By Rehan Iqbal
Whether you’re a hard core marine or more of a desert eagle, the need for standardized footwear cannot be overstated for any uniformed occupation. Unlike the average citizen, Army and Military personnel face far more hazardous environments and deadly occupational hazards. As a soldier smack in the middle of action, any weakness in your body, gear or tactics could cost you your life. That’s why the government set strict rules and regulations that govern the Army’s looks, apparel and equipment in the form of AR 670-1.
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Military Boots That are Compliant With AR 670-1 Regulations
While AR 670-1 touches on things like clothing and hairstyles, the most important amendment involved the type of tactical footwear required for duty. Simply put, some of these requirements include a plain toe design, uppers made of tan cattle hide leather, no mesh or fabric uppers as well as a shaft that is 8 to 10 inches in height. All these elements work to ensure that our soldiers are protected on the field and are able to achieve peak performance. So whether you’re tromping through mud or trekking across sweltering deserts, you’re going to need one of these AR 670-1 approved army boots on your feet.
1. Bates Men’s Cobra Hot Weather Coyote Tactical Army Boot
When things get hot and outright dangerous, you want to make sure that your feet have the right gear for the occasion. Currently, the Bates Men’s Cobra Hot Weather Coyote Boot is the most popular AR 670-1 compliant footwear for hot weather, and you’ll find out why soon enough.
Proper Climate Control
The Bates Army Boot comes with the name hot weather because they’re built for it. When the trenches get a bit too hot and sweaty, features such as the highly perforated exteriors make sure that your feet don’t catch fire in there. Simply put, all the holes you see around go to making sure that your feet remain fresh and cool all through the mission. To complement these holes is a breathable medial as well as a similar lining that pumps as much aeration to your feet as possible.
Trademark Durability
You guessed it; Bates can really make a really tough pair of boots when they put their minds to it. The Bates army compliant tactical boot pushes the limit one step further with incredibly resilient flesh out, abrasion resistant cattle hide. Simply put, this means that you can bash in a couple of heads without stopping to check whether the outsole’s come apart.
2. Danner Men’s Tachyon 8″Coyote Military and Tactical Boot
Ah yes, a worthy brand that has also managed to squeeze in a 2 boot style on this list. The Danner Men’s Tachyon 8″Coyote Military boot is a true reflection of what the manufacturer really stands for. And for those of you who don’t know, I’m referring to Danner’s renown keen eye for detail in all things footwear. But is this just another typical AR 670-1 compliant boot, or is there more to it than meets the eye?
Near Weightless
If ever there was a shoe that felt more like a sock than an Army boot, it would have to be the Danner tactical boot. This bad boy comes precisely as advertised; so light it’s like wearing nothing at all. To achieve this, all Danner had to do was take their typical boot, strip it up, give it a complete overhaul to fit AR 670-1 requirements and cut down on extra weight; all without sacrificing an ounce of your comfort. So if you’re a military scout or just find yourself trooping about here and there, that’s the boot you’re going to need.
Compounded Comfort
While the fact that the Tachyon Boot is near weightless makes for a comfortable feel, that’s just the beginning of it. These boots incorporate a hefty 3 layer comfort system for a compounded effect when wearing. So not only if your foot ultra comfortable in a snug position, but the system also absorbs shock and impact from walking and running.
3. Danner Men’s Rivot Tfx 8″ Coyote Military and Tactical Boot
A wise man once said that to know the kind of product you are buying, you’ve got to look at the brand. I’m the wise guy here, that’s why I always strive to inform my buyers about who they are buying. When it comes to a sharp eye for detail, Danner are the undisputed champions in their craft. Just looking at any one of their shoes is enough to convince you of their high quality standards. Today, we’re reviewing the Danner Men’s Rivot Tfx Coyote Tactical boots for our boys in the force.
Ultra Light and Flexible Design
Whether you’re out in Iraq flushing out insurgents or just a local beat cop chasing down some perps, there’s really only one thing you need to know. In battle, motion can be one of your greatest weapons. The Danner Rivot Boot is built to give you the advantage of speed and maneuverability. This is all made possible by the lightweight TFX platform that makes the Rivot almost weightless.
Climate Control
You’d usually say that if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. But ask any American Marine what you do when you can’t stand the heat and they’ll probably tell you to jump straight in the fire. Thanks to the space mesh linings that quickly dispel heat, the Danner AR 670-1 Tactical boots allow you to do just this by letting in a cool, constant stream of air.
4. Reebok Work Sublite Cushion Tactical AR670-1 Compliant
Already a globally known brand, Reebok has been around since pretty much as far as I can remember. Nothing felt better than getting a brand new Reebok for Christmas. So what if you’ve grown up and joined the army? Nobody says that you can’t gift yourself one of their AR 670-1 Tactical Boots. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Built For Battle
There’s simply no other way to say this, but the Reebok Tactical Boot is built for war. If you’re looking for something that will help you bash doors down and smash heads in, this is definitely the best match for you. The work boot features waterproof leather that is combined with ballistic nylon soft toes for the ultimate protection on the job. Like I always say; law enforcement footwear never looked so damn gorgeous.
Packed with Latest Tech
One of the reasons why Reebok remains so popular is because of their tech savvy designs and components. The Sublite Tactical Boot is especially packed with all sorts of technologies. From the inside, you get moisture wicking lining that protect your foot against bacterial infections and foot odors. To assist them are removable moisture wicking vents as well as side air vents for the ultimate breathability.
5. Belleville Tactical Research TR511 Mini-Mil Transition Boot, Coyote Brown
In today’s highly volatile and hard action world of soldiers, things seem to be moving away from traditional footwear and towards newer, trendier and more flexible styles. Sure, traditional, heavy duty boots are great and all, but they tend to work against you if you’re going to be on your feet all day. Following their tremendous success with their Mini-Mil, these guys have done it again with the Belleville TR511 Mini-Mil Transition boot. But is this just another minimalist training boot or is there more to it than meets the eye?
Minimalist Design
Like I said, the Belleville Tactical Boot is modeled after its predecessor with the aim of creating a truly minimalist AR 670-1 army boot. For too long now have our men and women out in the field been straddled with too much weight by old and huge heavy duty work boots. The Belleville boot comes with a very minimalist design that is more evolved towards natural movement.
Quality Uppers
When it comes to AR 670-1 compliant footwear, this brand really takes things to a whole other level. The uppers on these minimalist army boots are made of full grain leather with a blend of 1000 denier Cordura nylon. Talk about waltzing around with highly flexible armor on your feet.
6. Timberland PRO Valor 8″ Duty Soft Toe
Timberland somehow managed to squeeze a boot from their military series into our list of top AR670-1 military boots. But this was no simple accident. With the need for minimalists footwear and designs that appease the modern soldier skyrocketing, it’s no surprise that you’re seeing a second Mini-Mil. I’m talking about the PRO Valor soft toe boot and what it has to offer.
Convenience
We already pointed out how these minimalists boots give soldiers one heck of a tactical advantage, so I won’t be getting into that again. What I didn’t touch on is that the design is also engineered for optimum convenience. Features like the pull on loop that makes it easier to pull this boot on and off are just but a few examples.
Well Rounded
Timberland has been making work boots as far as I remember. And now, the brand seems to be eyeing the lucrative military boot market. This means that these army compliant boots are stable, reliable, light, high in traction and pretty much well rounded. If DOD trusts them, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t too.
7. Rocky S2V Enhanced Jungle Boot
When you’re assignment is out in the jungle, you need to be shopping with something more than just AR 670-1 Compliancy in mind. These days, a lot more things than just fatigue and a pinching boot could end your life. Not many military boots come with this feature, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure that your service boots can keep out a sharp object. The Rocky Men’s 8” Enhanced boots are built just for this purpose.
Puncture Proof
As the most prominent feature on the Rocky Military Boots, it makes sense to start here. This work of art is constructed using puncture resistant outsole that can stop any sharp objects in your way. As if that wasn’t enough, the S2V Enhanced Jungle Boot is made using American flesh-out cattle hide leather and 1000D CORDURA; it resists items that could tear at your boot.
Advanced Technology
Apart from all the puncture proof tech in the Enhanced Cordura boot, the footwear contains a surprising amount of technology. Let’s start off with the Roll Stop Ankle stability that prevents your ankles from rolling when running on uneven terrain. The Rocky AR 670-1 Army Boots also contain Advanced S2V Sieve Technology that keeps wetness and moisture at bay.
AR 670-1 Compliant Safety Toe Army Boots
Since the AR 670-1 got passed, things have been really looking up for all our boys and girls in the force. Not only is the gear much safer and efficient, but it has also improved performance a whole lot more. However, there are times when you need something more than a plain toe.
Think about it; What are you going to use to kick down the suspect’s doors? And what about those sweet roundhouse kicks, they sure seem more effective with a little steel in there don’t they? If you’re a real soldier who could use everything it takes to finish the mission, then the following AR 670-1 boots that most would approve will give you more than a tactical advantage.
1. Rocky Men’s 8″ S2V Steel Toe Tactical Military Boot
There’s a reason why I saved this particular boot for last. The simple fact that you made it all the way to the end of this piece means that you have what it takes to see your mission to the end. If you’re a hot blooded, shoot first, ask questions later kind of American looking for something homemade for your feet, then I’d be proud to recommend the Rocky Men’s 8″ S2V Steel Toe Tactical Military Boot.
The Ultimate Foot Armor
First off, let’s sit back and appreciate the fact that this is the only AR 670-1 Uniform boot with a steel toe. When you see steel on your boot, you know that the poop hit the fan ages ago. The Rocky Tactical boot comes with either a steel or composite toe that has been tested and certified to meet ASTM safety ratings. This way, you can make your choice according to weight demands as well as how much you will be frequenting metal detectors. There’s also the awesome PTFE coating on each boot for flame resistance in case you come in contact with open flames.
Unmatched Comfort
While the Rocky Military Boot are geared towards a more durable feel, the comfort levels here have definitely not been overlooked. This AR 670-1 boot incorporates tech such as the Rocky Air-Port footbed that turns simple Polyurethane into durable clouds of comfort. The interior is lined with Dri-Lex lining that quickly wicks away moisture at the first instance of sweating. And if the going gets tough, you can rest assured that the Vibram outsole has your feet well covered against shock and impact.
2. Bates Men's Ranger II Hot Weather Composite Toe Military & Tactical Boot
For anyone who’s ever served in the army or worked as military personnel, they’ll tell you the importance of keeping your limbs safe. But most notable are the toes which always seem to be getting in the way of everything. You’d be surprised just how many soldiers have dropped a gun or other heavy armaments on their toes by accident. If you’re looking to keep your toes safe and still have enough flexibility to flank the enemy, then your search ends here at the Bates Military & Tactical Boot.
Protective Features
As promised, the Bates tactical boot incorporates a composite toe that meets ASTM rated standards. And the kicker is that this safety toe is actually as strong as any steel toe cap out there. Covering your composite toes are the incredibly abrasive resistance, flesh out cattle hide leather that is near bulletproof. With just these two features, it’s like wearing armored tanks on your feet.
All Round Comfort
I’ve always pointed out time and time again that a good soldier knows to take comfort where they can get it. But with the Bates AR 670-1 Compliant Boots, you know what you are getting upfront. The comfort starts all the way from the construction courtesy of the flexible Direct Attach method. It is then reinforced by a Polyurethane cushioned midsole to provide all the comfort and support you need.
3. Danner Rivot TFX 8″ NMT Boot – Men’s
If there’s one brand that is really making their mark today, it would have to be Danner. I’ve even lost track of how many styles are on my list today. That said, the Danner Rivot TFX 8″ NMT Boot has managed to blend convenience with resilience like no other boot can. The fact that this particular boot is as maneuverable as it is protective makes it the perfect match for both indoor and outdoor use. However, the composite toe seals the deal for all army personnel that have to go through metal detectors all day.
Built for Motion
You’ve already seen about six other styles that re built for battle right? Well, you’ve definitely not seen one that is actually built for motion. The Danner army boot is made with one specific purpose in mind; get you there fast. Thanks to its frame webbing design, the boot comes with the advantage of increased mobility and flexion. Combine that with the Vibram Rivot TFX outsoles and you have the best acceleration, braking, turning, pivoting and lunging in any terrain.
Safety Oriented
When you hear the word safety boot, then you know that safety was the first priority for the manufacturer. In addition to a metal free composite toe that protects from impacts from above, the Danner Military Boot also incorporates a fiberglass shank for extra protection from below. You can step on all the glass and nails you want, nothing’s getting through fiberglass.