We didn’t think it was possible to be this impressed with a pair of boots. But here we are! The Altberg Warriors are a versatile, tough, lightweight, breathable, all-day comfortable and supportive boot with an excellent fit. And to top it off, they’re incredible value for money.
Altberg Warrior Boots Review
Snapshot
- Price: £174.99
- Time tested: 8 months at time of writing
- Testing conditions: We wore these boots while motorcycling from Georgia to Japan through West Asia, Central Asia, Mongolia and Russia. We wore them while hiking, trekking and on a daily basis through snow and deserts and are currently riding through Southeast Asia in them.
- Durability: 5/5
- Fit and comfort: 5/5
- Looks: 5/5
- Value for money: 5/5
- Where to buy: amazon.co.uk/altberg
Features
Yorkshire based firm, Altberg, are well known for producing tough boots. So for our round-the-world motorcycle ride we opted for a pair. We went with the military boots instead of proper motorcycle boots because we’re not purely riding, but hiking, trekking and on our feet all day too. So we needed a versatile boot capable of meeting all our needs.
The Warrior’s are Altberg’s flagship and best selling lightweight combat boot. The firm say the boot is ultra breathable with excellent drying out properties. They’re made using Anfibio full grain leather, which makes them water repellent but not waterproof.
There is a waterproof option available (the Warrior Aqua – £184.99) with a waterproof lining. However, we didn’t go for that option as we would be wearing our boots in boiling hot deserts as well as sub zero and rainy climates. The standard Warriors are Cambrella lined, which according to Altberg makes then ‘much cooler in summer conditions, and will dry out rapidly once off the foot, so they’re damp rather than wet’.
One of the main draw points to the Altbergs is their sizing, fitting and made to measure system. People with unusual foot shapes can visit the factory and have their boots specifically crafted for them. You can also get your boots custom fitted at the factory using steam or heat. Or you can visit a stockist and have your feet measured in store and then order the specific boot you need from them. When we went to a stockist to get measured, Alissa found out she has extra wide feet and had a special pair made up. They turned out to be the most comfortable boot she has ever worn.
What’s good?
Both Alissa and I use the Altberg Warrior boots. We’ve worn them while riding our motorcycle from Georgia to Japan, thousands of miles through Central Asia, crossing the hot arid deserts off Uzbekistan to the rough mountain roads of Tajikistan and Afghanistan before heading into the lonely grasslands and countless river crossings of Mongolia.
We also stop all the time to go hiking and trekking in the mountains for days at a time. We each only have a pair of flip flops and our pair of Altbergs and no other footwear, so they also need to double up as our evening footwear and for walking around towns and cities. This was the main reason we opted for the Altbergs, we needed something incredibly versatile and they fit the bill perfectly.
Alissa said: “The Altbergs are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. I have wide feet and have always struggled to find shoes that fit, but these are just brilliant. I can wear these all day when hiking and trekking in the mountains without any problems. And they’re really comfy when riding. I’m impressed with the support these boots offer, especially around the heel area. I also love the style of the boots too!”
We opted for the water-repellent boots as we need to use them in both hot and cold and wet and dry conditions all year round. In hot conditions through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan we were glad we didn’t opt for the waterproof lined boots. The Warriors were all day breathable and we weren’t gagging to rip them off at the end of the day.
When we were in wet conditions in Mongolia due to torrential rain the boots didn’t let water in, even though we hadn’t waxed them in over a month. I even waded through a shallow river crossing and water didn’t penetrate. Only after standing in a river for a few minutes did my feet start to get wet. But the Warriors dried rapidly in the evening once I took them off.
Other than the sublime fit and comfort of these boots, we’re also very impressed with the quality. They’ve had a hard life with us and are worn all day, every day and show no signs of damage. All of this for under £200 makes these boots incredible value for money.
What’s not?
Alissa: “The only downside I have found with these boots is that they can feel clompy and heavy when worn walking around cities. But that’s to be expected. I don’t notice it when riding and hiking”.
I on the other hand am more used to wearing bigger boots and am happy wearing them around towns and for daily walking. It’ll come down to personal preference.
Round-up
We didn’t think it was possible to be this impressed with a pair of boots. But here we are! The Altberg Warriors are a versatile, tough, lightweight, breathable, all-day comfortable and supportive boot with an excellent fit. And to top it off, they’re incredible value for money.
Altberg Warrior Boots Review: Total score: 20⁄20
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Read more on Adventure Bike Gear
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We’d love to hear from you! Please leave your comments below.
Ordering a pair of these tonight after reading this. Was thinking about what boots to use on my travels for a while now and after reading that you guys have both worn them on your travels that’s good enough for me. Although I may go for the Hog version with the added protection. thanks for the review and all the guides on this site. It’s mega helpful for people like me who are planning motorbike travels. thanks guys and keep the rubber side down
Hi! Awesome! Thanks very much for your kind comment! It’s so good to know that people find it helpful. Thank you. Yeah, the Hog version would be a good idea too. Best of luck with your motorcycle travels and preparations. Going anywhere nice?
Great review, I was in the market for a pair of boots like this for riding and walking about in as i’m sick of swapping the boots over or carrying an extra pair with me all the time. I’m ordering a pair this evening. Thanks
Hi David, we’re really glad you liked the article and it helped. Thanks
Brilliant! I found this page on Google as i’m after a pair of boots I can wear to ride to work and then while at work as well. Cheers
Hi Mark, cool, that’s good to know and hope you found it helpful. Hope you enjoy your new boots!
I’d venture and say Alyssa’s leg injury could have been avoided or at least lessened a bit with actual motorcycle boots? What is the security on these?
They don’t seem to have much in place of ankle protection. I’m looking at boots for my upcoming RTW trip, that’s why I’m asking.
Btw, great website, it’s a wealth of knowledge ! Thanks a ton.
Hi Nicolas thanks for your comment and very good points!
Protection – You’re right, these specific Altberg boots don’t offer any protection for motorcycling. However, Altberg produce an identical pair specifically made for riding with added protection https://www.altberg.co.uk/boots/hogg-all-weather-original
You’ll find that this version has ankle protection.
Alissa’s leg injury – So, after Alissa’s crash we had a flood of emails and facebook comments from people with similar injuries. Alissa’s foot was caught somehow and turned backwards. There was no puncture or impact on the foot/ankle so protection there wouldn’t have made a difference. Interestingly, most of the comments were from people who wore hefty motocross boots (which of course equals the most protection you can get in a boot) and had their foot turned similar to Alissa, but because of the rigidity of the boot it meant that the lower leg didn’t break, so the force was transferred up the leg resulting in a knee break instead.
It’s very hard to tell if a rigid boot would have stopped the bike turning Alissa’s foot. Perhaps if knee braces coupled with a big boot would have been more effective. Decisions and risks I guess!
Your RTW trip – That’s amazing!!! Very cool. When are you off? Where are you leaving from? Where are you going? Give me more info haha! If there’s anything I can help with, please feel free to email me anytime at contact@madornomad.com, or better yet, I’ve just built a new forum on this site https://www.madornomad.com/forum/ you could always chuck any questions in there. Either way, more than happy to help fellow travellers anytime.
Our website – That’s very, very kind of you to say and greatly appreciated! Thank you 🙂
Hi Andy! Thanks for the very quick feedback!
Indeed very excited about my trip although it’s still a fair bit away. Plan is to leave on June 2022 from Switzerland and go east. If budget allow, I’ll go all the way to Indonesia then South America, North America (not sure about Alaska) and back home in the span of 2 years or so.
Just decided on the name of my project: Potholes & Gravel Roads 🙂
Budget is roughly departing with 35K which doens’t include the price of the bike/equipments/carnet/vaccines (those would be paid before the departure).
So 35K for the rest, food/flights/shipping/activities etc etc. Hope that will be enough but we’ll see :).
The route I planned will go through Iran/the Stans (excited for Tajikistan), Pakistan (highlight i think!), India, Myanmar, SE Asia then down to Indo.
I’m a bit afraid about getting into Thailand/Vietnam as it seem increasingly difficult to get a bike in without huge fees and guides =/.
I think I will skip Australia as well because of costs and I’m not that into it and go directly from Indo to Chili to do the S-America part.
As for the bike, I did so much research ahah but I’m pretty set on a 2020 CB500x with the Rally Raid kit.
I also look at the T7 but it’s big and heavy and more costly. The AJP PR7 was also considered but I’m afraid about it breaking down and not finding parts as it’s not a well known brand in Asia. But damn if that bike ticked all the other boxes!
There you go 🙂 !
I’ve been reading your website for the last 2 days now and I’ve only scratched the surface. I’m sure I’ll have plenty more questions coming :)!
What about you guys? Still stuck because of Covid?
Cheers
Hey Nicolas,
Awesome! Sounds like you’ve got an amazing trip planned!
If you’re leaving in 2022 then we might see you in South America… our trip is on pause in Southeast Asia because of Covid, but we’re really slow travellers so should be South or North America by 2022! So do keep in touch.
Wow, yeah, I assume you’re talking about 35K in euros, if so, that’s a comfortable – high budget. But of course everyone travels differently, I know people who are on £12 a day and others who are on £50. Anyway, I’m sure your budget will be more than enough.
Cool name! Send us your Facebook and Insta links in two years when you get it set-up, would love to follow along.
Yeah, definitely be excited for Tajikistan, it’s incredible. And you’re right, Thailand is becoming very difficult. But Vietnam you can’t enter with your own bike anyway, so you’ll need to just leave it in a neighbouring country and rent in Vietnam – or fly there while you’re waiting for your bike to be shipped from Indo to SA.
Yeah, I hear you on the T7 and the CB. But don’t completely disregard the AJP! A friend of mine travelled on one from Belgium to Vladivostok/ Japan and then shipped to South America and he loved it… Here’s his Insta account, great guy: https://www.instagram.com/horohaeckie/?hl=en
We flew home to the UK last month and left our bike in Thailand. Alissa needs another op on her leg to remove some metal and we were just stuck in lockdown in Thailand. So seeing as though we were just stuck there doing nothing, we thought we might as well come back and try and get an op. We posted about it on our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/madornomads/ but haven’t added a new blog post about it on the website yet. We’ll hopefully continue the trip as soon as Alissa has the op and Thailand and Malaysia’s borders reopen.
No worries on the questions! Ask away anytime. Just post any questions on the forum! All the best mate and good luck with your prep.
Andy
Great article, I am looking for a tough boot for some remote multiday/long distance hiking adventures around Australia, NZ, SA and Europe. I don’t want to go for trail runners because they provide no ankle support while scrambling over boulders and rocks. At the same time the boot should be not too heavy and limit my daily mileage. What would you recommend?
Hi Wolf,
Have you considered the Altbergs listed on this page? The Warrior boots or the Desert boots would be a good shout.
Cheers,
Andy
Firstly good luck with the rest of your trip. Now I’m no Adventure bike rider, roads only me. But I’ve worn Altberg’s for years as I’m ex Army, the pair I’ve got I’ve had twelve years, now I’m looking for a pair of Altberg Desert boots for summer riding. I’ve decided not to wear anything else on the bike!
Shiny Side folks.
Hi Bunny, thanks for your comment.
Wow, 12 years is very good going! But they are great boots so i’m not surprised.
There are motorcycle specific Altberg boots, so it’s worth checking those out too.
Cheers and all the best mate,
Andy
Andy, I’m ex Army so know Altbergs quite well, I’ve only ever had one pair of bike boots! So impractical off the bike, I’ve only ever worn military boots since.
Shiny Side mate Bunny.
Yeah, most chaps I know who have served swear by Altbergs too.
And I know what you mean, hefty adventure bike boots are so unsuited for walking, trekking and just being off the bike. That’s why we travel in these Altbergs, makes life so much easier.
Cheers Bunny, all the best
Andy
Enjoying the page, thank you. I leave in April for ATW trip from Phoenix. I didn’t want full moto boots, this was exactly what I was searching for. I’ll take any other tips for route planning etc.
Keep up the good work and safe travels.
Chris
Hi Chris,
Great to hear you’re off on a round the world trip! Brilliant news.
If you’re after tips for RTW travel, have you checked out our Round the World Resource page?
That page holds all of the guides, articles and features related to rtw travel in one place. I’m sure you’ll find lots of useful info on there.
Many thanks and all the best, and let us know how you get on with your trip!
Cheers,
Andy