Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Pounding the Pavement

You might not be Cinderella or even Prince Charming, but you deserve a pair of boots that meets your finicky standards. Good looks are only part of the criteria that need to be met. Your boots should provide proper fit, comfort, and durability, in addition to any other personal preferences.

January 1, 2005
4 min to read


You might not be Cinderella or even Prince Charming, but you deserve a pair of boots that meets your finicky standards. Good looks are only part of the criteria that need to be met. Your boots should provide proper fit, comfort, and durability, in addition to any other personal preferences.

New footwear styles for patrol include such features as side zippers, new waterproofing technologies, and improved shock absorption, not to mention good-looking designs. With a wide new selection of law enforcement boots to choose from, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for.

Corcoran-Matterhorn

The eight-inch leather Mach boot from Matterhorn is made for durability with full-grain glove cowhide, a 1200-denier Cordura tongue, and a composite shank. A padded collar and removable Dryz moisture- and odor-control shock-absorbing cushioned inserts enhance comfort, while a non-metallic lacing system and Scrambler dual-density outsoles make your job easier.

www.coveshoe.com

Rocky Shoes & Boots

Built to be tough, reliable, and comfortable, the Alpha Force 8” Zipper boot from Rocky is part of the company’s new generation of duty boots. The upper is made of full-grain leather and lightweight 1200-denier nylon. Inside, moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry, interior cushioning mimics that of an athletic shoe, and a removable insole provides added support. The boot’s side zipper makes suiting up easier while the non-marking RigiTrac outsole provides oil- and slip resistance.

www.rockyboots.com

Bates

M-9 Nine-inch Gore-Tex-insulated waterproof boots from Bates have leather and nylon uppers and are lined with Gore-Tex and 200-gram Thinsulate insulation. A lightweight, shock-absorbing midsole helps keep feet comfortable while a Vibram Mutant outsole provides traction. Non-metallic hooks and eyelets won’t slow you down in high-security environments that require metal detection. The boots are designed to be lightweight and flexible so that you’ll be comfortable no matter the situation.
www.batesfootwear.com

Hi-Tec Sports (Magnum)

Phantom V-Lite 8” Circular Zip boots from the Magnum division of Hi-Tec Sports are designed to be ultra-lightweight yet stand up to hard use. A tri-density sock liner utilizes viscoelastic memory foam, a breathable material that conforms to your foot to relieve pressure and provide custom support. The collar of the boot is made of the same material. The upper is a combination of full-grain leather and nylon. A dual-density lasting board replaces the traditional steel shank to pass through metal detectors and X-rays without issue. The circular zipper makes taking the boots off and on much faster and easier.

www.magnumboots.com

Original SWAT

Drawing its inspiration from athletic shoes, the Air 9” Waterproof boot from Original SWAT has no lugs on its sole and uses an air pocket and a compression-molded EVA midsole to enhance comfort. A waterproof membrane is built into the liner of the boot to keep water out but allow the wearer’s feet to breathe. A removable molded orthotic footbed allows for a custom fit. The boot’s upper, made of leather and 1100-denier nylon, is polishable.

www.originalswat.com

5.11

Marking 5.11 Tactical’s first foray into the footwear arena, 5.11 HRT waterproof, breathable boots utilize Sympatex and Drilex antibacterial linings to protect against blood and bodily fluids as well as bacteria. Armortex Kevlar side panels provide stability and support. The boot’s outsole is made of a carbon-based slip- and oil-resistant rubber that features a rope grip at the arch. HRT boots, one of the company’s two footwear offerings, are available in black and desert sand. 5.11 socks are also available.

 www.511tactical.com

Danner

Danner’s Striker Side-Zip eight-inch boots feature waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex protection and are built to be lightweight yet sturdy. The company’s Terra Force platform combines an insole plate, midsole, internal and external shanks, and a slip-resistant outsole to create a stable system to hold the boot together and maintain shock absorption and overall comfort. The boots’ polishable leather is struck through so they’ll stay black even when scuffed.

www.danner.com

Lowa

German manufacturer Lowa has introduced its tactical boots to the law enforcement market in the United States and has found the Duke GTX Mid to be very popular. Modeled after a hiking boot, the Duke’s design provides shock absorption and stability suited as well to concrete and other patrol terrain as to mountain trails. A full-grain upper with Cordura repels water, while a waterproof Gore-Tex inner lining provides climate-controlled comfort inside the boot. Vibram outsoles with heavy tread are designed to absorb shock and provide good traction. The Duke GTX Mid is also available in women’s sizes.

www.lowaboots.com

Thorogood/Weinbrenner

The Commando Deuce line of boots from the Thorogood division of Weinbrenner is a re-engineered version of the company’s Commando line. The eight-inch full-grain leather side-zip Commando Deuce features a plastic shank and other non-metallic components. A small strap covers the zipper pull to keep it in place, making the heavy-duty, side-entry zipper even more efficient. Dual-density rubber oil- and slip-resistant outsoles deliver traction and extended wear. Two EVA inserts combined with a dual-zone polyurethane insert provide shock absorption and cushioning while promoting airflow with special vents.

www.weinbrennerusa.com

Subscribe to our newsletter

More Patrol

Officer of the Month graphic for June 2026 honoring officers of the Chico, California, Police Department, featuring the department’s police badge and a rose emblem.
PatrolAugust 20, 2026

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.

Read More →
Three smartphone screens display the Team Wendy community app, featuring tactical gear content, upcoming events, news, surveys, and navigation tools for warranty, sizing, and user profiles.
PatrolAugust 13, 2026

Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners

The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.

Read More →
Security officer wearing an earpiece uses a handheld two-way radio at an outdoor event, with PositionPTT push-to-talk radio accessories and earpiece shown alongside for professional communications.
PatrolJuly 28, 2026

PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance

Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic announcing $25 million in law enforcement grants and resources over a photo of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., with large blue-and-white headline text overlaying the building.
PatrolJuly 23, 2026

Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.

Read More →
POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips YouTube thumbnail asking, “What qualifies a device as rugged or fully rugged?” featuring a Panasonic Toughbook laptop on a dark street background.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJuly 23, 2026

What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?

What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.

Read More →
Leadership update graphic featuring Team Wendy President Vasilios Brachos standing in front of a display of protective helmets, with POLICE Law Enforcement Solutions branding and text announcing his appointment as company president.
PatrolJuly 22, 2026

Avon Technologies Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President

Longtime ballistic helmet leader Vasilios Brachos has been selected to guide the next chapter of protection, innovation, and growth at Team Wendy.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
BRINC fundraising announcement graphic featuring a response drone in flight, highlighting a $125 million funding round to expand 911 response drones for police and fire stations, led by Motorola Solutions Ventures with additional investors.
PatrolJuly 16, 2026

Brinc Raises $125M to Put a 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

The latest round of funding, $125 million, can help fuel Brinc’s mission to deploy 911-response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations across the United States.

Read More →
POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips video series graphic featuring a Garmont Tactical Contact Collection duty boot against a police vehicle with flashing lights. Includes “Watch Now” callout for the video series.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJuly 9, 2026

Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement

Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.

Read More →
Benchmade Bailout folding knife with a bronze tanto blade, taiga green handle, and orange accents displayed open against a textured black background, highlighting its lightweight tactical design.
PatrolJuly 9, 2026

Benchmade Launches Taiga Green Bailout

Benchmade has launched its Taiga Green Bailout, which features an anodized aluminum handle, S90V stainless steel, and Burnt Copper hardware accents.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Composite image of ADEPT's Nova Titanium tactical helmet, showing front and side views alongside a soldier wearing the helmet in the field, highlighting lightweight ballistic protection for military and tactical applications.
PatrolJuly 9, 2026

Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight

Adept Armor said its new Nova Titanium combat helmet delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.

Read More →