TOP 3 Best-rated Combat boots for women

So, two months since the last overhaul of the guide in the category of best combat / military boots for women. We’re all tightly packed behind the computer to give you the latest news.

No fireworks this time, however. Under Armour Valsetz RTS for women still reigns supreme, but Bates Ultra-Lites managed to “steal” 2nd place from Maelstrom TAC FORCE. So, at least, we have some new development. Meet the best rated female combat boot…

These three models were at it for 3 updates now, so we didn’t have any fresh arrivals in some time. Nonetheless, it’s not like we were twiddling our thumbs that whole time. We collected a bunch of new data, contacted a lot of new buyers to hear their opinions and had another test of Valsetz RTS by one of our trusted featured testers (it’s a surprise kept for another article).

So, we have a lot of new material, this time around, and we better get cracking.

Let’s take a look at our new/old winners

Here are the 3 models refusing to give way to other contenders:

Picture	Model	Rating
	UA Valsetz RTS	94 / 100
	Bates Ultra-Lites Tactical	92 / 100
	Maelstrom TAC FORCE 8 Inch	88 / 100

Our readers are already familiar with all of these, but we’ve got a lot of new material for them as well. Fresh customer feedback, new questions raised, a brand new testing of Valsetz RTS (soon to come) and new overall ratinfs reflecting the past 2 months.

So, stick around for the digest reviews, there’s plenty of fun stuff to come… DISCLAIMER: it’s only fun if you’re a footwear freak like us, though.

Let’s examine our winners, one by one.

Under Armour Valsetz RTS Women’s Army Boots

Basic specs overview provided by Under Armour:

•  Synthetic leather upper mixed with textile
•  UA ClutchFit acts like “second skin” tightly wrapped around your ankle for incredible feel and powerful support
•  Special film encircling the bottom part of the upper, providing high abrasion-resistance
•  The uppers are water-resistant
•  UA Micro G foam goes full length of the boot offering cushioned landings and explosive take-offs
•  Perfect mid-foot support provided by shanks made of thermoplastic polyurethane

Positive reviews – A few new PROs customers shared:

•  As a woman who works in insurance, it was a real nightmare finding the right outfit and footwear. I’m often climbing roofs, walk throughout homes demolished by water and fire accidents, you name it. I’ve been using UA gear for years, and I snatched these boots as soon as I realized they existed. They’re so light and feel like running shoes but with much more foot protection. Great buy and high recommendation
•  The ankle area is so well cushioned, and there’s no pinching of my ankles AT ALL. This is true even when I’m wearing low-cut socks with these boots
•  I’ve been hiking in these, and they give me such a steady grip on the ground. Every step feels very stable, even on wet and slippery terrains
•  My feet are just a disaster, and ankles are so unstable. Needless to say, I need tactical boots with top notch ankle support, and these are the best in that regard so far. They also accommodate my orthotics without me having to buy larger size
•  I bought them for shooting he breeze in the woods, but they’re just so comfortable they became my primary boots right off the bat
•  They’re true to size, and the width is average, so they fit like a glove
•  The first pair of female combat boots that don’t get my feet all cooked at the end of the day. They’re highly breathable and make my feet feel much cooler than any other army boot I’ve owned (I’ve had Bates, 5.11 and Maelstrom so far)
•  These are the best police duty boots ever! They took no time to break in and were super comfortable right out of the box
•  Great choice for both frequent camping getaways with my boyfriend and for my job as a security officer where I spend almost all night walking around the building
•  They were a gift for my niece, and she absolutely loves them. I couldn’t pay her to get them off. She says it’s like walking on clouds
•  I work in law enforcement for 15 years now, and I’ve tried all the famous brands of tactical boots you can think of. I was constantly searching for boots that aren’t too bulky and heavy but offer good protection and support. It simply baffles me how I haven’t come across Under Armour before. They’re all of the above and super breathable to match
•  I work as a firefighter driver operator and had to wear men’s tactical boots for ages. The 4 models I’ve tried so far made my feet constantly sore due to lack of flexibility or just by being too heavy. Valsetz is OUTSTANDING!!! They are more like shoes with high top than women’s combat boots. They’re everything I want plus, had a recent flooding, and my feet remained bone-dry the whole time
•  They’re very warm and comfortable, so 10+ hours shifts are no longer such a strain on my feet
•  They almost feel like UGG boots!

Fresh batch of CONS from the reviews:

•  I wish they made an insulated version of these boots. I would have it already!
•  One of the insoles was kind of sticking out a bit when I got them, but it molded to my foot in a couple of hours of wearing them
•  There used to make this clicking sound with every step in the beginning. I think it has something to do with the way the tongue is stitched to the rest of the boot, but I’m not sure. Anyway, the sound disappeared after a couple of days
•  Cute style for military boots for women, but I would like to see them in a wider range of colors so I can combo them with my casual clothes as well

Overall ratings of the UA VAlsetz for women

Review of Bates Women’s Ultra-Lites Tactical Boots

Basic info:

•  Leather/synthetic (nylon) upper
•  Rubber sole
•  The upper is easy to clean and durable
•  Breathable lining
•  Removable cushioned inserts
•  Slip-resistant and durable rubber outsole
•  Light cement construction

New PROs shared by users:

•  I’ve been working corrections for 7 years, and these are the most comfortable boots I’ve worked in. There’s no break-in time whatsoever, and my feet are cushioned all day long
•  They’re highly polishable and get academy standard shine very easily
•  They don’t activate metal detectors
•  I first thought that 8” boots will bother my legs and ankles, but these proved to be very comfortable right out of the box
•  I’ve been wearing Bates Ultra-Lites for a year now as an EMT, and they’ve been nothing but joy for my feet. My week is 40 hours of work, and these proved they can keep my feet comfortable much longer than that. Great choice and one hell of a boot
•  I’m a line cook (full-time) which can’t wear kitchen clogs because of her bad ankle. I’ve replaced my old work boots with Ultra-Lites, and they were a blessing right out of the box. They were put to the ultimate test when I had to work 5 shift straight, but they’ passed with flying colors. The most important thing for me was ankle support, but having a slip-resistant thread is not the worst thing in the world as well 
•  I work on our family farm, and these are everything I want in a pair of work boots. Besides being flexible and lightweight, they’re also super easy to clean. So, stains and splatters are no longer a problem
•  One of my greatest pleasures in life is riding my bike. I glazed over Exeter California last weekend in around 106 degrees, and my feet weren’t hot at all. They’re the first pair of combat boots for women that I didn’t want to take off to cool my feet as soon as we stopped. Also, I could hardly feel the bike’s vibration under my feet
•  I’ve been wearing these through the snow and slush of Montana whole winter long. They’re not even advertised as water-resistant, but all I know is they’ve kept my feet dry and toasty warm. Breathability seems to be pretty good too, so I can’t wait to see how’ll they behave when the summer comes
•  They look and feel pretty well made and durable, but the thing I like the most is the bottom grip. They just latch onto the ground and make my every step feels stable and secure. I’ve tried them on wet surfaces and ones covered with snow, same results
•  I wear a size 6, and these fit like a glove. Definitely true to size, and don’t even get me started on the comfort. They’re the most comfortable women’s army boots I’ve had by far
•  I’ve bought these just to play paintball in nearby woods. They were crazy comfortable, so I soon made them my designated work boots. I work in a restaurant kitchen, and the place just gets crazy every night. I’m standing, cooking, running, ducking and evading stuff all night long, and these help me get through it all without sore feet to show for it. They’re also a breeze to clean once the shift is over and I have all sorts of exotic dishes on my boots
•  I work as an EMT, and these should primarily have been my work boots. I’ve been wearing them during my little “firewood-obtainment mission” in the mountains. My feet didn’t hurt at all as these are super comfy from the get go. Not to mention, the klutz that I am, I’ve managed to drop several heavy logs on my feet, and didn’t feel a thing. Once I cleaned the boots afterwards, there weren’t a single scratch on them! I’m sold for life!

The CONs:

•  Effective and wicked design, but I do wish they came in bigger sizes. I’m 5’11”, and the size 11 is a very tight fit form me
•  They can get a bit warm during the summer months
•  If I don’t wear high-cut socks, the zipper tends to rub on my leg and cause discomfort
•  The only thing they lack imo are longer laces

Overall rating

Maelstrom TAC FORCE 8” Side-Zip Military/Combat Boots for Women

Info sheet from the manufacturer:

•  Leather upper combined with nylon fabric
•  Rubber sole
•  Shaft goes 7” from arch
•  The shoe last is women’s-specific for optimal comfort and fit.
•  The upper is polishable
•  The outsole is oil and slip-resistant
•  Moisture-wicking and breathable lining. High-performance removable cushion insoles provide all day comfort. Padded tongue/collar for added comfort
•  Shock-absorbing and lightweight molded midsole. Cement athletic construction with a stitched toe
•  YKK closure side sipper. Composite shank for support and stability
•  1-year warranty from the manufacturer
•  Multiple colors

Some fresh positive reviews:

• I’m a firefighter, so I don’t have to tell you how much time I spend on my feet every day. Through all the different situations we’ve been just this week, these were very comfortable, kept my feet in top condition, and they fit perfectly. I don’t think I’ll ever go for another brand
•  The Western New York is freezing right now! I’ve bought these as work boots for my job at Home Depot. My feet are on cold cement floors 8 hours a day, and Maelstrom Tac Force has kept my feet perfectly warm ever since I got them
•  They’re super comfortable and supportive but very lightweight and slim. I don’t care if they say it’s a female combat boot if it looks overly bulky and “beefed-up”, there’s nothing feminine about it
•  This is my first pair of military boots for women that came with a side zipper. It’s such a time saver when you combine the time I used to spend on laces during the week. The zipper itself is very tough, and it doesn’t rub against my legs
•  These are just so comfortable I immediately bought a second pair as backup
•  The traction is really good. My ankles are pretty busted, so I’m very unstable wearing footwear without good ankle support. Luckily, with these, I get a really snug fit with my ankles tightly supported at all times. Every step I make is solid, and I feel more sure-footed than ever
•  I work as a delivery driver, so I’m in and out of my car all the time in different weather conditions and terrains. Suffice to say, my knees haven’t bothered me ever since I got these Maelstroms, so I’m one happy camper
•  I walk around 13 miles a day during my shift, and my feet are just killing me. Both of my feet went through surgery for heel spurs, but they still hurt. I’m constantly taking meds for my tendons as well. I’ve tried a dozen of female combat boots, and these were the only ones that actually mitigated the pain. They didn’t make it disappear, of course, but they’ve helped immensely
•  They’re a very easy and quick polish, and they look pretty sharp once I’m done
•  I would expect these to go for 100+ bucks. Got them last week on Amazon for under 70 dollars. I’ve been testing them ever since, and I have only good things to report. Still on a lookout for something I don’t enjoy
•  I’m doing airport security, and I tend to scuff my work boots A LOT. After a month on the job, no scuff marks or scratches whatsoever! Huge thumbs up for Maelstrom and a recommendation from me

Newly picked up CONs:

•  They say multiple colors are available, I only see two
•  They’re not advertised as water-resistant or waterproof, but I’d really like if they started making my favorite model with at least some level of water protection
•  I wish I bought half a size bigger since they seem to be running a bit small

Category and final ratings

Conclusion of this update on military boots for women

Even though we skipped on fireworks this time around, I hope we’ve prepared enough fresh material to justify reading this article.

We’ll keep our eyes out for potential changes and fluctuations on the market, so we’ll be back in 2 months with up-to-date info on female combat boots.

Stay safe until then and take good care of your boots.

SoleLabz Team.