Released in 2017, the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot from Altama were intended to bring about a tactical footwear that performs well on both linear ranges as well as wet environments. The Assault Boot themselves come in a variety of low, mid, and high support designs that allow the end-user to choose which best suits their individual needs.
Made from an overall main chassis of 1000D Cordura, the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot balances its lightweight materials while providing 0-angle outsole that supports athletic movement and breathability. The “mid” version of the boot includes a moderate heel collar that allows for a secure fit around the ankle.
The toe box is completely encased in the same rubberized material as the outer sidewalls of the boot’s midsole and the half-circle design provides moderate protection to the toes. A notch in the material behind the toe box allow for maximum articulation of the fabrics and foot, without hinderance or binding. This single-layer of notched material also serves as a non-metallic drain port for the show to drain any excess moisture when articulating.
Laces on the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot are a flattened nylon weave that allows for strength when tied, while reducing any accidental slippage when worn. Each lace is tipped in a laminate wrap, and ran through non-shine/rust-proof eyelets. The tongue of the boot is separated from the shoe, and utilizes a nylon mesh and padding to help protect the top of the foot from overpressure and abrasion.
The outsole to the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is a single, flat design with no trusstic support, and a zero angle heel-to-toe drop making it ideal for CrossFit or other athletic activities. The bottom exterior of the outsole uses a modest lug design with wave-cuts that help mitigate water tension and slippage on wet surfaces.
The interior of the boot uses a nylon mesh for breathability and circulation. Similarly, the sockliner (or the removable insole of the shoe) inside the boot is a rubberized, zero angle pad that has flared sides rising up at the arch and rising to cup the heel. This gives the foot added stability and prevents rolling while inside the shoe. The Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot also has an integrated ABS shank that runs the continual length of the shoe for added structure and support.
The Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is available in Ranger (featured), M81, Multicam and four other popular colors, and in sizes from 5 to 15.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP of $119 the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is made dominantly from 1000D Cordura nylon that keeps the overall chassis lightweight and breathable, with sufficient durability for footwear. This balanced design is atypical to athletic shoes but more common to traditional field boots, as it gives the wearer the most applicability across multiple environments and abrasive surfaces. However, the flat sole and no supportive material for foot arch put it more ideal as a cross-trainer shoe. Market alternatives include the XA Forces (Mid) Boot ($199) by Salomon, the Anacapa Mid ($185) by HOKA, or the Tactical Boot ($120) by Reebok Tactical. This variance in cost often comes down to quantity of material (and where it is sourced), amount of reinforcement in the shoe, and overall product placement in the market. Thus, for these factors (and the lacking supportive structure for its role as an advertised tactical boot) the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot was at the lower end of the market spectrum and design, giving a appropriate (or average) cost amid the market.
- Comfort – ¨Fair (2/5): As a tactical shoe, the Maritime Mids had a fair level of comfort in the sole for daily wear and more dynamic movements, while the heel collar kept the foot secure and prevented any excess movement. The “regular” sized fit for the foot ran tight at the shoe’s width; so those in Western regions may want to consider the “wide” size option as the Altama’s followed the European design, which tends to be slightly different. The removable insole was flat and of a semi-rigid rubberized material that mimicked the flat sole of the boot, but had zero arch curvature or overall cushioning. Without adequate (or any) arch support, those with natural or high arches in their foot may find the Mids unsupportive and uncomfortable. Corrective orthopedic inserts (purchased separately) were added to provide improved comfort, and resolved most of the support issue. As a athletic trainer, the Mids were well suited for lifting support and providing a flat, solid base—but again without much of a supportive arch, distance walking or running (such as on a treadmill) in the Maritime Mids was very limited in duration without it becoming uncomfortable. The flat shoelaces allowed for the Maritime Mids to be tightened easily for light cardio work or loosened for weight training. During daily wear, the monolithic sole ensured no slippage on prepared surfaces; pavement, sidewalks, and linoleum, while performed adequately on flattened/packed earth. However, the zero angle support of the Mids made it better suited for short stints on a flat range or as gym shoes than on the loose gravel or rocks commonly found in the field.
- Durability – Good (4/5): Over the course of 30-days wear; as a daily shoe, during workouts, and on the range, the Cordura material to the Maritime (Mid) held up to a good level of observed durability against abrasion. Bartack/double-line stitching was noted at key stress points along the tongue, heel collar, and at points mating the rubberized toe box components to the nylon chassis for added strength. The tread pattern did minimally wear as expected for a pair of cross training shoes with the friction from cardio having the largest impact to the bottom material. No separation between the sole and fabric was noted during the review period, while the nylon at the notched area of the boot that would experience the most amount of articulation did not crease or crack.
- Functionality – Fair (2/5): Functionally the role of the Mids were more closely aligned to an athletic trainer than any tactical boot in large part to its design, specifically the flat and unpadded sole. The flat, zero-angle design made for good traction on improved surfaces (such as pavement) using a variety of dynamic movements. But the sole’s lack of supportive trusstic through the overall arch lent itself more to daily or light use and/or as a cross training shoe, but not long distance running, bearing weight for prolonged periods (such as wearing kit), or uneven terrain. Consumers should be aware of the features that delineate between cross training athletic footwear, dedicated running shoes, or supportive tactical footwear. The flat nylon laces were excellent in keeping a solid lock and easily maintained the knot. The tapered toe box and rubberized material did allow for some splay by the toes and protection, and the secure fit to the ankle and heel prevented any excess movement by the overall foot. The light weight and weave of the Cordura nylon chassis ensured breathability, however as experienced while performing a water crossing, the nylon pass-through layer providing for drainage also allowed for almost immediate entry of water. And while any saturation was eventually expelled, the foot did remain wet for the duration of the day. If end-users expect water in their operations, they will need to either swap shoes afterwards, or at the very least socks.
- Weight – Good (4/5): At 13.5 ounces (per shoe, size men’s 11), or just over 26 ounces for the pair, the lightweight nylon material helped keep the necessitating weight of the footwear to a minimum. The rubberized toe box provided minimal offsetting weight that added to that weight, but also improved functionality. In comparison to market alternatives in cross training athletic footwear; the XA Forces (Mid) Boot (16.8 ounces) by Salomon, the Anacapa Mid (16 ounces) by HOKA, or the Tactical Boot (12 ounces) by Reebok Tactical all demonstrate that the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is at a good weight for its $120 price point given that shoes with greater reinforcement materials or design (as if an ounce makes that much of a difference) are more expensive, or that more inexpensive shoes lack the additional reinforcement materials or stitching.
Overall Rating – Average (15/25)
Product Link: https://originalfootwear.com/collections/altama/products/altama-maritime-assault-mid-2
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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