I was in the market for a new pair of shoes when I spotted these browsing Instagram. I at first scrolled right past thinking they were another pair of black chucks, but upon closer inspection, these were a whole different animal. The Altama Maritime Assault boots come in two heights and I opted for the mid height for some more ankle stability, finning, and a more classic styling. I hate shopping online for shoes so I went down to a local store and picked some up for the decent price of $82.00. They fit true to size for the most part and fit my feet well.
The Altamas are constructed from a durable feeling Cordura outer, mesh tongue, mesh lining, and serious rubber sole complete with jungle boot tread and siping for gripping slick bar floors and zodiac metal floors alike. The inside of the shoe is a quick-drying mesh complete with mesh ports at the sides of your foot to facilitate flex in the foot. The insole of the boot is a gripping rubber that while making your foot sweat a bit more, allows for better feel when finning that almost eliminates the slipping around of the shoe.
Altama played off the classic styling of the black “chucks” so fondly worn by Recon Marines ever since Vietnam. The idea of an “OTB” as Altama calls it is not a new concept. Amphibious forces for years have had the need for a shoe or boot that can take them from ship to shore and possibly inland for a small ways. The classic goto has been broken into two categories; Chuck Taylors, and the neoprene variety of dive booty. The dive booties were unreliable when it came to movements inland and the Chucks lacked a good mud tread. Altama answered the call fitting both the quick-drying dive boot and the rougher tread to facilitate moving inland.
I am not a Recon Marine, however, I did do a short fin with the Altamas and they performed excellently. I made a trip to the range with many kinetic shooting drills with no issues, and I have also worn them in the gym for a myriad of workouts, and for 5 hours while working the door at my local bar. The Altamas do not disappoint. From the beach to the bar these are a classically styled, well-constructed boot/shoe that is as comfortable on a skateboard as it is on the gun range. The Altamas come in Coyote, Black, Multicam, and Multicam Black to fit your personal style and mission set.
Author – Tanner Hodges is an Active Duty Marine Infantryman currently serving as a Platoon Sergeant with 3dBn 2d Marines. He holds two infantry MOS’s (0351/0365) and has completed Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course, and Advanced Infantryman Course. He has trained in Mountain Warfare, Desert Warfare, and Jungle Warfare all around the globe.
