As the name suggests, Combat boots are footwear designed for the military, whereas hiking boots are specifically designed for hiking. It should be noted that boots are not restricted to the function that necessitated their design. For instance, a good number of hikers prefer wearing combat boots more especially to rugged trails. Combat boots’ versatility and durability make them an ideal choice to tackle technical hiking. On the other hand, hiking boots can double as casual walking boots worn in the neighborhood or for street walks.
Are Combat Boots Different From Hiking Boots?
Both boots can be used for hiking, but they have glaring differences. While combat boots’ design maximized focus on safety, convenience, and durability, hiking boots’ strength is focused on comfort and flexibility. However, depending on the hiking terrain, either boot can perform excellently in protecting your feet.
A Comparison Chart Of Differences Between Combat Boots And Hiking Boots
| Type of Boots | Safety rating | Flexibility rating | Comfort rating | Durability rating | Convenience rating |
| Combat Boots | 5 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Hiking Boots | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
To understand better the difference between combat and hiking boots, we have to discuss the feature per feature of both boots.
Features Of Combat Boots Vs. Hiking Boots
1. Safety
Combat Boots- primarily combat boots are intended to be used in the military services, security personnel, and law enforcement agencies. The targeted purpose made it necessary for the designers to develop a boot with unmatched safety features. The standout safety features of the combat boots include; ankle support, anti-slip outsole, pressure resistance, flame resistance, safety composite toe, anti-chemical surface, anti-high temperature, better balance, and stability.
Hiking Boots- focusing solely on the trails, the boots’ design focused on the safety of hikers when faced with trail challenges such as rugged terrains, extreme weather conditions, and navigating technical hiking paths. For maximized safety, hiking boots have features such as non-slip outsole, redirect shock, multidirectional lugs, ankle support, waterproof upper, shock absorption, Crampon connection, and padded collars.
2. Flexibility
Combat Boots- The boots’ primary function is serving on the battlefield; thus, they offer better flexibility to soldiers. Exceptional features such as flexible outsole, lightweight construction, heavy load carrying, and speed-lace lacing system provide the required flexibility. However, due to the nature of the intended purpose, combat boots are a bit stiff.
Hiking Boots- The primary function of hiking boots is long-distance walking. The boots’ design gives them an edge over combat boots. These boots are lightweight and versatile. Additionally, they have high energy return and impact absorption. It should be noted that several types of hiking boots can also be used on mountain roads.
3. Comfort
Combat Boots- The boots cater to the well-being of soldiers’ feet while in combat. Battling soldiers are known to walk long distances with heavy luggage on their backs; hence combat boots’ design provides better comfort thanks to their breathable and lightweight design. They also feature better cushioning, excellent arch support, a quick-drying system, exceptional moisture retention, waterproof and moisture-wicking abilities.
Hiking Boots- Hiking boots boast superior comfort compared to combat boots. There are numerous features in the boots that provide out–of–this–world comfort to hikers when doing their thing on the trails. The boots have features such as; cushioned insoles, moisture-wicking, redirect and absorb shocks, waterproof/repellant exterior, breathability, arch support, special paddings and linings, gusted tongue, superior balance, and stability. Comfort is vital in hiking, and that is what the hiking boots are good at.
4. Durability
Combat Boots- Durability is an area where combat boots supersede hiking boots. The combat boots are sturdy and durable enough to withstand the rigorous activities of soldiers walking long distances while carrying heavy luggage. The boots can withstand extreme weather, thanks to the durable materials used in their construction. The materials include suede leather, nylon fabric, and anti-wear soles. Additionally, the boots are capable of resisting pressure and attack from chemical components.
Hiking Boots- Hiking boots are supposed to conquer long distances and different weather conditions encountered on terrains. To attain this goal, they possess the following features; strong leather material, excellent shock resistance, extreme weather resistance, and sturdy rubber sole with superior traction.
5. Convenience
Combat Boots- Combat boots have zippers on the side and a speed-lace lacing system that allows wearers to put them on or take them off fast.
Hiking Boots- though hiking boots have a speed-lace lacing system, they lack the side zipper that hastens to remove and slip them on.
The Best Combat Boots For Hiking
1. Free Soldier Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots
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The Free Soldier Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots come with a durable upper fabricated from plaid fabric, a material renowned for being anti-puncture. Additionally, the boots have excellent cushioning, thanks to the EVA midsole. The boot is also wear-resistant, courtesy of its body part that is made of TPU.
Features Of Free Soldier Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots
1. Waterproof And Comfortable
The boot boasts an exterior waterproof coating that resists water from reaching your feet. Beneath the upper, the shoe has a Lycra cloth lining that provides excellent breathability and keeps your feet dry as you focus on the hiking path.
2. Lightweight And Fit
The boots are lightweight and fit to size. Fitting is according to the United States of America sizing standard. The shoes weigh an average of 2.2 pounds, meaning that they can’t tire your feet if you walk for a long distance.
3. Durable
The materials used in the construction of these boots extend their longevity. It consists of TPU material that is wear-resistant and has strong plaid fabric. The EVA foam technology found at the midsole provides optimum protection by way of dispersing impacts.
The Takeaway
Although combat boots have slightly different characteristics from hiking boots, both boots are suitable for hiking. The durability and safety features exhibited by combat boots make them ideal for hiking in challenging terrains. However, the choice of a hiking boot is down to personal taste.
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
