10 Best EMS Boots: For Both Men and Women
Regulation 1910.136 of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all personnel working in areas with potential foot hazards to wear protective footwear. Yes, that’s right! And this also includes paramedics and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) professionals.
Top 10 Best EMS Boots
- Bates Men’s 8″ Ultra-lite Tactical Military Boot.
- Skechers Men’s Workshire Work Boot.
- Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot.
- ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men.
- Rocky Men’s Side Zipper Jump Boot.
- 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 8″ Tactical Storm Military Boot.
- Maelstrom Men’s TAC FORCE Work Boot with Zipper.
- Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX Duty Boot.
- Dr. Martens Men’s Work Boot.
- KEEN Men’s Anchorage 3 Waterproof Boot.
Being in a job where you are always on your feet, you need the best pair of EMS-wear boots to boost your performance. I highly vouch for the Bates Ultra Lite Military Boots. They are waterproof, lightweight, and highly functional.
But hundreds of other products are in the market, and you have more than enough options to choose from. I have compiled a list of the top 10 best EMS boots money can get you.
Bates Men’s 8″ Ultra-lite Tactical Military Boot
Ladies Model: Bates Women’s Ultra-Lite Tactical Side-Zip Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Lightweight and comfortable. | Short laces. |
| Great heel and arch support. | Not very durable. |
| Easy to wear. | |
| Relatively affordable. |
I was torn between the comfortable interior and tough exterior of the Bates Ultra-lite Tactical Boot, but why choose when you can enjoy both? Here is a pair that understands the assignment and does an incredible job saving your feet as you save other people.
Who Is It For?
The overall design and construction of the boots are great, but I loved this pair mostly because they’re lightweight. You’ll probably be standing and moving a lot, and the last thing you want is for your boots to add to the weight. Bates Ultra-lite boots are great for those who want something extremely lightweight.
Features and Specs
The upper of the Bates EMS Tactical Boots are made durable using a combo of Ballistic nylon and durable leather. Cement is also added to the construction to make them light. A padded collar and tongue are at the top to prevent dirt, debris, and liquids from penetrating inside the boots.
Speaking of the interior, the boot features a removable cushioned EVA footbed for comfort. There is also a breathable, moisture-wicking mesh lining to keep the feet dry. The midsole focuses on stability and shock absorption.
As for the zip, the boot has an angled side zipper design with hooks and loop closure. Wearing them is only a matter of seconds. The outsole is made tough and slip-resistant.
Why Should You Buy It?
The Bates Men’s Ultra-lite boots are lightweight and very functional. Their prices aren’t bad either, and you won’t break your bank trying to purchase them. I loved their comfortable interior, tough exterior, and breathable mesh lining.
Shortcomings
The laces of these boots run a bit short, but this isn’t a biggie considering there is a zip. The laces are only present for formality. However, a bigger area of concern would be the boots’ longevity. They DON’T last as long as advertised. Push them to the limit, and they’ll start showing signs of wearing.
Skechers Men’s Workshire Work Boot
Ladies Model: Skechers Women’s Workshire Work Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Very lightweight. | The sole isn’t durable. |
| Great grip and traction. | The memory foam is only present in the heel area. |
| The interior is comfortable. | |
| Waterproof and breathable. |
Coming from an award-winning brand, these heavy-duty boots will always keep you safe. Definitely not the best-looking pair, but there’s more to the Sketchers Workshire EMS Work Boots than its looks.
Who Is It For?
Who said you couldn’t get quality boots at a cheap price? Sketchers try to falsify this notion with their boots. The Sketchers Workshire are cheap, making them an excellent pick for those tight on budget.
Features and Specs
Sketcher Boots are made using pure leather. They come with the old fashion lace-up design with sturdy metal eyelets.
Why Should You Buy It?
This boot is relatively comfortable and lightweight when compared to other EMS boots. Its fabric material is breathable and will allow you to bend your toes effortlessly. Moreover, breaking them in is easy.
The boot has a relaxed fit design that offers a spacious and comfortable fit. The interior is cushioned by memory foam and a removable padded footbed. You’ll wear the boots for hours without experiencing any inch of pain.
The exterior is tough with a treaded rubber outsole. It is both oil and slip-resistant. The leather upper, on the other hand, is fully waterproof and breathable.
Shortcomings
The memory foam is only present in the heel area of the boots – a rookie mistake from Sketchers. Also, the soles aren’t very durable. A few users complained about exchanging the pair because of the soles.
Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot
Ladies Model: Under Armour Women’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Well constructed and very durable. | Features laces instead of zippers. |
| Good stability and mobility. | |
| Tough to withstand harsh environments. | |
| Fully waterproof. |
Talk of a heavy-duty, highly functional EMS boot, and the Under Armour Stellar comes to mind.
Who Is It For?
These are your pick if you want a durable yet affordable pair of boots. Besides, they are lightweight and comfortable, and you can wear them for hours. It’s an all-win situation for you.
Features and Specs
To make sure that these boots resist all liquid penetration, Under Armour designed them with900D nylon and pure leather. This way, your feet can stay protected at all times.
Other than being Fully waterproof, the boots have a low-profile outsole which boosts stability. Inside is a microbial Ortholite shock liner that provides the boots with a good grip and control over your movements. Its cushioned EVA midsole makes the boots comfy.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are well constructed. They are fully waterproof and won’t let any water penetrate in them. Their interior is comfortable and features a shock liner that prevents mold and bacteria accumulation.
Shortcomings
For someone who loves zips (instead of laces), I was a bit disappointed that these came with none. Zips make EMS boots easy to wear and take off. Also, I found the boots slightly heavier than pairs like the Sketchers Workshire and Bates Ultra-lite.
ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Affordable | Not true to size. |
| Its interior is super comfy. | Leather doesn’t cover the toe area. |
| Water, slip and oil resistant. |
The Rockrooster Work Boot proves why we can’t overwrite the brand just yet. This model truly reflects what the company stands for: to provide its customers with top-quality, good-looking footwear at a reasonable price.
Who Is It For?
These boots were designed for paramedics and those working in the power plant and construction industries. But the boots look great! And there’s no harm in wearing them out to casual events.
Features and Specs
These boots are made using genuine leather crafted from their Coolmax technology. They are comfortable and super flexible on the feet. They feature a Poron XD Support system that absorbs all impact on the boots. An anti-fatigue memory foam insole is added to the inside to make them even more comfortable.
There’s a steel toe cap in place to protect your feet from heavy falling objects. When it comes to the boots’ rubber outsoles, they are made durable yet flexible. Aside from having an incredible grip, they also dissipate electric currents.
Why Should You Buy It?
Rockrooster Boot is comfortable and flexible. It is water, slip, and oil-resistant. It is good-looking and comfortable. It offers everything that a premium ems boot will offer, only that it is way cheaper.
Shortcomings
Like many boots, these are NOT true to their sizing. You’ll have to order a size larger or wear them with socks. I also noticed that the leather doesn’t extend to the toe area, making it slightly uncomfortable.
Rocky Men’s Side Zipper Jump Boot
Ladies Model: Rocky Women’s Side Zipper Jump Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Full leather construction. | Slightly expensive. |
| Stylish and appealing. | |
| Great height. | |
| Excellent durability. |
Ask any EMS operator, and they’ll tell you they’ve heard (or even own) the Rocky Side Zipper Jump Boots. This is because Rocky has established itself as a reliable brand that produces defensive footwear to tackle all challenges.
Who Is It For?
Want to look stylish when going to work? The Rocky Side Zipper Jump Boots are your pick. They are waterproof and suited for wet conditions. Though a bit expensive, they’re worth every dime spent on them.
Features and Specs
What you’ll notice first with these boots is their sleek and snappy look. Though they feature the traditional lace-up design, these work smoothly and have corrosion-resistant metal eyelets. Their leather construction not only makes them tough and durable but also waterproof.
Moving to the interior, these boots have a padded tongue and cushioned insole to make them comfortable. They are well-cushioned, and you should wear the boots the entire day without experiencing any pain.
As for the outsoles, large treads will provide you with good traction in dry and wet conditions.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are excellently durable and have a great height. Their zipper makes them easy to wear and take off. To add to this, they look great.
Shortcomings
Rocky Men’s Side Zipper Jump Boot is slightly expensive. But this is only because high-end materials were used in its construction. So before ignoring it for its pricing, try checking out what it offers.
5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 8″ Tactical Storm Military Boot
Ladies Model: 5.11 ATAC 2.0 8″ Women’s Tactical Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Very durable and long-lasting. | Expensive. |
| Breathable. | Long break-in period. |
| Comfortable interior. | |
| Good grip and traction. |
Working side by side with their female counterparts, the 5.11 ATAC boots excel in delivering the required EMT and EMS skills needed to their users. These are on of the best boots you’ll come across today.
Who Is It For?
These boots scoop the award for the most durable pair on my list. I bought a pair three years ago, and it’s still going strong. It’s old, of course, but it still serves me purposefully. I highly recommend the boots to anyone looking for an incredibly long-lasting pair of EMS boots.
Features and Specs
Starting with the interior, the 5.11 ATAC feature moisture-wicking linings that prevent the build-up of bad odor while keeping the feet dry. Its ortholite cushioned footbed has a heel flex zone that relieves the foot of unnecessary stress and fatigue.
The bottom is made of a grooved slip-resistant outsole designed to eliminate irritating squeaks and provide quiet movements. It makes the boots transit well between outdoor environments and indoors.
The boots have a shock mitigation system that provides maximum rebound and compression. You are better protected when running or walking on rough surfaces. It also gives you better mobility with less discomfort.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are durable; a long-term investment. They are comfortable and well-breathable. Their moisture-wicking lining keeps your feet dry while preventing bad odor.
Shortcomings
These boots are expensive. But totally worth it considering they’ll last you for more than two years. I also noticed that they took longer to break in. I have highlighted some tricks to speed up the break-in period in the FAQs section. Be sure to check it out.
Maelstrom Men’s TAC FORCE Work Boot with Zipper
Ladies Model: Maelstrom Women’s TAC FORCE Work Boot with Side Zipper
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Incredibly cheap. | Leather is not pure and so not durable. |
| Very comfortable and breathable. | |
| Very lightweight. |
There are affordable EMS boots, and then the Maelstrom TAC FORCE Side Zip Boots. These boots scoop the award for the most affordable boots on my list. So cheap I had to counter-check that I was buying the correct product.
Who Is It For?
Being the cheapest option on my list, these boots are an excellent pick for those tight on budget. Moreover, they are lightweight and highly breathable. They are also great if you’re the type to sweat a lot.
Features and Specs
Maelstrom TAC FORCE is lightweight thanks to its shock-absorbing midsole. A composite shank is added to it to improve its stability and support. When the two are combined, the result is optimal support and traction that supports a broad range of terrains.
Inside, the antibacterial lining, breathable mesh, and moisture management system work in hand to keep the feet dry and cool at all times. Fungus and unwanted odors are minimized as per the required professional standards.
A side zipper is in place to ensure you wear and take off the shoes in the shortest possible time. Its sole is made of rubber and it offers great support and flexibility. I made a few laps wearing the boots and I had no difficulties maneuvering in rough terrain.
Why Should You Buy It?
It’s cheap, it’s good looking, and it’s functional. I love the fabric and breathable air mesh of these boots. What more could you want in an EMS boot?
Shortcomings
The leather material used in these boots is questionable. It’s very thin, and I could notice scratches after a few weeks with the boots, which made me doubt the boot’s durability.
Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX Duty Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Super lightweight. | Not durable. |
| Highly breathable. | |
| Tough and sturdy. |
The entry of Danner Tachylon in my best EMS boots was mostly because of their comfort and breathability. These are some of the most comfortable EMS boots I came across, proof of why Danner runs the footwear industry.
Who Is It For?
These Danner EMS Boots are great for those working or residing in extremely hot areas. A reason for this is that the boots are highly breathable. They feature an open-cell PU footbed that allows maximum airflow.
Features and Specs
What I love most about these Danner boots is that they’re super lightweight. This is made possible by the synthetic material used in constructing their upper and soles. The advantage of a light boot is that you can never tire from wearing them.
The manufacturers preferred a speed lace-up system that offers a secure fit and makes it quick to wear the boots. They also incorporated a steel toe cap to protect your toes from falling objects.
I also loved the boots’ sufficiently breathable, courtesy of their open-cell PU footbed. Similar to the cushioning, the comfort of the boots is worth mentioning and applauding too. Their EVA cushioning absorbs all the shock and impact inflicted on the boots.
Why Should You Buy It?
Two features attracted me to this pair, their comfort, and breathability – two important features in the EMS industry. Honestly, these are some of the most comfortable EMS boots I have come across. Kudos to Danner! They are also great for the summer or if you work in hot areas.
Shortcomings
Comfortable they may be, but these pairs are NOT the most durable. Most users started noticing signs of wear and tear in the 10th month of owning them. Comfort or durability? Pick one.
Dr. Martens Men’s Work Boot
Ladies Model: Dr. Martens Women’s Maple Zip Industry Boots
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Strong and highly functional steel toe box. | Uncomfortable when new. |
| Fully waterproof. | Outsoles are not durable. |
| Tough outsole with great traction. |
Love Chelsea boots? Go to work looking cool with the Dr. Martens Work Boots. The performance of these boots is as good as they look, with lots of cool features. Check them out.
Who Is It For?
These boots are for those with a sense of fashion. They look great and perform equally well. Their pull-up strap makes them ideal for those who are always in a hurry (EMS industry) or those who simply hate laces.
Features and Specs
These boots feature full-grain leather that is fully waterproof regardless of how wet your surrounding is. I loved the pull-up strap of the boots that allow you to slip in and out of them effortlessly.
Inside is a memory foam footbed designated to cushion your feet from all the impact of unforgiving surfaces. I also appreciated the breathable, moisture-wicking lining that eliminates sweat leaving your foot dry and comfortable.
Other notable features include a synthetic sole with superior traction on all surfaces, a shaft running from the ankle to the arch, and an internal steel toe cap.
Why Should You Buy It?
These aren’t the cheapest boots on my list, but they are equally appealing and functional. They use the Grip-Trax technology that gives their soles superior traction on all oily, soapy, wet, and dry surfaces.
Shortcomings
Some people complained of the boots being tight and super uncomfortable when new. It’s true, but this feeling goes away when you break into them. They take time to be comfortable. Also, their soles aren’t the most durable.
KEEN Men’s Anchorage 3 Waterproof Boot
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Comfy snug fit | Wide heel space. |
| Moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet cool and dry. | |
| Provides warmth during the cold. | |
| Features shock-absorbing padding. |
Gear up for your next adventure with the Keen Anchorage 3 Waterproof Boots. Being the third model of the Anchorage series, these boots come with a better design, comfort, and performance than their predecessors. But are they worth your time and money?
Who Is It For?
You’ll be amazed at how well these boots maneuver on rocky, snowy, and muddy surfaces. Their traction is great. They are a good choice for firemen, EMTs and paramedics, and those in the construction industry.
Features and Specs
Not much is there to say about these boots other than that they are made of nubuck leather and a tough synthetic outsole. Their pull-up strap replaces the traditional lace-up system to ensure you wear them quickly during emergencies.
The leather material makes the boots durable while also making the feet warm during cold seasons. They have a breathable leather lining, contributing greatly to their comfort.
Why Should You Buy It?
These boots are definitely worth your time and money. Their traction is great, and the interior comfort is great. Their leather retains the most warmth, making them great for cold areas and seasons.
Shortcomings
The manufacturers made the heel space of these boots wide to ease wearing and taking them out. The problem is that this makes them sloppy when walking, often coming out with each step. To avoid this problem, the trick is to go for a size that fits you perfectly.
How to Choose the Best EMS Boots
Which material is the best for your EMS boots? Which is superior to a steel toe and a composite safety toe cap? Learn about the different features to look out for and how to choose the best EMS boots in this section.
Toe Protection and Ankle Support
EMS boots are made using either steel toe or composite toe caps. Which one is better? Both have pros and cons, so it generally narrows down to your personal preference.
Composite-toe boots are 30% lighter and more reliable than steel-toed boots. They are good at resisting electricity and barely shatter. A big downside is that they don’t offer any puncture protection.
On the other hand, steel-toe boots protect from punctures and heavy objects and offer more interior space. Their disadvantage is that they are heavier, without electrical resistance, and aren’t the best option for those with small feet.
Still, your boots need to provide excellent ankle support on protection. With uneven terrain, your feet are always at risk of sprains and strains. The boots should be tall (6 to 8 inches tall) and support all your frontal and side movements.
The taller the boots, the more ankle support you get. Besides, tall boots also prevent water from penetrating inside the boot.
Quick Release Functions
As a paramedic, you never know when the emergency will come knocking. The last thing you want is to waste precious minutes wearing your boots. You, therefore, need a boot with quick-release functions that are as easy to wear as it is to take off.
Quick-release functions include front and side zippers that enable you to tie your boots quickly. A downside with them is that most are barely durable. Unlike the traditional lace-up systems, they don’t feature metal eyelets to protect them.
Comfort
How can you perform at work if your EMS boots are not comfortable? Your EMS boots have to be super comfortable. Some factors make this possible.
One, you should be able to easily adjust the boots, whether using Velcro straps, zippers, or shoelaces. Your boots need to fit correctly for a snug fit. Also, ensure that they don’t restrict your feet from moving.
The insoles and midsole of the boots also play a huge role in how comfortable your EMS boots will be. They should be padded and cushioned to absorb all impact and shocks from rocks, glasses, and similar objects.
Waterproofing and Breathability
It’s important to buy waterproof EMS boots. Boots will prevent water from penetrating inside and simultaneously allow moisture inside to escape. Waterproofing in a boot normally depends on the material used in its construction.
Full-grain leather is the best construction material and is sometimes mixed with heavy nylon. A combination of nylon and leather is more durable and breathable.
While looking for a waterproof pair of EMS boots is important, it’s also important that the boots be breathable. Moisture-wicking materials, like leather, will eliminate sweat and keep your feet cool and dry.
Traction and Flexibility
As for traction, your boots need stability and good grip across oily, slippery and slick surfaces. The best EMS boots are made of synthetic or rubber slip-resistant outsoles with tread patterns to grip the ground firmly.
The soles are also made thick to redirect liquids. They also protect the feet from sharp foreign objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do paramedics need steel toe boots?
Toe protection is important in EMS boots. This is made possible by steel toe caps. Steel toe caps protect the feet from punctures and falling heavy objects. But they are heavy and don’t offer electricity insulation. This makes the composite toe cap a preferred choice for EMS boots.
How do you break in EMS boots?
The period before you break in your EMS boots can be super uncomfortable. Here are a few tricks to quicken this break-in period.
1: Choose the right size.
2: Wear your boots with thick socks.
3: Use a shoe stretcher. Insert it in your boots and crank it open. Leave it for 6 to 8 hours.
Conclusion
Huge respect and appreciation to all the paramedics and EMS professionals who devote their time and lives to save others, especially during this pandemic. While out on your assignment, the least of your worries should be the quality of your EMS boots.
I hope I have stayed true to my course and provided you with all the info you needed on the best EMS boots. The ball is now in your court. Which EMS boots are you purchasing?
