The Altama OTB Maritime Assault Boot and shoe has been on the market for a good minute but for those who haven’t seen it here are a few images that I took at Warrior Expo. I just returned from the ADS, Inc Warrior Expo 2017 in Virginia Beach, where we were guests covering the event, and they had some great items on display. These won’t be available again until August and you’ll have to reserve some for yourself. These look good and would be good even for a stroll around town or to the beach with the family.

Since 1969, Altama has been the leading manufacturer of military and combat boots for the US Department of Defense and it all started in Vietnam with their infamous Jungle Boots. It was founded in Darien, Georgia. Altama markets and distributes footwear to federal, state and local agencies, military schools, police, Special Forces, uniform shops and Army/Navy retailers.

Altama boots offer a variety of features including Gore-Tex linings, Side Zippers, slip resistant outsoles, safety toes, puncture resistance, and boots made in the US that are Berry Compliant.

The On The Beach (OTB) Maritime Assault Boot was created by Altama for all tactical water operations. I’m truly wondering how these will perform and think I’ll get a pair. The company makes them fin friendly. They offer 60 Day Comfort Guarantee  and a 1 year Manufacturer Warranty and retail for about $90.00.

The shoes are reminiscent of the Chuck Taylor’s from the Converse Rubber Shoe Company created by Marquis Mills Converse in 1908. Chuck Taylor was an American basketball player who joined a basketball team sponsored by the Converse Company called The Converse All Stars, hence the name and brand of shoe familiar to many of us.

A variety of professional basketball players soon wore All Stars. The shoes were soon worn by many aspiring basketball players. and during World War II American soldiers began to wear All Stars while in training.

Here are some of the specs:

• High abrasion quick drying 1000D Cordura quarter panels offered in both solid colors and MultiCam®
• Air mesh linings help wick away sweat and other moisture quickly from your feet
• Non-shine rust-proof lace hardware will not break on the battle field
• Low profile laces will not cause pain from fin wear on long swims
• Full length one piece ABS shank provides stability and support when climbing a caving ladder
• Ultron® PU contoured insole will not absorb water
• Front non-metallic drain ports allow for water to drain easily when flexing the boot
• SEAL Rubber sticky outsoles.

They state that the rubber compound was originally developed for rock climbing shoes and modified for wet tactical operations. They are marketing with the use of their SEAL Rubber as one of the stickiest, high traction rubbers on the market today. I like the lugs on the bottoms of the shoes. Unlike Chuck’s these have a more robust outsole and should do well on street, sand and possibly certain kinds of unstable terrain. Stay tuned…

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