Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Combat Boots

Last updated on August 24, 2022

We looked at the top 13 Combat Boots and dug through the reviews from 19 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Combat Boots.

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Whether you’re running tactical drills, doing a lot of hiking or just like the aesthetic of chunky footwear, combat boots are a great accessory to have in your closet. Both highly functional and fashionable, they can be worn for a number of different purposes to keep your feet safe, protected and looking awesome.

One of the most important qualities to look for in a pair of combat boots is waterproofing. Often worn by those in the military or police forces, combat boots need to be able to stay dry, even in very wet conditions. Having soaking feet while responding to an emergency situation is not ideal. In a similar vein, combat boots need to be able to dry quickly. Whether they get soaked in the rain or from being washed, not getting damaged by exposure to water is key as well.

Combat boots appear to be quite thick and heavy, but effective ones are actually lightweight. That’s because they can’t weigh down the wearer while they are doing important things that require dexterity, flexibility and mobility.

Nonskid qualities are also important to have in combat boots, since you will likely wear them in slippery conditions that include ice, water, snow, mud, sand and more. Look for combat boots that have a large tread pattern that covers the entire sole of the shoe. The spaces in the tread pattern should be large enough to allow water to channel through the sole of the shoe.

Our Picks For The Top Combat Boots

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

STQ Women’s Vegan Leather Ankle Combat Boots

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

STQ

Women's Vegan Leather Ankle Combat Boots

These combat boots are 100% vegan and graded as eco-friendly. They have a padded collar for a comfortable fit. The boots have a lace-up design with a zipper closure.

Overall Take

Vegan-Friendly ChoiceThese combat boots are fully eco friendly and still so stylish.

Pros
" As the material is 100% vegan fabric, you can buy these sports without feeling guilty or making a dent in the environment."
 Runner Up

DREAM PAIRS Women’s Mid-Calf Lace-Up Combat Boots

DREAM PAIRS

Women's Mid-Calf Lace-Up Combat Boots

These tough combat boots are inspired by those worn in the military. They have a strong rubber outsole as well as a built-in pocket for essentials. The boots also have a 1-inch heel.

Overall Take

Rough and ToughThese combat boots are inspired by those worn in the military.

Pros
" While the padded faux fur insole gives your foot comfort, the full-length side zipper detail is a practical blessing."
 Strong Contender

Amazon Essentials Women’s Mid-Calf Lace-Up Combat Boot

Amazon Essentials

Women's Mid-Calf Lace-Up Combat Boot

Overall Take

Pros
" These women’s black lace-up combat boots are the perfect representation of style-meets-comfort."
 Best Value

Forever Link Women’s Vegan Leather Low Heel Combat Boots

Women's Vegan Leather Low Heel Combat Boots

Overall Take

Pros
" The low heel lends a sleek look and can help balance out an oversized outfit."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
20

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the combat boots available to purchase.
13

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

19

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Top 10 Best, Style Craze, Boot Spy, Wearably Weird, Best Reviews Guide.

113,337

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 13 Combat Boots and also dug through the reviews from 19 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Combat Boots.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval
Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Our Expert Score

0.0
1 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.6
7,884 user reviews

Our Take

What other experts liked

The low heel lends a sleek look and can help balance out an oversized outfit.
- Style Craze

What other experts didn't like

Some may find the shoelaces to be stiff
- Style Craze

What to Look For

  • When it comes to the height of your combat boots, the most common options are 6 or 8 inches. Eight inches is a good choice if you require extra ankle support or have suffered from any previous ankle injuries. Six inches offers more flexibility while still supporting your ankle.
  • If you tend to have sweaty feet or like to wear thick socks, you may be looking for a combat boot that is breathable. However, you may have to choose between waterproofing and breathability. Typically, you cannot find combat boots that can have both qualities. Usually when the shoes are designed to keep water out, they also limit the amount of air flow that is possible.
  • Another factor to look for in high-quality combat boots is durability. Not only should the boots be able to stand up to tough conditions and heavy usage, but they shouldn’t fall apart after just a few months of wear. Typically, combat books made from nylon and leather offer a high degree of durability.
  • Combat boots are bound to get dirty. The best way to clean them is to scrub the outers with a soft brush and soapy water and then wipe them down with a soft damp cloth. Be sure to wash the soles of the combat boots and take out any debris that has been caked onto the tread. If your boots are fully waterproof, you can spray the outers down with a hose as well. To dry the combat boots, you can remove the laces and insoles and put them upside down by a heating vent overnight. Some combat boots can also go in the dryer, but be sure to check the care and maintenance instructions first.

Combat Boot Rankings

1. STQ Women’s Vegan Leather Ankle Combat Boots

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 4

2. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Mid-Calf Lace-Up Combat Boots

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 5

3. Amazon Essentials Women’s Mid-Calf Lace-Up Combat Boot

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 4

5. Dr. Martens Men’s Leather Combs Combat Boot

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 5

6. GLOBALWIN Women’s Woven Collar Ankle Combat Boots

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

7. Moda Chics Women’s Fur Collar Ankle Combat Boots

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 2

8. Hawkwell Side-Zip & Lace-Up Combat Boots For Women

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 2

9. Dr. Martens Pascal Combat Boots For Women

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 2

10. ICHIGO Women’s 8-Eye Lace-Up Side Zipper Combat Boots

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 4

11. SODA Unisex Lug Sole Lace-Up Combat Boot

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 4

12. Circus By Sam Edelman Giovanny Combat Boots For Women

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

Depending on how you want to use the combat boots, there may be some special safety features you need to look for. For example, if you’re working around high-voltage lines, then opt for a pair of combat boots that protect against electrocution. If you’re working on oily surfaces, then you need to make sure the boots are slip resistant. For those who are climbing slippery rocks, you need a large tread on the boots. If you’re working with heavy or sharp objects, then opt for a combat boot that has a steel or hard plastic toe. This will help protect your feet if anything falls on your boots.

More to explore