Altama OTB Maritime Assault Boot Review - Can I use it as a Cross Trainer? (Part 1 of 3)

[@fitatmidlife927]

Questions? Post them here and I'll answer as best I can. Part 2 and Part 3 (evaluating it as a boot) will be live tomorrow Jan 1st.

[@wheretherubbermeetstheroad-s3x]

Would you do a review comparing the Altamas to different 5.11 tactical sneaker models. Models like the McClane, foley, stache, Norris. I am trying to get something that will take some abuse, and these seem the like the top of the line for durable no drop shoes.

[@Cebuano_Edc]

It's good to see a review that focuses on the crosstraining potential of the shoe rather than the tacticool/airsoft aspect. Might get a pair soon 🤟

[@fitatmidlife927]

Not gonna lie- the tacticoolness is what first put these on my radar. But they are super-functional.

[@cb1982]

I really appreciate the diverse footwear you showcase and the in-depth nature of your reviews. Keep up the great work!

[@fitatmidlife927]

Thanks for watching. Shoes like this are really interesting to me - and I had a lot of fun testing this one out (Parts 2 and 3 will be out today - you'll see what I mean.)

[@tldnr]

Great detail review keep them coming

[@peterv3878]

This is the second review I've seen where the reviewer pulled out a "sandy" insole. Why sandy? Does this mean that the tongue of the shoe does not prevent entry of sand and grit into the shoe, which is the primary reason I've always used Teva sandals when stream/river wading -- to allow the sand, mud, and grit to easily flow out. If they have not done so, I would hope that Altama sews the tongue to prevent entry of sand etc. Believe me, its no fun when you're walking around with your wading shoes full of sand (and no, I don't want to wear socks or neoprene).

[@Capt_Billy]

Does the soul mark?

[@christopherlesniewski5787]

Great review!How is the sizing on these? I usually wear 12 and will be opting for the wide version on these? Should I size up or stay the same 12?

[@rasperryguy1197]

I usually wear an 11 (army boots etc.) or rarely 10.5 wide (redwing) and I took the 11 regular and with the insoles in they are a bit too tight. I take them out and they feel great because I don't need the cushion and they are about a quarter of an inch (0.7 cm) too short but wide enough so my toes get slightly jammed when my feet swell so depending in if you wear it with or without the insole you can grt half a size up or half a size up and a wide size

[@jwblaser]

I am thinking of using these for canoe camping - particularly when there are carries between ponds. I normally wear a size 10 boot - what size should I get, figuring I will wear them with a lightweight hiking sock?

[@rasperryguy1197]

10.5

[@2amichaelj]

I know this is an old post but I wanted to answer the question in case someone else was wondering the same thing. These shoes are absolutely made for amphibious work. They're great for any application that requires grip on rocks and slippery wet surfaces. They're great for expelling water out of the shoe from the insole to the drain ports. They're extremely grippy insoles on the inside and are designed to be worn sock less. Unless you want wet socks, don't wear any. They hold up well to extreme use but are not the best I've used. If you're planning on wearing them for any sort of everyday, non wet work, I would change out the insoles. If you plan on buying them, the sizes seem pretty much on par to size. I personally would buy wide versions as most shoes are too narrow for your toes to begin with. I've never worn wide shoes until I tried these and they're absolutely perfect. I wish I would have tried wide shoes sooner. If you plan on wearing them sock less, buy your typical size. If not, buy a half size up.

[@danw1089]

They’re nice for people with narrow feet , if you have wide toes , less than optimal

[@2amichaelj]

They make them in wide too.

[@GavTatu]

last time i got some of their boots, was 25 years ago, when i was in the army...jungle boots. i'd love some of these but at 90-100 english quids.... too much now !

[@rasperryguy1197]

They are worth their money. Why are you so unwilling to pay some money for something that will last? People make yhese shoes, they need money, too, you know?

[@GavTatu]

@@rasperryguy1197 well out of my price range, and need for use now mate !

[@rasperryguy1197]

@@GavTatu Alright. I understand but personally evrn if I don't have a lot of money, I'll save up and get one good pair except two bad pairs. Also you can buy boots used especially jungle boots you can just dunk in water once and let dry to disenfect them

[@GavTatu]

@@rasperryguy1197 i couldn't justify it now..... its just want over need.

[@marvinheadrick3511]

I just got 2 pairs of these in Black and Tan camo. They are the most uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever put on. They feel worse than Chuck Taylors (which are terrible to run in). I’m used to wearing running shoes, and I can’t imagine hiking or jogging in these. I have some tactical combat boots that are super comfortable, which I thought these would be similar to, but not even close. They’re light weight which I thought was cool at first, but I’ve decided they just feel cheap.

[@marvinheadrick3511]

@Tony yes, I may have not ordered these if I had watched your review first. I may keep a pair to play in the river with my kids. It’s very rocky and these would be perfect for that. They are definitely bad for everyday use, walking, running, or hiking.

[@DesertTactical]

@@marvinheadrick3511 dang, I keep reading that these are not good for casual wear on even to the range. I really want a pair but now idk...

[@marvinheadrick3511]

@@DesertTactical ya, its a bummer for me. I thought they’d be a good everyday shoe that was more convenient than tactical type boots. I have those type boots and they are way more comfortable than these shoes. They really are made for being able to use in water and be durable. I think they’d be great for going rafting or tubing in the river. They’d be good for weight lifting too since they’re solid and not squishy. Long walks, hikes, runs, wearing to the Walmart= nope there are better choices.

[@hatec01]

@@marvinheadrick3511 I wanted this for range, or normal use, because it seems a light boots, but now I will search for another one. Thanks.

[@fredfoster5433]

I have two pair. One in Sand and one in Gray. Bought both for a trip to Maui and use them for SUP. To address the breathability, get them wet. It won't effect the weight of them, and your feet will be cooler. Also, does anyone know what size of fins you have to get for these to slip into?

[@alexisooghe221]

What your size ???

[@fitatmidlife927]

Men's US 11. These are the regular width, they make a wide version also.

[@Swiat34]

How is the sizing? Compared to say, Salomon 4D Forces?

[@DesertTactical]

I read these are not that great for casual wear or even for the range. I want a pair but idk... they look cool as heck but if they are gonna be uncomfortable then I'll pass...

[@fitatmidlife927]

They have very little cushion. This is great to keep water from absorbing, but not great for standing long times, walking far, etc. I'd say they are best used for short duration.

[@jimmyzulu85]

No they are not. And not only they're not comfortable, but if you try to walk on pavement they are also very loud! So not even a good "tactical" shoe.

[@DesertTactical]

@@jimmyzulu85 thanks for the info.

[@HappyFunTimeslmao]

@@jimmyzulu85 a question, are you heel striking when you walk?

[@bebisibeb]

What's odd is that these are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I'm probably a special case as my foot simple does not work in most shoes but these work fine and the flexible laces make them incredibly comfortable for my feet. I also fine the mid cut to be slightly more comfortable compared to the low cut for some reason.