Boots are a key component to any suburban homesteaders closet. Whether you’re working in the yard, shoveling the driveway, hiking, hunting, fishing or just hanging around, keeping your feet warm and dry is essential to being comfortable. In today’s post, we see if the ALTAI FM Tactical Boots meet the demands of today’s suburban homesteader.

Product Description

The ALTAI FM Tactical Boots are light, durable boots designed for folks who spend a majority of the day on their feet. They are breathable and waterproof at the same time thanks to the leather toe and SuperFabric^® uppers. ALTAI provides the following description of these boots:

• Light at only 650 grams – 23 ounces (size 9)
• Waterproof / Breathable Bootie
• NO Break-in Period
• Highly functional Upper with SuperFabric^® Material
  • Abrasion Resistant
  • Quick Drying
  • Stain Resistant
  • Air Permeable
• Vibram^® Outsole – Hiking Tread
• Slip Resistant
• Crimped Laces
• Speed Lacing – Metal Eyelets
• Padded Nylon Tongue
• Waterproof Leather Toe

The Pros

Right out of the box, I noticed the weight of these boots – or, more accurately, the lack thereof. I’ve grown up in the trades and have always had a few pair of boots in my closet. The ALTAI MF Tactical Boots are, by far, the lightest ones I have ever owned.

The second thing I liked about the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots was the fact that they truly have no break-in period. I took these boots on a five-mile hike the first time I wore them. While I knew I was possibly setting myself up for major blisters, I wanted to see if their claims of no break-in time were real. Not only did I not have blisters at the end of the day, I didn’t have that typical “swamp feet” feeling you can have at the end of a hike. The breathability of these boots is also the real deal.

Finally, I really like the Vibram^® outsoles. I have yet to slip on something while wearing the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots and I credit this to the Vibram^® outsoles. Not only are they grippy, but they are light, cushioning and have the ability to be very quiet in the woods.

The Cons

My biggest complaint about the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots was that, in order to wear these boots comfortably, you have to wear socks that come up past the top of the boots. This complaint may sound a little strange, however, I am used to wearing socks that stop just higher than my ankle. I have worn these socks with many different boots without experiencing discomfort. I could not wear the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots with similar socks. Once I bought socks that went this high, this complaint went away.

My other complaint about the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots is the look. Yes, I know, they are tactical boots. However, if they were available in a color besides black, I believe these boots would look less out-of-place and ‘blend in’ more for those of us who are not in fields where tactical looks are an everyday occurrence. I was asked multiple times on one hike if I was a member of the military based solely on the boots I was wearing. Would I not wear the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots simply because of this fact? No. However, ALTAI may consider color options to open up their sales to non-tactical operators. For instance, a desert tan version which looks similar to a traditional work boot would not look out-of-place in most suburban settings and may open up sales in new markets.

Overall Impression

The bottom line on the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots is that they are light, durable, supportive boots that can be worn for long durations without discomfort. They stand up well to the abuse around a normal suburban homestead as well as more traditional outdoor activates such as hiking.

I recommend the ALTAI MF Tactical Boots without reservation to law enforcement, first responders, military personnel and the average joe. These boots will keep your feet dry and your ankles supported while also providing a cushioned walking experience.

Where To Buy ALTAI MF Tactical Boots

• ALTAI MF Tactical Boots can be purchased through the ALTAI Gear Website or through Amazon. Both have them listed for $129.
• The socks I mentioned can be purchased through Amazon.

Full Disclaimer: ALTAI provided me with a pair of ALTAI MF Tactical Boots free of charge. I was not paid for my review nor was I obligated to post only a good review of these boots. The Amazon links above are affiliate links and the ALTAI link is not an affiliate link.

Dan

Founder/Owner at Suburban Steader

I am a middle-age guy with a wife, two young kids and a crazy dog. We live on Long Island, NY and had an interesting experience with Hurricane Sandy. That experience led me towards the self-sufficiency movement and eventually led to the founding of SuburbanSteader.com. I aim to provide suburbanites with the confidence and know-how to become more self-reliant by providing content on topics such as gardening, personal health, financial responsibility, cooking, self-preparedness and self-protection.