Military Boots for Hiking (Tips and Recommendations)

Got an old pair of military boots for hiking sitting in the closet, or just used to wearing them every day? It's fair to wonder whether they're up to the trail. The feedback from military veterans on hiking in combat boots is fairly consistent, and it's worth hearing before you lace up.

Is hiking in combat boots a good idea? While you can hike in combat boots, the large majority of military veterans do not recommend hiking in them. Combat boots are heavy, uncomfortable, and not optimized for hiking. Many hikers are now favoring lighter footwear like hiking shoes and trail runners.

Why combat boots aren't good for hiking

Going by what people who have worn combat boots a lot say, they look like a poor choice of footwear to hike in.

One veteran who has worn them for over 30 years put it bluntly: don't do that to your feet. Combat boots have improved, but they are not as good as what's on the civilian market. Another, after years in the military, doesn't recommend them either. They are heavy and not built for long distances, and boot camp alone produced plenty of injuries and strains from people wearing them. A third hiker reported seeing a few people in combat boots on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, and several of them were sending the boots home to try true hiking boots instead.

Combat boots are designed for combat, not hiking. Just a few weeks of military use will abuse your footwear more than years of hiking and backpacking. That is why they have to comply with specific regulations on construction and appearance. These boots are rugged, heavy, and while not always comfortable, they will get the job done.

Weight is the biggest downside people raise. One hiker went as far as to say hiking in combat boots was like wearing ankle weights. However, certain types of combat boots are lighter, and some boots weigh only 14oz (see the recommendations below).

Why weight and stiffness matter on the trail

It helps to understand why the weight complaint comes up so often. Every step on a hike means lifting your foot, and the weight sits at the far end of your leg, where it costs the most effort. A little extra weight on each foot adds up over thousands of strides, which is why it feels so different from carrying the same weight in your pack. Fatigue builds sooner, your stride shortens, and tired legs are more likely to catch a root or roll an ankle.

Stiffness is the other half. Military boots are built to be durable and protective, so the leather uppers and soles resist flexing. That suits marching and load carrying, but a stiff boot that doesn't match the way your foot rolls can rub at the heel and force your toes to work harder on climbs and descents. Breathability is the final piece. Heavy leather and thick lining trap heat and moisture, and damp skin blisters far more easily than dry skin.

If you're curious how purpose-built footwear differs, the Wikipedia pages on combat boots and hiking boots give a useful overview of how each style is designed.

Why combat boots might be okay

Not everyone had negative things to say about hiking in combat boots.

One hiker used to say no, then tried them out one summer and found them comfortable. They liked the ankle support, and having worn them for work all day with no problems, they concluded that much of it comes down to comfort and personal choice. Another veteran spent 20 years in combat boots as an infantry soldier. They marched in them, went on maneuvers, deployed in them, and went to combat in Army black leather boots and tan suede boots. Their verdict: if your boot fits, is comfortable, is broken in, and doesn't rub your feet or leave blisters, then you are good to go.

If you're comfortable wearing combat boots and prefer to hike in them, then rock on. In most cases though, traditional combat boots are going to be a bit overkill.

There's also the matter of brand. Some combat boot brands are compliant with uniform regulations and still feel much more comfortable than issued boots, so the pair you were handed isn't the only option.

And there are some genuinely good things about combat boots. For one, they are rugged, have stiffer soles and tougher exteriors, and are better suited for carrying heavy loads. If you prefer having extra protection, combat boots will hold up well. The higher ankle provides more support, keeps out rocks and debris, and keeps you dry when crossing small streams.

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So, should you wear combat boots?

For most instances, combat boots aren't going to be the best choice. There's lots of modern hiking footwear out there and many experienced hikers now prefer to hike in trail runners. I'd argue that unless you already own a broken-in pair, buying combat boots specifically for hiking rarely makes sense.

One thing to keep in mind is pack weight. Combat boots are typically heavier, which makes them well suited to carrying heavy loads. A stiffer sole spreads the pressure of a heavy pack more evenly under your foot, while a light shoe under a heavy pack can leave your feet sore by the end of the day. Here's a little reference guide to use:

Yet another factor is terrain. If you're hiking in lots of gravel or in the jungle, you'll probably want to wear a sturdier boot. Loose, sharp rock punishes thin soles, and dense, wet undergrowth rewards tough uppers and a higher ankle.

Season matters too. Heavy leather can keep out wet and cold to a degree, but it isn't a substitute for proper cold-weather footwear, so look at our guides to winter hiking boots and whether winter boots are waterproof before heading out in snow.

Pros and cons of wearing combat boots

Here is the trade-off in short form.

Pros

• More protection
• Better ankle support
• Keep out debris
• More durable

Cons

• Typically heavier
• Not as cushioned or comfortable
• Don't let your feet breathe
• Less appropriate for casual wear

Notice that the pros are mostly about protection and durability, while the cons are about comfort over distance. On a short walk the comfort issues barely register. On a long day with a pack, they're the things you'll feel first.

Tips for hiking in combat boots

If you do go hiking in combat boots, follow these tips to keep your feet happy:

• Make sure your boots are broken in. Lots of people get blisters with a new pair of boots. Wearing two pairs of socks will prevent friction that causes blisters.
• Experiment with Dr. Scholls. It might just give you the relief your feet need (find them at Amazon).
• Learn to take care of your feet by making sure they are clean and dry. Military OneSource has 9 ways to protect your feet during training.

A few extra habits help as well. Break boots in over progressively longer walks rather than saving the first real wear for a big hike. Stop at the first hint of a hot spot and deal with it before it becomes a blister. Check that the laces are snug across the instep but not tight enough to numb your toes, and swap in a dry pair of socks when your feet get damp. Boots that fit well at the heel and give your toes room to splay will always beat a famous name on a poor fit. The same logic applies to other non-hiking footwear, as we cover in our pieces on hiking in Doc Martens and hiking in jeans.

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Best military boots for hiking

The boots you were issued don't necessarily need to be the same boots you go hiking in. There are other combat boot brands that do have really good reviews. Here are a few options.

Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot

This Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot is not only one of the most popular military boots, but it's also authorized for wear with OCP uniforms for Army and USAF members.

The boot is fitted with hookless rigging-proof hardware to make sure your laces stay on and provide a snug fit for extra ankle and shin support. Along with being abrasion-resistant, the Garmont provides excellent fit and stability. The footbed cup has built-in retention technology to support you on uneven surfaces.

One service member raved that it was one of the best boots they had worn in 15+ years in the Army, while another claimed to have put one thousand miles of hiking on a single pair.

See the Amazon Price

Oakley SI Light Assault 2 Boot

If you're looking for something lightweight, the Oakley SI Light Assault 2 Boot is another great choice. And yes, this boot is AR 670-1 compliant as well.

Made from an EVA midsole and outsole, the boot adapts to your feet providing shock absorption. The lightweight synthetic upper provides protection and ventilated comfort.

Some claim they are the most comfortable boots they have ever worn, while others say the weight gives them an edge while running in uniform.

See the Amazon Price

Vasque Juxt

While the Vasque Juxt isn't a combat boot, it's still worth mentioning. How come? This was the boot that was worn by SEAL Team Six during the Bin Laden raid. And yes, it does get rave reviews for hiking.

These shoes fit like a running shoe but provide the support and functionality of a hiking shoe. You'll get both the comfort from the molded EVA and support from the TPU plate midsole for added stability. It also comes with a rubber toe bumper for extra protection.

One of the downsides to this shoe is that while it does dry fairly quickly, it will get slippery when wet. If you expect to hike in the rain or in wet conditions, this shoe probably isn't for you.

While this shoe is not waterproof, if you're looking for something light that you can move quickly in, the Vasque Juxt can be a good choice.

See the Amazon Price

Whichever way you lean, judge a boot by how it fits your foot and the trip in front of you, not by the badge on the tongue or the unit that wore it. Those same service members also admit that the best boot is the one that doesn't hurt.