Top 10 Navy SEAL (Special Forces) Boots

Whether you’re looking for a pair of good hunting boots for the season or gearing up for a military deployment overseas you will need a good pair of boots.

What is the best boot? The boot that fits your foot the best, drains well and lasts a long time in rough terrain.

You could have the most expensive tricked out tactical boots known to man…but if they are ill fitting—they will destroy your feet.

Check out the list of the Top 10 Special Forces Boots and footwear and you decide what is best for your feet.

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SGPT also suggest you train in your boots….Yes that’s right—do your daily workouts in your boots.

#10 UNDER ARMOUR VALSETZ

The Under Armour Valsetz is great!, I like how it feels good right out of the box and it is super comfortable.

It works great in the rain as it has a really good tread. This is a great boot for Law Enforcement and SWAT or Special Forces working in urban environments.

One of the standout features is its breathability, keeping your feet cool and dry even in hot weather. However, it’s worth noting that the Under Armour Valsetz may not be the best option for extremely rugged terrains, but for everyday versatility, comfort, and style, it’s a solid pick in the tactical boot category.

I have observed several athletes that have used this boot for GORUCK and SEALFIT Kokoro events. You can pick up a pair online or at a local outlet for about $115 (US).

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#9 BATES 8″ ULTRALITE

These are a great overall training boot as it protects the foot while draining easily when getting in and out of the water.

The Bates boots are really lightweight (xx ounces) and 70% leather /30% nylon. The Dura-Shock sole also helps on long runs and continual pounding running to the chow hall and obstacle course.

I like this boot as it has a moisture wicking, breathable lining.
The Bates Ultralight 8 inch boot does not look like a cold climate boot but can take harsh conditions for short durations. I would not wear it on an Arctic expedition but it can do well in snow in the mountains.

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#8 SALOMON X ULTRA BOOT

I observed the Salomon boots being worn by Navy SEALs and urban SWAT teams recently out in the field. I was able to ride along with Las Vegas SWAT to serve a warrant on a drug dealer. These operators need a lightweight boot with a grippy tread. Several of those operators were using Salomon and Under Armour boots.

This boot is lightweight but has excellent traction and allows you to move quickly if needed. What I like is that the Salomon X Ultra boot has a speed lacing system which can be good and bad depending on how you use your laces.

I like to wear my boots a little loose but comfortable and like traditional lacing myself (I have several shoes with speed lacing and am not completely sold on it). But in the case of this boot I like it so far.

I got in touch with one of my buddies in Ranger battalion and he was just issued two pairs of boots. The Salomon Quest 4D GTX boot and Salomon winter weather boots are standard issue for US Army Rangers at Ft. Lewis.

#7 DANNER RAT TEMPERATE

The first pair of Danner boots I put on I was impressed with. As much as I was impressed with that first pair over other boots, I am that much impressed with this pair over those. I’ve read reviews where people said “no break in” before, and thought people were exaggerating.

I put my foot in these boots, and I could flex my foot in in direction: forward, backward, right, left and they boot just moved with my foot with no discomfort. I could bend down and flex the toe and the supple leather in both the toe and the back of the boot just flexed perfectly with my movement.

The Danner USMC RAT boots are amazing. I tied them as tight as I would a pair of boots a year old and they just moved with my foot perfectly. I can’t emphasis enough how there was absolutely no break in with these boots.

#6 DANNER TORRENT

This is a boot worth taking a look at. The Danner Torrent boot has proven to be a reliable and versatile companion for all my outdoor adventures. Its rugged construction, featuring a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining, has kept my feet dry and comfortable in various weather conditions.

The traction provided by the Vibram Torrent outsole is exceptional, ensuring stability on slippery terrain. I really like the boot’s cushioned insole and supportive midsole make long hikes a breeze, reducing fatigue. The Danner Striker Torrent boot may not be the lightest option out there, its durability and overall performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking dependable footwear for challenging outdoor pursuits.

I have used/own the following boots: issue Altama’s, issue Bates, Danner Desert Acadia’s, Danner Roughout TFX, Garmont T-8, Nike SFB, Lowa Desert Elite, Lowa Uplander Desert, OTB 8″ Bushmaster, Salomon, and the Rocky S2V’s.

I also don’t just walk around the street or go to the range and get them muddy. I’ve done climbs of over 6000 vertical feet in rough terrain, including snow, ice, mud, scree, rock, dirt, etc.

#5 LOWA ZEPHYR HI GTX

These boots are AWESOME. They are indeed the lightest pair of boots (summer Bates included) I have ever owned. (7  years and counting) I ordered the Lowa Zephyr Hi GTX version for the added water protection and I really love these boots.

The laces provided were flimsy and didn’t last very long. Simple fix…take white “Army Navy issue” laces-ask your supply and soak them in tea (you have limited resources downrange-those that have been will attest) and these laces still are in the boot to this day (almost a year out of country).”Break-In” time is virtually non-existent with these as well.

I actually took a PT test in them (once) and they felt like sneakers(and yes, I passed). I have plantar fasciitis (read: flat feet) and between those and some good orthotics, I’ll probably order another pair for my next deployment.

LOWA is a German manufacturer so there is no NSN. (Cannot order via your supply chain) Bottom line: WELL worth the money.

For the Lowa boots you will want to order them a size larger as they are made in Europe so they tend to run a size smaller than what you’re used to in the US.

#4 NIKE SFB

This is a boot designed to meet the rigorous demands and uniform suitability of military and first-responders. The Nike® SFB Gen 2 8″ tactical boot is light weight (1 lb .08 ounces) is constructed with tough suede leather and nylon canvas uppers.

I like the full 8-inch collar which offers protection and lots of ankle support. The lacing system is good and I like how it keeps your boot in place as you move.

I hiked through a stream and you can see that this boot drained out well and that it dries quickly in the sun. I am an older athlete so I like the foam midsole that delivers lightweight cushioning. This boot has a saw tooth design at the arch which makes it grip when you are climbing a rope.

#2 ALTAMA MARITIME ASSAULT

If your going to board a ship and take down the crew you want to have a boot that will grip the surface. These look more like sneakers but they are made to last. They have a high abrasion quick drying 1000D Cordura quarter panels. I have used a pair of these out in the field and they dry really quickly. It has air mesh linings which help wick away sweat and other moisture quickly from your feet.

These heavy duty sneakers are built for battle with a non-shine rust-proof lace hardware that will not break on the battle field. You can wear fins with these boots. They have low profile laces will not cause pain from fin wear on long swims. I like that the Altama Maritime Assault has a full length one piece ABS shank provides stability and support when you need it for climbing.

So this is what makes this boot completely different from the others. It has a no slip grip with SEAL rubber sticky outsoles. The rubber compound was originally developed for rock climbing shoes and modified for wet tactical operations.

The Ultron PU contoured insole will not absorb water. It has front non-metallic drain ports that allow for water to drain easily when flexing the boot. I really like that it will fit just about any dive fins used by militaries worldwide. These are worn by the SEAL Teams, Marine Recon and Army Green Berets during training and out in the real world.

#1 OAKLEY LT ASSAULT

This is a great boot that is both lightweight and can take a lot of abuse. At only 14 ounces per boot and 8 inches high you can expect this boot to feel light on your feet.

The Oakley LT Assault Boot is a true game-changer for those who demand high-performance footwear. These boots effortlessly blend rugged durability with lightweight comfort, making them ideal for any mission or outdoor adventure.

The minimalist design is not only sleek but also incredibly functional, allowing for excellent agility and speed without sacrificing support. The breathable and moisture-wicking lining keeps my feet comfortable during long treks, and the high-traction outsole provides exceptional stability on a variety of terrains. These boots offer the perfect balance of form and function, making them an indispensable choice for anyone in need of top-notch tactical footwear.

The Oakley LT Assault boots have drain holes in the soles and can shed water quickly. This can be a key feature if you are in wet conditions and want your boots to dry out.

Runner Up Boots

Salomon Urban Jungle Ultra
Bates 9″ U.S. Navy DuraShocks Steel Toe Boot
Bates 8″ Tropical SEALS DuraShocks Boot
Salomon Guardian
Bates Ranger II Hot Weather Composite Toe Boot
LOWA Z-8S C
Salomon Guardian ClimaSalomon Waterproof
Bates Cobra 8″ Hot Weather Boot
Salomon X.A. Forces 8 GORE-TEX EN
LOWA R-8 GTX Thermo
Danner Desert Acadia
Under Armour Alegent Tactical Boots

Question: What are the best boots used by US Special Forces?

Answer: It all depends on the mission first as that will tell you which boot to choose. The Bates 922 is probably the go-to boot for most missions but probably not for cold weather snow work.

Question: I have flat feet and trying to train for Special Forces. What do I need to do to trick out my boots?

Answer: You need to add a good orthotic like the Superfeet Green Premium Insoles. This will help you.

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