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There are many varieties of outdoor boots, each designed for a certain purpose. The kind you would use in snowcapped mountains is not the same kind that you would use in a desert.
In this article, we will talk specifically about jungle boots. There aren’t many to choose from, but it’s still important to know just exactly you’re getting. Use this guide to help you find the best jungle boots for you.
Top 12 Best Jungle Boots
1. Under Armour Men’s Jungle Boots
The Under Armour Jungle Rat is a great pair of soldiers or civilians alike. They are one of the best for jungle hikes because of the height, support, and the protection. It uses both leather, and 900D nylon fabric makes the upper portion soft and light.
The soles are a low-profile lug that enhances traction, and the 8-inch height offers a lot of ankle support.
The Jungle Rat has a quick-dry design, with medial side drainage vents that allow water to flow out fast. It also has DWR (durable water repellent) finish to help keep the shoes dry in the first place.
To help prevent foul odor, the boots are equipped with anti-microbial sock liners.These boots come in desert sand, black, timber, and coyote brown colors.
Pros
- Supportive, light, and breathable.
- Protective and sturdy.
- Drainage vents help the insides of your boots and your feet dry fast.
Cons
- The shoelace could be better and stronger. The length is good, but it feels like they could snap.
2. SHOE ARTISTS COMBAT Jungle Boot
These jungle boots are a classic design for the military. They’re the kinds that were used in combat during World War II. It uses high-quality leather with durable rubber outsoles. It also features drainage holes to rid of moisture and promote cooling and quick drying.
Though they are meant for combat in jungles, these boots are often considered for jungle hiking too. It offers ankle support, great traction, and is quick-drying.
Pros
- They are very inexpensive.
- It keeps the feet nice and dry. The vented holes promote ventilation and drains any moisture.
- They’re very light
Cons
- It comes in full sizes only. If you need a half size, just order the next larger full size.
- It’s quite stiff and rough on the heels.
- It may leave black marks on wooden floors and tiles.
3. Under Armour Women’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot
This boot is made with the UA Storm technology. It purposes to repel water without sacrificing breathability. It’s made of a great combination of leather and 900D nylon textile. Therefore, you will get a soft and light upper.
This product is known for its quick-dry minimalist design. Moreover, it has the molded EVA midsole that gives you protection & support. It is built with a low profile rubber lug sole. Therefore, you can choose it for wearing on all surfaces.
This boot is available in Black color.
4. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
If you are looking for the best hiking boot, you can try the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking boot. This boot ensures to give you out-of-the-box comfort. It’s made of leather for durability.
This is a good choice for those who need a supportive footbed. It comes with a synthetic sole. The Heel includes Merrell air cushion that can help to adsorb socks. Moreover, this feature helps to add stability as well.
Also, you will get Merrell M select FIT and protective rubber toe cap. This toe cap weighs 2 lbs.
5. RAX Men’s Jungle Wolf Waterproof Hiking Boot
Today, RAX is known as a subsidiary corporation of Taiya. This company focuses on producing light, fashion, and comfortable hiking shoes.
It comes with a rubber sole. Moreover, it has ventilation upper made of fly knit fabric material. With this product, your foot can be kept dry thanks to the waterproof membrane inside. Also, it is equipped with an antiskid lug outsole. That’s why it’s a good consideration for outdoor trekking.
The RAX Men’s Hiking boot comes with cushioning EVA midsole. It aims to absorb shock. You can wear it to work, traveling, camping, or daily walking.
6. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
If you are looking for a hiking boot with expert craftsmanship for the female hiking enthusiast, you should try this boot. This boot is made of high-quality materials. It is popular for its durability and comfort. Moreover, this is also a lightweight and stylish hiking boot.
It is designed with a waterproof mesh and leather exterior, so it can help to protect you from the trail to the mountain range. It also comes with an advanced traction outsole that helps to prevent slipping. Plus, it has lightweight midsole, so you can get long-lasting comfort and superior cushioning.
This model is available in multiple colors and sizes. To choose the proper size, you need to utilize the sizing chart.
7. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot
This hiking boot offers you traction in any summer situation. It comes with waterproof uppers. It has a mesh lining, so it can help to keep feet cool as well as to dry over a cushy midsole.
The Merrell Men’s Moab is made of leather and mesh. It comes with a synthetic sole. Moreover, it features shaft which measures approximately 4″ from arch slip-resistant. This boot ensures to give you out-of-the-box comfort.
Also, there are other features, including protective rubber toe cap, added a zonal arch and heel support, molded nylon arch shank, EVA midsole for stability and comfort, 5mm lug depth, Vibram® TC5+ sole, Merrell air cushion in the heel, and closed-cell foam tongue.
8. NORTIV 8 Men’s Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots
This product is designed for outdoor hiking. These boots have waterproof protection. Also, they are designed with microfiber and heat Reflective lining. They ensure to give you the maximizing dry and comfortable all day long.
It comes with a durable rubber outsole, so you will have the opportunity to challenge the natural wilderness. The model has a boot shaft height of 4 inches. Also, you will get a cushioned EVA footbed that allows you to move with ease.
9. Men’s MT. Maddsen Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
If you want to purchase waterproof hiking boots, you should consider this model. These boots can help to keep your feet dry in a rugged style. With them, you can take on any terrain. Moreover, they look wonderful with your performance hiking gear.
They are made with premium full-grain waterproof leather uppers. Moreover, they include the TimberDry™ eco-conscious waterproof membrane, so your feet will be kept dry in any weather. They also have a fully gusseted tongue that helps to avoid debris.
These boots promise to give you all-day comfort thanks to the anti-fatigue comfort technology. Also, you will get lightweight cushioning and shock absorption from the compression-molded EVA midsole.
10. Merrell Men’s J09523W Waterproof hiking boot
If you are worried about avoiding rainy day adventures, the Merrell Men’s J09523W is a good choice for you. It is designed to seal water out and allow moisture to escape thanks to the M Select™ DRY membrane.
It is made of waterproof suede leather as well as mesh upper materials. Moreover, it comes with M Select™ FIT.ECO footbed that gives organic odor control for a fresher in-shoe environment. Plus, it comes with EVA midsole, so you will get stability and comfort.
At the same time, the boot also offers durable traction and grip because of M Select™ GRIP.
11. Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Wide Mid GTX Hiking Boots
One of the best sellers out there is the X Ultra Mid 3 GTXAr. This model is designed to be able to deal with technical hikes. Also, they are a great solution for tough descents. This pair offers a spring in your step. You can even wear the pair in wet conditions.
The boot can hold your foot in place. Also, they can help to prevent slippage. Therefore, they allow you to enjoy more stable and safer descents.
With this model, you don’t worry about getting fatigued on rugged terrain. There are two different types of rubber placed on the sole. Therefore, it offers you a more intense grip. Besides, you will receive a 2-year limited warranty.
What Are Jungle Boots?
Jungle boots are a form of military boots that are meant to adapt to the bush or hot, wet, and humid places.
This type of boot was needed during WWII when soldiers operating in the jungles realized how uncomfortable, inconvenient, and impractical their full leather boots were.
To address the issue, the US military designed boots that allow water and sweat to pass through, and at the same time, protect the feet.
Though jungle boots were made for the military, they’ve also made their way to civilian users.
Many industrial workers, hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts opt for jungle boots because of the comfort, durability, and protection they offer. There are also many hiking boots that are designed like jungle boots for their advantages.
Jungle Boots vs. Tactical Boots
Jungle Boots also referred to as combat boots, are very similar to tactical boots. However, jungle boots are made to withstand tougher situations such as rough terrains, extreme weather conditions, and falling debris.
They can do more heavy duty work than tactical boots, which are usually thinner and made of black leather. Tactical boots are also softer and lighter in construction, with only one sole.
You might be able to find boots that employ features from both tactical and jungle boots. Before going into detail with the features of the boots, make sure you first identify what you’ll use them for.
Remember that jungle boots are ideal for outdoor use while tactical boots are perfect for those who won’t be facing harsh terrains.
Factors to Consider When Buying Boots for Jungle Hiking
The kind of shoes you wear for hiking are crucial are dependent on a few factors, like where you are hiking. In jungles, going through puddles and water forms are very likely. Thus, jungle boots were designed to allow water to flow through while still protecting the feet.
Comfort
Comfort can only be determined by the person wearing the boots, but a lot of factors affect this criterion. It’s always better to try a pair before you purchase, but even then, you won’t know how comfortable they are until you use them for hiking.
The fit is one of the main things you should assess for comfort. To ensure a proper fit, make sure the toe cap has a little wiggle room for your toes, even with socks.
You should also make sure that your heels don’t slide up and down or front and back while you walk. A great fit is a little snug but not tight.
Another important factor that affects comfort is the boot’s ability to keep your feet cool and dry. The boots should have vents for water to exit because when you’re hiking in the jungle or somewhere wet, you will get wet.
Otherwise, you’ll be hiking with soaked socks and feet, which will be very uncomfortable.
Weight
In most cases and especially for hiking, light shoes are ideal. However, some boots are heavier for certain reasons. For instance, jungle boots are not exactly meant to be light.
They’re intentionally heavier to accentuate the lower leg assurance, stability, durability, and dependability.
Whether you opt for traditional hiking boots or jungle boots, the key is finding the right weight. If they feel too heavy, then they are probably too heavy. Walk around in them to see how they feel.
Waterproof
The boot’s waterproof ability is a factor that affects comfort and protection. You have to keep in mind that when your feet remain wet, it’s more prone to bacteria/fungal growth, as well as skin break.
Decent boots have breathable and waterproof linings. Another feature that affects water resistance is a gusseted tongue. It prevents water, rocks, and other debris from entering the boots.
Hiking in the jungle will most likely entail getting wet, so you should look waterproof ability in your boots.
Jungle boots have some water repellent properties, but they’re not usually waterproof. Instead, they have drainage vents to help keep your feet dry faster.
Stability and Support
For comfort and safety, it’s important to have great ankle support from your boots. This is one of the advantages of jungle boots over traditional hiking footwear. Whether they are full cut or mid-height, they lower the chances of twisted ankles.
Footing/Traction
The bottom of the shoes should have an excellent grip on different surfaces and terrains. Traction and footing are crucial, especially in jungles where there are plenty of wet rocks, mud, and irregular surfaces.
Durability
Considering the nature of their use, durability is something you’ll want to look into. In the long run, they will wear and tear. But the keywords there are “long run.”
A lot of factors affect the durability of jungle boots, and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The main ones are materials use and the construction.
Conclusion
For hikes through a jungle, you can choose tradition hiking boots or jungle boots. You’ll need something that offers great ankle support, protection from debris, waterproof ability or something that prevents your feet from staying wet.
In jungle boots, this would be the drainage vents. You should also make sure the fit is nice and snug, but not tight, and the soles offer excellent traction for both wet and dry surfaces.
For me, the best jungle boots for hiking would be Under Armour’s Jungle Rat. They have just the right qualities suitable for swampy, wet, and muddy jungles. However, you can use them for other terrains as well. Finally, they’re also perfect for industrial purposes.
I hope this helps you find the perfect boots for jungle hikes. However, it’s still best if you check the shoes out yourself and try them out.
