Looking for a pair of jungle boots? You’re certainly in the right place because that’s exactly what I’ll be covering in this detailed review!
You can’t just go exploring the jungle in your old sneakers – you need proper jungle boots that will provide you with all the protection, grip, and traction you require. They need to perform well on different terrain types, you must be protected from bugs and snakes, and the boots should be comfortable and supportive so that you can explore the jungle for hours without getting exhausted.
At A Glance: Best Jungle Boots
Sounds good? Perfect! Read on to find the best pair of jungle boots for you!
Most Breathable Jungle Boots
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
Best Outsole
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
Best Waterproof Jungle Boots
| SEE ON MERRELL →SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON SALOMON →SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
The 5.11 Speed boots are an excellent option for jungle adventures. They are made from suede and nylon with excellent water resistance and even better breathability. That’s exactly what makes them a great option for exploring the jungle – they’ll keep your feet dry even if you step into puddles, all the while letting any internal moisture evaporate.
These boots feature vents on the sides, as well as rapid-dry technology that ensures they never stay wet for too long. Plus, they’re constructed to absorb a minimal amount of water, so even if you step directly into a puddle, they won’t get soaked. The uppers are also very durable, so you can be certain the boots will hold up in the wet and how conditions of the jungle well.
Another great thing about the 5.11 boots is the rugged outsoles. They’re quite thick, so you’ll feel comfortable even on rocky terrain. The lugs are deep and spaced out, ensuring you have plenty of grip and traction on all terrain types. Additionally, the OrthoLite insoles are super comfortable and supportive, offering loads of cushioning and support.
In terms of sizing, these jungle boots are available in full and half sizes, and some of the sizes are also available in wide versions. They are true to size, so your usual size should fit you perfectly.
The Rocky S2V boots are an excellent option for long jungle expeditions. The military boots feature a puncture-resistant sole, which will protect you from any sharp objects you might encounter on the trail. On top of that, the boots have leather uppers that are very tough and durable.
The boots are also stable and supportive, with roll-stop ankle stability, which will keep you from twisting your ankle – a great feature to have in footwear if you’re a little clumsy. The elastic laces make the boots easily adjustable, ensuring that everyone can get these to fit them perfectly.
In addition to that, these Rocky jungle boots feature S2V Sieve technology that ensures there’s enough airflow, and which lets any water inside evaporate quickly.
The outsole might just be the best part of these boots. It’s a Vibram outsole with deep lugs that aggressively bite into the terrain, providing you with all the grip and traction you need on your jungle adventures.
These are unisex boots, and the size variety is great. They’re available in sizes from 3 to 15, which includes full sizes, half sizes, and wide versions. The lace eyelets and NATO hooks make it easy to get the right fit, but also reduce the time needed to put these boots and take them off your feet. The only downside is that they’re not fully waterproof, but that could be easily fixed with a protective spray.
The Merrell Moab boots are a great option if you want regular hiking boots that will also work for the jungle. They’re ankle jungle boots though, so they might not be the best option for overgrown grass and knee-deep mud. But they’re perfect for easier terrain, thanks to the nubuck and mesh upper construction.
These boots are fully waterproof, they have a nylon shank and breathable mesh lining. There’s also an EVA midsole that provides you with comfort and cushioning, and the insoles are replaceable. That’s a good thing since the insoles these boots come with aren’t the best – they’re quite thin, and definitely not good enough for people who require more support than usual.
The Moab boots feature a Vibram outsole that is rough and rugged. The lugs are deep and multi-directional, and they’re aggressive enough to give you all the grip and traction you need in the jungle. The soles are also non-slip, so the traction will be equally good on both dry and wet terrain.
These Merrell boots are available in options for men and women, with full and half sizes, as well as wide versions. They fit true to size and they’re easily adjustable with the elastic laces, so it should be pretty easy to get these to fit your feet just right.
The Atlama boots are made from full-grain leather and nylon, with non-metallic vents that allow for airflow and water drainage. These jungle boots are comfortable, durable, and they’re one of the more affordable options out of the bunch, so a serious contender for all of you who are looking for something budget-friendly.
The full-grain leather is soft and water-resistant, while the LENZI non-metallic board protects your feet from punctures, rocks, and similar trail hazards. Plus, these boots were designed specifically for tropical climates, with excellent breathability that guarantees you won’t sweat bullets when you’re wearing them.
The outsole features some very deep lugs that can bite into terrain aggressively, and it performs great on softer terrain. However, it’s not quite as rugged as the Vibram outsoles on the other boots, so it might not offer the best performance on varied terrain. It is a non-slip sole, so at least you don’t have to worry about traction on wet terrain.
These are men’s boots but the smallest size available is a 4, so there’s definitely a chance some women can get these in their size. Especially because there are both half and full sizes, plus some wide options available. And the boots are highly adjustable with elastic laces and tongue.
The Salomon Jungle Ultra boots are a good option for wet conditions. These jungle boots are made from lightweight materials with drainage holes and hydrophobic foam that’s perfect for jungle environments. The boots also feature an EVA midsole, which will keep you comfortable on longer jungle expeditions.
With a rugged outsole that features deep lugs, you will have plenty of grip and traction regardless of the terrain below your feet. Also, the uppers of the jungle boots are made entirely of natural leather, so they’re super durable and comfortable.
Plus, these tactical boots are often used by law enforcement and military personnel, which should give you a good idea of how rugged and durable they are.
Another thing to note about the Salomon Jungle Ultra boots is that they have elastic laces and a breathable tongue. They’re easy to adjust, and it shouldn’t be that difficult to fit your pants inside them, which is recommended on adventures in the deep jungle.
The size range includes full and half sizes, but there are no options specifically for wide feet.  The insoles are removable though, so you can switch them out for something more supportive in case you need it. But you likely won’t have to – these boots are very comfortable, the insoles are very supportive, and they will keep your feet from getting tired quickly.
The Tactical Research boots are another great option when it comes to comfortable and reliable jungle boots. They are made from natural leather, with a rubber Panama sole that is slip-resistant. The boots are quite tall, so they’re perfect for overgrown jungle environments.
The uppers are a mix of natural leather and nylon, which improves their overall breathability. It does mean that they are not 100% waterproof, but an impregnation spray can help enhance those features. And there are drainage vents on the uppers, so any moisture inside the boots can evaporate quickly.
Additionally, these feature a thick, shock-absorbing midsole, which offers excellent cushioning. This is key for keeping you comfortable during long jungle explorations.
As for the Panama outsole, it is rubber, non-marking, and slip-resistant. The lugs are deep for good grip and traction, especially on softer terrain. However, the outsole is generally not as aggressive as options from Vibram, so it’s not the best option for varied terrain.
The size variety is limited and I’m not sure if that’s just because of current availability. There are a few half sizes and wide options available, but don’t expect every size to be offered in such variations. If you really like these boots, it’s a good idea to check in after a while and see whether they restocked the size you need.
The Mil-Tec jungle boots are a great pair of wet and soft terrain. They feature leather and TPU coated uppers, with some cotton canvas fabric for better breathability. These aren’t entirely waterproof –, especially above the ankle – but they are highly breathable, which is more important.
Also, the part of the boot below the ankle is waterproof thanks to the TPU coated leather, so as long as you watch your step you’ll be fine.
The soles are not ideal for jungles, but they will perform very well in swampy areas. This type of sole with tunnels between the lugs is excellent for soft and wet terrain, and those are the conditions in which these boots will excel. You might struggle a bit on dry and rocky terrain, but the overall grip and traction you can expect from these boots are still pretty good.
The insole is a mix of moisture-wicking nylon and EVA foam, so not only is it super comfortable, but also does wonders to keep your feet dry. The heel area is reinforced, for extra protection and support on uneven terrain.
In terms of sizing, these boots are only available in full sizes. Also, they have a pretty wide cast, so even though they’re not available in a specifically wide version, they’ll fit well even if you have wide feet. The lace-up close lets you adjust the uppers however you like, but lacing them is a bit of a hassle since they have nine holes.
The Bates jungle boots are a good option for exploring the jungle on a hot day. They are very thin and breathable, with side vents and 35% nylon uppers. There are breathable inserts in several areas on the boot, guaranteeing that any moisture inside can evaporate quickly.
The uppers are made from a mix of leather and nylon, so they also offer some water resistance. But these aren’t waterproof boots, and you should try to avoid stepping into puddles while you’re wearing them. Another thing to note here is that the sole is not stitched; it’s glued onto the boot, so the durability is questionable.
There is some nylon reinforcement around the ankles, which helps improve the overall stability of the shoes. However, the nylon fabric is a little rough, and it can cause blisters when you’re wearing the boots for a while. Keep that in mind and try not to lace these too tightly around your ankles.
The rubber soles of these jungle boots are phenomenal, with loads of lugs that vary in size and thickness to offer premium grip and traction on different terrain types. You’ll be able to tread confidently through the jungle, as long as there are no streams to cross along the way.
The size variety is also pretty good. These are available in full and half sizes, as well as wide options. Keep in mind that the cast of these is quite narrow, so the wide option will be the better fit for most people. The boots run true to size.
In most cases, you’re forced to choose between breathable and waterproof footwear. Waterproof boots are designed to not let a drop of water get inside, which usually means that the airflow is limited. Breathable boots will have either mesh inserts or tiny holes in the leather that allows for airflow, but that also means that water can get inside more easily.
It’s up to you to decide which feature you prioritize. If it were me, I would focus on breathability. Tropical environments tend to be hot, and you’re more likely to sweat. If you go for boots that are 100% waterproof, your feet will end up being wet anyway, simply because you’re going to sweat a lot and there’s nowhere for the moisture to go.
With breathable shoes, sweat won’t be an issue at all. Also, breathability means that the air can flow freely and moisture inside can evaporate, so even if your feet get wet while you are crossing a stream, they’ll dry quickly.
Another thing to note here is that you can increase the overall water resistance of breathable shoes – at least the ones that are made from genuine leather. You just need a good impregnation spray, and you’re guaranteed that the only way water can get inside is through those tiny holes.
You will need boots that offer a lot of grip and traction if you’re serious about going on a jungle adventure. Jungle terrain is not for trail running shoes or simple hiking boots – it varies depending on how deep in the jungle you are, and there’s everything from roots and rocks to knee-deep mud.
Also, a lot of times you might have to cross streams and rivers, so the boots must perform equally well on wet and dry terrain. That is the case with all of the jungle boots featured in this review, but they don’t all have equally great outsoles.
In general, Vibram outsoles are your best friend for jungle adventures. They are incredibly rough and rugged, often featuring deep, multidirectional lugs that aggressively bite into terrain. That means that you’ll have a lot of grip and traction whether you’re walking on rocky terrain, climbing uphill on soft terrain, or just walking around, trying to avoid all the roots in the ground.
But that’s not to say that other outsoles are bad, just that they’re not as rough as the Vibram ones. The main thing to look for in an outsole is deep lugs – the deeper they are, the better traction you have.
Exploring the jungle usually involves a lot of walking, sometimes for hours at a time. That’s why the boots must be a perfect fit, otherwise walking around will be exhausting instead of exciting.
Look for comfortable insoles with arch and heel support. If you have wide feet, go with boots that are available in a wide version instead of squeezing into the regular ones. Also, if you normally require extra arch or heel support, it’s best to pick up boots with removable insoles, so you can replace the factory ones with something that will fit you better.
One more thing I want to point out is that it’s important to go with taller boots. Ankle-boots might feel more comfortable in the tropical climate, but they won’t provide you with all the protection you need.
Especially if we’re talking about the deep jungle where you’re dealing with all sorts of bugs, snakes, and overgrown grass. You need boots that you can tuck your pants into, and not worry about a snake crawling up your pant leg.
Not sure which jungle boots to get? Go with one of our top picks, depending on what features you’re prioritizing in the boots!
The 5.11 Speed jungle boots are generally the best option for the jungle, thanks to their excellent breathability. The wet and hot conditions won’t slow you down in these boots, and the rugged outsole will allow you to tread confidently, regardless of the terrain below your feet. The size variety is also great, so everyone should be able to pick up a pair that fits them perfectly.
If you’re looking for ultimate grip and traction, go with the Rocky SV2 boots. It’s hard to compete with their Vibram outsole, which performs exceptionally well on all terrain types. The boots are also very breathable with vents on the sides, and the roll-stop ankle stability ensures you can confidently tread through the depths of the jungle.
In case you want a pair of waterproof boots, go with the Merrell MOAB. They’re the only ankle boots featured here, so they’re not the best pair for overgrown terrain. But they are fully waterproof, very breathable, and offer great grip and traction on different terrain types. As long as the grass is not knee-high, these boots are still a good option for the jungle.
Head over to Amazon to see the prices and available sizes of all the boots featured in this review. And you can check out our related posts, for ideas on other excellent (hiking) boots you might be missing out on!
RELATED POSTS: