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

Graphic for a POLICE Magazine article on Tennessee’s new deadly force law, featuring Lady Justice, handcuffs, a Tennessee map with Nashville highlighted, and the headline “Impact of New Deadly Force Law.”
Patrolby David StephensJune 4, 2026

Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee

Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.

Read More →
Graphic comparing EMS transport options: an ambulance responding with emergency lights versus police officers assisting an injured person into a patrol vehicle. Headline asks whether to wait for EMS or transport immediately, noting the decision depends on the situation.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJune 2, 2026

When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?

Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?

Read More →
Man in a blue blazer lifting his shirt to reveal a concealed handgun in a waistband holster while standing outdoors.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty

What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic titled “5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights” featuring a compact Streamlight flashlight attached to tactical gear. Police Law Enforcement Solutions branding appears in the lower corner against a dark, dramatic background.
PatrolMay 21, 2026

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use

What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.

Read More →
graphic honoring fallen law enforcement officers featuring a uniformed officer holding a folded American flag, with bold text reading “2026 Roll Call of Heroes” and “363 Fallen Officers Honored,” alongside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund logo.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Read More →
Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Read More →
Product image of a Streamlight TLR-7 X tactical flashlight on a dark background. The compact black weapon-mounted light is shown in close-up beneath the Streamlight logo, highlighting its lens, controls, and mounting hardware.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

Read More →
poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.
PatrolMay 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black small medical bag with supplies and a tourniquet at right on a wood table and a large headline at left What Should Be In Your IFAK?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamMay 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

Read More →