Combat boots have always been a must for soldiers during warfare and it has been modified in various ways to make it suitable for all rough terrains. At the same time, combat boots are used a lot by civilians also because it is strong and durable and because the many modifications make it an all season comfort wear.

The earliest known type of tactical boots was combat boots because territorial aggression was the accepted thing in a bygone era and defined the existence of many kingdoms. Hobnailed boots, which were boots with short nail-like projections on the sole, were a type of combat boots used by soldiers of earlier times.

The projections provided good traction for fast movement in rugged terrains and also made the boots a weapon of offense and defense because stamping with hobnailed boots inflicted substantial damage and injury. Another specialty of combat boots of earlier times was iron inserts within the shoes, which provided protection and support for toes and heel.

With advancing technology and increased availability of different types of materials like reinforced plastic, many types of combat boots came into being over the years. Hessian boots, trench boots, tanker boots, ammunition boots, and jungle boots are all various types of combat boots used by soldiers during the two World Wars, Vietnam War, and many local wars. Production of trench boots were stopped once the system of trench warfare ceased to exist, and jungle boots also became less in use after the Vietnam War. Ammunition boots are combat boots that have seen a lot of action during the Second World War and is a type of boots which has some similarities with hobnailed boots.

Though territorial aggression is a thing of the past and all countries respect the sovereignty of other countries today, wars are still being fought in the world for various reasons, making combat boots a continuing necessity. Besides, combat boots are also used by many ordinary people because it appeals to their aesthetic sensibilities. In some cases people use it to express solidarity with the army of the country and to support their cause and the sacrifices they make. Even during earlier times, high combat boots like Hessian boots, which had pointed toes and had a tassel on the shaft, were used by civilians also. These made good riding boots and so were used by mounted troops and ordinary riders.

Today lots of ordinary men and women use combat boots for the sheer comfort of it. Besides, combat boots are fashion wear among certain groups of people who adopt a lifestyle and dressing pattern different from the mainstream culture. In subcultures like Goths, Punks, etc. and in some similar musical groups, combat boots were in popular use among performers. Sometimes minor modifications are made in combat boots by users to meet some fashion trends or to suit some comfort parameters.

Combat boots are mostly made of full grain leather and will be water proof. May be insulated or non-insulated and even insulated ones will have different levels of insulation. Stitch down sole, upper made of canvas or leather, removable insoles, breathable lining, padded collar, antibacterial lining, and kick-toe facility are among the many other modifications found in various types of combat boots that make it appealing to people for various reasons. And army surplus store is a good place where civilians can buy combat boots.