Best Tactical High Top Shoes
Years ago there were few options for high top shoes. Among them you could find PF Flyers, Palladium and the popular Converse. All were used at some point in military forces, who saw the potencial in the design of this type of versatile shoes. But luckily for us, in recent years several companies have come up with some great new options.
For me, the high top shoes have always been a favorite. They offer great features like having more ankle support and protection than regular shoes, while being less bulky and more lightweight than boots. They can be used in urban or outdoors environments, and some models even in amphibious situations. They will keep you agile anywhere you go while looking good with pants or shorts. Let’s take a look at them.
Best Overall: Altama Maritime Assault, Altama Urban Assault
Best Waterproof: Viktos Taculus
Best Canvas: Palladium Pampa Hi
Best Budget:: CombatFlipFlops Shadowban
Best Casual: PF Flyers Grounder
Altama - Maritime Assault
These are my favorite shoes. They are extremely durable, comfortable, lightweight, easy to clean, have a good amount of padding and are versatile for any occasion. Have used them while traveling, on hikes, for work, at the shooting range and during every day errands around the city. They are available in a variety of different colors options.
They come with a waterproof rubber insert, which is great if you are not going to use socks in amphibious situations. Otherwise I recommend changing it with a normal comfortable insert.
The Altama Maritime Assault is made for all tactical water operations. With a fin friendly fit, this boot will fit just about any dive fin used by Militaries worldwide.
- Air mesh linings help wick away sweat and other moisture quickly from your foot.
- Full length one piece ABS shank provides stability and support when climbing a caving ladder.
- Non-shine rust-proof lace hardware.
- Ultron PU contoured insole will not absorb water.
- High abrasion quick drying 1000D Cordura quarter panels offered on both solid colors and Multicam.
- Front non-metallic drain ports allow for water to drain easily when flexing the boot..
- 13.5 Oz. (385g)
Altama - Urban Assault
This is a newer variant of the Maritime Assault. Designed for land activities. It’s not available in as many color options as the Maritime Assault.
MARITIME = AMPHIBIOUS MISSIONS
URBAN = LAND MISSIONS
To break it down further:
The Maritime Assault are meant to transition easily from water to land with sockless wear, a water impermeable insole, quick dry Cordura® upper, and easy flow side drainage vents.
The Urban Assault, on the other hand, is meant for land use with its sock friendly lining, antimicrobial fabric covered insole, Flex Knit breathable upper, and no drainage vents.
MARITIME = AMPHIBIOUS MISSIONS
URBAN = LAND MISSIONS
To break it down further:
The Maritime Assault are meant to transition easily from water to land with sockless wear, a water impermeable insole, quick dry Cordura® upper, and easy flow side drainage vents.
The Urban Assault, on the other hand, is meant for land use with its sock friendly lining, antimicrobial fabric covered insole, Flex Knit breathable upper, and no drainage vents.
- Weight: 14.05 oz
- Urban Assault Boot for all tactical land operations
- Flex Knit upper moves easily with the foot for comfort and breathability offered in both solid colors and MultiCam
- Air mesh linings help wick away sweat and other moisture quickly from your foot
- Non-shine rust-proof lace hardware will not break on the battlefield
- Rubber toe cap prevents wear and tear, while offering additional protection
- Anti-microbial PU foam insole with fabric top cover
- Full length one piece ABS shank provides stability and support when climbing ladders
- High abrasion rubber sticky outsole originally developed for rock climbing shoes, meets ASTM F2913-17 test for slip resistance
- Zero Drop outsole provides full contact with the floor for increased stability
- Integrated chunky knit vent allows for proper airflow around the foot
- Constructed wit comfortable knit uppers and a proven, high stability sole to keep you ready for anything, anywhere
- Heel counter is Back Part Molded to produce a customized curve that cups the foot, eliminated all "break-in" discomfort
Viktos - Taculus Waterproof Shoes
These shoes are great. Very comfortable and lightweight. Have a lot of padding all around and a wide toe box. Have used them during heavy rain, even being 2-3 inches in water and kept my feet totally dry. They are available in 3 different colors.
Looking for an all-conditions shoe that can withstand any weather and last for years to come? Check out the Taculus waterproof shoe, made with 6" water-resistant polyester/cotton ripstop chassis fitted with an internal waterproof/breathable membrane. It's designed with nubuck overlays for added durability against unforgiving gravel ranges, a hi-rebound EVA midsole for dynamic comfort, and an ultra-grippy Range Compound outsole for superior traction. The mid-volume forefoot allows for foot splay under load, while the fitness-focused 4mm heel-to-toe drop puts you in an attack posture. Plus, it's a U.S. veteran designed and developed with a 1-year workmanship and materials warranty.
-6" Water-resistant polyester/cotton ripstop
-Waterproof/breathable membrane lining
-Nubuck overlays for durability
-Rubber outsole for traction and stability
-Mid-volume forefoot for foot splay under load
-Utility focused 4mm heel to toe drop
-Weight 2.1lb/944g
-U.S. veteran designed & developed
-1-year workmanship & materials warranty
Looking for an all-conditions shoe that can withstand any weather and last for years to come? Check out the Taculus waterproof shoe, made with 6" water-resistant polyester/cotton ripstop chassis fitted with an internal waterproof/breathable membrane. It's designed with nubuck overlays for added durability against unforgiving gravel ranges, a hi-rebound EVA midsole for dynamic comfort, and an ultra-grippy Range Compound outsole for superior traction. The mid-volume forefoot allows for foot splay under load, while the fitness-focused 4mm heel-to-toe drop puts you in an attack posture. Plus, it's a U.S. veteran designed and developed with a 1-year workmanship and materials warranty.
-6" Water-resistant polyester/cotton ripstop
-Waterproof/breathable membrane lining
-Nubuck overlays for durability
-Rubber outsole for traction and stability
-Mid-volume forefoot for foot splay under load
-Utility focused 4mm heel to toe drop
-Weight 2.1lb/944g
-U.S. veteran designed & developed
-1-year workmanship & materials warranty
Palladium - Pampa Hi
The palladium canvas hi tops are a classic. The company started making them in 1947 for the French Foreign Legion. I have owned different variants of them. The baggy, Pampa and even a pair made of leather. All of them are lightweight and very comfortable. The canvas material on most of their models is thick and flexible, and don’t have any padding. They excel in hotter climates because are very breathable. Therefore are great for summer days. Have read reviews of active duty military personnel using and preferring them to traditional military boots, for the great amount of comfort while wearing them for long periods of time. They also can be used for casual outings or outdoors activities. So overall they are very versatile.
Palladium makes a wide variety of models, colors, materials and styles.
Palladium makes a wide variety of models, colors, materials and styles.
- UPPER: 14oz washed canvas in cotton
- LINING: 8oz canvas in cotton
- SOCKLINER: die cut EVA + heel cup - cover in 100% cotton
- BOTTOM + TOE CAP : Rubber + Die cut EVA
- FEATURES: flat lace / eyelets
CombatFlipFlops - Shadowban
Combat Flip Flops is a Veteran owned company that mainly focus on flips flops, but they also offer these high top shoe model. They look good and seem to have positive reviews from people who have purchased them.
-Proprietary rubber outsole (Sticky AF)
-Proprietary EVA mid-layer
-Leather toe cap and tongue
-Canvas upper
-Nylon laces, 8 eyelets, Cordura lace security
-Combat Flip Flop Lifetime Warranty
-Made in Bogota, Colombia
-Proprietary rubber outsole (Sticky AF)
-Proprietary EVA mid-layer
-Leather toe cap and tongue
-Canvas upper
-Nylon laces, 8 eyelets, Cordura lace security
-Combat Flip Flop Lifetime Warranty
-Made in Bogota, Colombia
PF Flyers - Grounder
Another Classic. They are available in 4 different colors. Plenty of great reviews. I had the model 1993 and they were great!
The original Grounder was designed in the 1940s. The highly comfortable and durable shoe was issued to the U.S. Military. The Grounder first saw action on the battlefield and then the baseball field. Today it is re-imagined for the streets with modern design elements.
True to its roots, the Grounder is ultra comfortable with a PU molded eco-sockliner for long lasting comfort and a lugged outsole tread for traction. The signature ribbed texture on the toe wrap provides extra protection and durability. The leather lining, heel stay, and diamond patch are premium details that elevate the sneaker. The BCI canvas upper features a durable water repellent treatment for everyday wear in the elements.
The original Grounder was designed in the 1940s. The highly comfortable and durable shoe was issued to the U.S. Military. The Grounder first saw action on the battlefield and then the baseball field. Today it is re-imagined for the streets with modern design elements.
True to its roots, the Grounder is ultra comfortable with a PU molded eco-sockliner for long lasting comfort and a lugged outsole tread for traction. The signature ribbed texture on the toe wrap provides extra protection and durability. The leather lining, heel stay, and diamond patch are premium details that elevate the sneaker. The BCI canvas upper features a durable water repellent treatment for everyday wear in the elements.
Woobies - Mod-2
Another veteran owned company. They run a little tight on the toe box. I recommend ordering the wide models. Available in several color options. I own a pair in black wide and so far they have been pretty good!
Three years in the making. Introducing the MOD-2, a true OTB shoe that can withstand any environment. The MOD-2 is the ultimate cross over shoe, built to endure hiking the PCT, to putting on fins off the coast of Coronado, or running up the cobblestone roads of Beacon Hill. The MOD-2 can be worn into any steakhouse and ascend any mountain.
The MOD-2 is built to protect you from harsh terrains, perform in the most intense situations, and fit into any setting.
-Certified slip resistant (dry, wet and oily)
-Durable breathable canvas
-Strainer drain holes
-TPU insoles for shock absorption and extreme durability
Three years in the making. Introducing the MOD-2, a true OTB shoe that can withstand any environment. The MOD-2 is the ultimate cross over shoe, built to endure hiking the PCT, to putting on fins off the coast of Coronado, or running up the cobblestone roads of Beacon Hill. The MOD-2 can be worn into any steakhouse and ascend any mountain.
The MOD-2 is built to protect you from harsh terrains, perform in the most intense situations, and fit into any setting.
-Certified slip resistant (dry, wet and oily)
-Durable breathable canvas
-Strainer drain holes
-TPU insoles for shock absorption and extreme durability
I have seen a lot of people complaining about comfort in all type of shoes and brands. It is crucial for you to buy a good insole. I use them in every single pair of shoes and boots I have. This will immediately improve the amount in comfort you will experience.
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