Altama Maritime Mid

The Altama Maritime Mid is a combat shoe designed for special forces conducting water operations. These comfortable shoes also fit your casual sneaker needs when you're off-duty.

Everyone knows the classic Vietnam Jungle Boots, at least from the brilliant movie Falling Down. (Altama makes those boots, by the way.) Everyone also knows Converse / Chuck Taylor sneakers, though not as many know their popularity among fighting soldiers who have the privilege to choose their gear.

Some decades from now, we'll look at the Altama Maritime Mids the same way: they are the modern lightweight combat shoe for high-speed / low-drag operators in and out of water. These are the future classic of today with a bit of history behind them already: previously known as the Maritime Assault Mid, the name has been shortened to Maritime Mid. Don't tell the ATF, they don't like it when you shorten things.

• Lightweight, breathable and quick-drying
• Zero-drop sole and a functional combo of support and flex in the right spots
• Popular allround / active sneaker for the summer season.

Maritime Mids with the Finnish M05 Woodland camo

Altama was kind enough to make the Maritime Mids for us with the Finnish M05 Woodland camo pattern. These are available exclusively from us, and the tongue is decorated with our Ukko's hammer logo for good measure. These are not intended to be limited, but the restocking batches won't be small; don't hesitate if you want a pair.

P.S. We were curious about the NIR properties of the M05 shoes when viewed with NODs and the IR illuminator turned on; looked great for nighttime operations as well! You'll have to wear a reflector to be seen, these sneakers won't give you away.

Designed for demanding work

In maritime operations, it's no use wearing waterproof boots because once you get them wet (and it will happen), they take ages to dry, hindering your performance. The better choice is to design a shoe or boot that dries quickly to avoid blisters and keep your feet ready for action. The Altama Maritime Mids do exactly this: they are highly breathable, lightweight, and pump out water to dry your feet in record-time.

• Air mesh lining to wick away sweat and other moisture quickly
• Shallow tread with large contact areas with siping for reliable grip on wet surfaces
• Full-length shank for support on a caving ladder
• Non-metallic front drainage ports to get rid of water and increased flexibility
• Rustproof lace grommets with matte finish
• The insole absorbs no water and has channel pattern cuts to direct water away
• Fin-friendly fit and flat laces, compatible with most military dive fins

To complement the quick-drying functionality, forget cotton socks altogether. Socks of thin construction and more synthetic fibers such as the M05 Liner Socks or Särmä Light Merino Socks are the ones we highly recommend.

If you are unlikely to get the shoes wet, an ordinary insole may be substituted for the non-absorbing stock insole for increased comfort.

Size info

Made to US sizes followed by the manufacturer's conversion to EU sizes.

The shoes have a regular (D) width last. The Maritime Mids are snug and may offer a good fit even if your foot is a bit on the narrow side. The last has good toe clearance in the front.

Materials and construction

These shoes are made to last and punch way above their weight class in durability. All materials were chosen to make the shoes functional and fast-drying for consistent performance in all situations.

The sole's SEAL Sticky rubber compound was originally designed for rock climbing shoes and it has been slightly modified for wet and messy play and tactical maritime operations.

• Top: 1000D Cordura
  • M05 Woodland Camo: 1000D Foxdura
• Sole: SEAL Sticky rubber compound
• Insole: Ultron PU, does not absorb water
• Sole construction: Zero-drop outsole, ABS shank, top sewn on
• Weight (pair, US 8.5): 790 g / 27.9 oz

On a stiffness scale from 1 to 4, the Maritime Mids are 1. They aren't minimalist shoes or completely flimsy, but the contours of your walking surface can easily be noticed. There is some support in the right spots and almost a hinge-like ease to bending at the ball of the foot.

Manufactured in Cambodia or Vietnam.

Care for these shoes

These are easy-caring shoes. In regular use, remember to change socks and remove the insole between uses to prevent odors from catching. The fabric top can simply be brushed and a bit of mild, soapy water can be used to take care of stubborn dirt and stains.

Cordura can be treated with a protective spray to reduce water absorption even further. It will not reduce breathability or make the shoes waterproof.

Unofficial suggestion from actual users: once you're past the warranty period or otherwise all out of fucks to give, just throw them in the washing machine but do use the delicate cycle.

Warranty

The manufacturer offers a 12-month warranty against defects in materials or the quality of work. This does not cover wear from ordinary use or from being a frogman. But it's cool if you are.