Military boots are one of the most important bits of kit in a soldier’s wardrobe.
The type of boot you buy may depend on the type of work you are doing, be it for tactical, combat or training use.
It’s important that whatever boot you buy, they should be comfortable, durable and breathable. Our feet carry us everywhere, so it’s very important to look after them with the best boots you can afford.
- What are the benefits of military boots
Military specific boots have some features not found in civilian boots. They are made to be more durable and hard wearing whilst being lightweight for extended periods of wear, with increased ankle support and comfort making them a practical choice for not just tactical or combat wear but also for hiking, tabbing and lifting heavy loads.
- What are the different types of military boots
There are two main types of boots used by the military: combat boots and tactical boots. Combat boots are made to last longer and are more durable against heavy duty wear and tear, whereas tactical boots are thinner, lighter, and more flexible so they are easier to wear for activities that involve a lot of movement, such as in training sessions.
The UK Armed Forces are issued 5 types of combat boots:
- Desert Combat – worn by dismounted troops conducting medium to high levels of activity in desert type environments with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
- Desert Patrol – worn by drivers/armoured troops conducting lower levels of activity in desert type environments exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
- Temperate Combat – worn by dismounted troops for medium to high levels of activity in temperate (European) climates.
- Patrol – worn by mounted troops (drivers/armoured troops) taking part in lower levels of activity in temperate (European) climates.
- Cold Wet Weather – worn by dismounted troops for medium to high levels of activity in temperatures down to –20 degrees Celsius.
Whilst boots are issued to personnel, many choose to buy their own boots to get a better quality boot or one better designed for their anatomy/activities.
Tactical boots are ideal for those in the armed forces who are not going to be engaging in hand to hand combat or dealing with explosives, hiking rough terrain for hours or sifting through debris.
Unlike tactical boots, combat boots are designed to be worn in the roughest terrain, under the heavy stress and in all climates and elements. They are harder and sturdier to last longer while being worn continually and they are more protective of injury from exterior factors such as hand to hand combat and debris. They protect the ankles from being injured while running or climbing and they are waterproof, unlike many tactical boots.
- Bring in each of Jay Jay’s boots, and other suppliers if you wish (their usage, benefits, limitations price etc.)
JayJays® stocks a complete range of tactical, combat and tabbing boots. Here are some of our most recommended products:
Salomon Quest 4D Unisex Forces Boot.
When your operation takes you into the most rugged terrain, the QUEST 4D GORE-TEX FORCES 2 EN gives you the support and grip of a mountain boot, but still has the flexibility to take a knee or sprint to position in tough conditions.
Features:
- Precise Fit – Developed through experience in trail running, Sensifit wraps around the entire midcourt area to ensure a snug, comfortable fit for every foot shape.
- Stability – Salomon’s 4D Advanced Chassis guides the foot even on the roughest terrain, reducing fatigue for all-trek comfort.
- Secure Grip – Salomon’s non-marking Contagrip® soles have a reverse chevron pattern that grips on wet, loose, hard or dry surfaces.
- All Terrain Contagrip® – Our All Terrain Contagrip® is built for the widest variety of surfaces. It delivers durability & confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces.
- 4D Advanced Chassis™ – This stable chassis construction harnesses two different midsole components for enhanced foot control and active comfort.
- GORE-TEX – GORE-TEX keeps your feet dry -from the outside as well as from the inside.
- Anti-debris Mesh – Tight mesh that prevents debris from being trapped between your foot and the footbed.
- Non-reflective materials – Built to be discrete and non-reflective for Tactical use.
- Water Repellent – A special treatment is applied to provide extra protection, ensuring that the fabric does not absorb water during light rain and showers.
- Gusseted tongue – The tongue is connected to the upper on both sides, preventing debris from entering the shoe, and keeping the tongue centred.
- Medial protective pad – A durable, cushioned pad across the medial side of the instep for protection and increased wear.
- Molded OrthoLite® sockliner – Moulded to match the contours of your foot, this OrthoLite® insole provides superior cushioning, breathability and durability, to upgrade the comfort and performance of your shoe.
Based on Altberg’s most popular general duties boot the Warrior Microlite which has been worn all over the world from Sierra Leone to the hills around Kosovo and from the plains of Northern Europe to New Zealand and Canada. The Warrior Para was developed on feedback from UK and Dutch Marines as well as UK Para regiments who required a boot without hooks, to reduce the chance of ‘snagging’ on ropes and high lines. The Warrior Para lacing system uses closed loops for the entire boot.
We continue to make the Warrior Microlite, to the same specification, it has remained unchanged for almost 30 years, and is now a classic, lightweight, breathable combat high liability boot.
The main features are breathability, good ‘drying out’, shock absorption of the sole and excellent ankle support and comfort.
Features:
- Upper: 2.4mm full grain Anfibio water repellent leather.
- Lining: Cambrelle® ultra breathable, non-waterproof membrane.
- Midsole: Tri-Flex® 2-3 season, a combination of medium flex and torsional resistance, suitable for tabbing as well as rough terrain, excellent support of ankle and heel.
- Sole: Vibram® Masai and Micro mid-layer with a full rubber abrasion resistant rand.
- Weight: 727g (size 9)
- Height: 22.2cms (size 9 including heel)
- Footbed: Trek Airgrid Black
Hybrid jungle style running/tabbing boot. Fast draining, quick drying, lightweight & shock absorbing.
The combination of the Jungle boot upper with the Tabbing boot sole makes the Jungle Microlite suitable for a wider range of operational uses. The Jungle boot drain eyelets are retained to make the boot faster draining and drying. Under the foot the new mesh covered Airgrid footbed further enhances the boot draining and drying. The upper is Anfibio water repellent leather with Cordura® fabric panels in the leg and tongue, this is a tried and tested combination used by Altberg for over 20 years. The forefoot and tongue lining is a spacer mesh which has zero moisture retention. The leg is unlined and the heel is lined with Cambrelle® for all day comfort.
The boot has a good shock absorption Micro layer in the sole and the flex control and torsional resistance are excellent.
Features:
- Width: Medium fitting.
- Sizes: 4-14 UK (inc ½ sizes)
- Upper: 2.4mm full grain Anfibio® leather with minimal moisture retention. Fabric is 1000 denier breathable military grade Cordura®
- Lining: Forefoot and tongue – half lined, spacer mesh with zerio moisture retention. Heel is Cambrelle®
- Midsole : Tri-Flex® 3-4 season, mountain midsole graded to each individual size, strong flex and torsional resistance for improved ankle and foot support on harsh rough terrain
- Sole: Vibram® Masai rubber sole and lightweight, shock absorbing mid-layer, ideal for tabbing and running
- Weight: 623gms (size 9)
- Height: 22.6cms (size 9 including heel)
- Features: Two drain holes under the instep
- Footbed: Trek Airgrid Black
Footwear for multi terrain activity, perfect for light hunting activity. Super lightweight, breathable and dynamic support in the shoe upper and sole, the former bearing ribs that are pre-treated in PU, which eliminates stitching. The sole tread has been developed with exclusive AKU Elica Natural Stride System technology to optimise its biodynamic efficiency. The treads are Vibram® Selvatica Megagrip with an optimised surface in contact with the ground for better all-around traction. OrthoLite® anti-microbe and breathable insoles, with optimum shock absorption.
Features:
- UPPER: AIR8000® + WELDED PU FILM
- UPPER PROTECTION: RUBBER
- LINING DESCRIPTION: GORE-TEX® EXTENDED COMFORT
- OUTSOLE: VIBRAM® SELVATICA MEGAGRIP
- MIDSOLE: INJECTED EVA
- LASTING BOARD (STIFFNESS): 2.0 MM POLYPROPILENE + EVA MICROPOROSA (FLEXIBILE)
- FOOTBED: CUSTOM FIT SOFT
- MENS WEIGHT (GR. ½ PAIR): 460
Originally designed for the U.S. Navy Seals and Green Berets Special Forces, revisited with complete rubber protection for the toe, used by Special Forces the NS 564 SPIDER II is a multi-purpose highly breathable boot with outstanding support, stability and impact absorption. Also recommended for the special forces unit of the Police. The specially designed Vibram® mix offers optimum grip even on wet surfaces and in situations where extreme adherence and total control are required. Perfect when carrying heavy loads or undertaking more arduous duties.
Features:
- UPPER: SUEDE WATERPROOF 1.8 MM / AIR8000®
- UPPER PROTECTION: BYCAST RAND
- LINING DESCRIPTION: SANIFIT
- OUTSOLE: VIBRAM® SPIDER
- MIDSOLE: DIE CUT EVA
- LASTING BOARD (STIFNESS): 4-2 MM NYLON + EVA (SOFT)
- FOOTBED: CUSTOM FIT IMS ● WEIGHT (GR. ½ PAIR): 480
The Pilgrim HL GTX Combat is a true multi-purpose highly breathable boot with outstanding support, stability and impact absorption. Thanks to these features, Pilgrim performs well in stability for demanding and dynamic conditions.
Features:
- UPPER: FULL GRAIN LEATHER WATERPROOF 2.2 MM / AIR8000®
- UPPER PROTECTION: BYCAST
- LINING DESCRIPTION: GORE-TEX® PERFORMANCE COMFORT
- OUTSOLE: VIBRAM® FOURÀ – ANTI-STATIC NITRILE MIX COMPOUND HEAT & POL RESISTANT
- MIDSOLE: EVA MICROPOROSA
- LASTING BOARD (STIFFNESS): 6-4 MM NYLON + DIE CUT EVA (MEDIUM)
- FOOTBED: CF IMS
- WEIGHT: (GR. ½ PAIR): 650
Jay Jay’s was founded in 1993 by our team of former Police and Military personnel. We’ve been manufacturing load bearing equipment and supplying clothing for the military for thirty years. Our innovative, built for life products and industry leading customer service have earned us an outstanding reputation that we’re incredibly proud of. Why not try for yourself?
