Tactical Boots

Tactical boots here run from low-cut approach shoes to knee-high patterns, with dial closures, side zips and traditional lacing all represented. New, unbranded footwear described from the maker's specification.

These are new, unbranded boots in military and tactical patterns. They are not ex-issue, not graded surplus, and they carry no service history. Where a listing name says surplus or issue, that describes the style, and the listing says so in its first line.

Fit is the thing that goes wrong

More boots are returned for fit than for any fault. Generic footwear sizing is not consistent between makers, so measure your foot in centimetres, heel to longest toe, standing with weight on it, and compare that against the chart rather than ordering your usual number. Measure late in the day, when your feet are at their largest. If you are between sizes, go up: a boot slightly long can be laced down, a boot slightly short cannot be fixed. And width matters more than length for comfort, which is exactly what a size number does not tell you.

Closures, and what each one costs you

Laces set the fit better than anything else and take the longest. A side zip gets you in and out in seconds and is the first component to fail, so lace the boot properly once and use the zip daily rather than relying on it to hold the fit. A dial closure tightens evenly with one hand, which matters with gloves on, and adds a wire and a mechanism that can break in the field. There is no best answer, only the one that suits how you will actually use them.

Where these boots actually fail

Not in the upper. The two failures that come up again and again in this category are the sole parting from the boot, and the stitching opening at a flex point. Soles at this price are bonded rather than stitched, and heat is what breaks the bond: dry wet boots at room temperature, stuffed with newspaper, never on a radiator or in front of a fire. Take the insoles out to dry them and both will last longer.

Delivery and returns

UK delivery is free. Orders are processed within 3 to 5 business days and arrive within 10 to 20 business days. Returns or exchange within 30 days of delivery, unused and in original condition, approved before being sent back, with the refund issued within 7 days of acceptance. Return postage is paid by the customer.