How to choose tactical footwear?
Tactical boots are advanced footwear designed for uniformed services, e.g. police officers, municipal police officers or border guards. This type of footwear is also popular among soldiers who have decided to give up the use of much heavier boots, as well as civilians who appreciate military and tactical equipment, such as ASG players or survivalists. In this article we will try to explain what features tactical boots have, how they are made, and we will suggest which tactical boots to choose.
What are tactical boots?
ZTo begin with, we would like to explain what tactical boots are. Under this term are comfortable, durable and relatively lightweight footwear for services. Different models of tactical boots can differ in the height and design of the upper, the type of sole, the materials used and, as a result, the purpose. Therefore, in order to choose the right model for yourself, you should first determine in what conditions the boots will be worn.
What material of tactical boots should you choose? The answer depends on your expectations. Tactical boots are very often made of leather. In the MILITARY.EU offer you will find both fully leather models and variants with plastic elements. Thanks to the hybrid construction, these boots are lighter than fully leather models and breathe better. Synthetic inserts are responsible for ventilation.
Which tactical boots to choose?
What kind of tactical boots? What height will be best? The most common tactical footwear are models equipped with a high upper, which stabilizes and protects the ankle joint from sprains or abrasions. The ankle-length upper additionally prevents mud, water or snow from entering the boot. However, if you do not like high footwear, it is worth knowing that you are not doomed to such a choice. MILITARY.EU also offers low and medium tactical boots.
Low, medium or high?
In what situations will low shoes be better than high boots? The advantage of low shoes is, first of all, better air circulation inside the upper. In this type of footwear, the foot heats up more slowly and sweats less. Low models are therefore a good choice for those looking for summer tactical shoes. Low boots are also lighter than high boots, so walking in them tires the feet less.
A compromise between high and low footwear is offered by mid (medium) models. Mid versions are also good tactical summer boots. They cover the ankle, providing additional stability while protecting it from injury. Medium boots do not protect as effectively as high boots, but they are an alternative for those who want to reduce the weight of their footwear.
With or without a membrane?
Do tactical boots have to be waterproof? Most people choose these types of models because they are versatile. We can use them regardless of the weather. The best waterproofness is provided by boots equipped with a membrane. The design of the membrane prevents water from entering the boot and at the same time wicks away the moisture produced by the foot during activity.
Boots made entirely of leather may offer limited water resistance despite the lack of a membrane. The condition is good waterproofing with wax.
Comfortable and cushioning midsole
Answering the question of what tactical boots are, it is necessary to mention a few words about the sole. It consists of a midsole and an outsole with a tread. The task of the midsole is to provide the foot with adequate cushioning. It should be flexible, because people who use tactical boots, such as police officers, must be able to run freely. If the boots were too stiff, such running would be greatly hindered and could end up with a foot injury.
At the same time, the midsole must not be too soft, as it must protect the foot from uneven ground such as stones. Good tactical boots provide the user with the right compromise. They sufficiently protect the foot and allow comfortable walking, running or even jumping.
Adhesive tread
Grip to the ground is determined by the tread and the type of material used to make it. The deeper the tread, the better grip it provides on wet, muddy terrain. Boots designed for asphalt have much lower splines than off-road boots.
The type of material used (generally either rubber or polyurethane) is also important. Boots for walking on paved surfaces are usually made of a soft rubber compound, so they provide good grip on asphalt or stones. However, it should be mentioned that the softer the compound, the faster it will wear out.
Which tactical boots for the police?
What kind of tactical boots do police have? Police officers often spend many hours on their feet. The footwear they have must therefore not only be reliable, but also comfortable. Sore and bruised feet can make it much more difficult to perform duties. It is also important to have a resilient sole so that the officer can quickly go from walking to running. The tread should have non-slip properties.
What material to choose boots for the police? Worthy of consideration are certainly models with synthetic inserts, because they provide good ventilation inside the boot. The better the air circulation, the less likely the foot will overheat during the day, which could lead to skin burns.
Boot sizing
In Poland, the most common boot size is European. However, it is important to know that a boot in European 44 of manufacturer X, is not necessarily the same size as size 44 of manufacturer Y. For this reason, when buying boots online, we should measure our foot beforehand and check the size chart next to the product description. If you don't know what length your foot is, you can easily check it with just a piece of A4 paper, a pen and a tape measure. To measure the length of your foot, do the following:
- place an A4 paper on the floor and push it against the wall,
- place your foot on the paper and press your heel against the wall,
- outline the shape of your foot,
- take a tape measure and measure the length from the beginning of the paper to the most extended toe.
Size selection
Most tables will tell you what EU size corresponds to a given insole length. The margin used by most people is the length of the foot + a few millimeters for all year round boots or summer boots. If you are looking for classic winter tactical boots, we suggest a margin of 0.5 cm, due to the need to wear a thicker sock.
For example, if your foot is 28 cm long, a good size for all-season boots should be a model with an insole length of 28.5 cm. On the other hand, winter tactical boots should have a length of 29 cm. Then compare the resulting length in centimeters with the boot size listed in the table next to the product to get an idea of what EU size corresponds to your foot.
Which tactical boots - summary
Manufacturers use different types of lasts, resulting in different shapes, heights or widths of footwear. Therefore, the physical fitting of boots is an important issue. It is important that you do not have to go to the store for this purpose. You can try on boots at your home. Every customer of MILITARY.EU store has the right to return the goods within 30 days from the date of purchase. If you don't get the size right, you can send the boots back without any questions on our part, and we will refund your money. Returned footwear must not bear traces of use.
Have you already chosen the boots for yourself? If so, be sure to check out our offer on socks and shoe accessories. Our sales include, among others, impregnates for leather and plastic boots. We also recommend tactical clothing and equipment such as gloves, flashlights and multitools.