When it’s you versus the wilderness, an essential aspect of your outdoor endeavor is moving around on foot, that’s why you should consider investing in a pair of survival boots.
The best survival boots on the market will endure walks through dirt, over hills, through rivers, maybe even over mountains and climbing trees.
They are going to prepare you for just about anything, but obtaining survival boots that take a dip in quality could result in anything from hypothermia because of flimsy material to a broken leg because of the discomfort while dragging them through bad terrain.
Whatever the activity, the boots you acquire should have the ability to take you places, literally.
Here at Survival Front, we have reviewed five of the best survival boots out there and are confident you will find a pair that best suits you and entertain your adventure.
Let’s meet the contenders!
Ahnu Women's Sugarpine Hiking Boot
Ahnu is an established footwear company that provides hiking boots that are durable and tough and crafted with excellent materials and logical design.
The Ahnu Women’s Sugarpine Hiking Boot is, of course, designed for women who enjoy the outdoors and will be ideal for women who find themselves in various survival situations.
The boot has a feminine style and appearance to them, which is very pleasing to the eye, but this boot offers both style and substance.
Designed to keep you naturally centered, balanced, and comfortable for miles on end.
This boot is waterproof. It offers a waterproof nylon mesh with moisture-wicking mesh lining running inside.
The upper mesh makes the boot breathable for your feet, which minimizes the build-up of sweat.
It includes a quality Vibram rubber outsole; this specific rubber is a trusted outsole used by many shoe brands for maximum traction and stability – which is exactly what an outsole should provide.
Featured on the boot is Numentum Technology, which provides you with efficient and stable stride.
The mid-cut design also supports and stabilizes your ankles – although it has been disputed by some customers claiming this could be improved.
This product is on the market at an affordable price and is easily attained, but are limited to women, so if you’re a man reading this review, maybe suggest them to a fellow female-survivalist?
These would be an excellent long-term investment for female survivalists out there.
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Pros
- 100% Mesh, leather and suede
- Waterproof
- Rubber sole
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Could offer more support around ankles
- Restricted to one gender
Ariat Men's Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
Constructed with high-quality full-grain oil leather, Ariat Men’s Terrain H20 Hiking Boot is sturdy and will withstand substantial wear and tear before they need replacing.
These boots are waterproof and perform well during a range of outdoor activities while entertaining a variety of weather conditions.
Ariat has included a waterproof lining membrane that makes them an excellent choice for even the most humid conditions.
The rubber soles provide excellent grip on most of the terrain, which removes moisture from inside your shoes without letting water in from outside, the moisture-absorbing lining has you covered.
These ankle-high hikers include protective heels and toe overlays, to prevent any sprains or breakages.
The boot includes a gel-cushioned footbed with heel stabilizers, which deliver extra support, rebound, and stability.
At an attainable price, these boots offer a considerable range of features and will assist your survival in a host of climates. We have no doubt these hiking boots will bring success to your endeavor.
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Pros
- 100% Leather
- Rubebr sole
- Waterproof membrane construction
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Sometimes water can sweep on the upper side
- The traction of the shoes needs improvement
KEEN Men's Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Keen, as a brand, has built quite a reputation among hikers because of its excellent quality, lightweight, and a combination of sound on and off-trail performance.
The Keen Targhee II doesn’t let you down.
As a lightweight boot, they are heavy models compared to usual lighter boots. Its thick midsole, high-traction outsole, and robust rubber protection at the toe and heel
This product is one of the shorter lightweight hikers, and with its many seams around the toe box, it is prone to wear and tear. With this, the boots can fault by leaking in around the front seams.
So, for ultimate water-resistance, we recommend going for taller boots.
At a reasonable price, this product performs and delivers. It tallies well in comfort, weight, and solid traction.
These boots will be worthy of acquiring for your encounters with the outdoors and will work well for people with wider feet and look for a good kick at an attractive price.
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Pros
- 100% Waterproof Nubuck leather
- Breathable leather lining
- Rubber sole
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
- Sizes have been questioned, reported as unreliable
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid
Merrell is known for producing some of the most comfortable and durable boots on the market.
The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid hiking boot falls on the inexpensive side of the spectrum, compared to other hikers featured in this review and is on the market at an affordable price.
It provides a comfortable, cushioned walking experience for hikers or casual backpackers or even those facing survival situations.
They are best suited to drier, warmer temperatures as it doesn’t include a waterproof liner of any type.
Hiking is more prevalent during the spring and summer months. We recommend acquiring these in a desert-like climate, where they can thrive instead of affecting the overall quality of your survival story.
The leather and mesh uppers provide breathability and durability while on your trail. With the high-performance rubber soul, you will have confidence in your every move because of its stability and slip resistance.
These boots offer a wide version of each size, which caters for those with larger feet and widens their audience.
If you’re looking for affordable boots, and are about to embark on an adventure in a tropical environment, you should consider these hiking boots that will last you a very long time.
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Pros
- 100% Mesh, leather and suede
- Best suited to desert-like climates
- Cushioned and comfortable
- Good fit for wide feet
- Very breathable
Cons
- Grip has been questioned by some customers
- Not waterproof
Salomon GORE-TEX Men's Hiking Boots
The Salomon Gore-TEX hiking boots come in a high to the medium range. They are designed for men but cater to women as well with their sizes, which widens their target audience.
Salomon, with these boots, has selected its best technologies to offer you maximum comfort, protection, slip-prevention, and impermeability.
When it comes to water-resistance, these 100% synthetic waterproof boots experience great success.
By offering a waterproof membrane that protects your feet from water or mud, these boots prevent you from having hypothermia, and no doubt will leave your feet dry for your entire expedition.
As well as this, incorporated into the model is a Softshell mesh which covers the show with waterproof polyurethane, which will make it impossible for your feet ever to get wet.
The midsole, injected with EVA and OrthoLite foam, which include anti-smell and anti-microbial treatment, provides comfort and increases durability.
This fills the interior with comfort and makes it ideal for long-length outdoor outings.
These lightweight boots fall on the more expensive side of the spectrum, but with its variety of features, we think these will be a worthy long term investment.
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Pros
- 100% Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some customers have reported ankle problems
- Sizes have been questioned, reported as unreliable
What to focus on
Before you focus on other features of the survival boots you’re looking to obtain, you need to consider the overall makeup of the shoes first.
Having a good knowledge and understanding of the makeup will determine if the boots you’ve chosen are actually going to be good quality and are durable enough to withstand various climates and for an extended period.
Soles
The soles are essential to a good pair of boots. For them to withstand various climates, they need to be thick and stiff; however, functional survival boots will be flexible enough to increase comfort and make them easier to walk in.
Problems will occur for both too rigid and too soft boots, so bear that in mind before you make any purchases.
Upper
Like all parts of the boot, the upper is supposed to be strong enough and sturdy enough to resist sticks or stones that may come into contact with your feet while you’re walking.
Finding boots that have waterproof uppers is also recommended, but also breathable. Boots made from synthetic material are more likely to provide both.
Inner
The last thing you want is for the shoes themselves rubbing against your feet and causing blisters, hindering your overall performance. That’s why boots that have the right amount of padding is essential because it prevents the shoes from doing this.
The more padding maximizes the overall comfort your feet experience throughout your encounter with the outdoors.
Insole
Insoles should provide proper arch support; however, too much arch support can hurt your foot while you’re trying to walk. On the contrary, not enough arch support can result in becoming flat-footed.
When reviewing the insoles, it is essential some padding is included and are comfortable to walk in – if they offer neither, you should consider a different product.
Scree Collar & Lacing
The scree collar, which is the padded space at the ankle of your boot that fits tightly, should keep out debris and prevent blisters and sores from occurring.
This aspect is an essential part of the boot contributing to the overall comfort.
The laces should be of high quality and be tied up tightly and last for a long time. Strings that fit correctly to your boots are essential, and sometimes that even means investing in them separately from the shoes.
Bad laces need to be tight and well-fitted and should prevent your feet from sliding, accidents, and even blisters.
Lighter boots
Like most, if not all, of your survival clothing and gear, you must try to find lightweight boots to make your outdoor experience a breeze.
The lighter the shoes you invest in, the better they’re going to be (if they tick off other boxes included in this buyer’s guide!)
In survival mode, even a few extra ounces can burden your performance because most of your energy is used up from the items stored in your survival kit on your back.
If you expect long hikes on your endeavor, lightweight boots will assist you in long distances and be a must-have.
Lighter boots mean you won’t have to put as much effort in during various activities featured in your adventure, which leaves energy for other areas, including mental strength.
Waterproof
Where rivers and rainstorms are likely, you must consider survival boots that are waterproof and can resist various climates involving water.
It doesn’t matter how much water you encounter. You won’t want any water to make it through your boots. A lack of water-resistance can lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal, and therefore needs to be taken seriously.
Ankle protection
Excellent survival boots will offer ankle protection and will come up over your ankle, providing both support and stability.
You could find yourself twisting or bending a certain way, and your ankle tries to follow, but without protection, it leads to a sprain or a breakage – which will slow you down in dangerous situations.
The thickness of the leather
The leather used to construct your boots should be the same thickness throughout because weaker or thin spots can crack and are prone to wear and tear.
Softer and lighter leather will allow water to enter your shoes, causing inevitable problems down the line.
If you want leather boots, make sure they’re just that – leather, to benefit from high-quality material.
However, if you opt for something synthetic, you can enjoy the benefits of water resistance and excellent breathability for your ankles and feet.
Recap
When it’s you versus the wilderness, an essential aspect of your outdoor endeavor is moving around on foot, that’s why you should consider investing in a pair of survival boots.
Choosing the best survival boots is a decision that needs to be well-thought-out, and you should consider many features before finalizing any purchases.
Throughout your adventure, you’ll be on your feet and should acquire a boot that provides durability, quality, support, and overall comfort.
After thoughtful review, the boot that has shined the most is Ariat Men’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot.
This boot offers a level of quality for a budget-friendly price that will withstand severe conditions while providing enough space to move around freely.
They are waterproof and will survive the wettest climates you may encounter on your endeavor.
However, every product included in this review makes for excellent boot choices – it all depends on preference and circumstance.
We hope our review has helped you find the best survival boot for you and has directed you on what to look for before making your decision.
Please leave your feedback in the comment section below, and if you have any suggestions for future topics, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
From all of us at the Survival Front team, good luck and happy prepping!
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