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Bear Grylls wears a number of different boots depending on the location and activities he’s engaged in. That said, his go-to boot is the LOWA Zephyr. More specifically, Grylls wears the hi leg version of the boot featuring a GORE-TEX interior for breathability.
Grylls once famously said “life is an adventure that is best lived boldly.” This applies not only to what you do, but what you wear while doing it.
The man’s boots display this perfectly.
While much of his success comes from his military background and dedication to survivalist education, he gets a bit of help from having the right gear. One key feature of his wardrobe—his boots—help him trek through the many harsh terrains he encounters.
Maybe you want to undertake your own wilderness adventure. Maybe you just like feeling prepared for whatever life throws at you. Or maybe you just love Grylls’ rugged aesthetic.
Regardless of what brought you here, I’ve got all the information you need about Bear Grylls boots so you can get yourself a pair as ready for anything.
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Bear Grylls Boots
Grylls wears a variety of different boots depending on what he’s up against. Some situations call for hiking boots, others for combat boots, others for no boots at all.
That said, his go-to pair is the military-style LOWA Zephyr GTX Hi. LOWA is a renowned boot manufacturer known for their extremely functional footwear.
Famously worn by adventure entertainment personality, Bear Grylls, this is LOWA's flagship combat boot, featuring the rugged military silhouette you’d expect from such a truly functional model. The GORE-TEX interior keeps the boot breathable while still thick enough to guard and support you during any outdoor pursuit.
Grylls opts for their Zephyr GTX Hi model. This is LOWA’s flagship combat boot, featuring the rugged military silhouette you’d expect from such a truly functional model.
There are a few different versions of the Zephyr. The one Grylls wears in his series “Escape From Hell” is the high leg GORE-TEX version.
This boot features an elongated boot shaft, offering a bit more protection for your feet and ankles when stomping through rough terrain.
The GORE-TEX interior keeps the boot breathable while still thick enough to guard and support you.
The rubber soles help absorb impact while walking or running, and the lightweight build makes these boots comfortable for long excursions.
Grylls himself can be seen wearing these boots in the sands of Morocco in season 1 episode 3 of “Escape from Hell”, highlighting their versatility. They are just as at home in the desert as they are in the forest.
Whether you’re chasing the adventurer look Grylls sports or you truly plan to test yourself, these boots are a great choice.
Bear Grylls Hiking Boots
As a multifaceted adventurer, sometimes Grylls needs a bit more specialization from his footwear. While the LOWA Zephyr can certainly work in a hiking context, its versatility means it isn’t uniquely suited to make hiking as easy as possible.
When Grylls needs to face a mountain, he opts for the Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 hiking boot.
Bear Gryll's hiking boot of choice, the Roclite Pro G 400s are very lightweight which is ideal for long stints outdoors. The outsole features slight cleats, helping you grip the ground and keep traction even on wet surfaces. These boots are great for everything from survival situations to leisurely outdoor strolls.
These hiking boots feature the same GORE-TEX membrane found in the Zephyrs, making them breathable and keeping your feet from overheating.
Like Grylls’ combat boots, the Roclite Pro G 400s are also very lightweight. This allows you to hike for long periods without exhausting yourself from dragging heavy soles along with you.
One of the major features of these boots helps Grylls in survival settings is their weatherproofing. They’re waterproof, ensuring your feet stay warm and dry even in sleet and snow.
In a survival situation, this can make an enormous difference. In a less extreme situation, say, a walk around the block, it’s still nice not to have wet socks.
The outsole features slight cleats, helping you grip the ground and keep traction even on wet surfaces.
These boots are great for everything from survival situations to leisurely outdoor strolls.
If you want hiking boots ready to go in an emergency or you just want the Bear Grylls boot style in your winter wardrobe, these are the boots for you.
Bear Grylls Boots Alternatives
We’ve discussed the specific models of Bear Grylls boots above, but there are a number of similar options on the market as well. Here are a few alternatives for you to consider.
Oakley Light Assault 2 Boots
If you love the look and functionality of the LOWA Zephyr but aren’t ready to commit to the price tag yet, consider going with the Oakley Men’s Light Assault Boot. This pair shares many features with Bear Grylls boots.
For starters, the silhouettes are extremely similar. Both have that classic military look, adding a sense of adventure to any outfit.
Additionally, both boots have higher boot shafts to help protect your ankles and shins. This means you won’t get beat up when climbing rocks or voyaging through branches.
The Oakleys are also pretty lightweight, giving you the same kind of endurance you’d get from the Zephyrs at a lower price.
The Oakley Light Assault Boot 2 is one of the lightest boots you can get, but don’t expect them to last a year if you regularly ruck or need them for any sort of heavy duty wear. They have decent ankle support and are great if you go airsofting once a month, but if you’re in the military and want a boot that’ll actually last in the field, I recommend getting another brand.
Timberland Earthkeepers
If you like Bear Grylls boots but want something a bit more stylish, the Timberland Earthkeepers are a great alternative.
These boots are built for the wild, but have a much more sophisticated look. This means they can transition from a hike to a night out a bit better than a true military boot might.
That said, the boots aren’t going to be nearly as helpful in a true survival situation. They’re heavier and have shorter shafts, making them less ideal for long, dangerous treks.
Still, if you’re just looking for a stylish boot with a bit of an adventurous side, these might be perfect.
Timberland Earthkeepers are solid mid-weight boots, and if you can find them for under $150, they’re worth consideration. Their unique style might be enough to push you over the edge, but we also like the comfort, eco-friendly materials, and leather quality.
Conclusion
While you’re probably not going to get as hard to kill as Bear Grylls just by buying the same gear, his boots are incredibly well suited to survival situations. The man knows how to pick an outfit for adventure.
His go-to boot, the LOWA Zephyr GTX Hi, is a lightweight combat boot offering great protection and versatility.
Famously worn by adventure entertainment personality, Bear Grylls, this is LOWA's flagship combat boot, featuring the rugged military silhouette you’d expect from such a truly functional model. The GORE-TEX interior keeps the boot breathable while still thick enough to guard and support you during any outdoor pursuit.
If you’re looking for his choice in hiking footwear, Grylls’ choice is the Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400.
Bear Gryll's hiking boot of choice, the Roclite Pro G 400s are very lightweight which is ideal for long stints outdoors. The outsole features slight cleats, helping you grip the ground and keep traction even on wet surfaces. These boots are great for everything from survival situations to leisurely outdoor strolls.
Whether hitting the wilderness or hitting the streets, both boots will keep you comfortable and ready for whatever the day brings.
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FAQs
What boots does Bear Grylls wear in Patagonia?
While Grylls doesn’t say the specific pair he wore to Patagonia, they appear to be a heavy pair of winter boots like the Merrell Strongfield LTR 8” Thermos. To withstand the cold, he needed boots with lots of insulation.
What walking boots does Bear Grylls wear?
Bear Grylls’ go-to pair of walking boots are Zephyrs from LOWA. He favors the high leg pair with a GORE-TEX interior, allowing for the ideal mix of protection and breathability.
