altaidev - ALTAI® Footwear

Signs You Need to Replace Your Hiking Boots

altaidev on April 15, 2020

What you wear on your feet as you hike has a great effect on how comfortable and safe you are. Quality hiking boots will take you through all types of terrain, rain or shine. You barely even notice them because they become a natural part of your body, giving you more space to savor the natural beauty you’re exploring. Unfortunately, nothing truly last forever, and it’s likely that your boots will need to be retired after a while. How do you know when their life is drawing to an end, though? The answer is to check for some universal signs you need to replace your hiking boots.

They Are Noticeably Worn Down

If you’ve had your boots for a long time, you can periodically give them a visual inspection to see if they are worn down beyond a useable state. Some areas of note include the outsole (bottom part of the sole with the tread), lace eyelets, and leather/fabric components of the main body or upper.

All these parts are crucial to the boot’s performance. A worn outsole will no longer provide much traction because the lugs have become smooth. Broken eyelets will prevent you from securing the boots on your feet. Leather or fabric that has holes in it can let it in dirt, debris, and water.

They Are Leaking

Most hiking boots are designed to be waterproof so that the wearer can move through wet areas and precipitation without an issue. Old boots may have their surface damaged in some way that allows water inside though. This compromises their safety since prolonged exposure to water coupled with the friction of hiking can do serious damage to the skin of your feet.

Leaking could occur by means of the aforementioned holes in the upper created by tears and cracks or small openings that have formed in the sole, or near loose stitching. Often, these entry points can be difficult to spot. However, if water keeps ending up in your boots when you hike despite your efforts to apply waterproofing substances to the surface, they should be replaced.

Their Midsole Cushioning is Gone

Another sign that you may check for is a flattened midsole cushion. Hiking boots usually have a degree of springiness to add to their shock absorption, support, and softer foot feel. This comes primarily from the midsole, which is the part of the sole above the bottom treads and below the area where your foot sits. You can see the midsole from a side view of the boot.

Over time, the weight that the midsole bears as it is used can compress it to a point where it is much harder than before. At that point, it no longer provides the benefits it once did, and you should consider replacing the boots. To figure out whether your midsole has become too hard, press on the bottom of the boot and look for compression lines on the midsole. If there is no give to the sole and the compression lines are deep and close together, the midsole is worn.

For footwear that you can trust to support you while hiking, contact ALTAI™. We have waterproof combat boots that are built to stand up to whatever rough conditions you find yourself in. From the soles to the uppers to the laces, every detail of our boots has been crafted to ensure your comfort and safety.

ALTAI™ Photo Contest: Voting

altaidev on April 14, 2020

The Altai Mountains are a mountain range in Central and East Asia where China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia meet. The name translated from Turkic languages literally means “golden mountain,” which makes a lot of sense when you visit or see it in photos. Home to many large lakes, rivers, and diverse flora and fauna, this area has stunning sights to behold. These beautiful mountains are also the inspiration for the name of our ALTAI™ brand. We are proud to live up to our namesake by making boots tough enough for adventures through any outdoor setting.

A few months ago, INDY Guide reached out to us to collaborate on the ALTAI Photo Contest, and we knew the results would be epic. INDY Guide is a company headquartered in Switzerland that specializes in guiding clients on tours through the ALTAI™ mountains and other amazing places in several different countries. They offer life-changing opportunities for travel and adventure in underrated locations. Our contest challenged adventurers from around the world to submit their best photos of the Altai Mountains. Two winners will be chosen and will receive a free pair of ALTAI™ boots of their choice.

The top 10 finalists have now been selected and voting is in progress on the INDY Guide Facebook page. This is where you come in! Head over to their page and help decide the winner of this contest by liking your favorite photos. The two photos with the most likes will be the winners. Deciding finalists for this contest was incredibly difficult as there were hundreds of stunning photos submitted. You can see all the submissions for yourself here. We could not be more amazed by the photos submitted. Thank you to all contestants and congratulations to our 10 finalists. We cannot wait to announce the winners! Voting is open to the public until April 26. Have fun deciding your favorites—we promise it’s not an easy choice!

Photo Contest Finalists Gallery

Click Here to Vote

COVID-19 Update From ALTAI™

altaidev on April 8, 2020

During these unprecedented times as the world deals with the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic, we have all faced a lot of uncertainty. Millions of American workers are now facing unemployment, employees of essential businesses soldier on, and healthcare workers on the front lines are fighting this invisible enemy that we know little about. In the midst of this new reality, we at Team ALTAI™ wanted to reach out and provide an update on how we are dealing with this crisis, and to express our gratitude to our healthcare workers, police, first responders and everybody else keeping our world going. Our hearts go out to everybody facing new hardships because of COVID-19.

Since ALTAI™ provides gear to police organizations and other first responders, we are deemed an essential business and are working through the COVID-19 pandemic to provide critical gear for those who continue to protect the public. We are taking extreme caution and have provided every measure possible for social distancing at our headquarters in Oakdale, MN. We wear masks at work, wash our hands often, sent high-risk individuals to work from home, and use videoconferencing software to conduct our business meetings. We care about the health of our team and the general public, so we are also abiding by the shelter-in-place orders that are currently in effect in Minnesota. Although this is a chaotic time, it is heartening to see so many citizens working together to keep each other safe so that we might get out of this situation sooner rather than later.

May you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy during this time!

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ALTAI™ Pro Tip: Stomp Out Boredom at Home

altaidev on April 7, 2020

Here at ALTAI™, we are extremely passionate about the outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, and more are a big part of our lives. So, when many states began instituting shelter-in-place orders to help stop the spread of COVID-19, we knew we would have to get creative to stay happy and healthy! We have put together a list of several indoor activities you can do to stay active and keep your spirit of adventure alive and well during these troubling times. We are here to help get through this together! Here is our guide to social distancing for outdoor enthusiasts:

Condition for Hiking

Hiking is a favorite outdoor activity for Team ALTAI™. Collectively, we have been on hiking trips all around the Twin Cities and many other places around the country. If you are an avid hiker as well, there are many ways you can keep your body in shape and prepare for hikes in the future while staying indoors!

Avoid “Hiker’s Knee” which is the knee pain associated with trekking downhill for long periods of time. This can be averted by exercising with ankle weights, squats, and lunges. Always be sure not to overexert yourself and you may want to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routines.
If you plan on taking hiking trips in the future, consider breaking in new hiking boots by wearing them around the house! Properly breaking in new boots can make them more comfortable and help avoid foot pain.
Poor man’s leg curls are another great exercise to help keep your body in shape for hikes. They focus on strengthening the hamstring muscles and improving flexibility.

Make Your Own Puzzle

This company offers an affordable way to design your own jigsaw puzzles. Upload your own images and then they will make the puzzle and ship it to you! You can use a photo from a past adventure, or any other image near and dear to your heart. Consider this as a gift option as well—you could make a family member or friend’s day by sending them this unique personalized gift.

Prepare Fishing Gear

If you enjoy fishing, consider preparing lures, lines, and rods while at home! Here are some great guides for fly fishing knots, general fishing knots, seven best fishing knots for any situation, and how to set up a new rod and reel. You can also check out this guide to some of the best fishing areas in America. For tips on catching and cooking fish, check out this article. It’s always a good time to plan a fishing trip for the future!

Map Your Adventures

Get a map of your state, the U.S.A., or a world map and use pins to track your past adventures! You can also use different colored pins to map trips you will take in the future. Just because traveling options are limited now, doesn’t mean you can’t put together the adventure or vacation plan of your dreams! The sky’s the limit.

Go Camping at Home

If you have young kids at home, a wonderful way to stay occupied is to build a blanket fort inside. There are many techniques to build a fort. Use sheets, blankets, or comforters, and drape over chairs and/or sofa. You can also use a broomstick to help prop up the fort. Make your fort comfortable with your favorite cushions and pillows. You may also want to improve the fort with flashlights or Christmas lights, and of course—snacks and games! You can also set up a tent in your own backyard and go camping at home. If you have a firepit, pick a nice evening and build a fire. It’s always fun and delicious to cook up hot dogs and s’mores—these classic snacks are a great way to have an adventure at home!

Paracord Projects

Paracord is the ultra-versatile rope used for parachute suspension lines. It has been used by NASA for repairs on the Hubble Space Telescope. It is also a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and survivalists alike. There are many everyday use items that can be fashioned out of paracord and then disassembled in survival situations. Whether you make a lanyard, belt, bracelet, or keychain, paracord is an incredible product. It can be used in survival situations for everything from tying off a wound to trapping prey animals for food. Here is a comprehensive list of projects you can work on using paracord.

Call A Friend or Family Member

Perhaps the most important item on this list, it is vital that we take care of each other in these times. It is helpful to call and check in with friends and family who are in isolation to make sure they are doing okay. Just a short call or text can make a big difference in somebody’s day. We at ALTAI™ wish you and your loved ones the best—we can get through these times of social distancing together!

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South Korean Government Officials Choose ALTAI®

altaidev on April 2, 2020

“Blue House Gate” and “Armed Police Officer” by charlee955, are licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Team ALTAI™ is pleased to announce that the government of South Korea has chosen ALTAI™ to supply boots for their armed guards. These guards protect The Blue House, which is the South Korean equivalent of The White House in the United States. We are honored that these guards will be using our boots to perform their duties working for the most heavily protected residency in Asia.

History of The Blue House and Presidential Security Service

The Blue House is not just one structure, but a series of buildings built in traditional Korean architectural style with some modern features. It houses the President, Prime Minister, and their respective families. The Presidential Security Service, or PSS, was inspired by the Secret Service here in The United States, overseeing the protection of the residents of The Blue House. Becoming a member of the PSS is no easy feat; it takes several years of training, physical tests, mental health tests, background checks, and education verification. Agents receive their first orders only after overcoming all these obstacles.

It has taken decades for the Presidential Security Service to become what it is today. The PSS was initially established in 1949 under a different name. Its responsibilities were increased after North Korea attempted to attack the Blue House in 1968. After the president’s wife was assassinated in 1974, the PSS was granted more extensive military power. In 1981, the PSS was mandated to protect all former presidents and their families after former president Park Chun Hee had been assassinated in 1979. The PSS also helped to protect Pope John Paul II when he visited Seoul in 1984. An official training center for the PSS has been in place since 1999.

The Presidential Security Service is essential to South Korea and we at ALTAI™ are humbled to help them protect and serve. We look forward to establishing more relationships with government officials, first responders, and other essential workers all over the world in the future. You can check out our department-approved boots for yourself on our website. Designed for speed lacing, ultimate protection, comfort, and more, our boots are ready to help officials and the general public alike outperform in their daily tasks.

ALTAI™ Uniform Boots

How to Properly Care for Work Boots

altaidev on April 1, 2020

Work boots are made to take a beating and carry you comfortably through all the physical demands of your job site. By having your feet well-protected and comfortable in your footwear, you can better concentrate on your tasks and do your best work without intolerable pain. You know that, even with the best gear on your upper half, you won’t perform well if your feet are not in a good state. Therefore, in order to better guarantee the well-being of you and your coworkers, you should know how to properly care for work boots. This way, they will maintain their utility for as long as possible and you will remain ever-ready to tackle the next challenge head-on.

Daily Upkeep

A lot of the wear and tear that your boots start to show over time can be greatly reduced by taking some time for their upkeep. You may be tired at the end of the day, but just setting aside some time to make small considerations can keep them in great shape. Always wash off the dirt that has collected on them. Shake your boots outside and then use some water from a hose to take off the rest of the grime. This simple action will keep the materials in good condition. ALTAI™ boots shed dirt and mud easily, so you should have no difficulties as you do this.

Where you keep your boots overnight is also important to consider. If they get wet to any degree while you’re working, you need to put them in an area where they will get proper ventilation. With the help of circulating dry air, the moisture in the work boots can evaporate when they’re not in use. Bacteria will thus be unable to proliferate in them and cause unpleasant odors that are hard to get rid of once they develop.

Deeper Cleaning

Eventually, you may have to clean your work boots more deeply. Luckily, the SuperFabric® material that ALTAI™ uses is inherently tough and low maintenance when compared to some other materials, such as leather. Before starting, take out the laces so that you can clean them separately in a bowl filled with soap and water. This will also help you to reach the small crevices that the laces cover when they are in the boots. Since SuperFabric® is naturally stain- and abrasion-resistant, you can just use a wet cloth or softer brush and detergent to get the outside as good as new.

Should you ever step in a deep puddle and get water pouring directly inside the boots, you can easily remove the insole and place them near a fan to dry them. Wipe their insides down to clean them as you did with the outer surface to finish.

As you can see, ALTAI™ makes exceptionally rugged work boots that don’t need too much delicate maintenance. If you need durable footwear for your work, check out our products today.

How to Care for Your Feet

altaidev on March 31, 2020

Oftentimes, the most important jobs in our society are some of the most difficult. Some of the individuals we need most such as law enforcement officers, first responders, firefighters, farmers and many more, have jobs that can cause extensive physical problems. With so many of these vital jobs requiring long hours on the go, it’s no wonder foot pain is such a common problem for so many hardworking Americans. Our feet are incredibly valuable to us, but when we don’t take care of them properly, it can lead to other issues with our overall health and wellness. Team ALTAI™ is here to help by sharing information to keep your feet healthy and prevent issues in the future.

Foot Anatomy: Deeper Understanding

The human foot is very complex with 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The foot is divided into three sections: the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hindfoot. The forefoot includes the toes and the five long bones that run along the top of the foot. The midfoot is the group of bones that make up the arches of your feet. The hindfoot is made up of the heel and the ankle. The heel bone is the largest in the foot. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot work together with the bones to allow us to perform the many complex movements we are capable of. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon of the foot and connects the heel to the calf muscle which allows us to run, jump, stand on our toes, and more.

Selfcare for Foot Pain

When severe injuries and conditions affect your feet, medical treatment may be required. Always consult your physician for medical advice. But luckily there are many ways to take care of your feet by yourself that may help prevent doctor visits.

Epsom salt bath: Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and swelling in your feet. Add one cup of Epsom salt to a warm tub and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
Stretches and exercises: There are many stretches and exercises you can do to target specific areas of the feet.
Ice: A tried and true method for pain relief, you can ice the affected areas of your feet a few times a day for up to 15 minutes.
Foot massage: a great way to relax and relieve pain, look up massage options in your local area. You can also massage your own feet—this also helps improve circulation.
Topical solutions: there are over the counter topical solutions you can use on your feet. These products typically contain pain-relieving ingredients such as eucalyptus or menthol.

Healthy Feet, Healthy Body

Your feet can indicate many things about your health and wellbeing. Stiff joints can indicate arthritis, tingling or numbness can indicate diabetes, and swelling can indicate issues with different organs. If your dogs are barking, you should listen! For general footcare, be sure to wash your feet daily, trim toenails straight across, examine your feet, and wear comfortable shoes that fit. Be sure to follow up on a tough day on your feet with your favorite pain-relieving techniques!

How can ALTAI™ help?

Team ALTAI™ has set out to make the most comfortable, durable, and protective boots possible for a wide variety of tough job and outdoor applications. ALTAI™ boots are made with SuperFabric®, which is one of the toughest fabrics in the world and protects our customers’ feet from cuts, abrasions, punctures and more. It’s water-resistant and breathable, which helps keep the wearer’s feet dry and at an optimal temperature. Our boots come with zippered options to maximize efficiency when putting them on and taking them off. Our 6-inch and 8-inch boot models offer great ankle support to keep your feet and legs secure. We have chosen Vibram® to supply our outsoles and they do a tremendous job providing comfort and stabilization. So, whether you are a law enforcement officer, first responder, warehouse worker and beyond, ALTAI™ could be your solution to healthier, pain-free feet.

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ALTAI™ in the Spotlight: American Outdoors TV

altaidev on March 27, 2020

At team ALTAI™, we usually spotlight our retail partners, brand ambassadors, or special topics for outdoor enthusiasts. Today’s blog is a little different, because this time, we are the ones in the spotlight; it’s our time to shine! Earlier this year, we were featured by a nationally syndicated TV show, American Outdoors TV. We attended SHOT Show 2020 and had a joint booth with SuperFabric®, which is where we were interviewed by AOTV. SHOT Show takes place in Las Vegas and is the largest shooting, hunting, and outdoor tradeshow in the world. The event hosts over 60,000 people annually.

Our friend from SuperFabric®, Sean Thompson, spoke with AOTV’s Bill Rogers about SuperFabric® and ALTAI™ gear. He had the chance to explain how SuperFabric®, Vibram®, and other amazing features are incorporated into our one-of-a-kind boot design. We are very happy for this opportunity to spread the word about ALTAI™ at a national level. Check out the video below, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bill Rogers and American Outdoors TV. Keep an eye out for the full feature on your local TV stations!

ALTAI™ Backs the Blue

altaidev on March 23, 2020

Here at ALTAI™, we have put all our efforts into making the best boots possible for a variety of applications. One of those applications is law enforcement, and we have four different options for department-approved boots. These boots were meticulously designed alongside law enforcement officials in our home state of Minnesota. They feature SuperFabric® uppers, Vibram® outsoles, a polishable leather toe, and much more.

We put maximum effort and care into the design of these duty boots so that law enforcement officers can depend on us as they protect and serve. Our department-approved boots provide law enforcement with a comfortable, durable, and breathable boot that can outperform in any season or situation. We care deeply about these law enforcement individuals, which is why we also offer generous discounts to them. If you are a law enforcement officer or first responder, call or email ALTAI™ today for more information to receive a 20% discount on your next pair of boots.

We salute our law enforcement officials in the great state of Minnesota, and across America. We owe these brave men and women tremendous gratitude as they lay their lives on the line every day to protect and serve the public. From the bottom of our hearts here at ALTAI™, we thank you.

Law Enforcement Officials: email info@altaigear.com or call 800-806-2611 to learn more about our law enforcement discounts.

ALTAI™ Department-Approved Boots

ALTAI™ Local Spotlight: Sculpture Garden at the Walker

altaidev on March 20, 2020

ALTAI™ 6″ Tactical Boot

In our quest to experience as many local parks as possible, we at Team ALTAI™ knew we had to explore the Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. The Walker is known for The Spoonbridge and Cherry, which is one of the most recognized sights when it comes to this city. The Walker is a beautiful facility, featuring works from all over the world, which can be viewed year-round in indoor and outdoor settings. The Walker also features a mini-golf course that was designed by artists, a bar and restaurant, cinema, and stage.

We spent a sunny afternoon walking around the sculpture garden, and as always, our ALTAI™ boots kept our feet safe from the elements—in this case, melting snow and ice. We, of course, took pictures of our favorite boots—we can’t stop showing them off! While some of the sculptures were being winterized and not on display, many of the sculptures were available for the public to enjoy. We can’t wait to go back in the summer months! If you live in or near the Twin Cities or are ever visiting, be sure to check out the Walker Art Center and everything it offers—it truly is a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

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How to Choose The Right Hiking Boots