Which Altberg Boot is best for me?
Police / Patrol Work / Security / Paramedic / Prison Officer
For police and similar patrolling type roles, the P1 Peacekeeper, Blueline, Warrior or Ops Boot are the most appropriate choice. The P1 Peacekeeper was the 'go to' boot for police officers for many years, however, Altberg improved that boot, made it on an asymetric last/forme (called the A-forme) and named it the Blueline boot. The Blueline is very similar to the P1 Peacekeeper except it feels different when you put your foot inside as it is a bit wider across the front of the foot and a bit more secure at the heel.
A safety boot is available from the Altberg factory directly, called the P3 Peacekeeper it has a steel toecap and underfoot protection, however most forces will not permit use of the P3 for general duties, only for MAST/PSU training and incidents.
For more active officers such as operational ARV firearms officers and dog handlers, consider the Sneeker or Tabbing boots. These boots are lighter, and more flexible, mainly due to the leather being thinner than the above models, ideal for more active duties. Altberg made an improvement to the Sneeker, making it on an asymetric last and called it the Tabbing boot. The tabber is one set of lace loops lower at the ankle and a bit wider across the front of the foot, and more secure on the heel to help prevent heel lift and blistered heels. It is a little lighter than the Sneeker as being lower at the ankle so a bit less leather.
When you see the word AQUA in the listing, that boot is lined with Sympatex which is a waterproof breathable lining similar to Gortex. The Aqua versions are a bit heavier, more expensive, and can be warm to wear on a hot sunny day. You could always buy the non aqua version and keep a pair of sealskin socks in your kit bag for those very wet conditions. You are then not compromised with sweaty feet if the sun comes out in the summer. The non aqua versions do tend to dry out more quickly if they do get a soaking. (Never dry wet boots out with heat or a warm place, just a cool dry place)
Dog Handlers and Game Wardens also like the Field & Fell and K9 boots, both are more waterproof as they are lined with Sympatex, a waterproof breathable lining similar to gortex. They are a more heavy duty boot with leather thickness similar to P1's etc.
Military
For military use the most popular choice is the lighter weight Sneeker and Tabbing boot, very popular for exercises and tabbing. The lightweight properties mainly come from the leather being thinner on these models. Altberg made an improvement to the Sneeker making it on an asymetric last and calling it the Tabbing boot. The tabber is one set of lace loops lower at the ankle and a bit wider across the front of the foot, and more secure on the heel to help prevent heel lift and blistered heels. Otherwise the Sneeker and Tabbing boot are very similar. If you have narrow feet the Sneeker will suit you better, for a wider foot shape the Tabbing is better.
When you see the word AQUA in the listing, that boot is lined with Sympatex which is a waterproof breathable lining similar to Gortex. The Aqua versions are a bit heavier, more expensive, and can be warm to wear on a hot sunny day. You could always buy the non aqua version and keep a pair of sealskin socks in your kit bag for those very wet conditions. You are then not compromised with sweaty feet if the sun comes out in the summer.
The Warrior is the retail boot for the Defender Combat issue MOD boot. The Warrior however comes in half sizes also. Altberg then improved the Warrior and called it the Ops boot which is made on the asymetric last. These boots are heavier than the Sneeker and Tabbing boots as the leather is thicker.
There is a Jungle version of the sneeker with leather uppers and cordura at the rear of the boot and drain holes in the instep for hot wet jungle environments.
For hot dry places look at the Desert Boots. The Desert Micro is based on the Sneeker and Desert Tabbing based on the A-forme Tabbing boot, but both are made from Suede to deal with a hot dry desert type environment. For a hot dry weather ankle height day boot take a look at the MOD brown suede Military Base Boot.
All Altberg Boots are made to last and take care of your feet, tried and tested, you get what you pay for!
Leisure
At Enforce-logic we do not stock the Fell Walking Boots made by Altberg. However we do stock the Wensley Leisure shoes, which look like a pair of trainers, we have blue or green suede. Based on the Military Base boot they are a very comfortable but stylish travel / leisure shoe.
