Are Tactical Boots Good for Snow?

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Tactical boots are military boots, so that means they are some of the toughest shoes on the market.

Yet, while they are made to withstand all sorts of terrains, one may still wonder how they fare in snowy conditions.

Are tactical boots good for snow?

Like many before you, you might be curious to know whether tactical boots are a good footwear of choice for navigating winter terrain. For that, we’ve got your back.

Are Tactical Boots Good for Snow?

So, let’s cut to the chase, shall we? The answer is a massive yes!

The versatility, durability, and life-saving properties of tactical boots also translate to cold, snowy conditions.

Tactical winter boots possess all the essential features for navigating snowy hills and planes.

They are designed to keep melting snow from seeping through to your feet, have great insulation, excellent traction for winter roads, and are super-comfortable to wear.

Does all this have you itching to get a pair? Not so fast; before anything else, you will want to make sure you put the following things into consideration.

Tactical Boots and Snowy Terrain: The Essential Facts

We’ve established that a pair of tactical boots is a wise choice for practical winter footwear. Here are reasons why that’s the case:

Made for the Military

From paratroopers to the special defense force, tactical boots are a staple footwear in the military. And befittingly so!

These boots were specially designed for operations that take place in extreme conditions.

Snowy, freezing-cold temperatures are among these conditions. That’s why tactical boots are a go-to pair for anyone looking to navigate snowy terrain.

That said, you don’t have to be someone in the military to find these boots useful.

Even civilians looking to battle through the everyday inconveniences of snowy terrain will benefit from these boots.

Unique Design

Tactical boots are specialized boots made of distinct materials that set them apart from other boot types, particularly in terms of versatility and durability.

These shoes also have life-saving properties.

However, do not expect all tactical boots to be good for the snow. Some types are better for navigating snowy conditions than others, so it’s important to find out what they are.

There are all-terrain boots, winter tactical boots, and the boot types that fall in between.

Somewhere in the middle, you will find pairs specifically for purposes that do not address—at least, to an adequate extent—winter conditions.

Tactical Snow Boot Features

To steer you in the right direction and away from boots that do not suit your purpose, you want to pay attention to the following:

Material

Tactical boots that are great for winter conditions are typically made of full-grain leather.

Less-expensive alternatives come in the form of synthetic and leather tactical boots. Why these materials, in particular?

That’s because they are associated with an essential feature, especially when it concerns snow—waterproofing.

Stepping on snow can cause some of it to melt and potentially seep into the material of your boots to your feet.

These materials greatly reduce the risk of that happening. Plus, they envelop your feet inside a cocoon of warmth and comfort. 

Insulation

These boots are specifically made for cold weather, so they have to be well-insulated.

Winter tactical boots are equipped with insulating layers for keeping your feet warm and dry even in below-zero temperatures.

This isn’t typically featured in all-terrain boots and even some tactical snow boots.

Midsoles

Tactical snow boots usually have polyurethane or EVA midsoles to provide that added comfort while plowing through all that thick and heavy snow.

Antimicrobial Properties

Aside from offering protection from what goes on outside, a pair of tactical winter boots should safeguard the wearer from what could take place inside.

We all know winter is a dry season that can contribute to the formation of skin cracks, particularly in our heels.

To address these skin issues, tactical snow boots are designed with an antimicrobial lining that keeps bacteria away from cracks, peels, and blisters.

Collars

Ankles need protection from the cold, too. As such, many tactical boots are designed with high collars to prevent exposing them to sub-zero temperatures.

Outsoles

You must not overlook this part of your tactical boots if you plan on using them for winter.

Pick tactical boots that possess rubber outsoles with a tread pattern specifically for providing traction on slippery surfaces.

Durability

Tactical boots designed for cold weather use should have the ability to withstand some of the harshest winter conditions.

Therefore, durability should be one of your top considerations for these types of boots. 

Make sure your boots are made of specialized materials that provide excellent waterproofing, comfort, and functionality for years.

Some of the best pairs can last users several decades.

Toe protection

A not-so-fun part of navigating snowy slopes is how it prevents large and hard objects from appearing on your radar. That is unless it’s too late, of course.

Tactical snow boots address this potential problem with a composite toe.

Fit

This is an important consideration no matter what type of footwear you are looking for, but it’s even more essential when choosing shoes for extreme weather.

More often than not, you should be after custom-fit tactical winter boots that hug your feet snugly and securely. 

Quick-Dry Technology

Tactical boots keep melted snow from seeping through and making a mess of things inside the boots, but did you know it’s also equipped with this essential feature?

A good pair of tactical snow boots must have quick-dry technology to reinforce waterproofing and ensure things are kept warm, dry, and cozy.

Not All Tactical Boots Are Good for Snowy Conditions

Not all types of tactical boots showcase the above features. Thus, it follows that not all tactical boots are great for snow.

You may have boots that feature some of the traits of quality tactical snow boots, but that might not be good enough.

You will want your pair to have all of the features above.

Which Tactical Boots Should You NOT Wear in Snow

Jumper and tanker boots, for example, cannot tick off all the essential traits because they are designed for other purposes.

Jungle boots are built with quick-dry technology that makes them excellent for navigating swamps or marshes.

However, it may fall short in other areas essential for complete foot protection in the winter.

As their name suggests, tanker boots are designed specifically for tank operations.

They are lace-free boots, making them great for plowing through thickly vegetated areas in the snow.

That said, some models are not as insulated as winter-specific tactical boots, reducing their practicality for extremely cold conditions.

Jump boots are awesome, too, but they are mostly ideal for paratrooping.

If you navigate steep, snowy slopes or heavily snowed planes more than you jump off an aircraft, opt for actual tactical snow boots instead of a pair of jump boots.

Besides, jump boots aren’t as comfortable to walk in, despite what you may see in the news.

Tactical Boots That Are Good for Winter Use

Now that you know what features to look for, it’s time to discuss which pairs qualify as good tactical snow boots.

There should be two that easily fit into this category: all-terrain or all-purpose tactical boots and winter tactical boots. 

Standard-Issue or All-Purpose Boots

As far as tactical boots go, these are the most common.

Many models have excellent waterproofing and slip-resistant properties to afford you protection from melted snow and keep your feet dry.

Most are also designed with soft midsoles and leather or synthetic exteriors for comfort and warmth in cold weather.

Winter Tactical Boots

This one is quite obvious. They perform better than any tactical boot type, standard-issue boots included, in all areas concerning winter navigation.

It’s impossible for them not to, especially with the name they have been given.

The best of these kinds of boots provides superior insulation and waterproofing.

What’s more, they are designed with soft midsoles for comfort and wider-than-usual outer soles for better stability on snow-covered surfaces.

And That’s a Wrap!

Are tactical boots good for snow? Yes, some are, but not all of them.

For optimal utility and safety in wintertime, consider getting either a pair of standard-issue or winter tactical boots.

In particular, winter tactical boots are equipped with all the essential features for handling cold, snowy conditions best.

Get a pair if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities during winter; otherwise, standard-issue, all-purpose boots should be fine.

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