What to Keep in Mind When Choosing the Right Pair of Military Boots?

The Armed Forces deal with intense training and combat conditions on a regular basis. In 2021-2022, the Ministry of Defence recorded 18,386 injury, ill health, dangerous occurrence and near miss incidents in the military. Of which, the Army accounted for 75% (6,461) of all incidents. From intense training and drills to being exposed to high-stress situations regularly, Army personnel require more protection and safety precautions to help carry them through their long, exhausting shifts.

In order to confidently perform their duties, officers need military boots that can not only conform to their demands but also exceed their expectations. Knowing which type of military boot they need and how much flexibility and support they require are all key factors to consider.

Keep reading to learn about the five things to keep in mind when choosing military boots and how Shoes For Crews can support your Army crew.

1. Safety and comfort

A good place to start when it comes to choosing the right pair of military boots is to consider how comfortable and dependable they need to be. Will your officers encounter extreme weather, sharp or falling objects in the field or uneven terrain? You can also ask your squad what they notice about the job and the types of tasks where they might require extra ankle or shock protection.

We have a great guide to learning the differences between combat boots and tactical boots on our blog that can give you more detail about each style. A quality pair of military boots will not compromise on safety and comfort, allowing for the wearer to withstand long hours on their feet and move from a range of varied surface types.

2. Water resistance 

The Armed Forces deal with a lot of environmental changes on a regular basis depending on their assignments. It is a good idea to evaluate where your crew may need more protection and oftentimes leaders find water-resistant workwear performs well. If your primary goal is to keep your squad’s feet dry while they are in rainy or slippery conditions, water-resistant boots offer excellent breathability. 

While waterproof boots offer more protection and are more durable than water-resistant styles, water-resistant boots are more breathable. Regardless of trekking through the snow or rain, water-resistant materials can help provide proper ventilation thus keeping your crew’s feet dry when they are out in the field and cannot change footwear.  

3. Breaking in period

Another main thing to look for when evaluating different pairs of military boots is how long it will take for an officer to break them in. The length of the breaking-in period is an essential factor to keep in mind if you are considering replacing or upgrading your squad’s military boots. Consider the type of terrain your unit will be traversing through regularly and what kinds of drills they will be performing.

During the first use, we recommend wearing them for no more than one hour. Increase the amount of time each day after the first time until they are comfortable enough to wear all day.

4. Military boot sizing and fit

Another factor that you will not want to overlook when choosing the right pair of military boots is how well their pair fits. Finding the right fit for each individual wearer should be a top priority, no matter the job. You can ask your unit how comfortable they would prefer their boots to be.

At Shoes For Crews, our experts can offer all the support you need to make sure your staff finds the perfect fit. In fact, our product guide explains the key safety symbols and provides a table of international shoe sizes for comparison. 

5. Slip-resistant military boots with superb traction 

Long, tiring shifts are standard practice in the Army. Orders can be changed at the last minute and a routine schedule can suddenly be interrupted by a serious situation. That is why it is extremely important to equip your unit with perfectly fitting and slip-resistant footwear solutions that are easy and supportive for their feet.

Our slip-resistant technology is where the rubber meets the road. A good pair of boots will have excellent traction and grip, where Army squads need it the most. The patented outsoles on all our military boots have been engineered to help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls before they occur. We believe safety and comfort go hand in hand. That is why we are constantly improving and developing innovative solutions to improve the overall wear and safety for our military boot styles.

Choosing the right pair of military boots will have a major effect on both the quality of your personnel’s work and their comfort. Army units experience some of the most extreme working conditions and need properly fitted work boots that provide excellent levels of comfort or safety. Whether you are looking for lightweight tactical boots or combat boots that can withstand the most intense conditions both on the field and in training. 

At Shoes For Crews, we understand that every second counts in industries like the Armed Forces. Our mission is to help reduce the risk of slips and falls, no matter what. High-quality boots are a must-have when performing intense, stressful duties. If you would like to find out more about a specific style, we invite you to contact one of our experts and learn how to get a free sample pair of our boots. Or download our Buyers Guide to see more military boot styles.