Blog - ALTAI® Footwear

Stomp Out Boredom 2.0

altaidev on April 28, 2020

In these unprecedented times with so many businesses closed and millions of people around the world spending more time at home than ever before, it can be easy to feel uncertain, frustrated, or just plain bored. While it may seem tempting to watch TV all day, getting creative and/or productive might just be your ticket to getting out of a quarantine funk. Team ALTAI™ has put together another list of things that can help make your life at home as pleasant as possible. From creative projects, activities for kids, and tips to improve your home, we are here to help you thrive during this difficult time.

Start a Journal or Blog

While many of us are spending less time socializing than we are used to, writing can be a great way to get your thoughts out. Research shows that writing can improve mental health, curb depression, and even help improve sleep. Got big ideas or expertise in an area that you want to share? Launch your own blog to connect with people online. Whether you keep a journal or share your work publicly, writing can be immensely helpful while you are staying at home.

Go Through Your Favorite Photos

Most of us have a large backlog of photos on cameras, computers, or most likely, smartphones. Take this time at home to go through your photos and find your favorites. You can improve your living space by having prints of your photos delivered to your house. Check out services such as Shutterfly to fulfill these orders.

Bring the Outdoors In

If you are like us, then you love the outdoors. While you are spending more time inside, there are many things you can do to meet your outdoor needs.

Weigh all your gear and make comparisons so that you can optimize your next backpacking trip
Learn to edit photos and then edit the images from your most recent adventures
Research the trip you will take when travel restrictions are lifted
Use Google Earth to travel digitally
Do exercises to stay fit for the next time you hit the trail

Support Local Businesses

Most restaurants are closed to dine-in patrons, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy your favorite local food fare. Order delivery to make your meals a little more interesting. To help businesses such as movie theaters that are entirely closed for now, you can purchase gift cards so that you and your family and friends can enjoy the latest movies when theaters reopen. Check online or call local businesses to check out gift card options.

Scavenger Hunt

If you have kids who are getting a little too much screen time these days with remote schooling and iPad games, shake things up by setting up a scavenger hunt. Check out this article for tons of amazing and creative ideas for scavenger hunts indoors and outdoors. This can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Send an Actual Letter

Internet use has increased dramatically around the world. We connect with people via social media, FaceTime, and Zoom more than any other time. While face to face interactions and in-person socialization is vastly limited for now, writing an old school letter to somebody you care about can be a special way to connect. Sending and receiving hand-written letters just has a personal touch that electronic means of communication cannot beat. If you have kids, you might also consider including notes or artwork from them with your letters.

Declutter

Perhaps the most effective and cheapest way to improve your living space is to get rid of the things you no longer use or care about. It may seem like a big task, but decluttering your clothes, papers, and other belongings can improve your happiness and bring a greater sense of calm to your home. Check out Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix to learn how you can make this happen!

Rearrange Furniture

After throwing out or donating things you no longer need, it may be time to refresh your home by rearranging your furniture. This can be a great way to improve your new stay-at-home lifestyle. Although it can seem daunting, there are simple rules you can follow for your interior design. Check out this guide to learn more!

At Home Movie Nights

There are more ways to watch movies and TV than ever before, but this can also make it difficult to choose what to watch. Finding the right movie for you and your family can take more time than it does to actually watch it! If this sounds like you, this guide includes 100 movie suggestions that make it easy to find exactly what you are looking for.

Reliving Your Favorite Camping Trip with Priceless Wildlife Recordings

altaidev on April 22, 2020

Today’s blog post is brought to you by our fabulous blogger and outdoor guru, Katlyn Spade.

Sleeping under the stars can boost your mood, improve your health, and even helps develop critical social skills. Those who love camping know the joys of breathing in fresh air around the clock and eating deliciously grilled meals. Many also appreciate getting up close and personal with local wildlife. Just as you would prepare your sleeping and cooking gear, you might consider packing the right equipment to record the sounds of the forest and the wildlife that’s all around you.

Do Your Research

If you enjoy roughing it, you also understand that camping can provide a whole host of new activities in the great outdoors. From reading books in a hammock to taking a long hike, the options are endless. Recording wildlife sounds is an activity suited for all ages and interest levels. Whether you get your family involved or you prefer to record alone, keeping an ear out for a coyote howl or a rare bird’s mating call can be a real thrill. Catching it on recording makes it even more special, so you can relive the sounds later on. Spend some time ahead of your trip researching the wildlife that will be out and about in your area. Consider purchasing a local wildlife guidebook to learn more about the rituals and schedules of the animals. For example, some might be best to record at night, and others might not yet be out of hibernation.

Packing the Right Gear

When checking marshmallows and bug repellant off your packing list, don’t forget to include the equipment you will need to record wildlife. From wind protection to headphones, you’ll need a variety of items to catch the sounds you want. Do your research and find out exactly what you need and how you need to pack the gear to keep it safe. There are many perks to recording outdoors, and today’s technology ensures that you never have to sacrifice quality to get the wildlife recording of your dreams. You can even record on your smartphone, utilizing specific apps to improve sound quality.

Respect the Wildlife

Recording the sounds of wildlife to enjoy after your camping trip doesn’t mean intruding on their space. From deer to bears, birds, and rodents, all animals have a right to safely enjoy their homes in the woods and mountains before you arrive, during your camping trip and after you leave the scene. Remember you are entering their home, so it’s important to show respect. It’s also important to keep your safety top of mind when spending time outdoors near wildlife. Never sacrifice your well-being or that of another camper to get a recording. Also, don’t venture into unmarked, unsafe territory to capture a sound. Follow all campsite rules and regulations, regardless of what might be rustling over yonder.

We share our planet with many species of crawling, climbing, flying creatures. To spend a day or night near animals under an open sky is a gift. Recording their sounds can be quite an adventure, and you’ll be transported back to the experience every time you listen to their calls, grunts, and squeaks.

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: Choosing the Right Boot Size When Buying Online

altaidev on April 21, 2020

We had a few specific questions regarding sizing, and we know what a pain buying footwear online can be, so we created a measuring chart for your convenience. With a more accurate reading of your foot size, you can make a better-informed purchase. To help with this process, here are some tips for choosing the right boot size when buying online.

Keep the Activity in Mind

Remember to be mindful of whether you intend to use your boots for summer hiking, winter hunting, fall trekking, camping, or spring ATVing. Keep in mind what type of socks you plan to wear; consider the thickness, the length, and how much extra room is required for maximum comfort. For example, if you plan to go on a fun winter excursion, you may need a larger pair of boots to go with your thick socks.

Use Current Measurements

Many people don’t realize that their feet change shape over time. Too often, people will wear the same size for years without remeasuring their feet. Before purchasing new boots, always measure your feet to ensure that you pick the correct size. The two measurements you should take are the length and the width of your foot. Usually, you will only need the length for your shoe size, but the width always helps to ensure a perfect fit. Also, check out the sizing chart to order the correct size for your boots.

Wear Them for a Couple of Days

If your boots don’t fit perfectly when you try them on at first, wear them for a couple of days. Boots will stretch and mold to your feet with time. This process only takes about two to three days and makes your boots more comfortable for your feet. Before returning your boots, wear them for a couple of days first to see if they mold to your feet.

So, go ahead—measure up and see what ALTAI™ size is right for you! And, as always, feel free to contact us directly with any specific questions about sizing and fit.

ALTAI Boot Measurements:

Check out this recent post to find your foot measurements:

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Feet

altaidev on April 17, 2020

It’s no secret that the world is getting more and more advanced and technology is constantly changing the way we live our lives. E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop; whether you need a dozen eggs or a new car, it can be purchased and delivered to your home at the push of a button. While these types of futuristic changes can make our lives easier, they can also come with drawbacks. Shopping online for shoes and clothes can be particularly difficult; purchasing these goods without being able to try them on first can be daunting. Sure, most companies have return and exchange programs, but that can take extra time and effort to get the perfect fit. That’s why we are here to tell you how you can find the perfect boot size, without having to try them on.

You may already know the shoe size you typically wear. However, different brands can vary by size. For example, your tennis shoes could be a size 10, and your work boots a size 11, but they both fit your feet perfectly. Now, let’s say you’ve been researching the Internet for the perfect new pair of shoes, and you finally find the pair that has the style, type, and reviews that match your needs. But you don’t know what size will be best for you. Here’s how to find the perfect size:

You will need paper, something to measure with, and a writing utensil.
Place your paper on hard, flat flooring (no carpeting our tile grouting). Place your foot flat on the paper and trace around it with your writing utensil, keeping as close to the sides of your feet as possible to maintain accuracy. You will also want to wear socks to get accurate measurements for the footwear you want.
Use your ruler/straight edge to draw parallel, vertical lines at the widest parts of the sides of your footprint. Then, draw horizontal lines parallel, horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the footprint, and connect the lines to make a complete rectangle around your outline.
Use your ruler or straight edge again to draw lines connecting the widest and longest parts of your foot outline.
Measure your foot’s length and width and compare it to a shoe size chart to find your size. Width will typically be represented by a letter: AA, B, or C for women’s sizes, and C, D, or E for men’s sizes. Certain shoe manufacturers will simply use N, M, or W, standing for narrow, medium, and wide.

Here at ALTAI™, we do offer a return and exchange program, as well as a one-year warranty guarantee. So even if a sizing issue does occur, we got you covered! So measure up and compare your measurements to the ALTAI™ boot size chart below!

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!

Products That Might Interest You:

ALTAI Uniform Boots

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!

Products That Might Interest You:

Waterproof Outdoor Boots

6″ Zip-Up Hiking Boot

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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Outdoor Boots