EMS means Emergency Medical Service. If you are a paramedic, emergency medical technician, or any other profession, which requires you to offer such service, then you are fully aware that you need to be always on your feet to take care of many things, such as responding appropriately and attending to those who need your medical help.
That said, the last thing you would want is wearing a pair of bad-performing shoes that will hamper your ability to fulfill your duties. You need to have a good pair of functional shoes so you can perform your job well as a paramedic and EMT.
The best EMS boots can also protect you regularly from water, broken and sharp objects, pathogens, and other harmful elements. Here are short reviews of eight of your reliable choices if you want to wear a high-performing EMS boot, so you can handle your job well.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best EMS Boots
Smith & Wesson Men’s Breach 2.0
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With Smith & Wesson Breach 2.0 Tactical Side-Zip Boots, I think there is no need for you to worry about not being able to function well in the emergency field. What you’ll be wearing is a tactical side-zip boot created by Smith & Wesson with excellent quality and focus on even the finest details.
What I find amazing in this tactical and EMS boot is that it sports a nice combination of solid construction, affordable price, and guaranteed durability. I can assure you it is tough with its nylon and genuine leather construction, offering complete protection without causing discomfort.
Also, there is a built-in gusseted tongue, which is useful in preventing debris and dirt from penetrating the footwear. The boot also has the ability to provide all-day comfort – thanks to its EVA midsole, capable of offering cradled support and lightweight comfort.
I also like the steel shank because it provides extra support. It has a good torsional rigidity, which aids in minimizing the risk of foot fatigue, especially if you have to deal with long work shifts. It has an anti-slip rubber outsole built to reduce the loss of traction.
It’s possible with its unique pattern, capable of gripping dirt, ladders, fences, waxed surfaces, and any other floors and surfaces.
The only downside I noticed in this footwear is that it needs additional inserts to prevent it from hurting my feet in the long run.
Things We Liked
- Solid and durable construction offered at an affordable price
- Made of tough nylon and durable leather
- Debris and dirt can’t penetrate the boot – thanks to the gusseted tongue
- EVA midsole, offering utmost comfort
- Lower risk of foot fatigue
Things We Didn’t Like
- Additional inserts may be necessary
With the reliability, durability, and comfort of this tactical footwear, you’ll surely enjoy wearing it in the emergency field.
Maelstrom TAC FORCE – BUDGET PICK
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I also like the high-performing Maelstrom TAC FORCE 8-inch Military Tactical Zipper Work Boot as it is built while keeping law enforcement, tactical and emergency medical service professionals in mind. It noticed that it has vital components that help improve your work performance regardless of the environment you’re in.
For instance, it sports an upper constructed from water-resistant leather and nylon, so your feet will stay dry in various environments. Such materials can also be polished for your convenience. With the breathable moisture-wicking liner, it’s also possible to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Such liner is also breathable enough that it can keep your feet cool even if you’re performing demanding activities. Also, there is no need to worry about comfort because I noticed that it has a padded collar and tongue.
It also makes use of a midsole system, which comes engineered with a synthetic compound that is not only flexible and lightweight but is also capable of absorbing shocks and enhancing speed. There is also a tough outsole made of rubber, which can offer optimal traction.
The result is a higher level of stability while preventing possible slips when using it on soggy, rough, and slippery floors and surfaces.
However, I noticed that the leather material used is thinner than the one used in other boots. Still, rest assured that this does not affect its overall performance.
Things We Liked
- Versatile that you can use it in various environments
- Water-resistant leather and nylon upper construction
- Highly breathable, preventing bacterial buildup and useful even on demanding activities
- Lightweight and flexible
- Great traction, thanks to its tough rubber outsole
Things We Didn’t Like
- Leather material is thinner than other leather boots
Overall, it’s still a nice and affordable boot guaranteed to give you the support, comfort, and protection you need.
Under Armour Men’s Stellar – RUNNER UP
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One of the reasons why I included the Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot in the best EMS boots on the market is that it is designed for all-day wear and use. It means that it has features and components guaranteed to make you feel fully protected and comfortable the whole day you’re at work.
It is a heavy-duty boot, which, I think, is the main reason why it can resist even the harshest of work environments. It is heavy-duty in the sense that it comes with a 900D nylon and genuine leather upper, capable of resisting the penetration of water while also fully protecting your feet.
There is also a built-in anti-microbial Ortholite sock liner, which aids in reducing the risk of slipping. Such is a good thing if you want to stay mobile while having full control over your movements. Such is possible while ensuring that you reduce the risk of developing foot and shoe odor.
While its outsole is low-profile, I can still assure you that it can improve the stability of the shoe and promote an even more reliable performance. In addition, it is designed with a polishable soft toe and molded EVA midsole – both of which makes the shoe fully functional the entire day.
It has thinner and shorter laces than other boots, though. Fortunately, it’s just a minor problem as it does not hamper the footwear’s performance.
Things We Liked
- Ideal for all-day wear and use
- Heavy-duty, making it capable of handling even harsh work environments
- Tough 900D nylon and leather upper
- Antimicrobial sock liner
- Guaranteed to deliver a stable and reliable performance
Things We Didn’t Like
- Thinner and shorter laces than usual
Still, I can safely conclude that Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot delivers a stellar performance in protecting and supporting wearers without making them uncomfortable in the workplace.
5.11 A.T.A.C. – ALSO GREAT
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I also find 5.11 A.T.A.C. 6-inch Side Zip Boot worthy to include in this top 8 review because many special tactics and law enforcement teams, as well as emergency medical service providers already find how useful it is during their work shift.
I like the fact that it still sports a professional profile despite focusing on excellent performance and guaranteed durability. I particularly like the enhanced side-zip access integrated into this tactical boot, as it gives me the opportunity to quickly put it on and take it off.
The fact that it is unnecessary to lace the boot also reduces the time needed to prepare and wear it. It sports a toe created from full-grain, polished, genuine leather. It also has a nylon upper, which helps boost its ruggedness, breathability, and resilience.
There is also a hundred percent guaranteed of comfort and support – thanks to the dual-density foam cushion and the moisture-wicking lining built into the shoe. This tactical boot also boasts of an oil-resistant outsole, promoting high stability and stealth.
One problem that you may notice in the boot is that it uses hooks on the shoelace fasteners on top, instead of eyelets. Such might cause the laces to become loose when using the side zip.
Things We Liked
- Professional profile combined with excellent performance and high durability
- Enhanced side-zip access, promoting ease in wearing and removing it
- Breathable, resilient and rugged nylon upper
- Comfortable and supportive
- Features an oil-resistant outsole
Things We Didn’t Like
- Hooks used in the upper shoelace fasteners, instead of eyelets
Still, I find the boot a nice option because it also makes use of the shock mitigation system of the brand also improves the ability of the boot to give you the highest level of compression, speed, rebound, traction, and stamina.
Bates EMS Boots – OUR PICK
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If what you want from a shoe is lightweight comfort so you can effortlessly and confidently move around in the workplace the entire day, then I highly recommend the Bates Ultra-Lites 8-inch Tactical Sports Side-Zip Boot. It is known for being lightweight and comfortable even if you wear it all day.
It has a rubber outsole, making it thirty percent lighter than other models. Also, it is non-metallic, making it non-detectable when used in electronic survey environments. It also passed standards in terms of being slip-resistant. In fact, I find its oil and slip-resistant rubber outsole really useful.
The side-zip boot is also popular for its breathability considering the fact that it has a mesh lining inside, keeping your feet dry. You can also easily use it with the help of its nylon side zipper. It sports of a removable cushioned insert, giving you full control over the level of comfort you plan to receive.
It has an upper constructed out of 1680 denier ballistic nylon and sturdy leather. In addition, it comes with a footpad, which also boasts of pads capable of absorbing shock. There’s also additional support provided by its shank.
However, take note that the boot is not waterproof. Also, I noticed that it tends to produce sounds when used on certain surfaces.
Things We Liked
- Offers lightweight comfort all day
- Lighter than other models – thanks to its built-in rubber outsole
- Slip and oil-resistant
- Promotes breathability with its inner mesh lining
- Removable insert, offering easy to control comfort
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not waterproof
- Tends to make sounds when used on certain surfaces
Still, I find this side-zip boot a light and stealthy choice, which can enhance your performance without compromising the comfort and protection you specifically need.
5.11 A.T.A.C. Storm
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In my opinion, 5.11 A.T.A.C. Storm 8-inch Side Zip Boot is also another footwear worthy of anyone’s attention. What I like about this side-zip boot is that it is built to excel in a wide range of work and operational environments.
It has a clean and professional profile while still boasting of its ability to deliver a superior level of protection, tactical utility, and comfort. It makes use of rubber, making the boot stable and breathable. It has a full-grain leather toe, too, giving the boot a polished and rigid look, overall.
It has a triple-stitch construction, too, thereby boosting its durability and ability to stand several years of use and abuse. In addition, it combines a number of useful features designed to give you the support and comfort you need once your job becomes even more demanding.
These include the injection-molded Phylon midsole, non-metallic shank, and cushioned insole. The side-zip boot also takes pride of its breathable and waterproof lining. It sports a kind of finish that can resist blood-borne pathogen, thereby keeping you dry and cool.
I also fell in love with the ability of the boot to enhance traction and speed with the help of its slip and oil resistant outsole and shock mitigation system.
You may find it difficult to put the boot on at first, though, because the zipper does not seem to open a lot. Rest assured that it will get better as you successfully break it in.
Things We Liked
- Sports a clean and professional profile
- Combines impressive level of protection and comfort
- Features a polished and rigid look because of the full-grain leather toe
- Triple-stitch construction, making it highly durable
- Better traction and speed
Things We Didn’t Like
- Quite difficult to wear at first
I find the 5.11 A.T.A.C. Storm 8-inch Side Zip Boot really useful because of its long-lasting design and ability to withstand hours of use without causing pain and discomfort.
Bates Men’s GX-8 – UPGRADE PICK
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Another option for EMS boot is the Bates GX-8 8-inch Ultra-Lites GTX Waterproof Boot. With its waterproof quality, I can safely say that it can perform well even when used under pressure. It features a waterproof leather construction, as well as a nylon upper.
Such construction also takes pride of a breathable and GORE-TEX lining. I find the anti-slip rubber outsole of this boot useful, too, as it provides more than enough traction. There is also a cement construction, capable of offering a more flexible and lightweight feel.
Another nice feature I noticed is the removable and well-cushioned insole. The fact that it is removable is a good thing as it means that I can make adjustments to it to fit my desired level of comfort.
It’s also amazing that this waterproof boot from Bates is built for durability and toughness on various work conditions. This boot from is also well-designed, which also enhances your confidence if you plan to wear it for prolonged periods in any work environment.
One of the improvements I wish this boot has is on the zippers. I wish they’re more heavy-duty. Also, I noticed that it takes a longer time than usual to break the boot in.
Things We Liked
- Performs well even in pressure-filled environments
- Waterproof leather construction
- Comes with a breathable GORE-TEX lining
- Offers adequate traction with the presence of its anti-slip rubber outsole
- Promotes a flexible and lightweight feel, thanks to its cement construction
Things We Didn’t Like
- Zippers not that heavy-duty
- Takes a bit longer to break in
Overall, It is a nice EMS boot which is functional enough that it can perform its intended functions, particularly that of protecting your feet for long hours of use.
Rocky EMS Boots for Mens
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Rocky Duty Modern Paraboot is also a great option if you are looking for a reliable pair of EMS duty boots. What I particularly love about this footwear is that it sports of an unmatched comfort technology on its interiors. That said, you’ll definitely feel utmost comfort even if you have a long work shift.
It is a lace-up boot created out of full-grain leather, which is not only water-resistant but also a material that you can polish anytime. In addition, it takes pride of its Goodyear welt construction, which you can replace when necessary. It also has a round heel profile, which adds up to its appeal.
I also like the contoured EVA footbed that you’ll instantly notice in this boot. It is well-contoured that it can shape your feet perfectly. The boot is also highly stable and supportive – thanks to its 10-inch lace-up and rocky shaft.
Other features that I find worthy to note in this boot are the rubber lug outsole, non-metallic stabilizer and the tongue embossed with the brand’s logo. You can also easily wear it with the help of its side zipper.
One downside is that it feels a bit tight at first but expect it to loosen up after some time. Also, the laces are not as thick as what I first expected.
Things We Liked
- Unbeatable comfort technology used in the interiors
- Lace-up design, promoting ease of use
- Water-resistant full-grain leather construction
- Sports a round heel profile
- Well-contoured, enhancing its ability to offer comfort
Things We Didn’t Like
- A bit tight
- Laces are not as thick as you might expect
Despite the fact that the Rocky Duty Modern Paraboot also has its share of minor flaws, I can still safely conclude that it’s one of the most comfortable, durable, convenient, and supportive options you have.
Boots for EMT/EMS Buying Guide
Now that you’re familiar about eight of your best options for EMT boots, it’s time to understand how to go about making a good choice. With the factors stated here, picking the one that really suits you is a great possibility.
Is it waterproof?
Being waterproof is one of the qualities you need to look for the best EMS work boots. Look for EMS boot reviews, which can remain dry when used on hazardous and high-pressure environments.
Aside from offering comfort, such trait also lets you deliver an impressive work performance. It is mainly because if your boot prevents water from penetrating inside or reduces your risk of having sweaty feet, then it will be easy for you to focus more on the task at hand.
Durability
You need a durable EMS boot, one that can last long and withstand harsh conditions. Be willing to shell out more for a footwear if it means that you’ll also be getting a durable one. It’s actually cost-effective as you’ll no longer need to purchase a boot frequently.
Comfort
Being an emergency medical service provider makes your feet among the most hardworking body parts. That said, you need to treat it well by ensuring that you’re wearing a comfortable pair of shoes at work.
Ensure that the boot is comfortable enough so you can avoid scratches, blisters, and other forms of discomfort that can prevent you from doing your job well. You’ll also know that you’re getting a comfortable footwear if it is flexible and lightweight, letting you move tirelessly and freely.
Foot Protection
A protective footwear, either in the form of a composite toe or steel toe, is also a must for your job. It can shield your toes and feet from hazards. Make sure to purchase a boot, which complies with impact and compression standards.
It should have a sturdy sole as well as having the ability to resist slips. The treads in the boot should grip well on various surfaces, too. To pick your choice for a protective footwear, consider the places and work environments you need to deal with.
Figure out the kind of hazards you’re constantly exposed to. By doing so, you’ll surely find one, which is appropriate for that environment.
Conclusion
In addition to the factors mentioned above, your choice of the best EMS boots should also fit well and should be highly flexible and supportive. Remember that your job also requires you to save other people’s lives and offering help during emergencies.
You don’t want a poor quality boot to ruin your performance when you need to respond to various emergency situations. Make sure to get a high-quality EMS work boot so you can keep your feet safe and fully protected while you are doing your job.
