What You Need To Know Before Buying Tactical Boots or Footwear
A full tactical outfit is vital for safe and risk-free operation for our military and law enforcement loved-ones, especially those who engage in combat. While a bulletproof vest and various tactical gears are necessary, tactical footwear must also be chosen properly. There are lots of boot options available in the market. They differ in materials, features, and, of course, pricing. While some offers may entice you to buy a certain item on sale, keep in mind that there are lots of factors to consider before making the purchase.
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What is Tactical Footwear/ Boot?
Tactical footwear, commonly boots, are made for operations done by the military, law enforcement units, security personnel, and safety officers. These durable shoes withstand heavy circumstances without compromising the user’s agility, performance, and comfort. They increase protection from hazardous factors, including dangerous terrain, sand, mud, and other hazards.
What are the Basic Parts of Tactical Footwear/ Boots?
The kind of tactical footwear/ boots that you need depends on your specific work or tasks every day. But, all have basic anatomy that sets them apart from common footwear.
- TONGUE: A tongue provides additional support to the user. It protects the ankle and shin to improve comfort from the bootlace.
- COLLAR: The collar, often reinforced, is at the topmost back part of the boot. Most kinds of boots have a built-in pull loop to help the user wear the boots faster and easier.
- EYELETS: Eyelets keep the laces in place through a cross-like pattern.
- UPPER: An upper is the boot cover from the back of the heel, top, and sides of the foot, up to the toes. It usually has a breathable material that helps increase the comfort of the user.
- TOE CAP: A toe cap prevents injury to your toes. Its material is either hard steel or plastic.
- INSOLE: An insole is the boot part that becomes the support at the bottom of your feet. It is the arch that you feel while wearing your boots.
- LUGS: Lugs are deep depression or mark on the boots’ rubber outsole. It provides more stability and increases traction for the user.
- OUTSOLE: The outsole is the bottom-most part of the tactical boots. It is made of rubber, which is vital for flexibility, traction, and stability.
4 Most Common Types of Tactical Footwear
Choosing tactical footwear or boots depends on where you are going to use them. Here are the four most common tactical footwear types that can help you differentiate each type when you need to shop for one.
Standard Issue Combat Boots
Standard issue combat boots are the most popular type of tactical boots. They are commonly given to infantry soldiers and peacekeepers, like the police and security personnel. These boots are slip-resistant and waterproof, you can check out some footwear from Altai Footwear. They have durable materials that make an investment-worthy item for those who go into combat. Standard issue boots have mid-range insulation type materials to keep the feet warm during cold days, yet still comfortable on hot days.
A pair of standard-issue boots undergo thorough quality control as the users, such as the military, have certain specifications or criteria for their troops.
Jump Boots
Jump boots were initially made for the US Army Paratrooper Squadrons who went into battle during World War II. Because jump boots were both stylish and functional, jump boots rose to fame even for those who are not going into any combat.
Technically, the design of jump boots is to keep its user’s knees, feet, and ankles safe on parachute landings. Jump boots have reinforced heel and ankle protection, like a gel padding or a spring system, to keep the joints stable during the impact.
Tanker Boots
Tanker boots, also known as the no-lace boots, are designed to avoid the interference of laces when the user is inside a tank. It is your best choice if you need to operate heavy machinery or if you are hiking in bushy vegetation where the laces might get caught up.
Tanker boots are heat-resistant, which is a must for those who handle big machines, especially the ones that require fire or have hot metal surfaces. Aside from combat soldiers, it is also a popular footwear choice among the welders and metal workers. The soles are also slip-resistant, which protects the user from slip over oil spills or wet metal surfaces.
Extreme Weather Boots
Desert Boots
Have you tried walking in hot, sandy desert dunes with ordinary footwear? If yes, then you know how important desert boots are. Desert boots are sand-resistant and have vents to permit trapped sand to fall off your shoe.
Desert boots often have suede leather, which is durable. With this material, you can easily brush off the sand without the fear of scratching your boots.
Jungle Boots
Jungle boots are made of canvas that easily dry-up. They have special soles with eyelets that permit water to drip out of your boots. Its design is for the user to be able to use them in swampy areas without hesitation and the confidence that the footwear will be dry in an hour.
Winter Boots
Winter tactical boots are for those who need to work in freezing climates. They have high-grade insulation to keep the user’s feet warm in sub-zero temperatures and avoid frostbites. Winter boots are waterproof to keep snow from entering the footwear.
Features of Tactical Footwear/ Boots
Tactical footwear or boots are essential for those who engage in high-action activities or go through extreme climates and rough environments.
All tactical footwear or boots should be durable enough to withstand any extreme condition.
Ready to Perform
Whatever your mission is, good tactical footwear will help you move easily without compromising your comfort. For example, if you are in law enforcement or military, you should have tactical boots that you can easily wear, provide added stability, and will let you move fast. It is also essential to have waterproof boots to eliminate any risk while doing missions where water might be involved, like for firefighters and EMTs.
Nevertheless, who can ever resist having tactical boots to boost your fashion statement? Yes, they are specifically designed for combat and high-risk missions. But, because of its stylish stance and durability, some tactical boots are also best for recreation and everyday use.
The Importance of Choosing the Best Tactical Footwear
You now understand the importance of having tactical footwear or boots. Picking the right one might determine the success of your mission. Remember that there are different kinds of tactical boots. They have different features, and each is appropriate for specific activities, environments, or just for your preference. If you want to learn more about your tactical footwear options, the Bulletproof Zone will be able to help you determine the best pair to fit your requirements.