The 10 Best Steel Toe Army Boots
This wiki has been updated 12 times since it was first published in August of 2018. Whether you're a soldier headed out on your first tour of duty or a first responder operating in extreme environments, having reliable, protective footwear is an absolute necessity. These steel toe army boots incorporate features to ensure your next combat or work mission is safe and comfortable for your feet. We've put together a host of options, including waterproof and hot weather pairs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Belleville USMC 550ST
2. Reebok Work Rapid Response RB
3. Danner Rat
Editor's Notes
May 27, 2020:
If nothing else, military boots must be rugged enough to stand up to some serious abuse. Because of that, we eliminated the admittedly budget-friendly Magnum Men's Response III, since they just couldn't handle the rigors of the job. We also believe that in addition to durability, military boots must be comfortable, since most wearers will generally be standing in them for long periods of time, and they should offer both flexibility for running, but also support to help prevent ankle twisting. We feel the options on this list tick all those boxes, and more.
If you are going to be deploying to a desert region, you'll need a pair specifically designed for hot weather climates, like the Belleville USMC 550ST, Danner Rat, Rocky S2V Tactical, and Bates Women's E47501. All of these are very breathable thanks to uppers that are crafted from a combination of suede leather and nylon. The Belleville USMC 550ST take things a step further by adding two mesh-covered holes for additional air flow, and the Rocky S2V Tactical have sieve technology circulates air in and water out.
On the opposite side, we have the Belleville 800 ST Waterproof, Belleville C790 ST, 5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C. Shield, Corcoran 10-Inch ST, and Bates Safety Enforcer, which are better for temperate or cold weather use. Both the Belleville models have stitched-in Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing, while the Bates Safety Enforcer boasts 200-gram thinsulate insulation and the 5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C. Shield has a membrane that keeps out bloodborne pathogens.
The Reebok Work Rapid Response RB are the only boots are on our list that feature a composite toe, rather the a true steel toe. For those unfamiliar with this style of safety toe, it meets the same minimum requirements as steel caps, but offers the added bonuses of being lighter in weight and not being a conductor of electricity, making the Rapid Response RB a good pair of work boots, too.
Special Honors
Altama Wraith Made in the United States and designed specifically for hot climates, the Altama Wraith are quality boots that are perfect for deployment in the Middle East. They feature a gusseted tongue to keep out dirt and debris, are stitched with triple-bonded nylon thread, and have a rigid fiberglass have shank for lateral support. They also boast an aluminum speed lacing system for rapid donning. originalfootwear.com
4. Belleville 800 ST Waterproof
5. Rocky S2V Tactical
6. Bates Women's E47501
7. Belleville C790 ST
8. Corcoran 10-Inch ST
9. 5.11 Tactical ATAC Shield
10. Bates Safety Enforcer
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.