Prevention is the first step to enjoying long hiking excursions injury free. And while we build our boots to be incredibly lightweight and no break-in period to help, here are a few exercises and stretches to get you even more prepped and keep you trekking comfortably.
Heel raises are an easy way to strengthen your ankles. Using a chair, or similar sturdy object, for balance, slowly raise one heel up, standing on your tiptoes, then slowly lower the heel to the ground. Repeat for each leg 10 times and try to do a set at least a few times throughout the day.
With quality athletic tape, you can add extra support; especially for those with previous injuries that may hinder full stability while on the trail. Some basic taping techniques can be found here or speak to a physician about what would be a suitable application for you.
Facing a wall, place both hands on the wall and bring one foot backwards 6 inches, knee bent, then slowly bring the heel down to the ground. You should feel a pull all along the lower and upper calf. This is also a recommended stretch for post-hiking or related activities.
Choosing the right tactical footwear is a crucial decision for any law enforcement or first responder professional. Medical conditions, like plantar fasciitis, make the decision even more crucial for the wearer and our boots are here to help.
What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel from inflammation of the tissue that runs from your toes to your heel. Common with runners, this condition absolutely requires proper supportive footwear. Several ALTAI™ wearers have reported having plantar fasciitis and rely on our boots for long periods of walking and/or standing with all-day comfort.
Our Vibram® soles absorb shock and are a solid foundation that helps reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis or minimize the symptoms while wearing them. The ALTAI™ Last, which is the boot mold that every ALTAI™ boot is designed with, is custom built; meaning we worked with footwear experts to get a fit that outperforms ordinary, standard boot lasts. No break-in period and designed for active feet with long periods of wear-time.
If you have plantar fasciitis, we encourage you contact us with any questions you may have. Time to take the next step and make our footwear a part of your plantar fasciitis solution.
Specific lacing techniques can help alleviate discomfort, especially when putting in those miles on the trail. And while we build our boots super lightweight with no break-in period, here are some techniques that may help with situations while you're on-the-go.
Window lacing can help relieve pressure on the top of your foot, should the need arise on the trail. Simply undo your standard lacing down to where you feel discomfort on the top of your foot. Then bring each lace directly above (not across) to the next available eyelets. Continue normal lacing (or other preferred method) the rest of the way up the boot.
Heel-slipping can make life miserable on your feet and is usually a result of too much excess space in the front interior of the boot. While we would highly recommend considering a different size for a better fit, this lacing technique will help in a pinch when you’re already deep into your long-haul adventure. (If your ALTAI™ boots don’t fit quite right when they arrive, we have a fair return policy to get you the exact fit you need.)
Undo your standard lacing down to where the top of your foot meets your ankles. Determine which two sets of eyelets match up with this spot and cross the laces over, like usual, but wrap each lace around the other twice before securing the tension with the next set of eyelets.
You work hard and so do your feet. Day in and day out, your work boots are one of the most important gear you wear and need them to reliably deliver every time. Your job depends on it. So here are 3 simple steps to take to help keep your work boots working longer.
A clean boot is far less susceptible to unwanted fungus or bacteria building up. If you have an especially dirty job, it is recommended to clean your work boots off every night. Since our boots are waterproof, a quick hose-off are a low-effort way to clean off the day’s grime. For tougher debris, a soft bristled brush will easy clear away the grime and, thanks to our SuperFabric® uppers, your boot won’t get scuffed or scratched in the process.
A dry boot is also key to avoiding fungus or bacteria. While many boots are waterproof, breathability can be a challenge for many traditional boots made of leather. Again, SuperFabric® delivers maximum breathability, while remaining waterproof; the best of both worlds. ALTAI™ boots will quickly dry overnight and be ready for work again the next day.
Baking soda is one easy home-remedy for cleaning the interior of your work boot. We cover other ways to disinfect and clean the inside of your boots in our ALTAI™ Pro Tip article here.
Any boot company can tell you they have the best boots. But here at ALTAI™, we believe in the importance of reviews; reviews are proof of our boots’ performance. Feedback and input from wearers of our boots are how we can continue to strive to bring you the perfect, multi-purpose, rugged boot. Recently, we received this personal account of our MFT100s; so you can see the proof for yourself.
A big ‘Thank You’ to Dylan Sauer for sharing his ALTAI™ experience.
Many ALTAI™ customers are ecstatic about the boots they have, including myself. I have worn these boots for my security job, doing work for Bay City Public Safety’s Reserve Unit, and for playing intense scenario paintball in the woods. I was initially only going to use the pair for police work and security, but I decided to try them out on a paintball field. I did receive a few paintball splats to my feet, but the paint and mud come off very easily with a wet rag.
Back in January, there was a charity auction for a famous paintball player, Chris Lasoya. Chris was a firefighter who was burned trying to put out a fire. With the medical expenses being so high due the amount of burns he received form the fire, medical expenses would be astronomical. Another fellow paintballer, and ALTAI™ sponsored athlete, David “Reaper” Justin, knew it was time to step in and help out a fellow paintball player. David put together a charity auction and I was added to the group auction on Facebook. After a short bidding war, I won the pair of MFT100s.
After having these boots for nearly 7 months, I would consider these boots to be the best I have ever worn. I’ve gone through many pairs of boots throughout my time and none has lasted as long as my pair of MFT100s. My legs will give out before my feet decide to blister or cramp up. I’ve crawled through swamps and waded through water with these boots on and they have never smelled “swampy” afterwards. On top of all that, I have also been working around forty hour work weeks with these boots on.
I have also worked plenty of police details in Bay City, including concerts in Wenona Park for concerts, Southend Little League for their National Night out, and Veterans Park for the Bay City Fireworks Festival. ALTAI™ boots support me while I am supporting my community.
It’s hard to believe that only two years ago, we met and partnered with this amazing 10 year old, Tyler Carach, a Florida boy who is on an important mission: thanking every cop and first responder in America, one donut at a time.
Since then, Tyler’s organization, I Donut Need A Reason To Thank A Cop, has given away over 70,000 donuts to law enforcement officers in 39 states! Here are a few snapshots of his latest journey to Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana! Follow Tyler on Facebook for up-to-date info on his next adventure thanking cops; Tyler may be visiting your local police department sooner than you think!
Want to contribute to Tyler's cause? Here are some ways you can help support I Donut Need A Reason To Thank A Cop.
ALTAI™ 2 For the Blue Program – buy any department-approved ALTAI™ boot model at our online shop and 2% of your purchase will go to support Tyler’s mission.
Donate directly to the Donut Boy – direct donations are accepted online to support Tyler’s goal to thank every cop in America.
August is a busy month for the ALTAI™ team! This weekend, August 17-19, we are headed to the 2018 Game Fair with our partners, Ultimate Waterfowlers Challenge (UWC Adventures), in Anoka, Minnesota. (Right in our backyard!) If you live near the Twin Cities area, you won’t want to miss this family friendly, outdoor sporting event.
Look for us and our boots with Ultimate Waterfowlers Challenge and enjoy exhibits that include: archery, decoys, duck boats, art, dogs, dog accessories, taxidermy, and all the latest in hunting equipment for the outdoor enthusiast.
Check here for detailed information on Game Fair 2018.
If you have a pair of our boots, you understand the benefits of having ONE pair that does it all. From work to play, like a trusty friend, your boots are with you through it all.
You already know how easy it is to clean the exterior of our boots (just a hose and a soft bristled brush, if needed) but here are some tips to keep the interior of your boots clean and lasting longer than ever.
Baking soda has powerful odor removing qualities. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda into your boots and let them sit overnight. This is often preferred over “masking” the scent as baking soda actually absorbs odors and neutralizes them. Shake out baking soda before wearing again.
Kitty litter has natural deodorizing capabilities. For lingering odors that one night of baking soda can’t eliminate, try knotting kitty litter into a thin fabric (perhaps a sock) and stuff into your boots each night.
Place your boots overnight in a warm dry place. Loosen the laces enough so you can allow as much air flow into the interior of the boot as possible. Placing your boots in the sun can be a safe, easy way to air out your boots and helps prevent bacteria that can cause odor.
Whether it’s pharmaceutical grade or a homemade version (rubbing alcohol and/or vinegar mixture), a disinfecting spray will help kill odor causing bacteria over the long term.
It's your lucky day and just in time for the mid-summer heat! We have recently refreshed inventory of select sizes from some of our most popular styles! Now is the perfect chance to get that back-up pair of boots for the pair you already love. Or tell a friend; you enjoy the ALTAI™ Difference, so share the experience with someone who could use a new pair of hard working boots.
Don't miss the opportunity for REFRESHING summer footwear: lightweight, breathable AND waterproof. (Like a breath of fresh air for your feet.) But HURRY! This inventory is for select styles and limited time ONLY! Check out what's in-store right now!
Comfort is something that is unique to each individual, especially when it comes to our footwear. So even when you find the perfect boot for hiking, here are some things to consider for total comfort that fits your specific needs.
Whether you will be trekking through the desert or crossing mountain streams will determine the kinds of socks you may opt for. Thin, wicking material would be ideal for hot, arid conditions and you will want to factor in either shoe size or how snug you may want to lace up. For cold, wet conditions, wool and similar heat-holding materials may be a temperature solution, but you will definitely have to consider shoe size in this scenario. Thicker socks will take up more room in your boots, so plan your boot size accordingly, especially when getting a new pair.
They key to breaking in hiking boots is gradual use. Start by wearing the intended socks, insoles, or any other inserts with your new hiking boots around the house. Make adjustments to the lacing, for example, while you walk around. Then step up to a quick walk around the block or a short errand with your new boots. This gives you another opportunity to adjust while faced with ordinary elements in the outside world. Gradually increase the time spent in your new boots during the day; take them for a day at the office, then maybe graduate to a longer walk. All the while, adjust and pay attention to small details that could become large issues when on longer distance hikes. While we develop our boots for a no-break-in period, everyone is unique and there are ways to customize the exact, comfort fit, just for you.
Most important: enjoy the adventure! Happy Trails!
