The best British Army combat boot depends on the job. For all-round use, the Altberg Defender in brown leather is the most popular choice: sturdy, comfortable and easy to maintain. For guaranteed waterproofing, choose a Gore-Tex lined Haix, Iturri Cold Wet Weather or YDS Swift. For hot, dry conditions, pick an Iturri or Haix suede desert boot.
- Altberg Defender brown is Raid Supply's best-selling boot, rated 4.94/5 from 422 reviews.
- Gore-Tex lined boots (Haix, Iturri Cold Wet Weather, YDS Swift Temperate, LOWA Mountain GTX) are the choice for wet ground and long days in rain.
- The Altberg Defender is not sold as a membrane-lined waterproof boot; it is weather resistant when kept waxed.
- Desert boots in brown suede are lighter-feeling and breathe well, but are not designed for standing water.
- Every pair is genuine issue surplus, graded Super Grade, Grade 1 or Grade 2 by hand.
Which British Army combat boots are there to choose from?
British forces have issued boots from several manufacturers rather than a single model, so surplus stock covers a range of makers and patterns. Brown became the standard combat boot colour for most roles from around 2011–2012 onward, replacing black, and boots are issued in patterns such as Temperate, Desert and Cold Wet Weather (sometimes called Cold Weather). The main makers you will find in our British Army combat boots collection are Altberg, Haix, Iturri and YDS, alongside LOWA, Karrimor SF, Bates and Meindl.
How do Altberg, Haix, Iturri and YDS compare?
| Boot | Upper | Waterproofing | Best for | Fit notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altberg Defender (brown or black) | Full-grain leather | Weather resistant when waxed; not sold as membrane-lined | Everyday wear, walking, general outdoor use | Secure military fit that can feel snug; size up if between sizes |
| Haix brown leather / Haix Cold Weather GORE-TEX | Leather | GORE-TEX lined; Cold Weather model is insulated | Wet ground, winter, cold conditions | Check the product page for fit options |
| Iturri Cold Wet Weather | Brown leather | Gore-Tex lined | Persistent rain, boggy terrain, UK winters | Check the product page for fit options |
| Iturri patrol boot | Brown leather | Not listed as membrane-lined | General patrol and walking use | Check the product page for fit options |
| YDS Swift Temperate GORE-TEX / YDS Kestrel | Brown leather | Swift is GORE-TEX lined | Temperate UK conditions | Check the product page for fit options |
| Iturri and Haix desert boots | Brown suede | Not waterproof | Hot, dry conditions, summer wear | Check the product page for fit options |
Is the Altberg Defender the best British Army boot?
For most buyers, yes. The Altberg Defender in brown uses full-grain leather over a shock-absorbing midsole and a high-grip sole, and it is the boot our customers buy more than any other. It rewards regular waxing: a well-maintained pair shrugs off showers and wet grass. It is not sold as a membrane-lined waterproof boot, so if you expect to stand in water for hours, a Gore-Tex model is the better tool.
The Defender has a secure military fit that can feel snug. If you are between sizes or plan to wear thick socks, go up a size. Current prices are £69.99 for Super Grade, £49.99 for Grade 1 and £29.99 for Grade 2. A black Altberg Defender is also available for roles and uniforms that still call for black.
Which British Army boots are waterproof?
The Gore-Tex lined boots are the waterproof options. These include the Iturri Gore-Tex Cold Wet Weather boot, the Haix Cold Weather GORE-TEX boot, which is also insulated, the YDS Swift Temperate GORE-TEX, the LOWA Mountain GTX and the Karrimor SF. For black leather, the HAIX High Liability GORE-TEX boot suits security and uniformed work. You can browse them all together in the Gore-Tex combat boots collection.
A membrane keeps water out, but the outer leather still needs care. Keep it clean and proofed so it does not soak up water and lose breathability; our guide to cleaning and waterproofing leather combat boots covers how.
Which boots are best for hot weather?
Suede desert boots. The Iturri suede desert boot and the Haix desert suede boot were issued for hot, dry theatres and are comfortable for summer walking, festivals and warm-weather work. They are not built for wet ground, and suede should be brushed and proofed rather than waxed. See the full range in our desert boots collection.
Which grade of surplus boot should I buy?
Grade affects condition and price, not the underlying boot. Super Grade pairs are unissued or show minimal use, with soles barely worn. Grade 1 pairs are good used boots with moderate cosmetic wear and plenty of tread left. Grade 2 pairs show heavier wear and more worn tread but are fully serviceable, and may have minor professional repairs or replacement laces. Product photos show a representative pair. If the boots are for daily hard use, Super Grade or Grade 1 gives the most life; Grade 2 is excellent value for occasional wear, work or a spare pair. Our surplus grades explained guide goes into more detail.
How do I pick the right size?
Military boots use standard UK sizes, roughly 4 to 13, with Altberg going up to 14. Many models come in Medium (standard) and Wide (extra forefoot room). Choose Wide if your feet are broad across the ball of the foot or if normal shoes often feel tight there. Our British Army boot sizing guide and the sizing and condition guide explain how to measure and choose.
Frequently asked questions
What boots does the British Army wear?
The British Army issues boots from several makers rather than one model, including Altberg, Haix, Iturri and YDS. Most combat boots have been brown since around 2011–2012, in patterns such as Temperate, Desert and Cold Wet Weather, chosen to suit the climate and role.
Are Altberg Defender boots waterproof?
The Altberg Defender is not sold as a membrane-lined waterproof boot. Its full-grain leather is weather resistant when kept waxed, which handles showers and wet grass well. For standing water or all-day rain, choose a Gore-Tex lined boot such as the Iturri Cold Wet Weather or Haix Cold Weather.
Is Haix or Altberg better?
It depends on conditions. The Altberg Defender is the stronger all-rounder for everyday wear and is our best seller, rated 4.94/5 from 422 reviews. Haix Gore-Tex models are the better pick for wet or cold weather, because the membrane keeps water out and the Cold Weather version is insulated.
Are second-hand army boots worth buying?
Yes, when they are genuine issue and honestly graded. Military boots are built to last, and a Grade 1 pair has substantial tread remaining for a fraction of the new price. Every pair we sell is inspected and graded by hand, and unworn boots can be returned within 30 days.
Should I size up in British Army boots?
For the Altberg Defender, size up if you are between sizes or plan to wear thick socks, as its secure military fit can feel snug. For other models, start with your normal UK size and choose a Wide fit if your forefoot is broad.
Can I return boots if they do not fit?
Yes. Returns are accepted within 30 days. Try boots on indoors on a clean floor, because boots worn outdoors cannot be returned. Orders placed before 1pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same working day, and UK delivery is free over £100.
Buying two pairs, such as a waterproof pair for winter and a leather pair for everyday? Our two-pair boot deal takes 20% off the cheaper pair.
Written by the Raid Supply team, who grade every item by hand in Buckinghamshire.