How to Choose Tactical Boots

[@winnshwevertley9074]

My first deployment to Afghanistan I brought three pairs of civilian boots and it made a enormous difference on mission and I had flexibility to switch boot’s depending on the terrain. Boots are extremely important to any warfighter.

[@762x39..]

awesome think you for your service

[@MS_249]

Awesome! Which boot have that been?

[@lilfc14]

I wore the wrong colored socks once and got hazed for it (marine)

[@Dusther210]

Rocky S2V gore tex Oakley LSA Merrell Moab

[@MS_249]

​@@Dusther210Thank you very much for your reply. I was very happy about that. Have a wonderful week!

[@TheChkgrniv]

Kevin@ Spiritus Systems. As a former action guy. You gents just some up years of learning in just 17 min. It usually takes a few schools and/or deployments for operators to really dive deep into understanding their boots and other equipment. I don't know if Spiritus has a course, but you guys should consider it. Basic skills are always in need of improvement or refreshing. AN EXPERT IS A MASTER OF THE BASICS. Thank you very much.

[@miniapplesun]

This was immensely helpful, and I learned a lot. Nothing to sell, no brand names, just quality information. I really struggle to find good footwear, I also must accept that there is a boot for every job, not one to rule them all.

[@hajduk_lives]

I wish more boot companies offered a wider toe box option, like the barefoot style boots have. Even the EE width offered by some MFGs doesn’t accommodate me well.

[@Warstoriesadv]

The new lems boot is nice, use it for leo use and it’s held up decent so far

[@christopherperez8843]

I'm in the same boat. I have duck feet. Wide toe box and narrow heels.

[@christopherperez8843]

The shoes in the widest fit are the only ones that's fit me right out of the box of any brand. Thank goodness for Lems.

[@praharin]

Topo Athletic has been good to me. It can be tough to find subdued colors though.

[@Warstoriesadv]

@@praharin same problem with altra

[@dsbiddle]

I love these “mid-depth” videos Spiritus has put out on things like selecting tactical boots and cold weather layering. They explain without getting into minutiae

[@sights2]

Simple fix for laces slipping out from D-rings: put a stop knot at both ends of your laces.

[@OEFvet0311]

I do that with every pair I own.

[@149739]

Can confirm this was the thing i was surprised he didnt mention. it makes D-rings faster than any other option he mentiioned here

[@longiusaescius2537]

Good stuf

[@simonnizerontheroad]

I personally wear the Salomon XA FORCES MID GTX EN. I live in the Canadian Rockies and its winter 8months out of the year and in the mountains even in the middle of July nights gets cold at elevation. Its a Gortex lined boot and it has kept my feet dry and comfortably warm in situations my old pair of non-GTX leather boots would of thrown in the towel. They would be too hot for a desert environment but up here I absolutely love them for all year round, even in summer they breathe well enough that with a thin marathon type sock they will serve you well without overheating your feet. They do have a quicklace type laces but they are in kevlar and tuck away do you dont have any laces that can snag on stuff, I just dont see them as a weak point. I actually quite enjoy the way they tie you boots up perfectly every time and how you can adjust the tightness very easily on the go. All in all probably one of the best boot I have had and ive been hiking and living in the mountains for decades. Only thing I cant talk about is durability, I’ve only had them for 6months and they still look great after months of hard use, but will they last years and years ? Will have to report back for that one !

[@xJM1993]

How are they 5 months later?

[@simonnizerontheroad]

@@xJM1993still looking almost like new. I did a waterproofing treatment with Nikwax when they were new before first use. Since then I completely washed them and reapplied Nikwax at least 4-5 times because they were covered with mud. We had almost 2 feet of snow falling inside of 72hours about 3 weeks ago (feet were hot and dry even when standing in 12inches of fresh heavy wet snow for extended periods of time) (Nikwax was freshly done) and then we were hit with the chinooks (hot winds from the mountains that are known in this area for warm weather during winter) and everything been melting since so its been slush and mud for the past 2 weeks and even with my feet submerged in water, as long as it is for a short moment and it isn’t deeper than the top of the boot obviously, my feet were still dry. Only time my feet got cold even with a serious sock was during the week in January when we got -45°c for almost a week. After about 45mins-1hour outside My feet would get cold, but they aren’t advertised as polar exploration boots either. All in all, as of now I would 11/10 buy again. They are hotter than my previous leather boots, more comfortable, more waterproof, more breathable, better grip/traction, the only unknown still is if they will last half a decade or more, but even if they dont; its been almost a year and they are still looking great so I would say the positive feet experience is worth it even if the durability is not totally at the level of other options yet.

[@CAnderson603]

No matter what boot you have..stepping directly into the water is less than ideal and should be avoided whenever possible...dry feet save lives

[@Adjust-Fire-jy3dy]

Always pack extra socks!

[@Riname-K]

Those zero drop shoes are great for training and building the muscles and joints of our feet and legs and I recommend them. But definitely agree that they are not good for actual field usage, so more or less strictly for training and conditioning. It's helped me with knee paid and subconsciously being more mindful/careful of how I walk on uneven surfaces

[@shaneciccarelli-palmer2962]

This is the garand thumb becoming deadly style of video I need, very cool

[@BRAVESIG1]

These are extremely well produced and informational . Thank you 🙏

[@BobSwagger75]

I use a pair of Alt-berg patrol 1's for work, that are really good and give great support, though can become cold causing numbness in the toes if you re standing around on corden / stag in low temps around 5c and below, but provide tactile results overall while moving over multiple urban and open ground enviroments. I tried using some lightweight UnderArmour boots for summer use, but I find the soles do not hold up to the rest of the boot over the period of use and do not give required ankle support. The best outdoor boots I have bought for personal use is the Converse sude desert boot and is probibily the best boot I've ever bought, though not Gortex, it gives good water prevention and also drys well and gives great support and traction while moving though most types of terrain both summer and winter.

[@scottc3165]

This was outstanding. As an avid outdoor recreationer and worker I fully agree with everything said. I learned a few things here that are very valuable. I always make the extra investment in quality craftsmanship and materials. I especially agree on 1/2 size bigger and being able to wear thicker socks in snow and cold rather than automatically going to insulated boot.

[@scudonepercenter]

This is THE best footwear video I've ever found online. Awesome vid. Keep up the good work.

[@nickthabrick]

My favorite boots thus far is the mid-height Lowa. It has kept my feet completely dry and warm in ankle high snow for 12+ hrs and doesn’t bother me in desert climates. Plus it has great ankle stability without being too restrictive. I think it’s the best bang for the buck/jack of all trades. Obviously there are better boots for specific situations. But if I had to go with one boot I’m going Lowa.

[@debow44]

You really put your best foot forward with this video! Great info!

[@skizzarz]

more in-depth than expected, awesome.

[@Goldenwithaleash]

Nice. I have a lot of experience hiking in desert terrain and this is good advice. The super soft soles will mess up your feet over time on jagged rocky terrain. Only other advice is that everyone’s foot is different and what boots work well for some won’t for others so it’s best to try a few types on to see what works best for you personally.

[@jimmyzulu85]

A non waterproof durable boot is the best of both worlds. It's water resistant enough, if you treat it with a waterproofing spray, so that your feet don't get wet right away, and it doesn't have a membrane like Gore tex so your feet breathe a little bit better. Something like the Salomon forces quest 4d (the non Gore tex model), or the Aku Pilgrim ds.

[@Adjust-Fire-jy3dy]

The Army has learned these lessons through over 200 years of experience. Todays issue combat boot is a great boot, regardless of what Joe's and KZbinrs say. Squad Leaders back in the day told troops to change their socks when they had a tactical halt. The same holds true today. The body's 98.6 will dry out a wet boot (and uniform).

[@xsweetxvampirousx]

Great info without any shilling, yet also not hiding what guys are actually using in the field.

[@lefty_rios]

i used to live in Tehachapi CA and the PCT passes through the town. everyone had high top OBOZ like shoes when they would pass through well doing the traill.... OBOZ is the shoe company that has all sizes and styles. MOS DEF recommend them... but thats also my opinion cause i have super wide feet and most companys dont have that.. (x

[@davidgold5961]

Check out Limmer Boots, handmade in New Hampshire. They will mail you two paper templates and you can take seven measurements of each foot and have custom-made boots without having to go to New Hampshire. Intended as hiking boots, they make great tactical boots and are extremely rugged and break in well. They take seven measurements of each foot so they are a custom fit. They also have stock sizes which are for off the shelf style fitting.

[@OEFvet0311]

Not nearly enough channels discuss footwear- and they should. This is literally the foundation of movement.

[@combatboots101]

Spot on. All of these features are a series of compromises. Give and take. Excellent video! Well done!

[@stevenovetsky3274]

This channel is absolutely brilliant.

[@MS_249]

This is the best Boot Video I know. Also for the hiking application! Thank you!

[@theoutdoorguy8740]

I'm a really big fan of Merrell. I religiously wore a pair from 2009 until about September 2023. They finally gave out and I put them through hell. I'm now working through my next pair

[@ZebraActual]

Which ones?

[@Timedelayedfuse]

​@@ZebraActualChameleons are extremely comfortable

[@pieceofmindguns]

Just went down this rabbit hole. Many hours of digging… great vid that should save others some time 🤘🏼

[@SmithandWessonBlazer]

Great video, I will make a comment on the "PCT" comment that was made. I thru-hiked in 2019. I did an exhausting amount of off trail travel in the Sierra's due to near record snowpack. My X Ultra 3's were fantastic. Your average thru-hiker will tell you Altra Lonepeaks are the answer and they are just an all around terrible option that I won't get into right now. What works for me at 5'6 158 pounds may not provide the right amount of support as someone that's a larger frame body under load. You're gonna have to get out there and learn your body.

[@hurpaderpp]

thru hiking is gay so opinion disregarded

[@SmithandWessonBlazer]

@hurpaderpp 😂 Yeah living out of a backpack for 4 and a half months in the desert and mountains is so lame...

[@hurpaderpp]

@@SmithandWessonBlazer it is. its for privileged rich people.

[@SmithandWessonBlazer]

@hurpaderpp I worked 80-100 hours a week for 3 years climbing wind turbines in negative 40 degrees to 115 degrees Fahrenheit to save up enough money to pay my bills while I was gone. 🤷‍♂️

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I took 2 pairs of boots to bear camp. Next year I will take 3 pairs. My 2 regular pairs and a pair of rubbers for swampy areas. My tip is keep your boots off the cold ground or ice when out in the cold. A thermal break under feet really helps while hunting. How you walk makes a difference too. Running across sand in those planted forest crates impacts. Which people can feel from a distance. 500 yards away you can feel the deer run. I have been working on roofs and had the glue fail in boots. I hate the hooks on boots they catch and snag stuff and come undone if you stretch the laces. I like a heel on my boots. I think the heel helps with impacts and posture.

[@CULatte]

Found my old issued but never worn cold weather Altama Titans. Just in time for some winter hiking. Gotta recondition the leather then they should be all ready to go

[@richardfroste4548]

In Texas you need leather boots due to rattlesnakes. The style of the old black infantry boot that needed to be shined in the old days

[@OntarioBearHunter]

Nice to see Salewas on there, they don't fit the " tactical" vibe, but are great med priced brand.

[@huntersmark917]

The most important thing about boots is when you do find a pair that you like, buy another pair or two.

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

True, because I hate when they discontinue a boot model I like.

[@danielmarshall4587]

Many thanks for your time and effort making this video, and the insight.

[@theoriginaldavid6969]

I've worn un insulated leather goretex boots with a sock system and wool insole down to -30c. Pro tip size up your leather boots so you can fit a thin sock and a regular sock in the boot if you wanna use it for cold weather. The thin sock will carry the moisture away from your foot keeping you warm

[@Collin_Underdahl]

Another banger from Spiritus Systems and crew.

[@puma51921]

Waterproof boots are great if you go back to the base in a day or 2. If it's heavy rain or your foot is submerged and your out for a week plus. Your boots will never dry out because of the waterproof liner. I destroyed my feet because of water proof boots i could not change out. I now only wear them when i know i can swap them out in a day.

[@williamhsteele]

I always go half size up just for the fact your feet will swell some too over the duration of your trek.

[@BryceSmith-er9ic]

Whites, Nicks, and Danners are good boots for my local area like in PNW or Eastern Oregon, also the good boot leather oil is Obenauf's leather oil. The other good boot soul for boots are Vibram.

[@limasierraone7107]

I have the Solomon Forces XA forces without the Gortex and they are awesome. They have discontinued the Ranger Green color way. If you want them to bring back the ranger green I suggest you call Salomon and let them know you still want ranger green.

[@ryanguldbrandsen7672]

I love these for everyday use. Not so much for going off road though. Treads not deep enough and they don't have a foot break.

[@limasierraone7107]

@@ryanguldbrandsen7672 I completely agree. I use them for work. They are perfect for duty use and just overall good daily wear.

[@bourbonwarrior1618]

Thank you for doing these types of videos. I know you guys are mostly tactical oriented but clothing and footwear applies to everyone that goes outside.

[@LeonardMichaelis]

For the AKU boots, which have D rings in the upper eyelets you can make a knot at the end of each lace and that way they won’t fall through the D rings. 👍

[@nighthawk9264]

I love my Lowa Zephyr ❤️

[@brandonbowman5915]

Really good advice. Having worn the boots I was issued every day and doing lots of road marches in them for over a decade I will tell you that military boots are trash. Spend your money on something that wont wreck your feet

[@slik560]

Great information. Timely as well. I’m boot shopping now. 👍🇺🇸

[@Tdaz250]

Love my lowa boots…my favorite so far

[@210corona]

The blurred foot 😂

[@asakelly4585]

Recommendation- wide 10.5 urban/wetlands of Eastern Virginia 50 miles north of north carolina

[@mrfrosty3]

Aku Pilgrim boots are excellent, highly breathable, very supportive and tough with easily replaceable soles. I don't like waterproof lined boots, they're ok for short excursions when you can dry them out overnight.

[@qboxer]

The Pilgrim DS are unlined. They work fantastic in any warm conditions.

[@COBBDIESEL]

Great video! Thank you

[@2K9s]

Kenetrek 420 ni are the best all around boot, and I’ve worn just about everything in 20+ years.

[@VigAdventures]

brother. appreciate the info...that mustache is killer too 🤣

[@richardhenning7785]

I love the bates light weight mid eo4040. It's been discontinued. It's a light weight, waterproof and comfort. Cross between combat, hiking. HELP

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Danner Mountail Light GTX? Classics... what do you think?

[@TDOC.99]

Perfectly said my man! I absolutely agree with all that..

[@Metalblowing]

and the guys in the video are wearinggggg: LOWA. Some of the best boots in the world. I didn't own a lot of boots but I had the chance to compare Merell, Salewa, Salomon and Lowa. Lowa won every time. I love Salewa, it's a beast of a boot that will last you for year, however Lowa is way more comfortable. Salomon is great but I managed to destroy all of them in 1, maybe 2 seasons. Merells were fine but I would never choose them as my boot number 1.

[@groomlake51]

🦾😎I have spent my life in Tahoe wearing boots and didn’t know any of this stuff😂 great content 🦾😎🔥

[@unfi6798]

Cheers from Australia.

[@thecolorcomputer]

3:34 I'm sorry, but I have to poke fun here 😂 I think that's definitely the most glaring downside of not having a waterproof boot

[@awsomedude9111]

Really informative. Kinda ant a search or filtering to find a result with the options described. I came to fire service boots but at the same time thought there wasn’t any do everything option.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Another great discussion!

[@amadeodelgado4511]

It’s good to see the return of doctor robotnic

[@2an_sound]

anyone else fall alseep to spiritus systems videos over and over

[@ryanguldbrandsen7672]

I feel you missed alot of the basics on here. Like a foot brake in the tread. Shanked mid sole when lugging gear. Things of that nature. The han wag tatra II and alaska are some great boots, the vibram tread pattern on them, is some of the best ive ever found on any boot.

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

We may do some follow on videos. I was mostly concerned with laying a foundation. There are a lot of rabbit holes to go down.

[@ryanguldbrandsen7672]

@@kevinmcdowell3446 Yeah, a follow-up would be some good stuff. I know that on KZbin. If you post a video too long, alot of people won't watch it. So you have to ride that fine line of laying down stuff, without getting too complicated. Boots can definitely be complicated unfortunately. 😅 I dropped in because I was bored at night. I appreciate the reply back. 🙏

[@0bserver416]

Great content! Just was in search of new pair of boots...

[@InfernoPhilM]

I find the loop eyelets get caught on things or can be smashed closed.

[@TnTriton225]

For colder weather and a lightly insulated boot, moving and being static. Upsizing for a thicker sock, would you suggest .5 size or 1 size wider or both?

[@VictorMartinez-vw3gj]

Wow, really cool video. Thank you.

[@Fjellfinn]

Oi instructor, I got a new callsign for you: Golf Two. (Good Guide).

[@LVCH0o]

The Best of the best its Keenshoes

[@Artorias001]

I've had problems with Keens because they can't handle a ton of abuse. Merrell heels up slightly better but I can shred a pair pretty quick doing stuff. However I think hiking boots are significantly more comfortable than military boots just having to swap them out sucks.

[@pawez7307]

What kind of boots would you need to have as an operator? I mean - what type and for what job? For example: 1 pair light with gore tex, another heavy, but stabile for long rucking etc.? How would you pick them?

[@willyho2555]

KEVIN IS A G!

[@Bravo_2-z6u]

I was an infantryman on a combat tour to Afghanistan and wore goretex Vasque hiking boots. Many of my comrades insisted that issued boots were just as good. Many of them quickly bought Merrill’s or others. As the hiking sole is just all around superior in climbing mountains and daily comfort. We wear issued/ compliant boots because we have no other choice depending on the commander’s authorization. Stop picking issued boots bc you want to look “tactical” with your grunt style shirt and they are “just as good” as hiking boots. Trust me they aren’t 😂

[@jerseystotler3615]

SUBSCRIBED SW Missouri here🎉🎉

[@matchestheclown]

I wonder if getting good boot for dry(ish) terrain and waterproof socks is a good workaround for most conditions.

[@VskatemanV]

You would still be locking your sweat inside your sock and potentially causing trench foot.

[@davids11131113]

In Afghanistan I wore Danner Pronghorn boots, and occasionally my Lowas.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Any comments on the Lowa Tibet GTX? They seem to be goretex & leather with full rand, non-insulated, PU midsole, 5mm fiberglass full shank, very fancy lacing system. I also have the Garmont T8 Bifidas which I now realize are basically a modern jungle boot, breathable & drainable with enough leather protection. Looking to complement them with something stiffer for rough(er) terrain.

[@freakstyle1st]

is tactical boots goods for hiking with heavy load?

[@CaveLife652]

What about my rattlesnake skin gold toed shit kickers with spurs? I think they are a good all purpose option.

[@saltaddict685]

Thank you

[@MM-kv8ly]

I put boots at the top of my priority list. You are always on your feet, and if your feet go down everything else follows.

[@TheDabernet]

IMO this preso is from a garrison limited duration mission profile. WPB boots are OK in the instance of sub 72 duration; however they are awful for extended wear 72+ since they won't dry with movement. Lacing wasn't addressed - to the toe lacing like a rock climbing shoe provides for more stable edging when in technical terrain as the forefoot doesn't slip laterally off small edges. Insulation is a sponge and doesn't dissipate moisture, in addition to absorbing transpired moisture from working feet. Uninsulated boots and waterproof vbl socks with wool socks are adequate in temperate zones and when static. Interesting gouge if somewhat flawed.

[@habichuelasolutions6849]

So no vans. Is there going to be a follow up on socks?

[@TheSubieFan]

approach shoes! or boots the ability to move over rock is unmatched lasportiva does a really good shoe or boot

[@thomas_jay]

Sound advice

[@Goonsparabellum]

For humid tropical jungle any suggestions?

[@bcben-bk9gm]

Could we get the names of the boots?

[@saltaddict685]

Great stuff

[@lylejohnson2360]

Sounds like all gear is dependent on mission AO.

[@kevinmcdowell3446]

Definitely the point I was trying to across.

[@KingAmish]

Rosé anvil here on KZbin is a great place to learn about boots fyi

[@MCLEO983]

This is gold

[@MourningConstitution]

Thanks!

[@rodger5583]

Any brand suggestions?

[@swolecole9958]

Love my Garmont Bifida's

[@reallyhappenings5597]

I have a pair. I guess they'd be categorized as wster-resistant, non insulated, mixed leather & synthetic, non drained but breathable, 8" height with eyelets & hooks, not sure about midsole and outsole. Good for general use in mixed climates. Certainly stiff enough in the sole, less so in the upper.

[@ericwitt4586]

What do you think about the Rocky S2V model of boot I have several pairs of different models 105s and such with and without goretex I love em they to me wear like a pair of sports shoe

[@Dusther210]

9:20 I watched the bottom of an Oakley SI boot come unglued OTW in AFG during a summer daytime patrol Just saying boots coming unglued is a real thing lol Even expensive boots

[@Bond.JamesBond00]

Man said scorched earth like we wouldn’t notice

[@ChrisBangz23]

Should’ve linked to the boots