Altberg Warrior in Black and MOD Brown Leather.
The Warrior is the retail boot to the MOD issue Defender Combat boot. The defender, only in MOD brown, didn't come in half sizes, but had a two part insole so one or both parts could be inserted to afford a better fit for the lack of the half size boot. This is the original Altberg military boot, first developed in 1993. It has been worn all over the world from Sierra Leone to the hills around Kosovo and from the plains of Northern Europe to New Zealand and Canada. The first Warrior Microlite was developed during 1991 and was a direct result of feedback from soldiers based at nearby Catterick Garrison.
Altberg continue to make the Warrior Microlite, to the same specification, it has remained unchanged for almost 30 years, and is now a classic, lightweight, breathable combat high liability boot. The main features are breathability, good 'drying out' properties, shock absorption of the sole and excellent ankle support and comfort. The weight is 730gms (size 9) which is extremely light for a full leather combat high liability boot with 2.4mm full grain Anfibio water repellent leather.
AQUA?
When you see the word AQUA, the boot is lined with Sympatex. Sympatex is a waterproof breathable membrane similar to Gore-Tex. Generally the aqua versions are about £10 more expensive (retail) than the non aqua version and they are a little heavier as the sympatex weighs more than the usual Cambrelle lining. If you have ever worn a Gore-Tex jacket and the sun comes out you will know it can get a bit warm. If you are prone to sweaty feet, in the summer the aqua versions can get a bit warm compared to the non aqua. Both versions are made with full grain Anfibio® water repellent leather, the aqua version has the additional Sympatex waterproof breathable lining. Of course if you are in a lot of water and it goes over the ankle, the aqua version will hold the water and moisture in as well as it can keep it out. In the summer, if you get warm feet, you can be compromised a bit with the aqua version. In a very wet winter they have the advantage of being a bit warmer.
Altberg Ops Boot
The Ops Boot is the next generation of the Altberg Defender Combat and Warrior boots, the original high liability lightweight combat boots. The main improvements are: The last/form (foot shape) used is the asymetric (A-Forme) and it is a much improved, narrower heel (reducing heel lift and blistered heels) and more natural forefoot shape with toe spring, based on running shoe technology. Increased ankle protection with full 2.4mm Anfibio leather. The flex area above instep around leg gives complete Achilles flex and comfort. Re-design of the tongue leather to improve 'water run off' and lacing comfort is another improvement. The Military Ops boot was developed during 2018/2019 and the result is a better fitting boot with improved mobility for running and tabbing, and stronger lateral support to improve ankle security on rough terrain.
Many of the original materials used in Altbergs original Defender boots are retained, so breathability, drying out, shock absorption and lightweight are as good, and in some cases better.
Which boot should I buy?
If you have worn Defender Combat issue boots both these boots are similar. The Warrior and The Ops boots come in half sizes unlike the Defender Trade MOD Issue Boots. The Ops boot offers some improvements over the original Warrior which will suit people new to military boots and those with a wider foot. If you are looking for a lightweight boot for training and operational work look at the Sneeker and the Tabbing Boot where the leather is thinner and the boot is more flexible etc. Both of these boots are in black and MOD Brown, the welt around between the sole and the upper give a bit of added protection to the side of the boot, they are suitable for military and police officers.
Sizes
There is some talk about needing a half size bigger in boots than your standard shoes. This is more appropriate for ladies who probably haven't worn thicker socks with their footwear, however, we say start with the size most of your trainers in the wardrobe are.
To sum up, if you are new to wearing boots try the Ops Boot first. Only buy the aqua version if you are comfortable with them being a little heavier and possible extra warmth in the summer months. If aqua boots do get wet they take a bit longer to dry out and this should never be rushed in a warm environment, just left in a cool dry place.
Written by: MW, retired UK Police Officer, founder of Enforce-logic Ltd, updated AUG 2026.