Signup for our monthly newsletter and get your FREE "Tactical Gear" Guide

Best Composite Toe Tactical Boots of 2022: Complete Reviews with Comparisons

Pair of brown tactical boots

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

For some professions, steel toe tactical work boots may not be the best and safest solution for amazing comfort, absolute protection, and excellent functionality.

Steel conducts electricity and ticks off the buzzers in metal detectors, making it impractical for electricians and airport personnel.

In addition, since steel is an excellent thermal conductor, traditional steel-infused footwear is unsuitable for those working in hot and cold job sites.

With the best composite toe tactical boots, not only do you get a lighter pair of shoes, but you also avoid such work hazards.

Comparison Chart

Brown tactical boot

Reebok Work Men’s Rapid Response RB8894 Safety Boot

Black tactical boot

Under Armour Men’s Stellar Protect Military and Tactical Boot

Black tactical boot

Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Composite Toe

Black tactical boot

Rothco Side Zip-Composite Forced Entry Tact Boot

Black tactical boot

Rocky Men’s Alpha Force 6 Inch Steel Toe Work Boot

Best Composite Toe Tactical Boots Reviews

1. Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Response Tactical Boots

Brown tactical boot

Reebok is a brand that has been around the globe since its inception in 1895, and it is even older than its current parent company, Adidas.

It specializes in fitness, running, and CrossFit sportswear, including clothing and footwear.

Since the brand is so diverse, it now has the Reebok Work sub-brand, which focuses on work shoes and boots.

Reebok integrates athletic performance technologies into its work footwear so that each pair can provide a significant level of safety and maximum comfort.

One of its most notable composite toe black duty boots belongs to the Rapid Response lineup.

The Rapid Response lineup includes two composite toe variants, each available in three colors: black, desert tan, and coyote.

This variant is eight inches in height, has a side zipper for easy wearing, and comes in sizes between 4.5 and 15 inches.

Review

With a pair of Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Response military boots, you get phenomenal fit, comfort, and protection.

The black variants are outstanding boots for law enforcement and correctional officers, while the coyote and desert boots function great as military boots.

The US military has pre-approved the desert boots, particularly with Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms.

This pair of Reeboks is the only pair available in desert tan and coyote brown variants among the options here.

  • Field-Proven Tactical Boot

The Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Response RB provides advanced durability and comfort technology for modern-day tactical responders.

Police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and military professionals enjoy using these shoes for extended workdays.

Still, it is an excellent pair of boots for construction site personnel, especially those looking to avoid metallic components in all their gear.

The XTR brand composite toe construction can guard your feet against compressive loads up to 2,500 pounds and impact forces up to 75 pounds.

  • Resilient for Rugged and Urban Applications

With a combination of leather and ballistic nylon uppers, the Reebok Work Duty Men’s boots are resilient for any outdoor terrain.

The breathable lining ensures ventilation and protects your feet in cool and hot weather conditions.

The boots also have a dual-density, rugged and non-slip rubber outsole with traction tread patterns that grip any groundcover.

  • All-Day Cushioning and Comfort

Every pair of Reebok Work Duty Men’s boots has flexible Tailex linings that move with your feet during every step.

This feature helps prevent blisters and foot injuries and creates air pockets within each boot to give your feet room to breathe.

Additionally, the Reebok equips these boots with Foot Force F2A Athletic Footbeds, Shock Eliminator heel cushions, and EVA cushioned midsoles.

Pros:

  • Excellent foot protection
  • Time-tested and field-proven boots
  • Breathable and moisture-wicking lining keep feet dry
  • Removable insert for easy cleaning and drying
  • Extra-wide composite toes
  • Convenient YKK side zip boot
  • With electric hazard protection

Cons:

  • Most expensive among the options
  • Takes some time to break-in
  • Not enough insulation for cold weather

2. Under Armour Men’s Stellar Protect Tactical Boots

Black tactical boot

Under Armour is an American sports equipment company that only began in 1996.

Today, it is a multinational conglomerate with numerous offices around the globe, and it has established a firm foothold in the global marketplace.

Like Reebok, Under Armour designs and manufactures all sorts of apparel, including athletic type of boots and tactical shoes.

While the Reebok Rapid Response Tactical Boots are a mouthful, the Under Armour Men’s Stellar Protect has a more simplified feature set.

It is also eight inches in height, but it only comes in sizes between eight and 14 inches.

Similar to the Rapid Response from Reebok, the Stellar Protect is a set of ASTM-approved composite toe boots.

Review

Under Armour took its popular Stellar Tactical Boots and integrated protective composite toes for a higher level of safety on the job.

Compared to the basic Stellar boots, the Stellar Protects have rounder and more rigid toes well-equipped to guard against impacts and compressive forces.

What’s more, it does so at a much lower price than Reebok’s Rapid Response Boots.

However, a disadvantage of the Stellar Protect is its black-only boot style, making it preferable for construction site workers and public service personnel.

If you need military-approved boots, this may not be the perfect pair of shoes for you.

Furthermore, it is not a zip boot like Rapid Response.

  • Water-Resistant and Lightweight Boot Construction

These boots have durable leather and denier nylon panels for their uppers, fortified with Under Armour’s Storm technology to repel water without sacrificing ventilation.

In addition, while the molded EVA cushioned midsole and reinforced TPU shank protect and support, they remain lightweight for maximum comfort.

  • Traction on Wet Surfaces

The traction tread patterns on the outsole are low-profile rubber lugs capable of keeping a firm grip on any slippery terrain.

Pros:

  • Adequate toe protection
  • Padded collar for comfort
  • Breathable construction
  • Great value for its price
  • Exceptionally lightweight boots
  • Perfect for those with wide feet
  • More affordable than the Reebok Rapid Response

Cons:

  • Composite toes can be too big and uncomfortable for some
  • Break-in period can be very long
  • No side zippers for easy wearing and removing

3. Bates Men’s Ultra-Lite Tactical Sport and Work Boots

Black tactical boot

If you are looking for a boot manufacturer that specializes solely in tactical footwear, you might want to check out some of Bates’ boots.

It manufactures a wide variety of military boots and boots for law enforcement professionals.

This company has been producing tactical shoes for SWAT teams and the Special Forces for decades.

Nevertheless, you will also find that a pair of Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites are perfect for use in construction sites and as casual shoes.

Like the Rapid Response, Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites is eight inches tall with a rugged and non-slip rubber outsole.

Its advantage over the Rapid Response boots is its zip boot functionality.

Review

The Ultra-Lites is one of Bates Men’s most popular styles that feature a non-metallic composite toe for improved safety and a higher level of protection.

It uses durable, lightweight leather and performance nylon uppers with a breathable lining to keep your feet dry at all times.

It also carries removable inserts and cushioned midsoles for added underfoot comfort, flexibility, and performance.

  • Hazard Protection

Aside from the non-metallic composite toes, the Ultra-Lites feature hazard protection against open electrical circuits.

Bates assures that this pair of boots is excellent for electricians and those working in power generation plants.

  • Slip Resistant Outsole

The Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites has passed the SATRA WTM 144 test for slip resistance.

It features traction tread patterns on the durable outsoles to prevent you from slipping on a rugged, slippery, and uneven terrain.

Among the shoes here, this lightweight boot is the only one that features this rating.

Pros:

  • Incredibly comfortable boots
  • Excellent non-slip outsole
  • Aggressive tread patterns
  • Exceptional quality leather
  • Cushioned removable insoles
  • Padded collar for extra comfort
  • With electrical hazard protection

Cons:

  • Stiff zippers can be difficult to operate
  • Outsole attachment needs more reinforcement

4. Rothco Forced Entry Side-Zip Tactical Boots

Black tactical boot

If you are looking for a reliable source of tactical gear, such as outdoor backpacks, Rothco is one brand you wouldn’t want to miss.

Rothco has been supplying tactical, military, outdoor, and survival goods globally since 1953, and its products have served various private and public institutions.

You will find their products carried by dealers around the globe, supplying a vast array of markets.

These markets include tactical, public safety, survival, preparedness, outdoor and camping, government, work and duty uniform, military simulations, and hobbies.

Of course, tactical boots are just a minor segment in its plethora of merchandise.

One of its popular footwear products is the Rothco 5063 Forced Entry Side-Zip Tactical Boot pair.

Like the shoes above, the Forced Entry is also a pair of eight-inch tall composite toe tactical boots.

It comes in shoe sizes between four and 15 inches.

Review

Price-wise, the Forced Entry costs almost the same as the Stellar Protect and the Ultra-Lites, which means it is cheaper than the Rapid Response.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable boot, the 5063 Forced Entry is an excellent option.

However, unlike the alternatives, Forced Entry is more transparent with its materials.

It uses full-grain leather for the vamps, action leather for the boot uppers, and pigskin leather for the padded collars.

The Forced Entry is also completely non-metallic and non-conductive.

It uses ASTM-rated composite safety toes and moisture-wicking breathable linings for dryness and an improved level of comfort.

Finally, the boot treads on the bottom of the slip-resistant outsoles ensure a tight grip on whatever surface you might tread.

  • Ratings That Exceed Standards

The composite safety toes incorporated into these boots surpass the ratings recommended by the ASTM-F2413-05 Standard for added safety.

Unlike other composite toe boots, the Forced Entry can withstand higher compressive forces and impacts to prevent feet injuries.

  • Speed Lace Eyelets

Another advantage of the Forced Entry over its competitors is its hook-type lace eyelets.

This feature allows you to assemble your shoelaces quickly, as it doesn’t require the whole length of each lace to traverse the eyelets.

Pros:

  • Excellent quality black leather
  • Completely non-metallic and non-conductive
  • One of the more affordable options
  • Easy-to-lace eyelets
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Looks great as casual shoes

Cons:

  • Only available in black
  • Better with a pair of removable insoles for comfort improvement

5. Rocky Alpha Force Waterproof Duty Boots

Black tactical boot

Rocky Shoes and Boots, Inc. is like Bates, only older and with a clothing expansion line.

This company began in 1932 as WM. Brooks Shoe Co., a small family-owned business that set up shop in a rent-free building with lent equipment.

Fast forward to today, Rocky specializes in outdoor, hunting, military, public service, western, and work footwear.

The company also sells clothes for all outdoor activities.

While lots of its products are excellent casual or regular shoes, it manufactures outstanding public service boots in the form of the Alpha Force.

This version of the Alpha Force is a pair of six-inch field boots, available only in black and sizes between seven and 14 inches.

The good thing about this pair is that it is available in wider widths for different feet sizes.

Review

With public service boots such as the Alpha Force, your feet stay safe and protected in any line of duty.

It is an excellent pair of boots for police officers, emergency response personnel, and firefighters.

Nevertheless, with its ASTM F2413 protective toes, it is also a great option for laborers working in construction sites, plants, and factories.

In addition, Rocky adds its AirPort cushion footbeds as insoles to make the boots more comfortable.

  • Guaranteed Rocky Waterproof Construction

Rocky only uses full-grain lightweight leather and nylon with enhanced water resistance to build every pair of Alpha Force boots.

Its construction keeps each boot dry, no matter the terrain or weather condition.

  • RigiTrac Molded EVA Outsole

Unlike other rubber soles, the slip- and oil-resistant rubber sole on the Alpha Force are non-marking and traction-maintaining.

The slip-resistant rubber outsole may thin over time, but it doesn’t leave rubber stains on the floor.

Pros:

  • The only six-inch option on the list
  • Available in wide and narrow sizes
  • Uses 1000 denier nylon panels
  • Non-staining outsoles
  • Weather-resistant construction

Cons:

  • Some eight-inch options offer better value
  • Heavier than alternatives

Which Are the Best Composite Toe Tactical Boots?

The disadvantages of steel toe work boots make them the least favorable all-purpose boots.

As such, the best composite toe tactical boots are taking over the market by storm, especially for those working on construction sites.

For maximum comfort and the best accompanying level of safety, we recommend the Reebok Work Duty Men’s Rapid Response Boots.

It may cost more than any of the alternatives, but it is one of the bestselling boots you can find.

It also provides an extra level of comfort that most traditional steel toe boots do not have.