11 of the BEST Police Officer Boots (Ultimate Pro Guide)

 

As a police officer, having the right gear is essential to performing your job effectively and safely.

And…

I think we can agree that the selection of some of our gear is more of a priority than others.

As law enforcement officers we have equipment both on us and around us. For some of that equipment, we get to decide on the brand, model, and look while others may be told based on an agency policy.

There’s no doubt that one of the most important pieces of equipment is your police duty boots or police shoes.

If you are a veteran police officer then you know finding a pair of boots that match your needs is an important decision. I know it is for me.

I have probably bought and worn well over 40 pairs of boots, with at least 3 pairs in active rotation, including the ones on my best-of list that we will dive into later in this article.

If you are just starting in your law enforcement career you are in luck. This article is for you!

If you are a veteran police officer and have had a difficult time finding information that speaks from experience then you are in luck. This article is for you too!

I authored this article to provide you with the best real-time information on police boots and with selections that will make sense for your specific needs.

I normally put a nice fat button right about here to allow you to jump right to my recommendations but truly this entire article is packed top to bottom full of excellent information, boots, and accessories. 

and...

Be sure to read my article >> The BEST Summer Police Boots for Comfort and Style (Ultimate Guide) << next because it is important to change your boots seasonally to protect your feet from the rigors of working patrol and road details in the heat.

Let’s dive in!

Best Boots for Police Officers

For me, a great pair of duty boots depends on your individual needs, and those needs may be:

• 8 hours of patrol, in and out of the police car, hot cold – hot cold, you need the comfort zone.
• Standing all day on a detail, concrete is unfortunately your best friend.
• You want to look as squared away and badass as you can.
• You work in the northeast, Alaska, Fargo or some other type of climate where only the toughest weather Cops come out and play.
• Your looking for breathability because the stank feet have latched on to you and nothing seems to work to get you back to smelling like a GQ model in a nightclub in Miami.
• The police academy is only weeks away and what the %$#@ do I do cause I know my shiny boots are going to matter.

I’m sure that you get the point.

The top law enforcement boots are not a pair of Corcoran Jump boots because of the reason they have been around forever, you can put a mirror shine on, and look badass.

Ok I just have to say I love a pair of broken in Corcoran 10 inch jump boots.

The best boots for police officers are a pair of boots that suits your specific needs the most.

Best Side Zip Patrol and Tactical Boots

When it comes to the best overall police boots, the Bates GX-8 Gore-Tex Waterproof Side Zip Boot is a top contender.

These boots are designed specifically for the rigors of law enforcement and military work, providing comfort, durability, and protection.

Bates is a name that has been in the game for a long time.

The Gore-Tex waterproof lining keeps feet dry, while the side zipper allows for easy on and off. The slip-resistant rubber out-sole provides excellent traction on various surfaces, and the cushioned insole provides all-day comfort.

For tactical situations, the 5.11 A.T.A.C. 8" Boots are a top pick. These boots feature a full-grain leather and nylon upper for durability and flexibility.

The oil and slip-resistant out-sole provides excellent traction, and the antibacterial and moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry and fresh. The cushioned insole and shock mitigation system provide all-day comfort and support.

Best Socks for Police Boots

I think that the importance of picking the right socks gets passed over way too much. I have bought and worn way too many brands of socks in my career to the point I have lost count. I bet I'm not the only one in this boat.

I find that many socks claim to wick sweat, whatever that really means, but hold the sweat in and then trapped sweat turns to stank. Are you with me?

PRO TIP: If you work a ton of hours you should consider tossing socks that you have been wearing for over 6 months.

A good pair of sock, especially the ones I recommend will only cost you about $20. 

A fresh pair of breathable socks contributes to the overall health of your feet and your boots. With the steep prices of police boots who doesn't want longer lasting boots.

I have been wearing AND 1 crew socks with my police boots for about 5 years now and I am very happy with them. They feel cool on my feet and comfortable in my boots during any kind of weather. 

Choosing the Best Boots for the Police Academy

You have received a call from the command staff that you have been selected to start and attend the police academy. You want to know what boots will be best for the police academy.

This is important…

You should consider a few things.

• Your police academy has a mandatory equipment list that includes duty belts
• Your hiring agency has a mandatory equipment list that includes police duty boots
• Your hiring agency and the police academy has partnered to issue an approved equipment list

If you have researched those three and still have the freedom to choose which boots you want to wear in the police academy then the following is great information for you.

You will want a pair of academy boots that you will be able to keep clean and are able to put a nice shine on. With that said your boots should be comfortable because you might be wearing them for 8 to 14 hours a day.

PRO TIP: Police Academy Drill Instructors don't want to see recruits wearing boots that make them comfortable. They want to see you wearing boots that clean up well and hold a mirror spit shine.

In my experience, there are around 5 go-to boots to wear at the police academy.

The black police boots that many police academy recruits invest in are the 10' Corcoran Jump Boots.

I did some research and found tacticalgear.com has them in stock and at a pretty good price. You can find a link to them here.

A second pair of popular academy boots that are ready for a nice spit shine and to be broken in are the Rocky 10" Paraboot.

One part I DON'T like about the Rocky Boots that I DO like about the Corcoran Boots are the laces. Over time the Corcoran laces soften and the Rocky laces stay hard and thin.

Bates make a great pair of Boots that many recruits wear in the police academy. The toes and heals are ripe for putting on that mirror shine drill instructors are looking for.

Thorogood is another brand that makes side zipper boots that are popular with police academy trainee's. The toes and heals on the 8 inch academy boots are primed and ready for a glossy shine.

 

PRO TIP: Use the following three products to maintain your police academy boots in their original black color and put a killer spit shine on them. I have used these three products my entire law enforcement career.

 

Black Police Boots

Many Law Enforcement Officers such as Police Officers, Deputy Sheriff’s, State Troopers, and Federal Agents have historically chosen black police boots as their go-to for patrol work and the like.

Black police boots clean up nicely, hide the sweat and some hold a nice shine. They also go nicely with the navy blue or black BDU police uniform.

Best Winter Police Boots

Danner is a brand that has been around for over 80 years and is known for making high-quality boots.

For winter conditions, the Danner Acadia 8" Insulated Boot is an excellent choice. These boots feature 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation for warmth, and the Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry.

The full-grain leather and 1000 denier nylon upper provide durability, and the Vibram Kletterlift outsole offers excellent traction on snow and ice.

These Danner winter patrol boots are a bit pricey however they are the warmest patrol boots I have ever worn. I have worked in sub-zero temperatures continuously for 8 plus hours and the wind didn’t penetrate these Danner boots.

These boots will last you several years as long as you take care of them and rotate wearing them with another pair of boots.

Battery Heated and Thermal Patrol Socks

Have you ever woke up on a frigid winter day and gone into your sock drawer only to wish you would have invested in a pair of really nice socks that will keep your feet warm all day long?

Do you work outside details where all you wish for is that your feet don't start to sweat and then freeze?

If you answered YES to either one of those questions longer I have the socks for you, actually 3 different kind depending on your needs for warmth.

 

Best Waterproof Police Boots

The importance of waterproof boots for police officers lies in their ability to provide comfort, health protection, tactical advantages, and adaptability to various conditions, ultimately supporting officers in performing their duties effectively and safely.

Waterproof police boots also provide the following benefits to law enforcement officers:

• These boots are often constructed with materials that enhance their durability.
• Resisting water penetration also helps protect the boots from premature wear and tear, extending their overall lifespan and reducing the frequency of replacements.
• Waterproof boots provide protection against rain, snow, and other wet elements, allowing officers to perform their duties comfortably regardless of the weather.
• Waterproof boots keep officers' feet dry, ensuring extended comfort during long shifts and reducing the risk of foot-related issues.

 Danner Men's Fullbore 4.5" Waterproof Military and Tactical Boot

Best Police Boots for Running

Police officers require good boots for running due to several important reasons that directly impact their effectiveness, safety, and overall job performance.

They are:

• During emergencies, police officers often need to respond quickly to apprehend suspects, assist civilians, or address urgent incidents. Good running boots enable swift and agile movements, allowing officers to reach the scene promptly.
• Police officers may find themselves in pursuit of suspects on foot. Running boots with proper support, traction, and shock absorption are vital to navigating various terrains, including streets, alleys, and uneven surfaces, minimizing the risk of injuries.
• Police boots designed for running offer enhanced performance features, such as lightweight construction and materials that allow officers to move efficiently. 

Lastly, wearing reliable running boots instills confidence in officers, knowing that their footwear can keep up with the demands of the job.

This confidence allows officers to focus on their duties without being hindered by concerns about their gear.

Let's look at 2 pairs of police boots that you should consider for running.

Under Armour Police Boots

Under Armour is a well-known brand in the athletic world, but did you know they also make police boots? Their police boots are designed to be lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for officers who are always on the move.

I have worn the Under Armour Men's Micro G Valsetz Zip Tactical Boots and thought they were OK. I think I had higher expectations and they broke down quicker than boots that have been around a lot longer. 

Best Polishable Police Boots

Putting a shine on a pair of police boots is something I would do as a nightly routine in the police academy. I attended 3 police academies.

For the first police academy, I picked up a pair of Rocky Jump boots. It wasn’t much of a choice because I was in a hurry, and I just went with what I thought looked best. It didn’t happen to be a bad decision because the Rocky Jump Boots shined nicely and lasted me a long time. 

For my second and third police academies I had more time to make a better decision. I went with the Corcoran Jump Boots for both police academies. Over half of the recruits also wore Corcoran Jump Boots.

PRO TIP: Be careful not to scuff the front or back of the boots that you will be using to polish. A deep gouge could be the end of your polishing days for these boots.

The Corcoran Jump Boots are field training boots that clean up very nicely and take a beautiful shine.

PRO TIP: When you graduate from the police academy buy yourself a pair of patrol boots that will suit your needs as I have explained above. Store your academy boots that take a nice shine so that you can have a nice pair of boots for wakes and funerals.

Best Lightweight Police Boots

Think for a minute about how much gear you have on your body. Safe to say 20-30 pounds right?

Now think about getting in and out of the patrol car a dozen times a day with all of your equipment.

Many law enforcement officers don’t have much of a say about how much equipment they wear on their duty belt. But these officers may have decision-making authority when it comes to their boots.

Large, heavy, and clunky boots will weigh you down.

Over the last decade, lightweight boots have become my go-to. I wear lightweight boots 95% of the time and the other 5% I wear boots that suit my needs due to the weather.

The following are some reasons why lightweight police boots make a great choice.

• Police work often involves a variety of activities, from patrolling to running, and even climbing. Lightweight boots are versatile and suitable for a range of tasks, providing officers with the flexibility to adapt to different scenarios.
• Law enforcement professionals may need to make quick turns, sudden stops, or rapid changes in direction. Lightweight boots enhance quick maneuverability, allowing officers to respond effectively to changing situations without being encumbered by heavy footwear.
• Heavy boots can place additional stress on joints, potentially leading to discomfort or injuries. Lightweight boots reduce the impact on joints, contributing to overall joint health and minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
• Officers often cover significant distances during their shifts. Lightweight boots contribute to enhanced endurance, allowing officers to maintain a consistent pace and cover more ground without feeling weighed down.

You should consider getting a pair of the following lightweight police boots:

Best Police Boots for Men

For men on the front lines, patrolling the streets, and responding to emergencies, the choice of boots can impact comfort, performance, and overall safety.

You should zero in on the following when choosing the best police boots for men:

Be cognizant of your individual needs and preferences

Know your budget because police boots can be very expensive.

Pay attention to sizing and fit tips.

PRO TIP: When shopping for police boots online read over reviews that have to do with sizing. This will save you valuable time without having to return a pair of boots for a different size.

Best Police Boots for Women

About the Author

Brian Humenuk isn't just an entrepreneur in eCommerce, he is also an informed leader whose experience provides followers and visitors with a look into current and past police issues making headlines in the United States.

Brian has earned three degrees in Criminal Justice with the last, a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.

Brian extends his training, education, and experience to the officers just now getting into the field so that they may become more informed police officers and stay clear of police misconduct and corruption. 

You can find out more about Brian and the COPJOT story on the ABOUT US page. 

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