are. These we have already broken in and used quite a bit before. The trip took a few hours to complete, and we had some thoughts after, which we’ll elaborate on here.

I did use combat boots for a while before and didn’t like them, mainly because they didn’t feel comfortable to me. But there are some advantages to these boots we should consider, together with their downsides.

Advantages of combat boots for hiking

Ankle supporting

Combat boots usually have tall uppers, which hold and protect your ankles quite well. These still areas are quite important for preventing injuries, especially if you have a lot of weight on you and need support.

Many hikers choose to go on the trail with low-cut shoes, sacrificing ankle support for comfort, but many choose tall boots when they hike with a heavy backpack.

Protection

The main material on combat boots is usually some type of leather, making them very stiff. The soles themselves are also typically really stiff and hard to bend. With time, the material does soften a bit, but whether used or recently out of the box, combat boots provide good protection for your feet.

The hard material is good for protecting your feet from stones and other things you might be stepping on and around.

Waterproof

Most combat boots are made of waterproof materials, either partially or completely. This means that water will usually not be able to go into the shoe.

Wearing combat boots, you’ll be able to comfortably walk in shallow water or mud without getting your socks wet. The material actually keeps most elements outside, so sand and dirt will remain outside as well.

Disadvantages of combat boots for hiking

Heavy

The main issue with combat boots is that they’re very heavy, compared with the alternatives. Most combat boots weigh 2 – 3 lbs, and typically higher, compared with 1 – 2 lbs of most trail running shoes.

Heavy shoes tire you out quicker and make hiking harder and less enjoyable. The added weight is more significant than adding weight to your back because it makes walking harder.

Not breathable

The leather combat boots are mostly made of are typically not very breathable, making the boots less enjoyable to hike in. Non-breathable shoes don’t allow sweat and moisture build-up to evaporate to the outside. These can cause blisters and generally don’t feel good.

Need to be broken in

Made of tough leather, combat boots have to be broken in. I wouldn’t go on a hike with brand-new combat boots – it’s a recipe for disaster. The leather can sometimes rub your skin and cause some injuries and blisters. These shoes take time to break in, so if you’re planning to hike with them, make sure to walk quite a bit with them before you do.

Combat boots vs hiking boots

While they do have some differences, combat boots, and hiking boots are quite similar.

The main differences between combat boots and hiking boots are the material and build. Typically combat boots are made of overall tougher material, providing more protection. They’re usually higher than standard hiking boots, providing more support.

Hiking boots are made specifically for hiking, so they’re much more comfortable for hiking compared with combat boots. They don’t need to be broken in, and they’re typically a bit lighter than combat boots.

Hiking boots are specifically designed for hiking, but you can still hike with combat boots. I’d recommend going out to hike with combat boots only if you go on a very rough hike where you need to protect your feet, especially if you’re carrying a lot of weight, and you don’t mind the additional weight.

Tips for hiking in combat boots

If you do decide to go out hiking with combat boots, here are a few helpful tips that might make it more enjoyable:

• Make sure the boots are already broken in. You really want to avoid going out on a hike with new combat shoes – most people get a lot of blisters with these.
• Wear thick socks. These prevent friction with the shoes and make hiking with them more enjoyable.
• Switch out with sandals during the hike. If you’re hiking on a trail with a lot of water, you can switch out with sandals in areas where you’re in the water, and back to combat boots for areas where you need protection.

Conclusions

Combat boots are perfectly fine to hike with, especially on tough hikes with heavy gear. They provide a lot of support and protection and are typically waterproof. They lack breathability, are generally heavy, and need to be broken in.

I’ve seen people hike in combat boots and enjoy them, while others really hate them and go for alternatives. While I wouldn’t get combat boots specifically to go out hiking, if you do have a broken-in pair, you should try to go hiking with them to see how they feel.