Any grunt will tell you that the footwear can either make or break a mission.  Long hauls, heavy loads, and miles of terrain will take toll.  But in the right boots, this will be nothing but a change of socks and some water, to get you back on track.  I have used Altama boots both stateside and overseas for some time, and have been overall happy with them.  They have always been a good value, beat the issued set hands down, and looked good.  But when I saw the Foxhound SR8, it seemed to me that the company stepped up their game, and I was right.

Altama has been making boots for the US Armed Forces since 1969.  Yes, the original jungle boots (show yours if you got ’em) continue to be the pride of those who knew what they were worth.  Now under the Original Footwear roof, Altama is still a name of its own.  Today the lineup includes the original classic jungle boot (yes!), mid and full length combat and public safety boots, athletic footwear, US  made and imported lines, safety toe and trail rated, and really some things which you might not expect from a company with deep roots in a conflict which gave us so many firsts.  Altama has been able to adopt and meet the needs of the market over time.  This is evident in not just the lineup, but in the variety and quality of their products.

The Foxhound SR8 is a great example of that adoptability. A boot relatively classic in appearance, it displays modern design lines which make it attractive and stylish, without being outlandish.  Padding and support around the ankle, breathable material in the center of the boot and meaty sole all function, rather than put on appearances.  The sole has a substantial and an aggressive tread, which is multidirectional with a predominant design in the center.  The airport-friendly shank is nice, but I was more impressed that the sole gripped on ice, in snow, and on Nevada rocks equally well.  The side allow for positive grab whether a repel line, or an icy hill.  The high speed carbon rubber outsole is the VIP here.  The foot bed is much like described by the company “a cradle”, with custom molded phylon EVA midsole, and removable custom fit PORON EVA cushioning insole.  “Custom” must mean adoptive to foot of the user over time, because that’s what I found.  The reinforced ankle and mid-foot support has a breathable section, followed by another suede and reinforced are toward the top of the boot.

I wore the foxhounds for several days around town just to get a feel for them.  Then took them on two cross country business trips which included a 6-8 flight one way.  My feet were comfortable, temperate and not tired by the end of the day.  As with any good pair of boots, your posture feels it at the end of a long hike or trip.  I couldn’t be happier with the level of comfort with the Altamas.  Unlike some manufacturers who try to fir a fad to function, Altama’s Fouxhound stayed true to the original boot design.  The Foxhound SR is plenty athletic in style and feel, but it doesn’t sacrifice materials, support, weight or safety just to be called “an athletic boot”.  I find that this is critical for anyone going downrange or using these for actual work.  Slamming your foot in a 300 pound MRAP door, even a little, is no prize for a cute and light shoe which offered no element of safety.  I was very happy that Altama did not give into the hype, and kept boots – boots.

Because of the above features, this may not be the on-and-go type of boot for some.  It wasn’t for me.  The Foxhounds needed a break-in period, which I found in a 9 mile hike in the Nevada mountains.

Engineered for fast assaults delivered by elite military operators, the Foxhound SR 8″ provides maximum breathability, minimal weight, and superior traction over any terrain.