Are Tactical Boots Good for Snow?

Since a frosty winter is approaching once again, I thought I would do some winter shopping. While hunting for the perfect winter boots, my mind was blown away by the profusion of varieties out there.

So I did some research to find out what are the best boots for winter and came across a gem, The Tactical Boots!!!!!. So if you were wondering if tactical boots are good for snow, I’d say that the answer is a definite YES!!!

Now we will see why tactical boots will be a perfect fit for your frosty winters or vacations. 

Are Tactical Boots Good for Snow

Why use tactical boots for snow? 

Tactical boots as the name suggests were designed for military purposes, to function under all sorts of adverse conditions.

From slippery slopes to the hottest deserts and thickest snow, tactical boots are designed to perform without fail in all possible environmental conditions. 

Since synthetic materials are cheaper and lighter but tend to get damaged faster, tactical boots are usually made of high quality leather.

Leather cuts like full-grain leather and split leather are used for making tactical boots as they are more durable, comfortable and are water-resistant and breathable

Another speciality of tactical boots is the presence of midsoles made up of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and Polyurethane (PU) which make the boots more comfortable to walk it.

The midsole provides support to the feet and has a cushioning effect that makes walking in them a lot more easier that shoes without midsoles. Hence your feet are sure to thank you for tactical boots while making those tough strides through the thick snow.  

The following features make tactical boots the perfect companion for your feet in the winters. 

1.) Water-resistance 

The high quality leather that is used to make tactical boots are naturally water-resistant. Along with that they are provided with an extra waterproof layer as well to make sure that no amount of moisture finds its way into the boots.

The waterproof layer ensures that the feet remains dry under all circumstances and also guarantees the longevity of the boots. 

Some fear that waterproofing might imply non-breathability, which can make the feet stuffy, but tactical boots are made of breathable materials that ensure great comfort for your feet. 

2.) Insulation 

Tactical boots have an insulating layer which makes sure that the feet remains warm even in sub-zero temperatures. 

3.) Slip-resistance 

The soles of tactical boots are designed in such a way as to provide maximum grip and prevent slippage. High quality rubber soles with an optimum number of tread patterns affirm that the boots will feet your feet firm on the snow. 

4.) Antimicrobial sock lining

Since winters can be quite drying for the skin, blisters and cracks on the feet are common during the time. Hence it is important to maintain a clean environment within the boots to prevent infections.

Tactical boots come with an antimicrobial sock lining that ensures that there is no bacteria build up inside the boots, thereby preventing infections.  

5.) Durability 

Tactical boots are made of high quality leather which is know for it’s durability. High grade leather can usually thrive for decades and the waterproof layers do reassure that the leather of the boots lasts for a long time.

The soles are made of high quality rubber, designed and made with precision and perfection to last for a long time despite the environmental challenges. 

6.) Comfortable midsoles

Walking through the snow is indeed an exhausting process and it is indeed important to have ample foot support and foot comfort to make your way through snow with ease. The midsoles is like a cushion that makes your feet feel comfortable and bolstered. 

7.) High and thick collar 

Tactical boots have a high and thick padded collar that wraps around your ankle and keeps it dry and warm. The high collar secures the feet even more by closing all possible entry gaps for moisture into the boots. 

Well the above pros do certify that tactical boots are a must have in winters. The fact that tactical boots are a bit pricier than other winter boots might seem like a red flag for some, but a good pair of tactical boots can last as long as a dozen normal winter shoes. Hence these armored boots are definitely not  overrated.  

See also: Are Tactical Boots Good for Walking?

What type of Tactical Boots are best for winters? 

Tactical boots are meant to keep your feet warm and dry and to ensure that you are able to walk with ease and comfort as well.

Of the different varieties of tactical boots available out there the two that are best fitted for winters are Standard Issue Boots and Winter Tactical Boots

Standard Issue Boots are waterproof, insulating enough to keep your feet warm in all conditions and even have a very soft and cushiony sole that ensures that your feet is comfortable even after a long walk in the snow. 

Winter Tactical Boots are very insulated, it can protect the feet from extreme cold like subzero temperatures. It also comes with a waterproof layer, commonly made of Gore-Tex and would also have solid toe caps to protect the feet from stones hidden under the snow. 

See also: Are Tactical Work Boots Good for Work?

How to choose the perfect Tactical Boots for winter? 

When shopping for the best pair of tactical boots this winter, make sure that you look for these essential qualities: 

What-to-look-for-in-Tactical-Shoes

1.) Waterproof layer- A winter Tactical Boot ought to keep your feet dry and hence it should have a thick waterproof layer 

2.) Soft and cushiony midsole- It is important to have extra support and comfort for the feet as walking in the snow can be a strenuous process. Midsoles keep you away from feet cramps and fatigue. 

3.) Solid toe caps- There can always be hidden rocks and boulders under the snow and it is important to keep your toes safe. So as to prevent injury it is best to look for tactical boots with toe caps. 

4.) Proper insulation- Make sure that the shoe keeps moisture and the cold out. It is extremely important to keep your feet warm while walking through snow, so look for boots with good insulation

5.) Lightweight- It is important to find tactical boots that are not too heavy as the weight of the boots can make walking in the snow more tiring and cumbersome. 

6.) Slip-resistance/ intricate outsole patterns- Look for rubber outsoles with small intricate tread patterns that will provide a better grip on the snow and icy roads. 

7.) Perfect fit- Always make sure that the pair of boots fit you perfectly. We human do usually have two feet of different sizes. It is best to choose a pair of boots that fits our larger foot perfectly. 

How to care for your Tactical Boots.

Brush your tactical boots to keep them dust and dirt free. Follow up with a damp cloth to remove any debris left behind after the brushing, to keep them looking fresh and new for a long time. 

Usage of boot conditioners and waterproofing spray can make sure that the waterproof layer in Tactical Boots remains intact, thereby making them more durable. 

When you are not wearing them let the boots breathe a bit. 

Do maintain personal hygiene by changing socks regularly. 

Top 5 Tactical Boots for snow 

1.) 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 8” Military Tactical Boot


2.) Bates Men’s 8” Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot


3.) Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot


4.) Polar Womens Waterproof Tactical Mountain Walking Snow Knee Boots


5.) Rield Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots


The Others in the Winter footwear section. 

The other common options you can go with, when shopping for winter footwear are: 

      • Mid-calf winter snow boots  
      • Waterproof insulated lace-up boots 
      • Wool insole boots 
      • Faux-fur lining, seam-sealed boots 
      • Shearling lined boots 
      • Gore-Tex boots

Well if you find tactical boots with the perfect set of qualities and wear them properly and maintain them carefully, your armored pair will last you for many winters and would keep your feet comfortable and warm, thereby guaranteeing a fun-filled winter for you. 

Stephen Luettgen
I have 12+ years of experience in construction, inspections, handy work, and currently working as a Construction Site Manager. In today’s day we spent a significant part of our time at workplace and a right work gear can have significant impact not only on your safety but also work quality.

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