Blog - ALTAI® Footwear

The Next Level of Protection That Hard Working Feet Deserve

altaidev on June 5, 2017

Leather, suede, nylon, canvas, waterproof sealed seems, plastic, metal, and rubber; the list of traditional boot materials goes on. We, at ALTAI™ realized that for the hardest working feet in the world, these materials just won’t make the cut. And here’s why.

Suede, leather, and other animal skin or faux version has a relatively delicate surface texture. A quick scuff against a cement block or an unexpected tangle with a thorn bush are kinds of activities that put that brand new “pristineness” out of a new boot in an instant. Overtime, thousands of little scuffs and scrapes add up to eventual boot failure. Seems like a waste: we want to build a stronger boot.

It’s just one of the reasons our boots are all made with SuperFabric® materials for the upper construction. SuperFabric® is made of tiny guard plates covering the boot, deflecting rock, ice…. Whatever you throw at it. In fact, many motorcycle gear makers use the same material in their protective gear. SuperFabric® creates a protective barrier between the pavement and a rider, especially in the event of a crash that causes the rider to slide across the road. A material that can save a motorcyclist’s life; we decided that hard working feet deserve that level of protection, too.

And like we always say, don’t take our word for it; take our real-world reviewers’ words. Watch as Ghosthawk Prepper demos what happens when a machete and box cutter meet our boots.

SuperFabric® – Perfectly Engineered for Harsh Environments

altaidev on May 30, 2017

Our champion boot component: SuperFabric®.

Rugged, work boots. You’ve probably tried them all: leather, nylon, some fancy new synthetic that promises durability beyond your wildest dreams. And if you have a truly rugged job, you’ve probably been let down by a pair of boots with early wear and just won’t get the job done.

We at ALTAI™ recognized the obvious need for a superior level of durability for the hardest working feet in the world. Usually, people compromise and opt for thick, heavy boots to get the durability they need. Or, durability is compromised for the sake of comfort and dexterity.

So we engineered a boot that does not compromise either. SuperFabric® is our champion-component that allows for maximum abuse to your boots, while remaining freshly clean and ultra lightweight for long, extended hours. Made up of precisely placed, small, durable guard plates protect an underlying fabric from destruction. Unlike leather or nylons, SuperFabric® resist fraying and also provides a tough barrier from scuffs that compromise protection and aesthetics, making them an ideal slash resistant material.

With every pair of our boots, you can forget about rips, snags, and tears, so you can focus on what really matters: the task at hand. Learn more about how we’ve stepped up the durability-game with SuperFabric® here.

How to Pick the Best Socks for Your Boots

altaidev on May 26, 2017

Behind every great pair of boots, is a great pair of socks. We’ve all experienced a horrible mismatch between the two: too hot, too ‘slippery,’ blistery, the list goes on. Finding the right match between which socks to wear with your boots can mean a world of difference while you’re on your feet for extended periods of time.

Some sock materials will be better for certain temperatures, wetness, or sometimes just come down to personal preferences. Here’s a general guide to the typical socks materials to consider:

Synthetic Fabrics: There are a huge array of synthetic fabric socks. From cooling polyester fibers for the summer, to fabrics that “trap in” heat, without the bulkiness of thicker materials.

Wool: Known for its incredible insulating abilities, wool is one of the most popular types of socks for many adventurers. Synthetic blends of wool or merino may be preferable, since wool can be considered scratchy for some.

Cotton: Although the most common sock material, cotton socks are not recommended for hikes or long excursions. Cotton is extremely absorbent (imagine foot sweat!) and tends to dry very slowly.

Silk/Wicking Materials: Other kinds of socks, like silk, can be used as a liner inside your sock. These materials can help wick away moisture, keeping your “main sock” comfortable and dry.

Amongst these sock options, you will also want to consider whether your adventure will require lightweight, middle-weight, or mountaineering socks. Choose based on the temperature, dry/wet environment, and weather you will be facing. And it’s never a bad idea to have a back-up pair, for the unexpected.

Your boots should allow “extra” room for a variety of sock options. Our boots are designed to allow for whatever sock or combination of socks you might need; it’s why our boots are sized about half a size larger. (In most cases, if you are a men’s 9, we recommend an 8.5; this will depend based on your sock needs).

The History of the Combat Boot – We’ve come a long way, baby

altaidev on May 23, 2017

The history of the combat boot in the military.

Footwear for warfare; it’s come a long way since its first emergence onto the battlefield. Since the 1700s, combat boots have been a critical component to a soldier’s arsenal of gear. Frontline troops spend extended hours in their boots, trudging through the roughest of terrains.

The earliest combat boots were surprisingly simplistic. But countless injuries from poor insulation from the cold and trench foot from excessive moisture were clear signs that soldiers on the ground need better footwear. In fact, some have even reported seeking ongoing treatment from footwear-related injuries almost 30 years later. Now it’s not so tough to see what sparked decades of improvements to combat boots, with plenty more to come.

Today, combat boots come with an array of features; ranging from new space-aged materials to incredible waterproofness. Side-zips offer quick gearing up with perfect comfort, every time. Super lightweight materials for outsoles make a world of difference for weary feet during long missions. The military also expanded its offering to soldiers: two pairs of hot weather boots and one pair of temperate weather boots for Basic Training. Modern combat boots offer superior ruggedness, depending on the environment and situation; beyond what one standard-issue boot from the past could do.

Many components are used in modern combat boots, unlike the typical leather boots from the past. Our main, and most noticeable, champion-component, SuperFabric®, is incorporated into every one of our boots. The result: a combat boot that can defend from the harsh terrain any soldier of the Armed Forces faces. For a complete look at our version of the modern combat boot, check out our offering here.

Happy Armed Forces Day, from ALTAI™.

altaidev on May 20, 2017

Happy Armed Forces Day from the team at ALTAI™.

Bringing our week-long celebration to an appropriate end, we want to honor all of the branches of the United States military, on this day, Armed Forces Day. Many of us, including some of us at ALTAI™, know of or are close to someone in a branch of the military. Here are some honorable facts about our country’s military, and something to be darn proud of.

32 of our country’s Presidents served in the military during wartimes.
Because of their crucial roles, the National Guard and Reserve units are a part of Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Aviator sunglasses were developed by a medical equipment manufacturer to “ban” sunrays from pilots eyes, even helping reduce nausea.
The United States has only officially declared ware five times; the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II.

And there’s plenty more where that came from! Learn more about our mighty military and let’s honor the men and women who serve our Armed Forces this Saturday, May 20^th, 2017.

ALTAI™ Is Honoring Armed Forces Week: Coast Guard

altaidev on May 19, 2017

Armed Forces Week

Our last, but certainly not least, branch of the armed forces that we are spotlighting this week is the United States Coast Guard. Yes, they are a part of the Armed Forces but unlike its fellow Armed Forces branches, it does not belong to the Department of Defense.

With around 40,000 members strong, the U.S. Coast Guard is almost as large as the New York Police Department. And it’s a good thing too; the Coast Guard does a wide variety of critical missions. They can range from Search and Rescue, aid to navigation, drug interdiction, to maritime security.

Also, the Coast Guard serves all over the world, not just on our shores. Locations include Bahrain Japan, the Netherlands, even the Arctic and Antarctica. So, let’s give a salute to the men and women who serve our country by keeping the waters safe.

ALTAI™ Is Honoring Armed Forces Week: Air Force

altaidev on May 18, 2017

Armed Forces Week

What would be Armed Forces week if we didn’t celebrate the United States Air Force? With its origins in the U.S. Army, branched off on their own in 1907. Being the only branch of Armed Forces that fought directly with the Soviet Union, you can bet these ‘boots in the air’ are some of the toughest people in the military. It’s also no wonder,

But it’s not just the airmen and airwomen that make this branch so dynamic. Most soldiers in this branch support the wide range of duties an air force base like guarding the base, rescue missions, and even construction of new airstrips.

So if you know a member of the Air Force, be sure to thank them for their services in honor of Armed Forces Week!

ALTAIgear™ Is Honoring Armed Forces Week: Navy

altaidev on May 17, 2017

Armed Forces celebrations continue as today we highlight the United States Navy and what makes this branch of the military exemplify the ever-inspiration moto: “Not for self, but for country.”

For a group of people who are literally trained to process fear differently from the rest of us, you can bet the Marines are some of the toughest in the world. This also includes, the elite U.S. Navy SEALs. Their acute ability to conquer strenuous physical activity and power through a gauntlet of mental challenges, this branch of the Armed Forces truly deserves its ultra-rugged reputation.

Approximately 300,000 strong, we can be assured that our men and women in the U.S. Navy are keeping us protected and safe. Because if you have ever seen the movie TOPGUN, you can actually be fairly confident in its accuracy, in terms of the importance of the Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Program. So carry on with Armed Forces Week and the U.S. Navy.

ALTAI™ Is Honoring Armed Forces Week: Marine Corps

altaidev on May 17, 2017

Honoring the US Navy on Armed Forces Day

ALTAI™ celebrates Armed Forces Week

Today we put the spotlight on the US Marine Corps, most known for their elite skills and ability to execute combined-arms task forces in a wide variety of combat situations.

The Marines are often known for their amphibious capabilities, but you might be surprised to know their first successful amphibious mission was completed during a weapons ambush on the British! Only weeks after being formed, the USMC was well on its way to becoming a well-oiled, well-trained, fighting, defending machine. Keeping with its dedication to best-in-the-world practices, soldiers of the Marines train regularly with counterparts from a variety of other countries around the world.

So here’s a salute to these dedicated, specialized soldiers; you’ll want to thank a Marine next time you meet one.

ALTAI™ Is Honoring Armed Forces Week: Army

altaidev on May 15, 2017

Each day, we will highlight one branch of the military that deserves recognition in honor of this coming Friday, May 20th, Armed Forces Day. Today, we put the spotlight on the men and women who serve the Army, perhaps the most well-known branch of the Armed Forces.

The oldest branch of the Armed Forces, even older than the country itself, is also one of the largest employers in the United States (only second to Walmart). With its early beginnings as various bands of scrappy militias, it now reaches impressive heights of influence around the world. In fact, if the Army was a US city, it would be the tenth largest, overall; that’s 158 installations, world-wide.

And tough? You bet! On 72-hour missions, 30 soldiers that make up an infantry platoon must haul 400 pounds of batteries to power equipment. And on the subject of tough, of course, we have to spotlight the infamous Rangers who pioneered the way for modern guerrilla warfare.