Tactical shoes are extremely useful and can even serve as daily wear boots, especially if you have a tough job like being in the military or part of the police force. They keep your feet safe by protecting them from anything that may accidentally fall on them. So, investing in a decent pair of tactical shoes can help you avoid injuries and long medical bills.
What Exactly Are Tactical Shoes?
Tactical shoes are essentially meant to provide stability to the wearer. They are suitable for any type of terrain, whether flat, smooth, or sloping and rocky, and you can comfortably run or walk in them as required.
Apart from being used for specialized jobs such as military use, they can also be used for walking or hiking.
Tactical shoes offer support to your feet and ankles, protecting them from strain and injuries even if you are in an extremely stressful situation. Even if you need to do some heavy lifting, the boots will keep you stable and help you get to the finish line.
What to Look for in Your Tactical Shoes
With so many specifications and features to consider, it can be quite frustrating deciding on exactly which shoes to get. But before you look at any additional features, there are some core characteristics you need to consider before making your decision:
The Outside Material of the Shoes
It is crucial for the outside material of your shoes to be sturdy and durable. The stronger the material, the more reliable your shoes will be and the longer they will last you. Generally, tactical boots may be made of leather or synthetic materials (of course, the difference in the material will also impact the price and durability of the shoes, so you’ll have to make your decision based on your budget and the type and frequency of use.
Tactical shoes are not just restricted to one or two different materials. Although you will find a range of materials being used, it is important to read the product description carefully since different materials may be suitable for different situations/ work environments.
The Design
Some tactical shoes may seem like sturdy, large-sized sneakers, and others may be boots that go a little higher up your leg. Shoes that are higher up offer additional benefits such as:
- Providing support to your leg
- Protecting more of your leg from potential harm.
Larger shoes are also likely to have more features, such as secret pockets, that are ideal for storing small items such as weapons for self-defense (this feature is particularly useful for those serving in the military). Other features are designed to protect your feet from blisters due to prolonged wear.
The Sole
Tactical shoes feature an anti-slip sole that makes them ideal for jobs that require a lot of movement. It means that if you need to run fast, you will be safer, and your chances of slipping or tripping will be greatly reduced.
The anti-slip sole is quite brilliant because it will help you maintain stability as you move, even on surfaces that may be covered in oil, some other liquid, or any dangerous chemicals. If the nature of your job is unpredictable and you never know where you might land, this feature is essential when choosing your boots.
Proper Maintenance for Your Tactical Shoes
Since tactical shoes are generally worn for rough, outdoor use, they are likely to get dirty faster. Whether you wear them on a hike or on a walk in the neighborhood park, they’ll pick up dirt anywhere.
Cleaning your tactical shoes can be a bit tricky. Tossing them in the washing machine can damage the shoes (and even the machine!). Before you clean your shoes, it is important to know the material that they are made of. Different materials require different cleaning methods.
For any tactical shoe, you will need a soft-bristled brush to remove any caked mud or dirt stuck on the shoes. If there are any scuff marks, get a shoe eraser to remove them. If your shoes still aren’t clean after this, you will need to dampen a cloth with a commercial detergent (preferably a mild one) or a little bit of white vinegar. This will get rid of any stubborn stains that refuse to budge.
If you are very particular about your shoes and always want them to look their best, you can invest in a veteran boot/shoe buffer. This will make them shine and eliminate any dirt or scuff marks.
Lacing Up Your Tactical Shoes
After putting on your boots, pull your socks up in case they were pulled down or got stuck while putting your shoes on. Start off by putting the laces in the first two holes by the bottom of the shoe. This will create a horizontal line. Cross the laces over so that you are left with a cross.
Thread the laces the same way through the remaining holes until you’ve covered them all. You may find that even after you’re done, there might still be a significant amount of lace left over. Join them and wrap them around the top of the shoe (this is particularly easy if you have a pair of boots).
Once you’ve wrapped the lace, the remainder needs to be tucked under the lace you just finished wrapping. At this point, the lace ends will be facing upward, and you can tuck it over inside the shoe so that it doesn’t come in the way or get stuck somewhere when you are on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tactical boots usually feature a steel toe or a soft toe?
While you may have seen some designs featuring a steel toe, tactical shoes usually have a soft toe. The soft toe makes the shoes flexible and lightweight, which is ideal for dealing with rugged or sloping terrains. However, if you’re looking for added safety and protection and don’t mind the weight of the steel toe, then there are plenty of great options available in the market.
What is the standard height of a tactical shoe?
There is no one height that is fixed for tactical shoes. However, the popular height is 8 inches. It provides a good amount of comfort and protects a little more of your leg when you’re out and about. However, this doesn’t discount the fact that shoes with lesser or greater height also provide protection, comfort, and stability to your feet. In most cases, it is a matter of personal preference as to which height you find more comfortable for everyday use.
Are all tactical shoes waterproof?
While many people take it for granted that their tactical shoes will probably be waterproof, it is best to check the product description since not all of them feature a waterproof lining. You will find some shoes on the market that are not waterproof at all, and you will find others that are not only waterproof, but they are also resistant to other substances such as oil, lubricant, and chemicals.
Do all tactical shoes have a lace-up style?
While most of the tactical shoes on the market feature a lace-up design, some don’t. If you cannot deal with laces, then you can opt for something known as the tanker boot. Tanker boots feature straps and were initially designed to be worn inside tankers. However, they are a little more difficult to find than lace-up boots since the lace design is more reliable and durable.
End Note
The best tactical shoes are comfortable and durable and can be your companion on any type of land in any weather. Their anti-slip feature means that whether you’re running through a rainstorm or scrambling on a mountain, your foot won’t suddenly slide.
It is crucial that when you start looking at different brands and types of tactical shoes, you need to consider what is important to you, such as the type of material, the presence of hidden pockets, the height of the shoe, and so on. Ideally, it is better to spend a little extra time trying to find the right pair of shoes rather than end up with something you have to compromise on or replace.
The right tactical shoes will help you move faster, make you more agile, and improve your performance overall. They’ll never be a hindrance and will always push you forward in the right direction.