Not everyone hikes often enough to have a dedicated pair of hiking boots, and you may be wondering if combat boots are good for hiking.
While you absolutely can hike in combat boots, they are not intended to be hiking boots. Due to their weight and lack of comfort, combat boots are best for short and simple hikes.
If you’re planning on hiking, having the right boots is of critical importance. Hiking demands strong footwear that provides the support and comfort you need.
Combat boots (also known as military boots) were originally designed for military use and are designed for extreme conditions, uneven and rocky terrain, and to provide a high level of foot protection for the wearer.
They are now highly fashionable and prevalent across many styles. Their distinctive look and versatility is what has kept them so popular for so long.
How well combat boots will work for you while hiking depends on a few different factors, which we’ll break down for you below.
Features That Make Combat Boots Good For Hiking
Although combat boots aren’t dedicated hiking boots, they luckily do have many key characteristics that make them a fine choice for short and simple hikes. We’ll explore these below.
Great Fit
Once broken in, combat boots have a reputation for being a great-fitting boot. Luckily most models are made with leather, which can conform to the shape of your foot over time, resulting in a good fit that reduces friction when hiking.
Traction
Combat boots feature soles that are slip-resistant and have a lot of grip, making them great for different kinds of terrain and weather conditions.
Protection
Luckily combat boots were originally designed for safety and protection, so protection is often built in, particularly when considering the thickness of the soles.
Thicker soles mean more cushioning against rocks, roots, and uneven terrain when hiking.
Ankle Support
Due to the higher cut of combat boots, they tend to offer better ankle support than most other non-hiking boots available.
Alternatively, they are not as supportive of your ankle as actual hiking boots, so be aware and test your boots for the level of ankle support they offer before going on long hikes.
Debris Protection
A combat boot’s high-cut profile makes it great at keeping rocks, sticks, dirt, and other debris out of your boot as you hike.
Durability
Combat boots can last for years when properly taken care of – even when being used in the harshest conditions.
If you find yourself going through pairs of boots relatively quickly, you’ll be pleased with the longevity a pair of good combat boots.
Waterproofing
Many combat boots are made of hardened and waterproof leather, great for keeping your feet dry in wet conditions.
Why Combat Boots Aren’t Good For Hiking
Weight
Combat boots are considerably heavier than hiking boots, which is an important factor when thinking about the longevity of your hikes.
Some wearers have compared wearing combat boots on the hiking trail to wearing ankle weights – hauling around all that extra weight is sure to sap your energy.
Comfort And Cushioning
Most combat boots lack the cushioning that hiking boots offer, which can make for an uncomfortable hike.
Additionally, this lack of cushioning can mean more friction inside the boot, leading to blisters.
Lack Of Breathability
The uppers of combat boots don’t offer much in the way of breathability.
Keeping your feet dry and cool as you hike is very important, so bring along an extra pair of hiking socks if you’ll be going on a longer trek.
Hiking Boots vs Combat Boots
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are rugged-looking and are specifically designed with certain features that are suitable for hiking.
They’re lightweight and often feature extra waterproof materials or membranes, which are two key characteristics you should be looking for in a trail boot.
Hiking boots also have heel brakes for steep declines and have the proper cushioning and arch support in specific areas to ensure a great and safe fit that offers ample support when hiking.
Combat Boots
Combat boots are also rugged-looking and are overall more stylish and suitable for different activities, but lack the support that traditional hiking boots offer.
They’re typically a very heavy style of boot, offer thick rubber soles, and are designed to handle many different situations.
Some combat boots offer waterproofed hardened leather, but lack the inner waterproof membranes that come in hiking boots.
What Features Should I Look For In Good Hiking Boots?
The three key features you should look for in a good hiking boot are the type of hiking boot, the fit, and the components the boots are made of.
We’ll walk through each below.
Types of Combat Boots For Hiking
There are many types of hiking boots available, and all the options can be overwhelming. Make sure to pick the right type of hiking boot for your intended use.
Let’s break down the most common types of hiking boots you’ll encounter while looking for your next pair.
Hiking Shoes
These low-cut models offer flexible midsoles and are best used for day hiking.
Day Hiking Boots
Day hiking boots come in mid and high-cut options and are best for day hiking or shorter backpacking trips with lighter loads.
They’re easy to break in and have decent flex, but they don’t offer as much support as proper backpacking boots.
Backpacking Boots
You’ll want a pair of proper backpacking boots if you’re doing trips spanning several days, or going deep into the wilderness.
These boots usually come in high cut only, wrapping around the ankle to give extra support.
Backpacking boots are durable and offer stiffer midsoles than lighter boot options, and have the support you’ll need both off and on the trail.
Waterproof vs Non-Waterproof
Hiking boots come in both waterproof and non-waterproof options. Waterproof boots are great at resisting moisture, but are less breathable.
The choice is up to you, but be sure to select the right option for your needs.
If you’ll be hiking in snow, crossing streams or creeks, or otherwise getting outside in wet conditions, you’ll absolutely want to opt for a waterproof hiking boot.
If you don’t plan on hiking in these conditions, you can go non-waterproof.
Minimalist, Barefoot, and Zero-Drop Hiking Shoes
These shoes are intended to minimize padding and support to allow you to get as close as possible to a barefoot experience while still providing some protection and grip.
Choosing this type of hiking shoe is largely up to personal preference, and you’ll need to try them on to see if a barefoot-feel is right for you.
What To Know About Hiking Boot Components
Hiking Boot Uppers
What material your boot is made from determines critical factors like weight, durability, water resistance, and breathability. Read on to see what materials you’ll come across when shopping for hiking boots.
Full Grain Leather
-Full-grain leather is durable and resists abrasions, and also offers great water resistance. You’ll typically find full-grain leather used in backpacking boots.
-Full-grain leather is not as breathable or as light as split-grain leather or nylon. Also, full-grain leather boots take longer to break in.
Split Grain Leather
-Split-grain leather is usually combined with nylon to offer a breathable and lightweight hiking boot.
-Split-grain leather will result in a lower cost boot, but also is less resistant to water and scuffs.
Nubuck Leather
-Nubuck leather is simply full-grain leather that has been buffed to look like suede.
-Nubuck is durable and resists abrasions and moisture, and is flexible too.
-Expect nubuck leather hiking boots to take longer to break in.
Synthetics
-Nylon, polyester, and synthetic leather are all materials used in many of today’s hiking boots.
-Compared to leather, synthetics cost less, break in more quickly, are more lightweight, and dry faster.
-The trade-off with synthetics is that they can wear down faster than leather.
Waterproof Membranes
-Waterproof hiking boots feature breathable and waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex and eVent) to keep water off your feet.
-You’ll be sacrificing breathability with waterproof hiking boots, which can lead to sweaty feet in warmer hiking conditions, but waterproofing is a must if you’ll be doing longer hikes in wet conditions.
Vegan Materials
-Vegan materials are made without any animal ingredients. Modern vegan hiking boots are beefy enough to provide plenty of protection and come in waterproof options.
Insulation
-Some hiking boots offer added synthetic insulation to provide additional warmth, which is a plus if you’ll be hiking in snow or colder conditions.
Hiking Boot Midsoles
The boot’s midsole provides cushioning for the foot and helps to absorb shocks.
The midsole provides stiffness to the boot, which can provide better comfort and stability when hiking on rocky and uneven terrain.
Most midsoles of combat boots are made from either EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or polyurethane.
EVA Midsoles
-EVA is lighter, less expensive, and provides more cushioning than polyurethane, and comes in different densities to provide more support in needed areas within the boot.
Polyurethane Midsoles
-Polyurethane is more durable and firmer than EVA, making it a common choice in backpacking and mountaineering boots.
Hiking Boot Internal Support
Shanks
-Shanks are inserts between 3-5mm thick that are placed between the hiking boot’s outsole and midsole to provide stiffness and load-bearing.
-Shanks vary in length, ranging from covering half the boot or all the way to the entire length of the boot.
Plates
-Plates are semi-flexible, thin inserts that may be found in boots either alone or in conjunction with shanks.
-Plates allow additional foot protection against uneven terrain like tree roots or rocks.
Hiking Boot Outsoles
Rubber is the main material used on nearly all outsoles of hiking boots. Sometimes, additives like carbon are included to increase the rubber’s hardness.
This hardness is great for durability, but can get slick on wet terrain, especially off trail.
Lug Pattern Outsoles
-Lugs are bumps on the outsole designed to provide traction. Mountaineering and backpacking boots feature deeper and thicker lugs to increase grip.
-Wide-spaced lugs help to shed mud and offer good traction.
Heel Brake Section
-The heel brake section of a hiking boot’s outsole is specially designed to increase heel grip to reduce your chances of sliding while hiking steep declines.
-Opt for a hiking boot with a heel brake on the outsole if you plan on hiking steep terrain.
Crampon Compatibility
Crampons are hiking boot attachments that improve mobility on snow or ice, typically in ice climbing.
If that’s something you’ll be doing, be sure that you pick a boot that offers compatibility with crampons.
Tips For Hiking In Combat Boots
If you’re looking forward to sporting your combat boots on your next hike, follow these simple tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Make Sure Your Combat Boots Are Broken In
Take it from us: you never, ever want to go on a hike wearing brand new combat boots.
It takes a little time to break them in, and the discomfort you’ll experience won’t be worth the great style you’re sporting.
Test For Proper Fit – And Lace Up Right
Make sure your feet can’t move too much side-to-side and there are no areas where you feel pinching in your boots. Also pay attention to your toes inside the boot – they should never touch the front, and if they do, you risk bumping them and getting black toenail (no fun!).
Once you know the fit is good, then experiment with lacing them up at different tightness levels to make sure you are minimizing friction and giving your ankles good support.
Wear Proper Hiking Socks
If you’re set on wearing your combat boots while hiking, do yourself a huge favor and wear a pair of well-fitting hiking socks. If you’ll be going on a longer hike, bring an extra pair along to change into for prolonged comfort.
Waterproof Your Combat Boots
If you’ll be hiking in rain, mud, or crossing small bodies of water like creeks or streams, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead by waterproofing your combat boots. Not only will this keep your feet dry, but you’ll also keep your boots looking great long-term. We recommend Nikwax fabric and leather waterproofing spray for waterproofing combat boots.
Know If Your Combat Boots Are Up To The Task Of Hiking
Some combat boots are actual military-grade boots, while others are simply fashion boots made to look like combat boots.
This makes a huge difference! A combat fashion boot will not offer the protection, support, or durability that a real combat boot can offer.
We do not recommend hiking in fashion combat boots at all.
The Best Combat Boots For Hiking
If you’re set on wearing combat boots while hiking, make sure to pick the best pair available for your needs.
We’ve reviewed the best combat boots for hiking for you in this guide- here are our top picks.
Belleville 500 USMC Waterproof Desert Tan 8” Combat Boots
The Belleville 500 USMC Waterproof Desert Tan 8” Combat Boot is a great combat boot that is well-suited for hiking.
These boots combine waterproof features along with durable materials and ample support.
The Vibram outsole provides excellent grip and stability, and this boot is offered in both regular and wide-width variations for a variety of foot sizes and shapes.
The inside features a polyurethane insole which provides added support and comfort.
Tactical Research Mini-Mil Transition TR105 8” Combat Boots
Transition boots are a hybrid of combat and hiking boots made for civilians who want the performance of a combat boot with the qualities of a hiking boot.
The Tactical Research Mini-Mil Transition TR105 8” Combat Boots are an excellent hybrid option to meet a variety of needs.
These boots offer durable materials and a shock-dispersing midsole, helping to distribute impact force as you hike.
The Vibram Tarsus outsole is both oil and slip-resistant and helps to shed mud and debris.
Danner Men’s Scorch Military and Tactical Boots
The Danner Men’s Scorch Military and Tactical Boots are lightweight and durable, offering a unique combination of both support and performance for activities on and off the trail.
The midsole offers lightweight comfort and durability, while the Scorch outsole is slip-resistant and features a stability control arch.
The breathable mesh lining keeps your feet cool while also keeping these boots lightweight.
Are Combat Boots Good For Hiking? Wrapping Things Up
Although we don’t recommend combat boots for serious hiking, you’ll be just fine to use them on short and simple hikes – just be sure to wear hiking socks and make sure those combat boots are broken in before you go.
Have any stories from hiking in combat boots? Please share them below, and let us know if you have any questions.
If you’re looking to get further into hiking, take a look at our top pick for the best men’s hiking boots under $100, the best women’s hiking boots under $100, and our guide to how hiking boots should fit.
As always, have fun and enjoy your hike!