Hiking Boots vs Combat Boots (Tactical Boots)

Combat and hiking boots don’t look the same, yet they are compared for various reasons. So in this article, I shall shed light on what combat and hiking boots are and how they differ.

The main difference between combat boots and hiking boots is that the former comes with enhanced protection for feet whereas the latter focuses more on traction, grip, and feet functionality. Also, combat boots are heavy weight while hiking boots are fairly lightweight.

Let’s see a more precise answer to that:

What Are Combat Boots?

Combat boots are known as military or tactical boots for their ultra-protection and durability factors. Also, combat boots are known as army or military combat boots because the army wears them. Tactical footwear is commonly associated with the police or military as they offer high levels of protection with hours of patrolling and the best functionality for feet.

What Are Hiking Boots?

Hiking boots are dedicated to hiking but you can also wear them on trails, for trekking, backpacking, etc. They have rugged outsoles that work better on abrasive and uneven grounds. Moreover, they feature split-grain leather, suede, or synthetic fabric as a significant material choice to ensure comfort and the best performance on trails and for longer hiking.

Comparison Between Military Boots vs Hiking Boots

FeaturesCombat bootsHiking boots
WeightHeavyweight due to bulky design and safety featuresLightweight due to minimal design and low-ankle protection
Design/ styleThe side zipper, as a must-have feature makes it quick to wearThey don’t have side zippers, so wearing it can take time
DurabilityExtra durable and chemical resistantDurability is reasonable
Safety & protectionIt offers ultra-safety for feet from impact and injuryOffer best feet functionality
OutsoleStiff and inflexibleSuper flexible and resilient
Break inMay time some time to break-inDon’t need much time to break-in
Best forExtreme conditions such as rocky or rough terrain and landscapesOn trails, backpacking, trekking, and for adventuring
CollectionLatest Combat BootsLatest Hiking Boots

Details of Tactical Boots vs Hiking Boots

And now, let’s have a look at the in-depth analysis of tactical vs hiking boots and find some more differences with examples!

1. Weight

When we talk about tactical boots vs hiking boots, combat boots are obviously on the heavier side.

The reason is simple: they have added safety, ankle protection, and bulky design compared to hiking boots.

However, it doesn’t mean that combat boots are too heavy. But when you talk about comparison, combat boots are slightly heavier than hiking boots.

For example, this Soda FLING Women Chunky Lug Sole Lace up Fashion Combat Ankle Boot w/Side Zipper boot weighs 2.56 pounds in total, which is heavier than this Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot which is mere 1.1 pounds in total weight to welcome quick feet movement.

2. Protection and Safety

The protection and safety parameter in tactical vs hiking boots is pretty much noticeable.

For instance, combat boots are highly efficient in providing the best ankle support, plus they feature anti-slip outsoles, chemical resistance, flame resistance, heat resistance, and impact protection with safety toes, followed by puncture resistance build. So, they make apparent military boots.

On the contrary, hiking boots only offer a thick-resistance outsole for protection. Keeping outdoor activities like hiking in mind, these boots offer ideal multidirectional tread lugs and softer padded collars.

For instance, this Cofra Work Shoes – Heat Resistant Asphalt Footwear with Composite Safety Toe & Heat Defender Nitrile Rubber Outsole – Black boot is reliable and offers the best heat insulation. In contrast, this KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot is only reliable for its engineered water resistance, keeping trail and puddle pathways in mind.

3. Design and Style

The design of each boot is different. Hiking boots offer a low-cut build and less ankle support, while combat boots have taller designs with added ankle support.

Therefore, military or tactile boots are worn mainly by police security pros and public safety workers, especially for their taller design that ensures safety.

Also, combat boots have a side zipper and speed lacing system as an essential design.

On the contrary, the hiking boot doesn’t come with a side zipper.

However, hiking boots offer minimal design compared to combat boots and come in low, mid, and high ankle-cut designs.

To put in an example, you can see the difference between DREAM PAIRS Women’s Ankle Bootie Winter Lace up Mid Calf Military Combat Boots and this Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot offer thick padding but minimal design for comfortable hiking.

4. Outsoles Performance

Another difference between hiking boots vs. tactical boots is the outsole.

Combat boots have relatively inflexible and stiff outsoles, whereas hiking boots have flexible outsoles, which ensure resilience in every step.

When you’re hiking, the flexibility in the hiking boot always makes sure to reduce impacts and jerks, whereas the combat boot feels somewhat uncomfortable due to stiffness.

Moreover, the rubber outsole feels springy for comfort in hiking. Note that hiking boots take less time to break in than article boots.

Such as this Thorogood Deuce 8” Waterproof Side-Zip Black Tactical Boots for Men and Women with Composite Safety Toe, Full-Grain Leather, and Slip-Resistant Outsole; BBP & Rated boot has stiff outsole and feel taught under feet while this Northside Women’s Freemont Leather Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot has flexible design mainly due to its suede and nylon material.

5. Durability and Longevity

The durability factor for hiking boots vs tactical boots is another diversion.

For instance, combat boots stand out in all-weather conditions, rugged terrains, and extreme conditions due to their sturdy build and high-quality material. In contrast, hiking boots are less durable in extreme conditions.

Combat boots last about 2-3 years, depending on the usage and care, plus, combat boots work best in all types of terrain, weather, and wear.

On the contrary, hiking boots offer a durability period of 500 – 1000 miles, depending on how often you wear them.

For instance, this Propper Men’s Series 100 8″ Side Zip Boot has the best durability and build, which is excellent for strenuous outdoor activities. Conversely, Eddie Bauer Men’s Mount Hood Waterproof Hiking Boot has a gripping outsole and traction but not higher durability than this combat boot.


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tim

Tim Campbell

I am Tim. Getting the inherited hobby from my father when I was a child to the fully grown individual I always loved boots. I live in hilly areas and love to explore the world at heights. That's where my profound hobby of boots collection comes in. I have tried a lot of boots and now helping my community to do better when having fun in different conditions like hilly areas, work, or farming. In this very blog, I have covered some awesome reviews and information that you may get hard otherwise. All of my self-experience and expert advice I have incorporated in this blog.


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