Going on the perfect venture is a dream come true for most people. Hiking on summer or winter terrains demands the perfect pair of hiking boots. Hiking boots are becoming popular for everyday use as well.
Many people are seen pairing boots with sassy clothes and making statements. There have been many trends where people wear Sorel boots or military boots for the hikes and pair them for normal mundane walks around the city.
One of the frequently asked questions from most hikers is: “Can you wear tactical boots for hiking?”. Tactical boots are military boots, also called police boots. Tactical boots are durable and used by the military.
They are designed to endure the rough roads and conquer hazardous cliffs. You can also use military boots for outdoor activities. Many hikers are using tactical boots as hiking boots because they are durable and safer than hiking boots.
Although there are plenty of options to choose from when buying hiking boots for running the trails, the added benefits of tactical boots are that you can wear them for dirt biking and mountain climbing. Military boots are durable, comfortable, water-resistant, and heavy-duty, used on rough terrains.
When it comes to deciding which boots to carry while hiking or trekking, you only have two options, traction boots or hiking boots; still, if you’re confused and want to know the difference between tactical boots and hiking boots, the pros, and cons, which one of them is best for hiking, and if you can wear tactical boots while hiking, we’ll cover it all for you in our guide.
Can you wear tactical boots for hiking?
Absolutely Yes!. Tactical boots are the best option if you’re a serious hiker and want to run for the longer trails without worrying about the boots getting worn out or getting blisters on your feet.
How are the Tactical Boots Made
Tactical boots are usually made from leather, be it synthetic or faux. Leather boots are heavy-duty and bulkier. But there are tactical boots made from lighter synthetic materials because these materials are cheaper and easier to manufacture.
Another important feature of tactical boots is the midsole. It acts as a shock absorber. The supportive midsoles are made from two materials, EVA and PU, which are shock absorbent and have anti-stress properties that keep your feet strain-free while hiking long or rough trails. PU is responsible for making the boots durable, while the EVA makes for keeping them water-resistant and shock absorbent.
Different Types of Tactical Boots
Since armed forces have to serve in harsh seasons, whether it be summer or winter, the government makes sure that the tactical boots are durable, lightweight, and perform operations with no worries.
There are two types of tactical boots that are used all over the world:
- Lightweight Tactical Boots for Summer: Lightweight and breathable fabric enhance air circulation during the summer season or on desert hikes. The material used is leather and Nylon with drainage points on the sides.
- Heavy-Weight Tactical Boots for Winter: Winter tactical boots are insulated, as some say, up to 200g to prevent the feet from freezing. Ideal for the winter hikes or snowy season. Made from Nylon body and are stiff.
Some people prefer using tactical snow boots because they have higher ankles and provide protection from the snow. Also, they keep the feet dry if you accidentally step into the clutter or get soaked in the rain while coming back home and on the snowy hikes. Another main feature of winter boots is anti-slippery, so you won’t trip off the snow while cleaning your garage.
While the summer tactical boots are lighter because of their use in the summer season. The material used is leather mixed with breathable fabrics to provide extreme comfort and keep the feet dry or moisture away. Summer boots are more flexible than the winter ones but if you decide to wear them during the winter season, put on the furry socks to keep the feet warm.
How are Tactical Boots similar to the Hiking Boots
If you’re considering the boots for hiking, certain things are a rule of thumb and should not be ignored. You should see if the boots are flexible, durable, comfortable, and convenient. We have gathered similarities and differences to evaluate whether you can use tactical boots as hiking boots.
Hiking boots have all the characteristics or features that make them perfect for hiking. Still, if you somehow don’t want to wear them or think that the tactical boots might be the best option for a rough trail that you’re going to hit soon, you must know that the criteria we have created are a must-read for you.
Tactical Boots
- Design: Since the military forces use tactical boots, they are not very attractive. They are designed to provide full support and protection to the feet. Tactical boots have longer uppers than hiking boots and are rougher in appearance.
- Safety: These boots are designed for the military and law enforcement agencies. Hence they are made to provide full safety to the user. The key features which outstand tactical boots are Ankle-support, anti-slip, High-grip, better balance, strain resistance, and harsh temperature resistance.
- Durability: Military operations require running on the longer trails and carrying extra luggage, so the tactical boots must be strong enough to bear all that weight and hustle. Designed with high-quality leather and synthetic materials like EVA and PU, the boots provide extra durability and are anti-wear even if worn in harsh terrains.
- Comfort: tactical or military boots are designed with lightweight and breathable materials to withstand harsh weather and terrains. The boots are perfectly comfortable for hiking with excellent cushioning in the insole, moisture-absorbance, full ankle support, and breathable, flexible materials used for air circulation.
- Flexibility: As used for rough purposes, tactical boots are extremely flexible insole and outsoles. If you wear them for the hiking trail, they will prevent your feet from sudden shocks by accident or tripping.
- Convenient: Tactical boots have side zippers and speed lacing functions, so they are convenient to put on or off whenever needed.
Hiking Boots
- Design: Hiking boots are made in various designs that serve purposes for different trails. Trail hiking boots are used for hiking on dry terrains; they are less rugged. Trail hiking boots are for muddy trails, while Mountain climbing boots are especially for the hilly trails. Some are also sleek designs that you can use for walks in the city or grocery shopping.
- Safety: Since long hiking trails have many unpredictable difficulties such as harsh weather, muddy or rough trail road, and slippery or rocky terrains, hiking boots are designed to protect you from all. They provide extreme ankle support, anti-slip, 100% water resistance, and shock absorbance.
- Durability: The leather and other synthetic materials are grouped in such as way as to make the hiking boots durable for the hikes. The boots have rubber soles that make for extreme durability during harsh weather conditions or rough terrains.
- Flexibility: Hiking boots are made extremely flexible to support the ankle and foot. The boots are versatile and can absorb sudden shocks and strain in the trails if you carry extra weight.
- Comfort: Tactical boots are known and loved for their safety, while hiking boots are known for their utmost comfort. The cushions insoles, water-resistant properties, absorbing both moisture and shocks, providing support while running the hikes, all these features make the hiking boots an excellent choice for hikes.
- Convenient: Like tactical boots, hiking boots also have a speed lacing function and breathable design, making it easier to wear them on and off easily.
Hiking Boots vs Tactical Boots: Which one is Best?
Suppose you’re one of the hiking fanatics who go for the harder hikes for weeks in the wilderness. In that case, you should go for the tactical boots as they are extremely durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, temperatures, and environments. Tactical boots provide more safety than hiking boots because they have a longer ankle support system that protects the ankles and feet.
While hiking boots are a perfect choice for a seasonal hiker who hikes for only a few hours or takes hikes on the famous and well-developed routes, while tactical boots are considered lightweight, they are still heavier than hiking boots. If you’re looking for lighter boots, we rate-hiking boots as the winner in this category.
Hiking boots also take the lead as being the most comfortable boots; tactical boots sometimes appear to be stiffer and cause foot pain. Also, hiking boots are more flexible. Many people claim that the tactical boots don’t have enough insoles cushions to support you when hiking.
Final Thoughts
It isn’t easy to decide between tactical and hiking boots. But, if you’re deciding to wear tactical boots for your next hike, you’re on the right path. Tactical boots can withstand wars and whatnot. Tactical boots will provide you with the utmost safety, comfort, and durability.
They have excellent grip, just like the hiking boots, and provide greater balance and support. So, hands down, the tactical boots are the best option for you if you’re someone who loves dirt biking and mountain climbing or hiking on dangerous terrains.