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One of the most essential pieces of equipment military personnel need is their boots; from training to patrols and everything in between, soldiers need their boots to be ready for anything.
The Army won’t let you just wear any old pair of boots, though, and make sure that the boots that do pass their rigorous checks are suitable for any scenario a soldier could find themselves in.
I wanted to help by using my amazing research powers and boot-buying experience to take the hassle out of finding the best AR 670-1 boot around.
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What is the AR 670-1 Boot Regulation?
The AR 670-1 boot regulation is the term used for the latest Army regulation (AR) that explains the requirements that need to be met for soldiers’ uniforms to meet Army standards.
To avoid having to quantify and explain to each soldier why they can or can’t wear a specific type of boot, the AR 670-1 regulation gives clear guidelines for what a combat boot must have.
You’re good to go if you find a boot that specifies it is AR 670-1 compliant, and while some boots might technically meet the criteria, some manufacturers don’t tell you exactly what’s inside your boots.
It’s always safer to find boots that have been authorized as meeting the standards, so always look for an AR 670-1 rating.
To be AR 670-1 compliant, a boot must meet the following;
- Have an 8” or 10” height.
- Have a plain toe.
- Rubber sole or polyurethane sole.
- The sole must match the color of the rest of the boot.
- No mesh fabric.
- It is created entirely of a leather upper.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
While I found plenty of boots that met the criteria, I only selected brands that I know are trusted by operators in the field and have been for several years. .
Finding boots that meet AR 670-1 criteria wasn’t too tricky; finding boots that met my own standards was.
I found several suppliers whose boots ticked most boxes, but very few met the comfort, safety, and durability criteria.
I’ve worn boots before that claim to be “combat boots,” and I wouldn’t wear some of them to walk my dog.
My selections are based on my experiences with the brand, proof that actual soldiers have used these boots, and a deep look into customer reviews.
I finally organized my list with my all-around top pick, a great budget choice, and an upgrade choice. If you’re after that little extra warmth, as well as a boot that’s highly rated by service personnel for its support and durability, my upgrade pick will be perfect for you.
I would happily recommend all three boots, and I hope you find my picks helpful when making your final choice.
3 Best Army Approved AR 670-1 Compliant Boots
There isn’t a tougher job around than being a soldier, and while it’s more about who is wearing the equipment than the equipment itself, wearing the right boots can make life a lot easier.
When you’re on your feet for hours, even days, at a time, working in any weather, on any terrain, your boots are one of the most vital pieces of equipment you own.
I’ve found what I believe are some of the best boots around; AR 670-1 means that a boot meets the required specifications for a soldier to wear, but these boots offer much more. Comfortable, long-lasting, and safe to wear, a soldier can wear these boots for days on end.
Best Overall: Garmont T8
Loaded with comfort first features like a thick EVA midsole and a PU Breathable footbed, you can expect support and comfort, even when you’re standing for hours on end. Still, this boot doesn’t sacrifice durability or protection in the service of greater comfort, so it’s still a worthy partner for tough rucks and marches.
The Garmont T8 Bifida military boot is my absolute top pick for a AR 670-1 recognized boot. It’s not just that it meets the requirements; this boot is lightweight, breathable, incredibly durable, and very comfortable.
Many boots have the correct height, the matching sole and upper color, leather upper, and a plain toe, but the T8 Bifida does all this and more. With everything from double stitching to improve durability to superior laces that won’t fray, it’s an excellent combat boot.
The Italian manufacturers, Garmont, have been making top-quality footwear for over thirty years, though the company can trace its roots back to 1867, so their experience speaks for itself.
Garmont has used its experience to create a quality product with every conceivable angle covered.
The T8 Bifida is one of four variations of the Garmont combat boot, with the T8 NFS being another superb option.
The Bifida is a classic design with a lightweight feel that’s perfect for wearing for extended periods.
From the flat laces that reduce pressure on your feet to the added grip from the Vibram sole, which wraps further around the sole to help keep purchase on rough terrain, Garmont has tried to think of everything.
The Garmont T8 has a sturdy yet flexible shaft, and the hookless rig allows the laces to tie very firmly, making your ankle feel secure. It’s not impossible to roll your ankle in a Bifida T8, but it’s not far from it.
What I Like
Every feature of the T8, and I mean every feature, is on there to benefit the wearer.
Lightweight enough to be worn for days.
Hookless rigging adds a great deal of support to the ankle area.
Breathable material with metal ventilation holes keeps your feet healthy.
2mm insole, molded footbed, and excellent contouring make the T8 very comfortable.
Quick-drying when worn in wet conditions, breathable in the heat, comfortable outsole on concrete, and great traction on rough terrain; every angle is covered.
Unisex and available in both half sizes and a wide fit.
What I Don’t Like
Not suitable for cold weather, especially ice and snow, I’ve heard reports of the grip being poor on ice, and the heat retention isn’t fantastic.
It can run on the small side.
What Other Reviewers Say
Overall, I couldn’t find any other reviews that found many faults with the Garmont T8 Bifida, including military reviewers who wear these boots on active service.
You can wear the T8 outside of the military too, and I’ve seen favorable reviews from foresters, correctional officers, and folks who wear the T8 for rough outdoor recreational activities.
– Despite question marks over an Italian boot made in Vietnam, the workmanship is excellent.
– Some reviews did query the grip after a while; the thick lugs in the soles can collect debris, so you’d need to monitor that and keep them clean.
The Verdict
I went looking for a boot that offers incredible durability, increased comfort, and maximum safety, and I found it in the Garmont T8 Bifida.
A boot that’s built to last, the T8 has reviewers in the thousands who can’t praise them enough.
Comfortable and robust, the ankle support and the materials used to create this breathable, quick-drying boot make it my best overall choice for a AR 670-1 boot.
If there’s one flaw with the T8, it’s the grip, but it’s a tough boot to beat for muddy, damp, or sandy conditions.
Loaded with comfort first features like a thick EVA midsole and a PU Breathable footbed, you can expect support and comfort, even when you’re standing for hours on end. Still, this boot doesn’t sacrifice durability or protection in the service of greater comfort, so it’s still a worthy partner for tough rucks and marches.
Best Budget: 5.11 Fast-Tac Desert Boot
It's not the greatest military-grade boot, but if you're on a private's salary and your budget is tight, the 5.11 Fast-Tac Desert Boot is a great option.
A budget boot doesn’t necessarily mean a low-quality boot, and the 5.11 Fast-Tac Desert Boot is an excellent example of a workman-like combat boot.
With all the usual specifications you’d expect from a AR 670-1 combat boot, the Fast-Tac is the perfect boot for warm climates.
Created by 5.11 Tactical, a Modesto, California-based company founded in 1992, the Fast-Tac is another example of 5.11’s focus on functional, well-crafted apparel. The company was primarily focused on high-quality rock-climbing clothing.
By 1999, after noticing that the clothing was becoming popular with the FBI Academy, a shift towards tactical clothing and footwear was made, to significant effect. 5.11 Tactical now creates excellent AR 670-1 rated boots like the Fast-Tac.
What I Like
A streamlined boot with zero frills, the Fast-Tac is functional footwear at its best.
Excellent grip, thanks to the all-terrain cup sole.
Ortholite footbed offers increased comfort.
Made by a brand with a good reputation for creating excellent tactical apparel.
Lightweight and durable.
Excellent price.
What I Don’t Like
Restricted on available sizes and widths, with no half sizes available.
The tongue can feel slightly loose and allows debris in.
Not really suited to other environments, but an ideal desert boot.
What Other Reviewers Say
I struggled to find anything negative from other reviews and found that those who had purchased the Fast-Tac were incredibly happy with their purchase.
It’s just another plus point for these cost-effective, sturdy boots.
– The overall opinion was that the Fast-Tac is incredibly well-fitting.
– Comfortable to a fault.
– Durable and well-built was a popular opinion, which is great considering the low price.
The Verdict
While looking for a budget pick, I was mindful of the need to find a boot that still offered everything you’d need from a combat boot.
Unlike the perfect gardening boot, getting your combat boots wrong can be a serious issue.
The Fast-Tac is a well-constructed boot with everything I was looking for; great reviews, comfort, and durability.
The laces tie well and add to the stability of your ankles, and for the price, I was very impressed.
You can usually tell a lot about a pair of boots from the reviews; the more a buyer writes in their review, for good or bad, the more I’m inclined to believe them. And with the Fast-Tac, reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with the boots’ comfort and robust build a common thread.
It's not the greatest military-grade boot, but if you're on a private's salary and your budget is tight, the 5.11 Fast-Tac Desert Boot is a great option.
Best Upgrade: Belleville C775
The Belleville C775 might look similar to most AR 670-1 rated combat boots, but its unique focus on dealing with colder climates, coupled with its almost perfect reviews, make it a serious upgrade on many boots.
The Belleville C775 promises a lot and delivers on everything; it’s an ideal combat boot for soldiers deployed to colder climates.
It’s definitely not an extreme weather boot, as you can see from my research on Bunny Boots, but thanks to 600 grams of Thinsulate, the C775 is great for keeping a soldier’s feet warm.
Looking at the history of the Belleville Boot Company, it’s no wonder the C775 is such an excellent combat boot; Belleville, founded in 1904, has been making boots for the military since the First World War.
A fifth-generation family business, Belleville pride itself on quality and durability; they don’t just sell someone’s boots, it’s their reputation on the line.
The C775 is the go-to boot for military personnel, though Belleville also makes a boot that’s built for extreme cold.
The C775 is a full-grain leather boot, and unlike many military boots, it’s made in the U.S.A. The preferred choice is the C775 ST, which has a steel toe, though the standard C775 is available with a soft toe.
Belleville has made the C775 waterproof, thanks to a Gore-tex bootie, and uses a Vibram outsole that’s ideal for cold weather.
The company uses a rubber compound that won’t freeze in icy conditions, so the grip remains excellent.
Combine the superior grip, which many military boots lack when it comes to ice and snow, with the 600g of Thinsulate insulation, and you’ve got a superbly crafted pair of boots that will keep your feet warm on even the coldest of sentry duties.
What I Like
Not all soldiers ship out to warm climates, and the C775 really solves the issue of cold weather deployments.
It’s made in the U.S.A; while I’ve not seen many complaints about combat boots made abroad, I prefer a locally made pair of boots as the quality is usually superior.
Available in half sizes, so you’re covered even if you need to go up a half size to accommodate thick socks.
Air Force, Army, Police Force, FBI, anyone who needs serious boots for a serious job, heads for the Belleville C775.
Shock absorbent midsole for increased comfort.
Belleville has over a century of experience creating military boots, and it shows.
What I Don’t Like
It’s not a dislike, but be aware you may need to go down a half size.
I genuinely struggled to find any real issues.
What Other Reviewers Say
– The majority of reviews I found were from actual Army personnel, and all were very positive.
– The C775 is very close to a Marine Corps issued boot and is exceptionally comfortable and durable.
– A pair of boots that can last for many years, the Belleville C775 is one of the best combat boots around.
The Verdict
The Belleville C775 might look similar to most AR 670-1 rated combat boots, but its unique focus on dealing with colder climates, coupled with its almost perfect reviews, make it a serious upgrade on many boots.
They could be called a bit costly, but given the role these boots are used in, I would say the price is very reasonable.
Given that a lot of the reviews and write-ups that I found were almost all put there by Army personnel, I feel even more confident recommending the C775.
It’s easier to trust the views of people who are using the boots for the same reason you’re probably reading this article, and soldiers say it’s an excellent boot for the job.
The C775 is comfortable, incredibly durable, and keeps your feet warm and safe.
The Belleville C775 might look similar to most AR 670-1 rated combat boots, but its unique focus on dealing with colder climates, coupled with its almost perfect reviews, make it a serious upgrade on many boots.
Garmont for the Win
The Garmont T8 Bifida, takes the top spot for its all-round comfort, durability, and impressive safety features. You can see Garmont has put real thought into the added extras that make this my top pick.
Loaded with comfort first features like a thick EVA midsole and a PU Breathable footbed, you can expect support and comfort, even when you’re standing for hours on end. Still, this boot doesn’t sacrifice durability or protection in the service of greater comfort, so it’s still a worthy partner for tough rucks and marches.
It was a close run, though, as the Belleville C775 is outstanding but might be too toasty to wear in warmer climes. For colder weather, I can’t see the C775 being beaten.
The Belleville C775 might look similar to most AR 670-1 rated combat boots, but its unique focus on dealing with colder climates, coupled with its almost perfect reviews, make it a serious upgrade on many boots.
My budget pick, the 5.11 Tactical Fast-Tac, only fits the budget criteria due to its great price; in all other respects, it’s a superb combat boot that I wouldn’t regret buying. But the T8 Bifida just edges both out for its added features, which bring an extra quality of life to these boots.
It's not the greatest military-grade boot, but if you're on a private's salary and your budget is tight, the 5.11 Fast-Tac Desert Boot is a great option.
FAQs
What boots does the U.S Army use?
The standard issue combat boot for the US Army is the Bates USMC combat boot. The Bates combat boot is waterproof, though upon joining the Army, recruits are usually issued with three pairs of boots. One pair of boots is for warm climates, another for temperate weather, and one for cold weather.
What does the AR 670-1 regulation say about boots?
The AR 670-1 regulation covers all requirements, though, for boots, the regulations state that a soldier’s boots must be 8” to 10” in height, have a plain toe, and be made of rubber or polyurethane.
The sole of a combat boot should match the color of the upper section, and no mesh fabric can be used in the manufacture of the boot. AR 670-1 boots also need to be made of a leather upper.
Can you wear Nike combat boots in the Army?
Nike does make several combat boots that are AR 670-1 authorized, including the Nike SFB Field 2 boot, which is available in both tan, and black. Nike is renowned for its lightweight, durable combat boots, and many soldiers, especially those deployed to warmer climates, often prefer the lighter Nike boot.
