If you’re a paramedic and are tired of being cold and wet while you work, then it’s time to step up your game. You might have heard that the best work boots for paramedics will keep you warm and dry on the job, but did you know that they’ll also protect your feet from injury?
A paramedic’s job is to save lives, and when they’re on the job, they can’t afford to be without a pair of good work boots. Whether you’re working in an ambulance or even in a hospital, there are many different types of work boots that you should consider wearing.
That’s why we’ve curated this list of the best work boots for paramedics. Whether you’re looking for something affordable or high-end, we’ve got you covered with everything from plain old leather boots to rugged leather lace-up styles that will last through any kind of weather—and beyond!
OK, before we get into the details of each boot, let me firs summarize my picks for each category:
- Best Overall: Danner Men’s Acadia 8″ Boot
- Runner-up: 5.11 Men’s 8″ Apex Tactical Boot
- Best Ankle Support: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof Work Boot
- Most Lightweight: Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot
- Most Comfortable: NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots
- Best Side-Zip: Thorogood Men’s GEN-Flex2 8″ Side-Zip Black Tactical Boots
- Best Value: Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2 Tactical Boots
That said, let’s get into it!
Best Overall Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
Danner Men’s Acadia 8″ Boot
When you’re a paramedic, you don’t want your boots to be anything but the best. You need to be able to run and jump, climb ladders and stairs while wearing them—and still have them fit perfectly. The Danner Men’s Acadia 8″ Boot is the perfect combination of high-quality materials and construction!
The 100% leather and Cordura upper makes this boot extremely durable; it’s made to last through years of use, so you won’t have to replace it again as quickly as you might with a less durable shoe. The shaft measures approximately 8″ from the arch, with a 1 1/4″ heel that does not slip when running up or down stairs (something especially important for paramedics who often have to run up and down stairs). The platform measures approximately 3/4″, giving your feet more room to move around inside the boot without feeling constricted by the sole too much.
The boot opening measures approximately 10″, which means that there is plenty of space for your toes when standing up straight. This gives you a full range of motion while standing, which is essential for doing things like tying knots in clothing during an emergency situation where time is of the essence—or simply getting dressed in the morning before work.
Runner-up Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
5.11 Men’s 8″ Apex Tactical Boot
With a 100% leather upper and rubber sole, 5.11 Men’s 8″ Apex Tactical Boot is built for long-lasting comfort and support.
With a 100% leather upper and rubber sole, this boot is built for long-lasting comfort and support. The shaft measures approximately mid-calf from the arch, so you can wear them all day long without getting tired or in pain. Not only are they comfortable enough to wear all day, but they’re also tough enough to take on any job you throw at them!
The Vibram MegaGrip outsole provides a solid grip on wet or dry surfaces, while the covert pocket stashes your most valuable tool so that you always have it when you need it—which is exactly what a paramedic needs in their job. The D3O Lite EVA midsole offers improved cushioning, while the D3O support footbed gives you all-day comfort, and the heel/arch support ensures that your foot stays comfortable even if you’re on your feet all day long.
But what really sets these boots apart? The covert pocket—a hidden pocket designed specifically for emergency tools like an oxygen tank or defibrillator—is lined with Teflon fabric so they don’t get dirty or lose its shape while in use. The 8″ shaft provides plenty of room for extra layers without being too wide so that it doesn’t interfere with other gear.
Best Ankle Support Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof Work Boot
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof Work Boot is a comfortable option for paramedics because it’s waterproof, comfortable, and durable.
The leather lining of this boot ensures that you will never have to worry about your feet getting wet during a call or in the ambulance, which is important for all emergency services personnel. The lace-up closure of this boot provides maximum stability when you are on the job and allows you to quickly put on your shoes when you enter the ambulance.
The Merrell M Select DRY impermeable membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape so that your feet stay dry while walking around in wet conditions like rain storms or snowstorms. This boot also features waterproof PU-coated leather and ripstop textile upper, which provides superior durability so that you can wear these boots for long periods of time without wearing them out quickly over time.
Lastly, the heavy-duty YKK medial zipper makes it easy for paramedics to get into these boots without having to struggle with pulling on shoe laces because they lock into place securely!
Most Lightweight Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot
If you’re looking for a pair of boots that’s going to give you the support and comfort you need but not make you feel like you’re walking on concrete, look no further than the Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot.
This boot is made with 70% leather and 30% nylon, which means it’s going to be durable and long-lasting. The rubber sole will help protect you from slips but also give you an extra layer of grip when walking on slippery surfaces like ice. The side zipper will make it easy to get in and out of the boot quickly, while the slip-resistant rubber outsole will help keep you secure on slippery floors or uneven ground.
The upper is made of durable leather and performance nylon, which means it’s going to provide plenty of support and comfort regardless of what kind of work you’re doing. There’s also a moisture-wicking liner that helps keep your feet cool while they’re working hard (or even if they’re just hanging out). And when that insert gets dirty, just remove it—it comes right off!
Finally, the lightweight cushioned EVA midsole provides an extra layer of cushioning between your foot and the ground, so your soles don’t hurt after a long day spent walking around all day at work!
Most Comfortable Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots
NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots are built with a rubber sole that protects the ankles and gives these boots an extra layer of protection. The ankle-high wrap and support keep the ankles protected while they are on the job, which means that you don’t have to worry about your feet falling off or being hurt by a misplaced object while you’re moving around or treating someone.
The YKK side zipper with hook-loop strap closure is easy to take on/off so that you can get into your boots quickly if needed. The breathable fabric keeps your feet cool during hot summer days or cold winter nights; this makes it possible for your feet to stay comfortable no matter what kind of weather conditions might be present during an emergency situation.
NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots were designed with both daily work and outdoor sports in mind—so whether you’re driving a car or helping someone in need of medical attention, these men’s work boots have got your back!
Best Side-Zip Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
Thorogood Men’s GEN-Flex2 8″ Side-Zip Black Tactical Boots
Work boots for paramedics need to be comfortable, durable and slip resistant. The Thorogood Men’s GEN-Flex2 8″ Side-Zip Black Tactical Boots have all that and more!
These boots feature an ASTM F1671/1671M-13 composite shank, which is great for supporting your ankle and preventing it from rolling inward so you can stay on your feet when you are running or jumping from one place to another.
The full-grain leather/nylon outer shell is comfortable but also rugged enough to handle the worst of conditions that may come your way while on duty. The removable single-density polyurethane footbed is able to absorb shock while providing great comfort, which means that there will be no problems with sore toes or blisters after long shifts spent on your feet all day long.
The Goodyear Storm Welt construction provides ultimate durability and comfort by using high-quality materials such as nylon and leather in a way that allows them to stretch and flex without breaking down over time, as cheaper materials might do. These boots have been tested at ASTM F1677-05 standards, which means they are certified as safe for use by paramedics during their workday!
Best Value Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2 Tactical Boots
Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2 Tactical Boots are made from a leather/nylon upper that is durable and protects your feet from debris and other hazards on the job. They also have a YKK ® side zipper in a Viston ® pattern, which makes it easy to get them on and off without having to worry about getting stuck.
The PU Collar features foam padding so you can keep dirt out of your face and breathable material to help keep you cool during long shifts. A gusseted tongue keeps dirt and debris out of the boot while maintaining comfort throughout your shift. The EVA midsole provides lightweight support and cradled support while reducing fatigue during long shifts.
The steel shank provides superior support, which will reduce foot fatigue during long work shifts. Board-lasted construction allows for torsional rigidity, reducing foot fatigue during long work shifts. Lastly, the slip-resistant rubber outsole helps reduce damage caused by slipping or falling backward during long shifts!
Best for Standing All Day Work Boots for EMTs and Paramedics
Under Armour Men’s Micro G Valsetz Zip Military and Tactical Boot
The Under Armour Men’s Micro G Valsetz Zip Military and Tactical Boot is the perfect choice for paramedics because it has innovative features that make it a workhorse in any situation.
The rubber sole offers enough grip to keep you from slipping when you’re rushing to save a life—but also enough flexibility to keep your feet from getting hot and sweaty. It also helps to keep your feet cool, so you don’t have to worry about them getting too hot or sweaty in the middle of an emergency call. The oil- & slip-resistant high traction rubber lug outsole enhances grip on a variety of surfaces.
The lightweight synthetic leather & textile upper is durable & breathable, meaning it won’t wear out easily over time—and it also means that these boots won’t weigh down your legs too much for comfort either. We also love how the welded forefoot overlay & molded TPU toe cap provide added protection against falls from heights or other accidents that could happen while you’re working!
Best Men’s Work Boots for Paramedics, Final Thoughts…
With so much to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Your list of priorities will vary depending on your situation and the tasks you need to perform with your boot, but here are some things we recommend:
- A waterproof, breathable boot is a must. You don’t want to end up soaked and sweaty in the middle of an emergency scenario!
- A comfortable, supportive fit is key. You’ll be on your feet all day long, and comfort is key if you’re going to get through it without spraining an ankle or falling down while lifting patients over fences.
- Make sure your boot is durable and rugged enough for tough terrain and weather conditions. Weatherproofing is important when you’re in a field setting like this one!
While it may be tempting to just stock up on the cheapest boots you can find, we think the best work boots for paramedics are the ones with the most support and sturdiness. If you’re going to wear your feet around all day, don’t skimp on quality!
For men that need a little extra help with their balance, we recommend Danner’s Acadia 8″ Boot. These boots are built on a heavy-duty last with a low profile, and plenty of cushioning that will make you feel like your feet are being hugged by clouds.
If you’re looking for something a little more casual but still want some serious support and durability, we recommend NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots. These boots have an athletic shape that is versatile enough for any outdoor activity and comes with an EVA midsole so you can get up and go without worrying about blisters or soreness.
The Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2 Tactical Boots are an affordable option for this type of boot, too. They feature an EVA midsole that gives lightweight comfort and cradled support to your feet. They’re also made out of breathable materials that can mold to your foot shape over time while still keeping them comfortable, so you don’t have to deal with blisters or soreness during your shift!
Before we go, let me once again summarize my picks for the best boots in each category:
- Best Overall: Danner Men’s Acadia 8″ Boot
- Runner-up: 5.11 Men’s 8″ Apex Tactical Boot
- Best Ankle Support: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof Work Boot
- Most Lightweight: Bates Men’s 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot
- Most Comfortable: NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots
- Best Side-Zip: Thorogood Men’s GEN-Flex2 8″ Side-Zip Black Tactical Boots
- Best Value: Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2 Tactical Boots