Customer Reviews Altra Smith Boot

First, I love Altra. We have only been walking and running on wedges since about 1970 when Nike and New Balance decided it was a good idea. 100s of thousands of years previous to that, we were not on wedges. The zero drop and room for toes is awesome. (A little crazy that a company lists "foot-shape design" as a feature of a shoe, but that's actually true; being designed like human feet is a distinct feature.) Also fantastic that they have all kinds of shoes--from nearly-minimalist to maximum cushion running, to casual shoes. Please keep all that up! Second, the Desert Boot II: Fit: Based on reviews, I ordered both my accustomed Altra size 9.5 and a 10. I'm very surprised that people are finding this shoe running small as that is not the case for me. See a photo of one of my Altra sneakers in a 9.5 and the Desert Boot II also in 9.5. I also find the toe room to be ample. I did find this boot to be too big in the upper area, so I added a tongue pad (photo). I have somewhat "low-volume" (ie, bony, lower-arch) feet, so people with higher arches and plumper feet may not have this problem. I do agree with another reviewer that another lace eyelet (and higher quality laces) would be great. In terms of comfort, I don't understand why Altra calls this a sneaker. It's absolutely not a sneaker, but a boot, and as a boot should be, it's firm but compliant. With some wear it will lose stiffness and gain awesomeness. If you're thinking this will be like a "sneaker," no way. It's a boot. Given that, it's incredibly comfortable. For me, it also works well at the heel. This is a tricky spot in boots, and I'm pretty happy here. Materials: the leather feels very high-quality to me, and I love the durable outsole with compliant mid-sole combination. Other than the laces, I expect these to hold up very well. Add some boot wax or mink oil, and these guys will go the distance, imho. Looks: I love the look of this boot in almost every regard. The general shape and toe-cap are great. Two flaws for me: 1) the white midsole. Oh, man. This boot would look SO much better with black or at least something dark. Dang. Tempted to take a Sharpie to it. I'm assuming it's a financial consideration. Still, a good-looking boot, but could be way better. 2) I wish it were just a half to 3/4 inch higher at the ankle. I want it a little more boot-like and less like a chukka. Overall: super-happy so far. I'm ordering a second pair in brown. I think this is a great value for the money, I can wear these either to work in the yard or to work as a teacher, and I won't get the low back ache that any kind of heel rise gives me.

Nice looking, but aside from the zero-drop platform, they are functionally useless. I can't imagine any minimalist shoe wearer would be able to put these on comfortably. I've been wearing Altra Running and Trail shoes for awhile now and I'm pretty familiar with their width. These are no wider than the average shoe in the toebox and the heels are wider. Photo shows the Cayd insole (more similar shape to Altra Runners) compared with the Smith Boot's insole.

I have a Morton's neuroma and need shoes with wide toe boxes, which Altra is known for. Their sneakers fit and feel great, so I thought their Smith Boot would be winner too. The minute I slipped on the first shoe I knew it wasn't going to work. The top of the shoe is very tight from the toe stitching to where the lacing begins. Altra needs to add some height to this area. Too bad I have to return these because they look nice.

I have purchased both running and casual shoes from Altra, as I have come to appreciate their zero drop soles and wider toe box. The Smith boot is consistent in fit and comfort with my other Altras. After a few days of breaking in, they are now quite comfortable. Additional style points would be awarded if the soles were offered in all black and the top stitch across the toe box that lends to "clown boot" look was removed.

I like these boots, have gotten compliments on them. They do run small, order a whole size larger. The leather seems really soft somehow though, already scuffed and I've only worn them a couple times. They have that whole "distressed" look out of the box which the picture doesn't show. Also, contrary to what the questions and answers on this site said, the insoles are removable.

Far too narrow width for a natural shape shoe and the leather quality does not match the price.

I found the fit and size to be as expected from the sizing chart provided and measuring my foot. You might err a half-size up if you aren't sure of the fit. I found them true to my measurements. These are leather (soft leather), so they will require just a little break-in period. But, they feel great and seem to have good traction on the surfaces I've been on so far. I'd take them on a hike and shine them a bit to wear to work. The zero drop is, of course, a big plus. I find the soles provide great protection. I have the brown style and have gotten compliments on them at work, so the style is great! I do tend to agree with other reviewers that the midsole could be a different color than beige - only because it contrasts with the color of the boot. This isn't much of an issue with brown, however. Ultimately I would recommend these. I wanted a zero drop type boot I could wear to work in an office and this is it. Give them a couple days to get broken in (they aren't the usual Altra shoe material, this is leather albeit soft) and they'll feel great!

I love these boots, this is the second pair I’ve ordered.They are a little tight when you first put them on but then the leather forms to your feet very soon after. I started wearing these boots around and kept them looking nice with them they were so comfortable, I just started wearing them at work and beating them up they really hold up to the abuse so I ordered a new pair to keep clean for walking around in town etc.

Just remember: the Smith boot is meant to be a casual shoe, not a running shoe. I ordered a half size bigger than usual because mini reviews were critical of the fit... seeing these shoes where not as comfortable as the Ultras they are accustomed to. In particular there are reviews saying that this Smith boot fits to snuggly. I had to return the boot and reorder in my usual size. These are for casual wear and they fit more like casual wear. They fit more snugly, but not too tight. Just not as roomy as my Altra running shoes. Also, they are not as flexible as my running shoes. Of course, the Smiths boot is made of leather so it is going to be more stiff. That is also what makes it look more fashionable. Further, being leather, they are going to soften and loosen with wear. It is a very nice looking casual shoe and far more comfortable than any typical shoe of its type.

My husband wears these shoes everyday for work. He has his own yacht service business and works on boats all day long. These have a gum bottom so no marks on boats and are very comfortable. He has had probably around 8 pair or so. Be advised the black pair do not have the gum bottom it is black, he ordered the black this time around to switch it up and we ended up exchanging for the brown. Awesome shoe!

I'm so stoked Altra started making good looking casual shoes. I've been running in Altra shoes for the last few years and have had such a hard time putting on narrow and uncomfortable casual shoes when I'm doing anything other than running. These boots look great, feel great and don't have any obnoxious branding that would make them unwearable in casual situations. If you love Altra's running shoes, you'll love the Smith Boot too.

These boots not as comfortable as other ALtra shoes. Not as much cushion and overall feel more narrow in the toe box.

I love Altra shoes and was really excited to see they are offering a boot option. I work as an electrician and wanted the comfort and ergonomic value in a boot. I am disappointed to report these don't fit my foot at all like my altra sneakers. I had to force my foot into these because of the lack of vertical space for my foot. I really hope Altra fixes the fit and continues to offer boot options. Despite these not fitting, I remain loyal to Altra's footwear philosophy. I'm not sure best way to rate these because I like the style, think they would be comfortable if they fit but have to give them a low overall score because the fit is so much different than their sneakers.

Toe box is MUCH narrower than Altra running shoes of the same size.

SO frustrating. I love Altra shoes--but not these boots. Too narrow in the toe box, too tight across the top of my foot. They do NOT fit like the shoes. I really wanted to love these but i can't