Top 15 Best EMS Boots for EMTs and Paramedics Reviews 2020

Here are the best ems boots that shall support your performance in all medical and emergency cases. I also included a guide outlining all the essential factors you need to consider.

Responding to emergency cases is not an easy task. You need to be dynamic, agile, and able to maintain balance in everything you do. Specifically, you need to have the best ems boots that shall protect your foot from dust, moisture, chemicals, falling debris, and fire.

Getting a low-quality ems boots can endanger your life and hamper your versatility and vigor to handle any medical urgency in your area. Inline, I have made a rundown list of the best emergency medical service boots 2020.

I also have a buying guide in the last section where you can see the various factors critical for your selection of the best pair of boots for emergency cases. Enjoy reading and leave a comment or suggestion in the comment box.

Read our latest guide about most comfortable work boots.

What are The Best Ems Boots for EMTs and Paramedics?

The best ems boot are Danner and Ariat boots. For your valuable time, here is the quick list of top 15 best ems shoes for you to take a glance at:

Best Overall: Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX Duty Boot

Great duty boot, lightweight, waterproof feature, durable and breathable shoes, sturdy toe box.

Runner Up: ARIAT Men’s Sierra Work Boot

Comfortable, stylish black boot design, easy slip-on, support arch & heels, great work boot.

Best for Water Resistance: Dr. Martens Work Mens Fellside Steel Toe SD Chelsea

Comfort styles, good quality, water resistance, good traction for wet and inclined surfaces, strong steel toe box.

Best Breathable Leather: KEEN Men’s Anchorage Boot iii wp-m Hiking

Durable, work on mud and snow, warm feeling feet, really comfortable, stylish, no pain on ball or heels of the foot, both women and men love it, great gift for Christmas.

Best for Sturdy Toe Box: ROCKY 911-113 Men’s Duty Boot

Strong toe cap, waterproof, comfortable, good dry feet, weight 2lbs.

Best for Duty Boot: Rocky Side Zipper Jump Boot

Polishable with vegetable oil, breathable, shiny toe cap, water resistance.

Best for Comfortable Insole: ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men

Anti-slip traction, Comfortable, Breathable, arch and heel support, zipper is no good.

Best for All-Around: Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot

Work boot for women, comfortable, durable, comfy and sturdy boot, work on warehouse, snow, ice, concrete floors.

Best for Women: Bates Women’s Ultra-Lites 8″ Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boot

Police officer love it, work on concrete all day, short laces, durable, comfortable, worth for the money.

Best for Women’s Waterproof Boot: Maelstrom 8″ Military Tactical Duty Work Boot

Lightweight, durable, work on concrete floors whole day, support ankle, comfortable insoles, looks good for female worker, excellent boots for climbing or hiking, great gift for the girl.

Best for Traction: Thorogood Men’s Gen-Flex2 Series 8″ Waterproof Tactical Boot

Comfortable, waterproof, breathable, polish with vegetable oil, work on metal tiers, concrete floors, warehouse and rainy days, soliad construction, great traction.

Best for Lightweight: Reebok RB8605 Men’s Tactical Military & Tactical Boot

It’s lightest tactical boot, stylish, breathable, easy to clean, abilities to keep the boot dry inside out, not good zipper.

Best for Solid Construction: Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots

Comfortable, stiff zipper, warm feeling, reasonable price, mid waterproof, true to size, strong grip.

Best for Dry Environment: Under Armour Men’s Valsetz Military & Tactical Boot

Great boot for comfortable and durable, work on long office hours, super lightweight boot, soft feeling in the feet, no waterproof. Lots of good feedback.

Best for EMS Worker: Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Boot

Good ankle support, supportive and comfortable, looks awesome, laces are good and heavy duty, great quality, worth for the money.

The Best EMS Boots for EMTs and Paramedics – Comparision Chart

The best ems boot should have the right weight, material, fit, durability, waterproof and breathablity. Here is some key features to get you to know more and choose the best ems boot of your choice.

Top 15 Best EMS Boots for EMTs and Paramedics Reviews in 2020

We are nowhere in my top 15 list of the best ems boots for 2020. Read through its features, specs, pros, and cons to find out more about each tactical boots. I hope you find the right one that suits your need and budget afterward.

Best Overall: Danner Men’s Tachyon 8” GTX Duty Boot

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	13 x 12 x 6 inches
Material	Full-grain leather/Nylon
Shaft	9 inches
Toe box	Wide toe box
Insole/Outsole	Padded footbed/Rubber outsole

Key features

• Full-grain leather and 500 Denier nylon material
• Gore-Tex liner
• Slightly pointed toe

Among the hundreds of ems boots I have searched, this one from Danner has the most satisfying features for the purpose. It is not heavy and seems like a minimalist boot on the feel. The toe box area has good space for movement and avoids chafing. It is also solid enough to resist impacts from falling objects.

The Gore-Tex liner works flawlessly in wicking off sweat and moisture inside this boot. The mixed full-grain leather and nylon fabric of its shoe material exude impressive waterproofing properties. Moreover, its overall tread designs proved to have good biting action on dry and wet surfaces.

Product specs

Gender	Men
Material	Premium full-grain leather
Shaft	10 inches
Toe box	Wide space/Leather
Insole/Outsole	Cushioned/Rubber thick outsole

Key features

• Suede leather
• Rubber outsole
• Pull-up strap
• Cushioned insole

This ems boot from Ariat Sierra has a great feature and more affordable compared to my top pick item. Unlike the previous boot, this has no lace-up tightening system, rather it has easy slip-on wear. The boot opening is wide enough to accommodate those with larger calf.

Its toe box has a thicker leather material that enhances its resistance from falling debris. The suede leather material of this boot is flexible enough to allow unrestrained movement. There is sufficient waterproofing property for its upper material and you would see that the wax coating contributes to it.

Insole and midsole of this tactical boot are highly comfortable. No foot fatigue after long hours of work. The rubber outsole has larger tread lugs and deeper grooves for heavy-duty works.

Best for Water Resistance: Dr. Martens Work Mens Fellside Steel Toe SD Chelsea

Product specs

Gender	Men
Package dimensions	13.3 x 11.5 x 5.1 inches
Item weight	33 oz
Material	Full-grain leather
Shaft	7 inches
Toe box	Steel toe
Insole/Outsole	Memory foam footbed/PVC-rubber outsole

Key features

• Full-grain leather
• Water-resistant liner
• Softwair memory foam insole
• Rubber-PVC outsole
• Steel toe

When it comes to design, this ems boot has a sleek and strong impression. You can easily slip your foot on and off with the help of its pull-up strap. Some complained about the tight width of the boot right out from the box. Well, it is true but it tends to enlarge as it catches warmth from the outside.

The lining inside is capable enough to wick off sweat from your foot, thus, keeping a dry and comfy feeling. Its patented memory foam footbed provides a cool cushion for an entire day of work. Moreover, its PVC-rubber mixed outsole exudes a reliable anti-slip property on wet and oily surfaces.

Best Breathable Leather: KEEN Men’s Anchorage Boot iii wp-m Hiking

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	10 x 15 x 6 inches
Shipping weight	32 oz
Material	Nubuck leather
Toe box	Solid leather
Insole/Outsole	Padded footbed/Thick rubber outsole

Key features

• Nubuck leather
• Tough synthetic outsole
• Slip-on wear with pull-up strap
• Airflow leather lining

The breathable leather lining of this KEEN ems boots contributes to its great comfort, not to mention its footbed is quite comfy like a running shoe. The leather material of this tactical boot makes it a suitable winter and all-around ems boot.

You would be amazed by the traction it provides on mud, snow, and rocky surfaces. For those having worked on the construction, paramedics, and firemen, this can be your go-to tactical ems boot for an affordable cost. 

Best for Sturdy Toe Box: ROCKY 911-113 Men’s Duty Boot

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	8 x 4 x 12 inches
Item weight	15 – 32 oz
Material	Full-grain leather and Cordura nylon
Shaft	8 inches
Toe box	Carbon fiber cap/Wide space
Insole/Outsole	EVA midsole/Rubber outsole

Key features

• Full-grain leather mixed with Cordura nylon
• Reflectorized highlights
• EVA rubber outsole
• Wide toe box made from carbon fiber
• Cushioned footbed
• Internal side zipper

I admire the wide and solid toe cap of this ems boot from Rocky. The full-grain leather mixed with nylon material makes the upper of this boot durable and highly resistant to water and stains. The basic lace-up system works as expected and helps tighten the wrap around your foot.

Its cushioned footbed provides the right amount of cushion and is further supplemented by its EVA rubber outsole. There are enough thickness and flexibility in its outsole that can effectively blend with any terrain. It has a reflective highlight which increases your visibility in the dark.

Overall, I would recommend this ems boot for your all-around outdoor works.

Best for Duty Boot: Rocky Side Zipper Jump Boot 

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	8 x 4 x 12 inches
Material	Full-grain leather
Shaft	7 inches
Toe box	Shiny toe cap
Insole/Outsole	EVA insole/Rubber lug outsole

Key features

• Genuine leather
• Textured EVA footbed
• Anti-slip rubber outsole
• Side zipper

For the record, I love the snappy and sleek tactical look of this ems boots. It has a padded tongue which adds more comfort as you place your foot inside. The traditional lace-up tightening system works smoothly and its eyelet is coated with black for extra anti-corrosion feature.

The type of leather used is flexible and can truly resist water and stains from the outside. The heel padding and insole of this working boot provide sufficient cushion for one day of entire work. The large tread lugs and grooves help in the wet and dry traction of this ems boot.

Best for Comfortable Insole: ROCKROOSTER Work Boots for Men

Product specs

Gender	Men
Package dimensions	13.78 x 12.6 x 4.33 inches
Item weight	56 – 64 oz/pair
Material	Nubuck/Full-grain leather
Toe Box	Steel cap
Insole/Outsole	Memory foam insole/Rockrooster TPU outsole

Key features

• COOLMAX technology leather fabric material
• Memory foam 6” footbed
• TPU synthetic outsole
• Steel toe cap

Looking at its features, I can say this is a good tactical boot for paramedics and those working in construction and power plant industries. Nonetheless, you can fairly have this for your all-around outdoor works. It uses genuine leather crafted from its Coolmax technology, which makes it more comfortable and flexible on your foot skin.

Its Poron XD Support enhances the impact resistance of its leather material. The steel toe cap adds better assurance so that your toes are fully protected against heavy objects falling directly on your foot.

Its rubber outsole is made from a durable and slightly flexible synthetic compound. Aside from a strong biting grip, it also can amazingly dissipate static electricity from your place or working area. Overall, this is a good ems boot for its price and features.

Best for All-Around: Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimensions	12 x 4 x 8 inches
Shipping weight	80 oz
Material	Horse leather
Toe box	Peril steel toe
Insole/Outsole	Memory foam insole/Rubber outsole with large lugs

Key features

• Lace-up tightening 
• 100% Leather
• Memory foam insole
• Peril Steel toe
• The footbed is padded and removable
• Leather overlays at the heel and sides

The quality of the leather material of this working boot is truly amazing. Why? Because it is flexible enough to break your toes when toe-bending its rubber outsole and leather upper. In terms of breaking in, it will just take a short time, like a day or two before it finally loosens and comfortably wraps around your foot.

The basic lace-up tightening system is good and never a hassle. The eyelets of its shoelace are coated for extra protection against rust. Its memory foam footbed exudes cushion effect in every impact. It makes you feel like walking in cloud foam. Moreover, its appearance is sleek and modern.

Best for Women: Bates Women’s Ultra-Lites 8″ Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boot

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimensions	14.2 x 9.5 x 5.1 inches
Shipping weight	64 oz
Material	70% Leather, 30% Nylon
Shaft	Ankle to foot arch height
Toe box	Sturdy leather and nylon toe cap
Insole/Outsole	EVA padded midsole/Anti-slip rubber outsole

Key features

• Mixed fabric material: 70% leather, 30% nylon
• EVA midsole
• Moisture-wicking inner linings
• Anti-slip rubber outsole, flexible

Compared to other tactical working boots, this one is fairly lightweight and great for women. The fabric material used is comfortable and breathable. It is also pliant enabling you to bend your toes without breaking it. The EVA cushioned midsole if supportive at the same time provides a pillow-like feel on your arch.

Its waterproofing upper material is good for light to medium water splashes and drizzle. You cannot expect must water resistance when these boots are soaked in water. Its inner linings also work as expected in wicking off sweat underneath your foot.

A dry and cool foot area is most suitable for those working in the paramedics and other jobs which provides quick attention for emergency cases.

Best for Women’s Waterproof Boot: Maelstrom 8″ Military Tactical Duty Work Boot

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimensions	11.89 x 11.1 x 4.41 inches
Shipping weight	72 oz
Material	Cowhide fabric
Shaft	8 inches
Toe box	Hard leather toe cap
Insole/Outsole	Shock absorbing and padded insole/Rubber outsole

Key features

• Cowhide leather material
• YKK side zipper
• Waterproof inner leather linings
• 3-layer cushion footbed and insole
• Large square lugs on the strong rubber outsole

First off, the insole and midsole of this working boots firmly stick on its footbed, thus, no worries about having your insole walked out from its place. Whether light or heavy works, the cushion and traction of this ems boots work like a pro. Slippery tile or concrete floors is never a problem because its rubber outsole has multiple sipes and larger lugs for traction.

The heel strike pad works well in reducing foot fatigue and aches. Its cowhide material is very pliant and sturdy enough to be bent and twisted in all directions. Its toe cap is made from polyurethane and leather giving it a hard construction to resist impacts.

Besides, i’ve created an article of top 15 best shoes for walking on concrete floors everyday that you may want to take a look.

Best for Traction: Thorogood Men’s Gen-Flex2 Series 8″ Waterproof Tactical Boot

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	15 x 11 x 5 inches
Item weight	32 oz
Material	Full-grain leather/Nylon
Toe box	Hardened toe cap
Insole/Outsole	EVA midsole/Cushioned insole removable/Aggressively treaded rubber outsole

Key features

• 100% nylon-leather material
• GEN-flex2 outsole
• Basic lace-up system
• Padded tongue
• BBP X-stream waterproof material and lining
• PU padded footbed can be removed

These tactical boots from Thorogood have exceptional breathability and biting grip on dry and slippery floors and grounds. You can link that to the treaded patterns and grooves on its GEN-flex2 rubber outsole. It can incredibly bend but not get punctured when stepping over sharp and rough surfaces.

 The nylon and leather combo for its fabric composition is great for getting a superb water resistance from water splashes and mud. The toe area is protected because it is made from hardened nylon and leather compound. It has what it takes to sustain on your daily heavy-duty works like being a fireman, police, or paramedic.

Best for Lightweight: Reebok RB8605 Men’s Tactical Military & Tactical Boot

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	12.13 x 10.94 x 4.33 inches
Shipping weight	64 oz
Material	Textile and Synthetic
Shaft	5.5 inches
Toe box	Hard toe cap
Insole/Outsole	Memory Tech insole/Flexible rubber outsole

Key features

• Synthetic nylon fabric material
• Sublite foam midsole
• Treaded rubber outsole
• Flexible treaded rubber outsole
• MemoryTech footbed

There is a slight modern minimalist boot appeal from this ems boots. If you are scared of foot fatigue, then the Memory Tech foam of its footbed can reliably adapt to the rocky and smooth surface of the road. Likewise, there is sufficient comfort in its shank for your foot’s arch. The heel drop area has enough padding to avoid any strain when you make small or high jumps.

It has a breathable mesh fabric and lining which allows air to freely flow in and out from your boots. With that, you can expect strong wicking action of sweat and moisture inside. You will never have to worry about that squeaky and nasty feeling inside this tactical boot. Moreover, the overall hug of the boot’s material provides holistic and comfortable support which minimizes extreme movements of the joints.

Best for Solid Construction: Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots

Product specs

Gender	Men
Package dimensions	16 x 10 x 4 inches
Item weight	56 oz for the pair
Material	Leather and nylon fabric
Shaft	8 inches
Toe box	Glossy and hardened toe cap
Insole/Outsole	EVA padded insole/Aggressive treads on synthetic outsole

Key features

• Leather fabric
• Traditional lace-up mechanism
• Rugged and large tread blocks
• Rubber outsole
• Side zippers
• Breathable mesh fabric
• EVA cushioned midsole and insole

This ems boot from Smith and Wesson has impressive built and craft. The tread designs in its rubber outsole produce a tight grip even without jet fuel. It may not be too knobby like other tactical boots, but it is worth the price.

The insole and midsole provide excellent comfort for an entire day of work. The nylon fabric does not allow much free flow of air, thus, you can expect warming during hot summer days. The lace-up mechanism works flawlessly. Overall, I find this a great and durable ems tactical boot for a good price.

Best for Dry Environment: Under Armour Men’s Valsetz Military & Tactical Boot

Product specs

Gender	Men
Package dimensions	14.02 x 11.1 x 5.04 inches
Material	Textile and nylon
Shaft	High-top from foot arch
Toe box	TPU toe cap
Insole/Outsole	Ortholite antibacterial insole/Synthetic rubber outsole

Key features

• Textile and synthetic material
• Leather sole
• TPU toe box
• Welded PU lining
• Treaded rubber outsole
• Ortholite insole and midsole
• Lace-up

The lightweight of these tactical boots proved to be like a running shoe. This is possible because of its textile fabric and lightweight outsole and insole. The rubber outsole provides a knobby grip on slippery and dry floors. The PU lining on the sides provides an anti-abrasive layer and more protection on your toes as well.

It has a TPU toe cap which assures no falling debris can kill your toes. The insole and midsole of this ems boots are amazingly supportive on the arch, ball, and heel without jeopardizing comfort. This is a good boot for medical emergencies and other related works.

Best for EMS Worker: Wolverine Men’s Floorhand Waterproof 6″ Steel Toe Boot

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimensions	10 x 15 x 6 inches
Shipping weight	32 oz
Material	Full-grain leather
Shaft	6 inches
Toe box	Steel toe
Insole/Outsole	Cushioned footbed and midsole/Thick rugged rubber outsole

Key features

• Original Leather
• Steel toe
• Anti-slip rubber outsole
• Waterproof inner lining
• Lace-up with rustproof eyelets

Slipping your foot inside these tactical boots will never be painful because it has a padded tongue and collar. The heel drop area is cushioned as well. The insole and midsole exude supportive action on the arch to maintain balance and agile movement. If you want a better cushion, you can freely insert soft paddings inside.

The rugged rectangular treads on the outsole with its deep grooves provide that squeaky grip on slippery floors. The shank is also responsible for keeping your balance despite any foot position. In terms of appearance, these boots look expensive and fancy.

EMS Boots Buyer Guide: How to Choose Good Shoes for Work?

For you to have a comprehensive selection experience, you need to acquaint yourself with the important factors about ems boots.

Toe Protection

Going to any life-threatening situations, your foot is oftentimes vulnerable for falling debris, so you need to choose a working boot whose toe box is made from compact-resistant material. Typically, most ems boots have a steel toe area to have a dependable impact-resistant toe box.

Chemical Resistant

As paramedic personnel, you will be exposed to various chemical and fire hazards. Your foot is your main body part which helps you easily get in and out from the hostile area or situation.

Your ems boots must be made from a durable compound that can sufficiently resist fire, chemical spills, and other toxic substances. With that, you are confident of staying on foot in any emergency response.

Rubber Outsole

It is inevitable that in most urgent cases, you cannot help but move at a fast pace. What if the floor is slippery or inclined? Considering this kind of floor texture, there is a high risk of slipping which can cause a serious head injury on your part.

To address this concern, you need to choose ems boots with large tread blocks and multiple sipes that induce a strong biting grip on all types of surfaces. With that, you can expect aggressive traction and hydroplaning resistance on wet and slippery areas.

Comfortable and Supportive Footbed

When you are a paramedic, you cannot shy away with long hours of standing, running, climbing, and holding a balance. All these strenuous activities can cause muscle and joint pains on your foot. To avoid or minimize these pains, you need to choose an ems boot with a comfortable and supportive EVA midsole.

Its footbed must have enough padding to absorb a large percentage of shocks in your every move. Likewise, the heel drop area must have sufficient cushion as well. Overall, your working boots must be comfortable and supportive of the critical areas of your foot.

Waterproof Properties

There will be instances where you will face huge splashes of water in your emergency cases, so your ems boots must keep your foot dry at all times. By keeping your foot dry inside out, you are preventing discomfort and squeaky feeling inside your foot at the footbed contact point.

Moreover, when your working boots are kept efficiently dry, it maintains a lightweight feature compared to a boot absorbing much water which adds weight.

Permits Free Airflow

This factor can be linked to the comfort and waterproof abilities of your tactical boots. When air can freely flow in and out from your ems boots, you are confident of keeping a bacteria-free environment inside your ems boots. Likewise, comfort is maintained when your tactical boots can wick off sweat and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are done with my list of the best ems tactical boots in 2020 and the essential factors you need to look for a good model and brand. Now, let us proceed with some of the common questions addressed by customers when choosing this product.

Are these boots sold for paramedic personnel only?

All these tactical ems boots can be purchased by all people regardless of their job title.

Is it good to choose ems boots with side zippers?

Side zippers are good because it gives you a faster and easier way of wearing and taking off your ems boots. Nonetheless, the final choice will still depend on you.

What is the running price for ems tactical boots?

The average running price for ems boots ranges between $70 to $150. However, some boots have stunning material and cushion which are priced around $200 and up. Nonetheless, price and quality are most directly related to each other.

Do EMTs wear steel toed boots?

Yes, they do. It would be best if you got a steel toe boot or work shoes that support safety feet because those work shoes can protect your toe or feet from falling objects that are heavy and could harm your feet during working. Some manufacturers and local EMS council will require the steel shoes. Make sure you choose a good pair for both comfort and safety.

My Top Pick

Out of the hundred of ems boots in the market, I find Danner Tachyon GTX EMS Boots as the best of them all. Genuine leather is softened to comfortably adapt with your foot. Waterproofing ability is good and the insole lets you feel like walking on pillows.

You will never slip when wearing this one because of its rugged tread designs which creates a strong bite on dry and wet surfaces. Nevertheless, the final decision still rests on you. If you have any comments or suggestions, please write it down inside the box.