Several years back in 2013, we had an inspiring vision of a boot that outperforms every other boot in its class in weight, durability, dryness, and comfort. With that main goal, we aim to construct our footwear with the most innovative, trusted materials out there. This is why every model of our boot uses SuperFabric® brand materials, trusty YKK® zippers, as well as Vibram® outsoles. And we plan to continue that forward-thinking tradition.
We started off our mission to provide comfortable, durable, long-lasting tactical boots for law enforcement officers. The grueling beats they walk and intense action puts a serious toll on their feet. With the approval of these hard working heroes, we were well on our way to expand our reach to others with comparably tough jobs. From paramedics to wildlife and fish enforcement, we feel honored to make a difference in their work; work that saves lives.
Today, we offer a wider range of boot models that we ever could have imagined at the beginning of our journey. We also continue to aim to provide an outperforming boot for those who extend their ambitions to recreation, especially outdoors. With the same spirit, we tackle every boot model with the goal of having extreme versatility, just like you.
To see the full range of our footwear selection, visit our shop and see which boot model will outperform for you!
Our pint-sized hero was at it again with a big surprise for local Twin Cities law enforcement for his 10th birthday! Not only did this 10 year old dedicate his birthday to the men and women in blue, Tyler Carach and his family continue to honor police officers in any way they can. Donuts and coffee were generously provided by Hy-Vee and around 400 police officers came to show their love of the Donut Boy.
To date, Tyler has given out around 30,000 donuts to law enforcement, thanking and honoring them for their services. With 18 states visited, you can be sure there will be plenty more to come! Keep an eye out for Tyler's journey and see if he will be visiting your local police department! You can also donate directly to his cause through our website or with our 2 For The Blue program.
It's time for another update from our young, inspiring hero, Tyler aka The Donut Boy! As Tyler turns 10, he has kicked off his birthday with a surprise journey to 10 lucky states with, yes, of course, donuts to thank the men and women of law enforcement. Be sure to follow his journey and stay tuned as we update on Tyler's final appearance in Minnesota, our home state, for a final ceremony at the Mall of America.
1. Texas, Oct 23rd
2. New Mexico, Oct 25th
3. Arizona, Oct 26th
4. California, Oct 27th
5. Nevada, Oct 28th-29th
6. Utah, Oct 31st
7. Colorado, Nov 1st
8. Nebraska, Nov 2nd
9. South Dakota, Nov 3rd
10. Minnesota, Nov 4th-5th
Also, don't forget: you can always donate directly to Tyler's effort to thank every cop in America directly on our website.
It's officially fall and we know you adventurous types will be gearing up, embrace the cool autumn air, and venture out for an awe-inspiring journey. But like most things, staying up-to-date on best practices are always a good idea. When it comes to hiking, even more so; it can mean saving your life.
Here are 5 Simple Tips for making sure your fall adventures are filled with unforgettable memories and not unshakable tragedies.
A new season has arrived and we have all new styles to tackle whatever obstacles you face this fall. Whether you're finishing up the last touches on that remodel, sneaking in those last minute yard projects, or simply extending your summer adventures into fall, any of these styles got you covered.
Side-zip models in both 6" and 8" versions are perfect for anyone who needs an exact fit, fast. Our quick lace models are also ideal for those who prefer to fine tune their gear each time they gear up.
Available now at our online store.
Sixteen years later and we still have not forgotten the tragedy of that day, September 11th, 2001. Whatever your political stance is, one thing we can all agree on: that day tested our country's strength and resilience, but we pulled through, together. And so, we at ALTAI™ would like to share events around the country that will be held in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives to help their fellow countrymen and women.
Minnesota 9-11 Tribute Concert - Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis, MN (Sept. 11th, 2017)
Patriot Day flag raising - Administrative Services Building, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN (Sept. 11th, 2017)
9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies - Long Island, NY (Sept. 6th-11th, 2017)
Remembering 9/11 in 2017 - Middle Tennessee State University, TN (Sept. 11th, 2017)
16th Anniversary of Sept. 11 - Staten Island, NY (Sept. 11th, 2017)
2017 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb - Effingham, IL (Sept. 11th, 2017)
We already know what an inspiration Tyler Carach, aka The Donut Boy, is to a multitude of communities. He has especially moved the law enforcement communities through his act of gratitude; thanking every cop he meets with a donut. But now, the Carach family are rolling up their sleeves and answering calls for help from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.
Tyler and his family have been collecting goods to then personally hand off to hurricane first responders in Houston. This family of compassion will be traveling to Houston next week with the following types of items:
1. Bottled water
2. Healthy (easily kept) snacks ex: granola or protein bars
3. Baby wipes
4. New undergarments and socks for men and women (they get wet in the waters and they are very uncomfortable to work in all day...this was suggested by first responders who worked Katrina)
5. Hand soap
6. Hand sanitizer
7. Disposable gloves
8. Inexpensive goggles
9. Dust masks
For ways to donate goods to the Carach family for their trip to Houston, find more information on Tyler's Facebook Page. In addition, we will be sending Tyler pairs of our boots to give to first responders who are in need of appropriate footwear. Keeping them safely and comfortably equipped is a top priority in saving others' lives. Our thoughts and prayers continue for those affected by the unimaginable disaster.
It goes without saying, but it is important to always remember that the first step to having healthy, hard-working feet is having the right, comfortable fit from your footwear. For more information, including sizing and fit, you can learn more about the ALTAI™ experience here.
If you stand at a station or a small work area, be sure to adjust heights of surfaces, depending on your needs. Bring things easier within your reach and prioritize by how frequently a piece of equipment, for example, is used in a day. Make sure when you are standing, you have enough comfortable room for proper posture and be sure to give your knees and legs plenty of space when seated.
Staying fit will also improve prevention of injury, especially long-term damage. Calf stretches are an easy way to keep limber and ensure use of full range motion. Calf ‘drops’ [http://www.active.com/running/articles/8-exercises-to-prevent-foot-injuries] are a simple, effective way to strengthen and condition leg muscles key to these kinds of working conditions. In general, if your job demands your feet to perform, maintaining through conditioning will keep you performing at your best.
And lastly, don’t ever neglect signs of injury; see a doctor for more detailed information. Your feet at your most basic, necessary vehicle so take good care of them so they can return the favor.
Whether you have an office-bound job or a physically demanding one, if you’ve experienced the rush after a successful hands-on project, you understand the powerful mental benefits of working with your hands.
Mental health experts have pointed out the all-around benefits of physical work, from improved sleep to increased learning abilities. Endorphins require the body to move and endorphins are that “feel good” chemical released when physical work is engaged. This process reduces stress and becomes a beneficial, repeated cycle of sharpening the mind through physical activity which, in turn, increases overall productivity.
With that reduction in stress comes a good night’s sleep. Being physically tired, not just mentally, is what allows the body to maximize the benefits of deep, necessary sleep. People who dedicate an average of 5 hours of physical work a day tend to sleep well through the night and feel rested the following day.
In addition to lowering obesity, hands-on work also encourages better learning abilities. Take learning a bike, for example. Reading about how to ride a bike or watching a video online can provide a little insight to the imagination, but actually grabbing a bicycle and getting on it are the only real ways to ever learn the skill. With a rewarding activity like riding a bicycle, the drive to learn new things is enhanced.
So in the spirit of today’s blog post: get out there, roll up your sleeves, and get down in that dirt! Scale those rocky trails to a new viewpoint in your local national park. Get your gardening gear on and tackle that monstrous project, head-on. All the benefits point to having a healthier, happier body and mind.
It may be surprising, but a resurgence in what are sometimes referred to as ‘blue collar’ jobs could be coming back stronger than you may have expected.
With higher education costs continuing to rise, more younger groups are choosing pursuits like on-site training or job-specific certifications. While college is still a main goal for many, others are beginning to hedge their bets on starting a skill-based career with hands-on experience. There are a litany of available ‘blue collar’ jobs that seek experiential knowledge, over a general degree.
Coinciding with this trend, there also is a shortage of skilled and semiskilled workers for these types of roles. Carpentry occupations, for example, are expected to grow 24% by 2022; and many other similar occupations will likely rise as well. Some 600 or more of these kinds of occupations will see significant growth and demand in the next few decades.
That being said, we are proud to see a potential future where ‘blue collar’ jobs gain interest and respect from a new generation that can take up labor roles for many other generations to come. Power to the labor workers of the world; society runs on the fruits of your labor.