Having the best survival boots as part of your bug out gear is a critical requirement.
Let's face it, the one piece of gear that will be interacting with your environment the most is what you wear on your feet. That is why it is important to pick your boots wisely.
In this article, we are going to cover the top 3 boots for any survival situation. We will look at the different criteria first, and then show you the winners that the survival community loves the most.
We will also cover the importance of having the right socks to go along with your boots.
I'll explain why the Timberland White Ledge boots are some of the best, as seen in the video below.
I'll also give you 2 other options that are guaranteed to perform.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Comparison Table
Image | Model | Sole | Material | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber | Leather/Textile | $$$ | 
| |
| Synthetic | Leather/Textile | $$$$ | 
| |
| Synthetic | Leather/Mesh | $$$$ |
|
Let's dive right into the criteria next.
Best Survival Boots Criteria
There are many criteria that we care about when selecting great boots.
Comfort
The first and foremost thing we need is comfort. We can't afford to be torturing our feet. We don't need our minds distracted on pain when we should be focusing on surviving and our surroundings.
Support
The second factor in selecting boots is foot support. We need to be able to walk many miles carrying a lot of weight without foot problems popping up.
Also, it's very likely that we will be hiking across lots of different terrain. Therefore, we need good ankle support to help us prevent ankle injury while carrying extra weight in our gear.
Traction
Naturally, we need boots that have great traction for somewhat slippery environments.
Durability
Great boots must be able to withstand some rigorous conditions. Construction and material choices in the design can affect the boots' long term durability.
Waterproof
We need boots that will hold up well in mud and rain. It is important that our feet stay dry in our boots to avoid all sorts of problems that could destroy our survival chances.
Breathable
In warm climates, it is best to have boots that will allow your feet to breathe. This helps to avoid blisters and other problems.
Color
We definitely don't want boots that will allow us to be seen from far away, so colors that would naturally blend into nature are ideal.
Now let's review the best boots for the job. All of these options are mid high boots, which means they have great ankle support.
1. Timberland White Ledge
The Timberland White Ledge boots are the top choice when choosing boots for survival. These are extremely comfortable and offer great support.
Timberland is a great company that has been around for a while.
The design is very durable, and most users get at least a year or more out of these boots wearing them every day under harsh conditions. The eyelets are metal, which is a great feature. The rubber sole is also hardy.
I would advise that you have these as a spare pair of boots that you normally do not wear other than to break them in initially.
That way when you need them, they are in great shape.
They sport a leather overall design, which helps make them waterproof under most conditions. The EVA breathable foot bed also helps keep your feet dry.
The leather color comes in black, brown, or tan which lets you choose for blending in with natural environments.
I personally own these boots, and I love them. They look good, feel good, and provide awesome performance at a great price. Believe it or not, they are even more comfortable than my tennis shoes.
2. Timberland Chocorua Trail
The Timberland Chocorua Trail boots are another good option if the White Ledge design doesn't work for you. They are comfortable with good support.
Where the White Ledge boots are mostly leather uppers, these have a mix of leather and Gore-Tex that is waterproof and breathable.
These boots are very durable and also have metal eyelets. The sole is made of rubber. The Timberland Chocorua Trail boots come in black and brown color scheme options.
Many users love these boots, but for those that previously had the White Ledge, they prefer the White Ledge over the Chocorua Trail.
3. Merrell Moab
The Merrell Moab boots are a great alternative if the two Timberland choices are not appealing to you. They are comfortable and versatile.
They are made from a leather and mesh mix that are both waterproof and breathable.
These boots are durable, and hold up well under rigorous terrain. The eyelets are made from cloth, not metal, but users have not had any issues with them. The sole is made from a Vibram material.
The Merrell Moab boots come in black, green, and brown color schemes. The look and style of these boots are very fashionable if you don't want the classic boot look.
Socks
When it comes to boots, most people make the mistake of wearing the wrong socks. This can lead to poor comfort, bad support, and worst of all blisters after long hikes.
That is why it is important to choose the best survival socks to go along with your boots.
I recommend getting the Darn Tough Vermont Merino Wool socks. They have proven to be comfortable and able to wick away moisture, keeping your feet dry. The Merino wool will also keep your feet warm in the cold winter months.
Conclusion
To wrap up, we mentioned why boots are the most critical piece of gear in your survival collection.
Your boots are the one item that interacts the most with your environment.
If you have foot problems in a survival situation, it could become disastrous, so make sure to get the right boots.
We looked at the criteria for choosing the right boots, and then we looked at the top 3 options out there.
We also talked about how socks are just as important as the boot choice, and gave you the best recommendation.
Overall, getting the Timberland White Ledge boots with the Darn Tough Vermont socks is the best solution that is out there. Once you have both of these items, then consider some great pants.
If you are looking for boots geared more towards combat, check out our review here.
Product Images Sourced From: Link
