Best Tactical Boots From Salomon and LALO

Okay, I get excited about boots. I’ve worn a variety of boots while in the military, and I do plenty of hiking. If I’m not going on a run, chances are, I have a pair of boots on.

With that being said, when I find a comfortable pair of boots, it’s really hard to get me to take them off.

This is why I got excited when I slid on my first pair of Salomon tactical boots and was immediately comfortable; no break-in period.

With that said, let’s take a look at the best tactical boots that Salomon and LALO have to offer.

Best Tactical Boots

Salomon Quest 4D Forces 2

I find these boots to be extremely comfortable. Many of the military veterans at Clandestine Media Group wear the Quest 4D boots.

They had them hiking, climbing mountains, and trekking in the snow (Gortex version)  for a full week, and they definitely didn’t want to take them off, which is the same experience I had.

One plus to the Salomon Quest 4D Forces 2 boots is their breathability. I have experienced boots that leave me sweating, which I don’t typically have an issue with otherwise.

These boots don’t cause any issues there and being out in some hotter climates, I’m thankful I don’t have to worry about my feet overheating.

Salomon XA Forces Mid Boot

I own these boots in ranger green and love mine. However, there are some complaints that these boots are more on the narrow side. I should say, I do have smaller feet, so they fit perfectly for me.

They are very lightweight compared to other mid-hight boots I’ve been issued over the years. They’re also lighter weight than other hiking boots I’ve been in love with.

I like these boots for how comfortable they were right out of the box and how light they felt on my feet. Another plus with these is that lightweight doesn’t take away from the soles of these boots.

I’ve been issued lightweight boots before, and one common issue I’ve had is that they don’t support the ankle well, and I can feel even the smallest rock. I have not had either of these issues with this particular boot.

Salomon XA Forces GTX Shoe

Even though this is not considered a boot, it’s the best damn tactical shoe from Salomon that I’ve ever worn.  I wore them every day no matter what I was doing or what the weather was like.

They lasted me for almost 2 years before I bought a second pair. I’m now getting ready to purchase my third pair of these tactical shoes; that’s how good they are.

The sizing is spot on, the speed laces rock, and they always kept my feet dry.

Salomon Tactical Boots | Are They Worth the Price?

One of the great things about being in this industry is that we often get our hands on some really cool gear (some better than others), and when that cool gear is in the ‘better’ category and practical, it gives us the tingles. I’d be lying if I said my heart rate didn’t elevate just a little from the happiness my feet felt when I put these Salomon Tactical Boots on.

The only real downside to some of these boots is the price. But based on how well these boots are built and how comfortable they are, I personally think it’s worth it. I have held true to purchasing the same brand of boots my entire adult life, and these are making me consider switching over, even though they run about $80 more than my other boots.

There are some more negative reviews on the civilian version of Salomon boots not being as durable or lasting as long. The Salomon Forces collection is intentionally built with more durable materials, resulting in a cost increase. These more durable materials are used because they know the Armed Forces put their boots through a lot more than most people. So, if you’re not in the Armed Forces, but you want something more durable, this might be a collection worth considering.

LALO Tactical Boots

LALO Tactical sells 8 different tactical boots depending on your mission requirements, comfort level, and price point.

They are the Shadow Amphibian, Shadow Intruder, Shadow UCB, Operator, Rapid Assault, Shadow JCB, Phantom, and the Hydro Recon.

The majority of tactical boots have similar technology inside, but there are subtle differences between them that you really need to pay attention to. The LALO website does a good job of guiding you to find the right boot.

What Technology is Inside LALO Tactical Boots?

The LALO Tactical boots feature a hidden pocket at the top of the boot to put your laces in to keep them out of the way. In a tactical environment, this is a subtle, but important feature to ensure noise discipline is maintained. It also ensures your laces won’t get caught on anything and take your attention away from the mission.

The KPU lacing system is one of the most unique designs I’ve ever seen. It uses friction from your foot pushing against the midsole to ensure that even if a lace breaks, it won’t impact the feel of your boot. You’ll have to replace the lace when you’re back from your mission, but it will last as long as you need it to.

The dual drainage ports are very unique and sound crazy at first. The drainage system allows water to enter through the ports, but it ensures that water flows through the boot and doesn’t get trapped inside. With the added moisture-wicking, hydrophobic antimicrobial lining, the LALO boot ensures that it takes much longer for your skin to break down and cause the dogs to bleed and skin to shed off like a Husky in Spring.

The carbon rubber toe cap is one of my favorite features because it significantly reduces the movement and sliding of your forefoot and allows the boot to be more comfortable for longer periods of time. Anyone who hikes a lot knows how it feels when your foot slides back and forth with every step you take at an incline or decline. After a while, the abrasion on your foot starts to break down the soft tissue and will cause pain and discomfort.

One of the most important features of a tactical boot is the level of grip on the bottom of the boot. There is nothing worse than walking on skates during a mission and not knowing if you’re going to fall or not. LALO eliminates the possibility of losing your grip with their non-slip rubber molded outsole. The multi-density EVA provides a soft and stable platform for your foot and actually propels your foot forward as you walk or run.

What Applications Can I Use LALO Tactical Boots For?

I personally use Shadow Amphibian 8" boots while hiking, spring turkey hunting, fishing, and sometimes when it rains outside and I want to limit how wet my feet get.

These are by far my favorite fishing and Spring turkey hunting boots because they help keep my feet dry when I’m around water and make sure that I don’t slip and fall. Even with letting water slide through the ports in your boot, the water always drains and the fabric always dries within a few minutes.

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