Best Breathable Tactical Boots of 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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Whether you are a police officer, soldier, hunter, or hiker, wearing a reliable pair of shoes can make a world of difference.

That’s why you need to find the best breathable tactical boots you can get your hands (or feet) on.

This is especially true if you stand, walk, and do high-impact activities for hours on end.

That said, many brands and models are available on the market today. Choosing just one pair can be a stressful experience, especially if you don’t know what to look for.

To make your decision-making process easier, here’s a closer look at five of our favorite pairs.

Best Breathable Tactical Boots Reviews

1. Garmont T8 NFS 670

Garmont is an Italian footwear company that distributes a variety of specialty shoes all over the world.

While it has an impressive selection of hiking boots, running shoes, and climbing shoes, its main product line is tactical footwear.

The T8 NFS 670 is one of its mid-tier offerings for the military. It is designed to enhance speed and mobility during field activities that require AR670-1 compliance.

Review

The Garmont T8 NFS 670 is one of the most popular tactical boots on the market today.

It is a bit pricier than your run-of-the-mill footwear, but it has several features that justify its price tag.

• Breathable Construction

Are you looking for a comfortable pair of tactical boots that can stand up to rough terrain and harsh conditions?

Looking at its overall build, there is no doubt that the Garmont T8 NFS 670 fits the bill.

The durable upper construction ensures plenty of ventilation, minimizing sweating and preventing the problems that go with it.

What’s more, it is made from quick-drying materials, so it is an ideal footwear for any weather condition.

• Comfortable To Wear

Whether you are carrying out a tactical mission, on patrol, or hiking, you can expect to be standing or walking for long periods.

These things will take their toll on your feet over time, especially if you don’t wear a comfortable pair of shoes.

The good thing is that the T8 NFS 670 has you covered on this front.

It provides ample ankle support and improved flexibility, allowing you to move effectively in the field.

Plus, it only weighs 535 grams, making it one of the lighter models on the market you’ll find today.

• Durable Construction

The upper part of the T8 NFS 670 is made from suede leather, nylon, and nylon webbing. This combo makes for a soft and pliant material that can withstand prolonged use.

The footbed is polyurethane, offering the perfect blend of comfort, ergonomics, and microclimate.

Finally, the outsole features Garmont’s unique high-performance design with trapezoidal lugs. Their unique shape and reduced dimensions maximize traction and control.

2. Bates Men’s GX - 8

Bates has been making high-quality footwear since 1885, so it’s safe to say it knows exactly what it’s doing.

It has an extensive selection of boots, socks, bags, and other accessories for both men and women.

The Men’s GX-8 is one of Bates’ high-tier offerings.

If you are looking for breathable footwear that will keep your feet dry throughout the day, this pair is for you.

Review

The GX-8 is a premium pair with all the qualities people look for in reliable tactical boots.

• DRYGuard Membrane

One of the biggest draws of the GX-8 is that it is waterproof, thanks to Bates’ proprietary DRYGuard membrane.

What makes it one of a kind is that it keeps the water out while still letting air in.

On top of this, it has a moisture-wicking lining that enhances its ability to ward off moisture.

With this technology, your feet will remain dry and cool for longer under any condition. This is something you will not find easily in other brands, even the popular ones.

• Slip-Resistant

Aside from being waterproof, the GX-8 also features a slip-resistant rubber outsole.

It has very deep lugs that can maximize traction, allowing you to maintain your foothold even in rough and wet terrain.

At the same time, it is made from a lightweight material. It complements the flexible EVA midsole perfectly in enhancing mobility and speed.

• Composite Safety Toes

Another thing to love about these boots from Bates is that they have composite safety toes. It is non-metallic, so it is much lighter than steel-toed boots.

That said, it provides plenty of protection from impact and extreme temperatures.

In fact, it meets the strict ASTM F2413-15 standards, which means it can withstand 75 ft-lbs. of force and 2,500 pounds of pressure.

• Side Zippers

When you need to respond to emergencies, you can’t afford to waste much time putting on your tactical boots.

In these situations, you will find the GX-8’s side zip very helpful. This design lets you put on and remove your shoes more quickly than other pairs.

3. 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0

Established in 2003, 5.11 Inc. is one of the more recognizable names in the tactical and service clothing industry.

It has a wide range of footwear, backpacks, gun storage solutions, and other similar accessories.

The ATAC 2.0 is a mid-tier offering and one of the brand’s bestsellers. It is designed for those who want to strike a healthy balance between cost and performance.

Review

The ATAC 2.0 is not among the cheapest tactical boots on the market today, but it is not expensive either.

Yet, it has a number of features that would give you much value for your money.

• Breathable Tongue Construction

The 5.11 brand is known for its toughness and durability, and the ATAC 2.0 more than lives up to this reputation.

That said, it manages to provide a high level of comfort, thanks in large part to its new airflow tongue construction.

It helps keep your feet cool even if the situation you are in heats up.

• Comfort and Support

The ATAC 2.0 boasts a full-length dual durometer Ortholite footbed.

This feature helps regulate the temperature of your feet while keeping them dry and comfortable.

It also has the Achilles heel flex zone, which gives you a wider range of motion in a critical part of your foot.

At the same time, it provides ample support so that your feet are exposed to less pressure.

• Protection for Your Feet

These 5.11 boots have a number of design elements that help protect your feet from harsh conditions.

Its toes are made from full-grain suede, while the upper part is 840D nylon.

Another cool feature is the Shock Mitigation System, which provides rugged protection against repeated impacts.

• Easy To Wear

The ATAC 2.0 is fitted with a YKK zipper at the side, allowing you to put it on or take it off with ease.

What’s more, it is made using a Strobel machine, making it pliant and easy to handle.

4. Merrell Men’s Moab 2

Merrell is known worldwide for its hiking and outdoor gear, but it also has quite a selection of tactical boots.

The Moab 2 is one of its more popular offerings from this product line. It is designed to provide agility, durability, and comfort, all for a reasonable price.

Review

Merrell is a global brand recognized for its high-quality products, and the Moab 2 lives up to its reputation.

Here’s why these boots stand out from other pairs:

• M Select DRY Technology

The Moab 2 features an impenetrable membrane that seals the water out but lets moisture from within escape.

It also uses a waterproof PU-coated leather that helps keep your feet dry longer and under varying weather conditions.

A breathable mesh lining maximizes ventilation and keeps your feet cool.

• Easy Entry

At the inner side of these high-cut boots, you will find a durable zipper that allows easy entry.

Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about tying up your shoelaces during emergencies.

• Durable Construction

The Moab 2 is a tough pair of tactical boots that can stand up to much abuse. It uses high-quality, durable materials like waterproof leather and ripstop textile.

• Vibram TC5+

If you are looking for a pair of tactical boots that look and feel good, you should seriously consider the Moab 2.

It boasts the Vibram TC5+ outsole, which has a unique-looking pattern that delivers traction on any surface.

A nylon arch shank is also molded into the midfoot for optimum flexibility and support.

5. Under Armour Men’s Micro G Valsetz

When someone mentions Under Armour, the first thing that would probably enter your mind is sportswear, not service clothing.

In truth, the company has an entire line of military and tactical boots in its product portfolio.

The Micro G Valsetz is one of its flagship products.

It is designed for maximum comfort and performance, improving your performance on the field, trail, or wherever life takes you.

Review

Under Armour is known for its high-performing products, and the Micro G Valsetz does not disappoint on this front.

Here’s why we think it’s a pair of tactical boots worth investing in:

• Comfort That Is Hard to Match

The Micro G Valsetz comes with a textile upper that is breathable and durable at the same time.

As such, you can expect it to protect your ankles and keep your feet cool and dry.

The synthetic leather is equally tough but lightweight, which is a great combination to have on missions or during hikes.

Finally, the full-length Micro G foam midsole and molded footbeds provide a level of shock absorption and cushioning that is hard to match.

• Protective Features

The Micro G has a welded forefoot overlay that features a molded TPU toe cap.

These design elements combine to make a pair of reliable tactical boots that offer the best protection.

In addition, the rubber outsole offers high traction for maximum grip on a wide variety of surfaces.

• Easy On/Off

These Under Armour tactical boots have a medial zipper that allows quick access, which, as you can imagine, comes in handy during emergency situations.

Moreover, both the heel and the tongue have built-in pull loops that make the shoes much easier to put on or pull off.

Which Breathable Tactical Boots Is Best for You?

The Garmont T8 NFS 670 earns our nod as the best breathable tactical boots for this year.

All the other brands provide the same standard features like ventilation, comfort, and protection.

However, the T8 NFS 670 offers the best balance between cost and quality, giving you the most value for your money.

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