Aigle Altavio Mid GTX Hunting Boots

French-based outdoor clothing and footwear company, Aigle are best known for their Wellington boots. However, they’ve also got plenty to offer in relation to footwear specifically designed for hunting and hiking.

The Altavio Mid GTX boots are offered in both a mid and high leg option and relatively recently they’ve been upgraded and modified to retain their position as one of the company’s main ‘go to’ hunting boots.

Height matters

The Aigle Altavio Mid GTX measure 6” at the rear, rising to 8 ½” at the front. If my memory serves this is now slightly lower than its predecessor. However, this still results in it offering a high level of support and protection for the ankle, without hindering ease of movement. Obviously, the boots also give protection to the lower shin and calf.

The Altavio’s are very distinctive and quite stylish as the upper and main body of the boot is manufactured from a water-resistant split leather. This enables the boot to offer protection, durability and have a high resistance to adverse weather conditions.

At the top of the boot, the leather meets up with a relatively broad, well-padded 800D Cordura collar for wearer comfort. This allows the boot to flex at this key area as you walk, without rubbing. Also, full waterproofing and breathability are ensured due to the inclusion of a Gore-Tex membrane, while comfort and insulation are provided by the soft, plush lining.

Good compromise

The rubber rand offers a good compromise between strength, protection and mobility as it allows the boots to flex at the sides of the sole. Generous and solid protection is added at the toe and heel by what are termed ‘synthetic stone guards’, plus the shoe collar also provides extra support and comfort for the ankle when negotiating any obstacles or difficult terrain.

Aigle has installed what they term as an ‘Anatomic polyester on Ortholite insole’, which gives the wearer even more comfort due to it having good shockabsorbing properties. Also, as it’s manufactured from polyurethane foam, it absorbs moisture and helps air circulate around the foot.

Sole survivor

As you’d expect, Aigle has cut no corners and have fitted Vibram, deep tread rubber outsoles. The boots feature a slow, upward tapering toe rise, which certainly shows upon walking. The shapes of the lugs and cleat layout are specifically designed to suit rugged, muddy and wet ground, plus is very easy to clean.

Tying up

On both models of this boot, lacing is catered for by a combination of captive metal hasps and towards the upper, pairs of open metal hasps.

The thoughtfully designed layout of the lacing points helps draw the boot securely and snugly to your foot, ankle and lower leg. A standout feature in this area is the open hasp ‘speed lacing’ system as it couples with the generous, articulating, padded tongue, to make getting in and out of the boots a cinch.