Combat boots have really made their mark in the ankle boots category and have proven they are here to stay. Nowadays, you can see both teenagers as well as more mature men and women rocking this style of boot. They are also not reserved for just the colder months but can be spotted during the Spring and even at times the summer.
A pair of combat boots can instantly take your outfit from girly to edgy and that is probably their biggest appeal.
You may know what a combat boot looks like but do you know where the name derived from? Well, let me help answer that question for you.
Why are they called combat boots?
According to Wikipedia, combat boots are military boots designed to be worn by soldiers during combat or combat training, as opposed to during parades and other ceremonial duties. Modern combat boots are designed to provide a combination of grip, ankle stability, and foot protection suitable for a rugged environment.
Although the term combat boot was initially reserved for the boots worn by those in the military, it was adapted to the fashion world to describe the tough exterior these boots exude. All to say that the military inspired what we refer to as combat boots and they have their version as well.
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For the purpose of this blog post, I would be sticking to combat boots sold by retailers for everyday civilians and not the combat boots you would be wearing if you are being deployed/in training with the military. You might often hear about tactical boots when searching for combat boots and wonder what the difference is.
What is the difference between combat boots and tactical boots?
The main difference is: Tactical boots are thin, lightweight, and flexible, while combat boots are tough, durable, and heavy. Combat boots in essence are made to protect your feet first and foremost. I would say the majority of both combat boots and tactical boots come in black, which is easy to pair with all other colors of clothing.
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In today’s blog post, I would be showing you different ways of styling a pair of combat boots for everyday wear. If you are looking for a guide to refer to when you’re wondering what to wear with a pair of these boots, I hope you can remember to check this blog post out. Before we dive into the various combat boot outfits, I would like to share some great places to find different styles of combat boots.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.
i) DSW
As I have mentioned several times on this blog, DSW is my go-to for all things footwear. They happen to carry the brand that is arguably the most renowned in the combat boots department – Dr. Martens. Doc Martens is known for their ankle boots, including Chelsea boots which I have covered on my blog post: 6 ways to wear black Chelsea boots. If you are looking for a pair of classic combat boots with great reviews, then this should be your first choice.
These are my absolute favorite Doc Martens.
ii) Amazon
Amazon offers a pair of boots that seem to be a combination of a tactical and combat boot. These black boots come with great reviews and boast about being breathable, comfortable as well as stylish and functional. I also love the fact that they appear to be lightweight, which is great for people with foot issues or weak ankles.
This style of combat boots would look great with cargo pants and boyfriend jeans.
iii) Mix No. 6
If it is a pair of white combat boots, you seek, Mix No. 6 brings you these ones with contrasting black laces. At the time of posting, they are on sale for just $30 so you want to grab a pair before they sell out! I love the platform heel and slightly higher ankle height these boots have. They also have great reviews, particularly about how comfortable they are.
iv) Timberland
When you add heels to a combat boot, you get the Timberland Allington bootie. It’ a modern take on the classic look of a combat boot, but with added femininity. These are the type of combat boots you could wear with both jeans as well as skirts thanks to their flirty nature. New Yorkers would tell you that Timbs are a year-round boot and I can’t help but agree.
v) JLo
It was only earlier this year that I found out that Jennifer Lopez had a shoe line. I was even more pleasantly surprised to find that it had good reviews for the most part. Her take on the combat boot is more girly, as you would expect from JLo. You could create many chic lookswith these JLo Aceser booties coming in at just under $80.
I actually prefer the beige color as it’s different and could easily go with softer colors and a floral print outfit.
Now that you know where you can find some great combat boots, Let’s talk about the many ways to style them. No matter your body type, you’re bound to find a look that goes with your personal style. Most of the items mentioned are probably in your closet already, which is even better for your pockets.
1) Combat boots with skinny jeans
This just might be the easiest way to wear combat boots. You could pair them with dark wash skinny jeans a white tee for a simple chic look during the Spring. Throw on a black leather jacket to make your look sleeker. You could also pair your boots with black jeans a black loose-fitting top with aviator glasses for a laid-back edgy look.
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During the cold weather months, wear a chunky sweater with your skinny jeans and combat boots for a casual outing. You get to stay warm yet fashionable in the cold. You could also opt for a lighter sweater and layer it with a warm jacket.
2) Combat boots with a mini skirt
An easy way to create a flirty look with a pair of combat boots is to pair them with a short skirt. The edginess that the boot brings creates a great combo with the shortness of the skirt. If you’re not one to have your bare legs on display, you could add a pair of black leggings underneath. This also works if you’re styling this look during the winter seasons and wish to add a layer of warmth.
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In terms of tops, you could opt for a cropped sweater to go with your mini skirt or if it’s nice outside, a tank top or crop top work great as well. To keep your casual theme going, throw on an oversized denim jacket to complete your overall look. Cross-body bags are the best kind of bag to go with this outfit.
3) Combat boots with a maxi dress
Another great way to style chunky combat boots is by pairing them with a maxi dress. As mentioned in my post: how to wear maxi dresses in the Fall, wearing a pair of boots is always a good idea. If you’re attending a Fall wedding on a farm, this is a good option of footwear to go with a long dress.
Opt for a pair of combat boots with a heel to look more elegant. You could also wear a sweater on top or underneath your maxi dress and throw on a pair of combat boots to create a work-appropriate outfit.
Get the look HERE
4) Combat boots with a pencil skirt
My love for pencil skirts is real and I seem to always find an opportunity to style them with all the shoes in my closet. Seeing as combat boots are such versatile shoes, pairing them with a pencil skirt is a no-brainer. Complete your look with either a simple blouse, a sweater or even a cropped top if you’re headed somewhere casual.
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You could swap your high heels for a pair of heeled combat boots and style that with blouses in neutral colors and a black pencil skirt for some easy to wear looks. A trench coat would be a great option of outerwear to complete your look.
5) Combat boots with cargo pants
To create cool looks with your combat boots, try out different bottoms that are known to create an edgier look. Cargo pants are a good example of such. The more pockets your pants have, the better in my opinion. The best combat boots to go with this look would be classic black combat boots.
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To make your look sexier, you could opt for a pair of heeled combat boots. Spice things up with either a cropped top or cropped sweater and you’re ready to be one of the fashion girls. A graphic tee is also a great option to go with if you want a more laid back casual look.
6) Combat boots with joggers
Another casual loo you could put together with a pair of combat boots is a joggers and sweatshirt combo. If you’re headed to the grocery store or dashing out to grab some bubble tea with a friend, this is an easy and quick look you can out together. If you own a jogger set, that’s great but if you don’t that’s still fine. You could also pair your joggers with a hoodie or a simple sweater.
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7) Combat boots with a sweater dress
Sweater dresses and a pair of boots are such a classic style. During the Fall, this is a common outfit you can spot both at the office and at restaurants. You could add some edge to this look by making your boots of choice combat boots and also by adding a leather moto jacket.
Feel free to play around with the color of your combat boots. White boots for example would brighten up your outfit and would look great with a floral print sweater dress. For more inspiration on styling sweater dresses, check out my post: 8 ways to wear a sweater dress.
Get the look HERE
8) Combat boots with a maxi skirt
Just as we saw with maxi dresses, max skirts can also be paired with combat boots to create stylish looks. Wear a simple tank top and add a belted blazer on top of your maxi skirt to create a boho chic look. You could also wear a sweater during the colder months and pair it with a pleated maxi skirt in a dark color for a classic Fall look.
As most of your boot is going to be hidden underneath your skirt, the types of boots don’t matter as much as how comfortable you would fee.
Get the look HERE
9) Combat boots with shorts
If you’re feeling extra youthful and ready to show some leg, I invite you to try pairing your combat boots with shorts. These could be denim shorts, leather shorts or anything in between. You could even pair your bike shorts with an oversized tee and military combat boots for a casual edgy look.
Don’t forget the shoulder bag to complete your outfit. A graphic tee paired with denim shorts and combat boots is another way you could create a good look.
Get the look HERE
10) Combat boots with a mini dress
It seems we’re all about showing some legs with our combat boots. Instead of going with your usual high heels or sandals, try pairing a short dress with combat boots to turn down the sexy. Throw on a denim or leather jacket to complete this look. If you’re not comfortable showing all that leg, wear a pair of leather leggings underneath your mini dress.
Get the look HERE
I certainly hope you have gotten lots of outfit ideas from this post. Which of these combat boot outfits was your favorite? Remember that this list is non-exhaustive, and I invite you to try different outfit combinations I may not have mentioned. It all starts with the perfect pair of combat boots and from this post, they don’t necessarily have to cost you a whole lot of money.
Do check out my post: top 10 shoes to wear with maxi skirts for some more outfit inspiration.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen