From the grass root level workers to clinical experts, everyone; who contributes to patient care deserves kudos. Now, you’ve taken up the responsibility of saving lives. Since you're here to find the best EMS boots, I assume you too deserve huge respect.
So, let me give you a big thank you before all. Thank you for being with us in our medical emergency, even sometimes risking your life to save us.
However, if you have been working in this industry for years, you may know how necessary it is to have a good pair of EMS boots on your feet.
So, I’ve researched a lot on this topic and created a list of the most suitable EMS tactical boots for nurses, EMTs, and paramedics. Many of those are available in gender-specific options with varying sizes and styles.
In this article, you’ll get in-depth reviews of those top-rated boots and a buying guide; that will help you decide which boots will be the most useful for you.
LIST OF THE BEST Ems BOOTS
No. | Product Name | IMAGE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | NORTIV Men's EMS Boots |  | |
2 | Bates Men's Tactical Boots |  | |
3 | Under Armour EMS Boots |  | |
4 | Rocky Alphaforce EMT Boots |  | |
5 | 5.11 EMS Boots |  |
REVIEW OF THE BEST ems BOOTS
1. NORTIV Men's EMS Boots with Zipper
Features
When it comes to employees of the EMS industry, keeping yourself healthy will not be enough until you achieve the comfort and protection you want to fight against the medical emergency.
Therefore, the NORTIV EMS boot will win your heart by providing comfort, and ensuring maximum flexibility with construction.
The shock-absorbent cushion insole provides comfortable support all day long. The cozy interior of breathable material keeps your feet sweat-free.
The full-cushion footbed improves comfort in the best possible way, but you can replace the insole with a custom orthotic if needed.
Wearing these EMS slip-on boots is fairly straightforward due to the presence of a side zipper; that also lets you easily adjust its’ fit to perfectly accommodate your work situation.
Moreover, the mesh padded tongue and collar ensure a comfortable fit, as well as reduces dirt and debris from getting inside.
The rubber outsole is rugged enough to withstand various surfaces for a long time. Moreover, it has the best traction against the wet floor and super slippery oily surfaces, making it perfect for an EMT jobs.
PROS
CONS
2. Bates Men's Ultralite Tactical Side Zip Boot
Features
These EMS duty boots incorporate a versatile full cushioned EVA midsole with an oil and slip-resistant rubber outsole. The outsole prevents unwanted slippage, whereas the cushioned midsole focuses on providing optimal relief from impact and torsional stress.
I used this boot and felt that the spacious toe room compensates for the lack of the built-in toe shield, though having a solid toe cap isn’t mandatory for the EMS field, unlike construction jobs.
However, this boot could withstand rain, and snow in winter and heat up to 95 degrees, be it an acidic chemical or concrete or metal roofing area during the summertime.
As another big plus, the ankle-length height reduces stress on your muscle/joints as well as allows maximum movement flexibility to let you perform best at work.
Above all, the heavy-duty side zipper improves the user’s fit and enables immediate access to the boot interior, making it great for EMS jobs, where the employees require quick boot changes for emergencies.
Finally, it comes to sweat and odor management, which is another important factor in maintaining professional standards. Luckily, the moisture-wicking material construction with mesh pad and breathable lining keeps your feet dry and sweat-free and reduces unwanted odors after long work shifts.
PROS
CONS
3. Under Armour EMS Boots for Men
Features
The Under Armour brand manufactures mostly performance-based boots with the most durable upper section, best shock-absorbing midsole, and deep treaded rubber outsole. This option has no exception!
Design-wise, the front comprises DWR-treated genuine leather and 900D nylon textile material, making it super durable to withstand rough usage. Moreover, the lengthy shaft provides additional ankle stability and protects the ankles and surrounding areas from hazards.
The composite shank incorporated midsole improves the support and stability, whereas the rubber bottom is meant for offering optimal traction across a range of terrains.
When our feet are constantly exposed to strenuous movements, we end up with stinking shoes and feet. The breathable mesh and antibacterial lining enable an excellent moisture management system. Ultimately, this protects against sweat and fungus, which causes disgusting odor after long duty hours.
Lastly, I want to make you notice the glossy appearance and think about how it will look great after you pair it with your EMS uniform. If you are looking for a low-profile EMS boot with enhanced comfort and flexibility, I don’t think there is any reason for searching further.
PROS
CONS
4. Rocky Alphaforce Zipper Waterproof EMS Boot
Features
When it comes to a pair of boots for any medical employee, having a superb anti-slip sole is mandatory, as medical institutions often clean the floor. Luckily, this black EMS boot has a high slip-resistant ability against the wet floor, soap, or oil spilled surfaces.
Meanwhile, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll always get properly cleaned areas inside the medical institutes or outdoors at the patient’s house. For this reason, I respect all EMS providers, as they do not hesitate to risk their lives to save some endangered lives.
But no more worry! When you face areas with a lot of blood, these blood-borne pathogen-proof EMT work boots could give you the safety against human blood microorganisms and the peace of mind you want.
The shoe also improves overall performance by reducing all sorts of discomfort; that you possibly have during long duty hours. The breathable mesh cushioning interior with comfortable lining creates a cozy environment for your feet, as well as keeps your feet sweat and odor-free.
PROS
CONS
5. 5.11 EMS Boot (ATAC 2.0, Style 12391, Black)
Features
I believe one can perform best only when the person is mentally and physically fit and fine. Luckily, this boot provides the best support and protection an EMS employee wants.
Design-wise, the boot consists of a nylon front with a full-grain leather toe, breathable air mesh, and tongue to ensure adequate comfort, support, and protection across the entire foot.
The construction reduces fatigue and improves endurance. In addition to that, the shoe fabric or sole material ensures the best protection against rain or logged water and microorganisms; presented in the infected human blood or body fluids.
This shoe has great slip-resistance power against the wet floor and oil spilled surfaces. It also provides a high-level grip for extra stability; that EMT employees want from a pair of boots.
However, many EMT workers know the check-in time but are unaware of ending the shifts. Medical emergencies don't come seeing the time.
So, they need comfortable, feathery, long-lasting, supple footwear; that can keep them comfortable all day long. These 5.11 station boots are the thing you want.
PROS
CONS
6. Reebok Rapid Response Safety Boot (RB8674)
Features
This Reebok fast responder boot would be the best field-proven EMT tactical boots for those; who work in rugged territories or moisturized environments.
The water-resistant ballistic nylon front with a nylon mesh lining comes into play to provide all-day relief to the users. It keeps feet cool, dry, and odorless, which helps maintain proper hygiene and professionalism.
In addition to that, the shock-eliminating properties of the EVA midsole and F2A polyurethane footbed of the shoe enable advanced comfort and stability.
The dual-density rubber outsole efficiently absorbs the shocks while working on high-impacted rough surfaces and prevents foot fatigue after long duty hours. Moreover, the rubber bottom offers great grips on watery, muddy, or slippery surfaces.
For additional safety, it has a composite safety toe cap; that provides good insulation and protection against the accidental hitting of a heavy object, heat, or getting an electric shock while working outdoor.
PROS
CONS
7. Thorogood GEN-Flex2 8” Side-Zip Tactical Unisex Boots
Features
However, this boot is one of the best waterproof EMS boots, which is another important requirement for EMT workers. This shoe offers a high-level grip on slick surfaces or oil-spilled surfaces.
The side zip of the boot does not go up between the shoelaces and rub against the leg like the front zip and is therefore easy to tie up.
Since the shoe is featured by GEN~flex2/ VGS technology, the EVA cushion polyurethane footbed, and an interactive gel system, it provides a comfortable breathable environment for the workers’ feet. The material of the shoe makes it durable and sturdy.
With polishable high shine leather, this diligent shoe comes in an attractive black walnut color, which is easy to wash after strolling through clay or dirt. It has a handsome appearance to complement the EMS uniform.
In summary, these boots ensure the ultimate comfort, safety, and mental satisfaction for the EMTs and paramedics.
PROS
CONS
8. Merrel Men's Moab boots (2 8” tactical and waterproof)
Features
The imported Merrel Men's Moab boots are one of the best boots among the waterproof EMS boots for the outdoor and EMT workers. Its Vibram TC5+ outsole provides durable, high traction and grip in any hostile environment and surface. The in-built molded counter cups on the heel area provide additional stability.
The waterproof PU upper leather coats and M-select DRY waterproof membrane of the shoe allow the workers to conduct the tough jobs without getting their feet wet and dirty. The midsole of the boots comes with a Merrell air cushion that provides shock-absorbing characteristics. The bellows tongue of the shoes is attached to both sides upper to keep it out of waste or debris.
The rubber toe is completely abrasion-resistant, and the KINETIC footbed protects the users from a high jerk in their heavy-duty and provides comfortability. The breathable mesh lining offers coziness to the buyers during a break-free long work hour.
PROS
CONS
BUYER’S GUIDE - best ems BOOTS
Waterproof
You may have to work in different challenging environments. All the time, you may not get properly cleaned and dry places, specifically inside the public hospital territory or patient’s house; that can put your health at risk too. So, I strictly recommend wearing waterproof paramedic boots to withstand the most challenging working conditions safely.
Breathable
Keeping your feet dry and odorless the entire day is another challenge. Luckily, the quality shoes use breathable materials with comfortable lining; that induce airflow around your feet; reduce discomfort, and make your feet free from irritating sweatiness and odor.
Blood Borne Pathogen Proof
When it comes to Emergency Medical Service (EMS), having a pair of blood-borne pathogen-resistant EMT boots is mandatory. As an EMS provider, you may need to work on the areas with a lot of blood, be it a hospital area or the places; where accidents or murders took place. Such boots will protect you from microorganisms; presented in the human blood and cause various diseases.
Memory Foam
Most boots, meant to be the best EMT boots come with memory foam inserts to give you the preferred fit and comfort every single time. If you want to maintain the consistency of the comfort; that you get on day one, never compromise this feature.
Durability
In the end, it’s your hard-earned money, so invest in an option that can withstand the harshest weather conditions for long.
FAQ
1. Why are Tactical Boots good for EMS?
A quality tactical boot is durable, slip-resistant, and comfortable. It comes with a flexible sole and ankle support to handle challenging terrain safely and allow the maximum range of movement; that the EMS provider persons want.
2. Do Paramedics need steel-toe boots?
The work environment of paramedics may not have scattered sharp or piercing objects or danger from falling or rolling heavy-weight objects. So, steel-toe boots are not mandatory here.
All though, it would be great if you have this one. The steel-toe EMT boots will protect your toe if you accidentally kick some heavy objects while lifting any heavy weight.
3. How do you break in EMS boots?
A new pair of boots generally takes around 80 to 100 hours to break in. With that said, the EMS boots are no exception, so don’t expect your feet to be happy with you after getting into the new shoe.
You could try to make your feet happy also, this way -
- Wear the right size with thick socks
- Use oil or leather conditioner.
- Put on a blister pad band-aid.
- Adjust the lacing.
- Scuff the inside heel.
- Don't wear the new boots too often.
- Take the old boots with you.
CONCLUSION
The EMS work boots listed above are highly comfortable, breathable, waterproof, and have been reported to be perfect for withstanding the most challenging environments.
Remember, the irritating friction of a tight shoe not only discomforts you but also damages the shoe fabric and your skin. So choose the perfect size for you.
Luckily, most of the pairs in the recommended list of best boots for EMTs offer various size options.
However, hopefully, you’ve liked my recommendations. If you come across any better options, feel free to share them with others by commenting below.
Justin is a Master Fitness Trainer, coach, and consultant. Justin holds Science degrees in biological science, natural life science, and human anatomy focus. He has been assisting as a Fitness trainer for over 15 years in the health and fitness industry. He enjoys teaching others to achieve their goals and wellness using his expertise.