Category: Blog

Your work boots are exposed to all kinds of harsh weather, dirt, mud, rocks, and more. Sometimes, it may seem difficult to make your boots last more than a few months. To ensure that your boots survive these conditions and last a long time, it is important to learn how to maintain them. To keep your boots in great shape, be sure to learn these tips to make your work boots last longer.

Use Waterproof Boots

If your boots are not waterproof, there is no way they will survive the outdoor weather. You can easily buy waterproof boots online or learn how to waterproof your current pair of boots. Waterproof material not only allow the boots to last a long time, but they also protect your feet from becoming cold and wet.

Store in a Dry Space

Even with waterproof boots, it is vital to store your boots in a dry area as soon as you finish work. The inside and outside need to dry regularly. A dry space prevents the buildup of moisture inside the shoe, thus protecting against bacteria and fungi.

Wash Regularly

Of course, one of the most important tips to make your work boots last longer is to wash them regularly. It’s usually easy to wash boots; just use a brush or cloth, soap, and warm water. This prevents the buildup of dirt and grime, kills any bacteria and fungi, and washes out any remaining sweat. Always allow the boots to thoroughly air dry before you use them again to keep them in great condition.

Always Untie the Laces

It’s very tempting to come home after a long day and slip off your boots without taking the effort to untie them. Unfortunately, every time you do this, it damages the boots. The laces pull at the surrounding material and the tongue of the shoe, so when you squeeze your feet from the shoe, it damages both the boot and the laces.

Use Only for Work

While this may seem obvious, remember to use your boots only for work. Every shoe is designed for a specific purpose and using it for something other than that purpose can damage them and harm your feet. For instance, if you want to go work out at the gym, then you would probably use a pair of athletic shoes instead of your work boots.

Purchase the Right Size

Often, people wear the wrong size shoe without even realizing it. The shape and size of your foot changes over time, so it’s necessary to measure your feet every couple of years. Wearing the wrong size boots can injure your feet, causing extreme pain. Also, it damages the boot as well since the material stretches if the shoe is too small and it wears out faster in certain areas if the shoe is too large.

Rotate Two Pairs of Boots

A great way to make your boots last longer is to buy two pairs. With two pairs of boots, you can easily swap them out every other day or even every week. This gives you plenty of time to properly maintain both pairs of boots. In addition, if something happens to one pair, you don’t need to stress because you have the other pair as a backup.

Polish and Condition

To keep the boots’ leather in great shape, you can always polish and condition the material. The leather conditioner and polish can repel dirt and grime while keeping the material flexible. If you notice your boots becoming stiff and uncomfortable, then it’s time to condition the leather. The conditioning process should not take too long, and it is well worth it. All you need is a brush or cloth to gently apply the conditioner. It is best to start with this process after your boots have been thoroughly washed and dried.

Avoid Drying With Heat

One of the fastest ways to ruin your favorite pair of work boots is to leave them in the sun or throw them into the dryer. Heat is one of leather’s worst enemies. It causes the material to dry and crack over time and it also becomes very hard and brittle. No one wants their work boots to be hard and uncomfortable, so keep them out of the heat as much as possible.

Buy Tree Shoes

Sometimes, your work boots start to lose their shape after a lot of use. To prevent this issue, consider purchasing tree shoes. Tree shoes are wooden models of the inside of your shoe that you place within the boot to help it retain its shape. Additionally, some wooden tree shoes produce a cedar aroma that is much more enjoyable than a dusty boot smell.

Grab a Shoehorn

A shoehorn makes it a lot easier to put your work boots on your feet. It also prevents the boots’ heels from becoming misshapen over time. There is a wide variety of shoehorns, so be sure to pick the one that works best for you.

Invest in Quality Boots

If you do not invest in quality boots, you will notice that your boots tend to break down quickly. For work boots, it’s important to invest in quality material that is strong, durable, and comfortable. You’re going to be on your feet a lot, so you need a pair of quality boots to support and protect them.

Now you know all the secrets to make your work boots last longer. The best ways to make your work boots last longer are to invest in quality material, grab a shoehorn, buy tree shoes, avoid the heat, condition them occasionally, wash and dry them regularly, use two pairs, store them in a dry space, untie the laces, use them only for work, purchase the right size, and use waterproof materials.

Now that you know all these tips, go and share them with your friends, coworkers, family members, and anyone else with work boots! If you’re considering purchasing a new pair of work shoes, be sure to visit us at ALTAI® for comfortable, strong, and long-lasting boots.

Whether you use your boots for work, hiking, camping, or other activities, they eventually become covered in dust and debris. It’s vital to clean your boots regularly so they can be kept in great condition. Here are the steps that will teach you how to keep your boots clean.

Detach Shoelaces

The first step to clean your boots is to detach the shoelaces. This makes the cleaning process easier since it’s difficult to get under the laces when they’re on the boots. Clean the laces by placing them in the washing machine or cleaning them by hand.

Remove Dried Debris

The next step is to remove any dried debris. You can use a brush or cloth to gently wipe the dried mud off the boots. If you have a pair of waterproof outdoor boots, you can skip this step since the dirt should slide right off after being splashed with water.

Soap and Water

After you brush the majority of the dirt off the boots, you can begin the washing process. Get a bucket with warm water and soap and gently use a cloth to wipe the grime away. If you have to wash waterproof boots, carefully dunk them into the bucket to remove the dirt. When you finish wiping the debris away with soapy water, rinse the boots with warm water.

Dry and Repeat

It is important to remember while learning how to keep your boots clean that you dry the shoes after rinsing. Even if the boots are waterproof, it’s a good idea to dry them with a towel or cloth. Never let your boots or shoes dry by putting them in the sun or the dryer—or else they can become damaged, get cracked over time, and become faded. Drying your boots by hand is always the best route to take.

Watching the soles fall off your favorite pair of shoes can be frustrating. To prevent sole separation, you can do a few things to protect the soles of your shoes. The first step to learning how to prevent sole separation is understanding why it occurs.

1. High Temperatures

If you store your shoes in an area with a high temperature, this may cause sole separation. High temperatures weaken the glues and adhesives that attach the sole to the shoe. If possible, store them in an area that is room temperature or below.

2. Wrong Size

With time, your feet can change size and shape. To prevent sole separation, you need to know how work boots should fit. Many people make the mistake of measuring their feet once or twice in their lifetime and assuming their shoe size will remain the same forever. An incorrect width or length puts extra pressure on certain parts of the sole, eventually tearing it away from the shoe.

3. No Usage Over Time

If you have a pair of tactical performance boots that sit in your closet for many years, = you should probably check the soles. Over time, the sole and shoe material can weaken and collapse. It’s best to buy a new pair of boots or shoes if this situation occurs.

4. Incorrect Activity

Footwear companies design their shoes for specific activities. These can include things like running, hiking, sports, and more. One of the most important parts of understanding why sole separation occurs is learning about and using the right shoes for your activity. For example, using hiking shoes to run track and field activities will damage the shoes quickly and cause sole separation.

5. Machine Washing and Drying

While washing machines are very useful, they aren’t the best for cleaning your shoes. If you put your boots in the washing machine, it separates the soles from the rest of the components, and the dryer can shrink the shoes and damage the soles. If you can, avoid putting them in the washer and dryer altogether.

With this information, you now have a solid understanding of why the soles separate from your shoes. For your next pair of outdoor or urban boots, remember to visit ALTAI® for a great selection.

Summer is here, which means the warm weather is about to begin. One thing you probably want to avoid is sweaty feet. Here is a short list of breathable material for shoes to help keep your feet cool and dry.

Cotton

Some of the most breathable shoes are made of cotton. Cotton is lightweight, cleans easily, and is very breathable. Unfortunately, cotton does absorb a lot of moisture, so it’s not the best if you plan to get your feet wet.

Polyester

Polyester is flexible, soft, and does not easily absorb moisture. If you’re looking for a pair of walking shoes for travel, the ones you choose will likely be made with a textile blend that includes polyester. In fact, polyester can even be stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about ruining them if you spill liquid on them during your trip.

Rayon

Rayon is one of the most popular shoe material types in athletic clothing items because of its shoe breathability. Sometimes, it can be mistaken for silk. It was the first man-made fibre. It’s a soft, breathable, lightweight material that tends to mimic silk or cotton. Unfortunately, rayon by itself is rather weak, so it’s always blended with cotton or a stronger textile.

Lycra

You may not have heard of lycra because it’s usually referred to by its more common name: spandex. Strong, extremely flexible, and lightweight, it’s easy to see why spandex is used in clothing and shoes. The bindings and linings of a shoe are usually made out of lycra.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene fabric is not very famous, but it’s a great breathable material for shoes. It’s made from plastic, but it turns into a wonderful textile. Polypropylene is breathable, lightweight, flexible, non-irritating, and even non-combustible.

These are the most common materials used in the shoe-making process. Here at ALTAI®, we make our traveling shoes with our own blend of materials called SuperFabric®, which is lightweight, waterproof, flexible, and even stain-resistant. Before your next vacation or adventure, take a look at our online store for travel shoes that are both comfortable and stylish.

Hiking is a fun way to explore nature and take a break from civilization. Here are some of the items you should pack for a great hiking experience.

As far as boots go, some of the most well-known styles are work, winter, snow, rain, steel-toed, and tactical. There are differences associated with each type that caters to the needs of the wearer. Whether the objective is to protect the feet from heavy objects, slips, or becoming cold or wet, each serves a purpose. To understand what makes a boot a tactical boot, you’ll need to become aware of the need for such a piece of footwear.

When Are They Used?

Tactical boots are used in a variety of professions. They help the wearer maintain safety while offering agility and comfort. They are a heavy-duty shoe that outperforms many other boot types, especially in serious situations. A few occupations that use these boots include:

• Law enforcement officers
• Soldiers
• Security workers
• Public safety workers

What Qualities Do They Offer?

These boots are built to withstand many circumstances and offer support for heavy-duty work. However, they have a lightweight sole that provides traction, grip, flexibility, and easy movement without weighing the feet down. They allow the wearer to respond to a variety of potentially dire situations in a sprightly and responsive manner.

What Is the Makeup of the Boot?

Lightweight duty boots don’t sacrifice safety or support to allow movement. The breathable material used to create Altai’s tactical boot is abrasion and scuff-resistant. The boots have eight inches of height in waterproof support for the leg and ankle to help keep the feet dry and ensure stability between the leg and foot. You have the option for quick removal and wear through the side zipper feature. These boots are designed to remain tight and secure, uphold a professional look, and support you at your most crucial moments.

What Are They Similar To?

There are many similarities between a hiking and tactical boot. The difference is that the tactical boot is designed specifically for long-term use with particular properties that offer an added layer of safety for the wearer in high-pressure situations. Tactical boots can be worn during hiking adventures and are a safe option that allows you to respond to any given situation that may arise. Hiking boots cannot double as tactical gear.

When making choices about footwear that can help protect you in any situation, consider tactical boots. In understanding what makes a boot a tactical boot, you’ll better comprehend the need for such a piece of gear. Consider the activities and work you engage in and determine how this type of boot can be advantageous in your life.

There are many reasons you might experience pain and irritation from your chosen footwear. Identifying the catalyst for your issues will allow you to make the necessary adjustments and get the most out of your shoes so that you can be as active as you want without worrying about discomfort. Explore the reasons your shoes are actually hurting you to help you make smart decisions about your footgear.

Foot Measurements

When we enter adulthood, we resign ourselves to the fact that we are done growing. Though that may be true for our height, other parts of our bodies continue to grow and change over time. With age, feet can widen or stretch with weight changes, loosening ligaments, pregnancy, and even gravity. Moreover, several foot conditions can cause the need for a larger shoe size, such as bunions, hammertoes, or swelling joints.

Arch Support

Feet are generally high-arched or low-arched, and whichever type you have could mean considerably different needs from a pair of shoes. Those with high arches need a shoe that can support them. Others have arches so low that some might refer to them as flat-footed. Everything starts at your feet. Unsupported arches will affect your knees, legs, and back.

Your Activity

We know that there are different types of shoes for different types of activities; however, we sometimes use the wrong shoe for the wrong adventure. There are running shoes, tennis shoes, rock climbing shoes, tactical hiking boots, and many more specified styles to meet an activity’s needs.

Selecting Process

The process of selecting a particular shoe to perform certain tasks, such as running, climbing, hiking, or walking, is crucial. Many people make shoe purchases based on appearance alone. They think a pair looks cool or eye-catching, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the shoe is a good “fit.” Pay attention to a shoe’s labeling in the store or online—though it may seem like a way of getting you to purchase several types of shoes, there’s something to this type of branding. Match the footwear to the activities.

Breaking In

Shoes and boots made of leather or multiple materials may stretch over time, so you’ll need to break them in before their true fit and feel take form. As you wear your footwear to break it in, make sure you do so slowly. Don’t enroll in a whole day of activities as a means of accomplishing this. Wear them for a little bit at a time to allow them to loosen naturally without killing your feet.

Barefoot Time

If you love to spend as much time as possible barefoot, your feet may experience more pain over time. Especially when you walk on flat, hard surfaces frequently, you may find that your feet are under more stress. Padding and shaping in shoes not only help support, but they also provide cushioning to distribute your weight more evenly. Whether you feel the pain or not when you are barefoot, pain inside your shoes could result from that.

There are many reasons your shoes are actually hurting you. Altai works to ensure that our boots provide support and comfort that allows you to wear them for extended lengths of time. Think about the most comfortable footwear you own and evaluate its characteristics to determine what your feet need.

Whether you’re faced with puddles, flooding, or the danger of frostbite, boots with water-resistant properties will contribute largely to the safety and health of your feet. In hiking, extensive walking, high precipitation, and low-temperature conditions, wet feet are susceptible to blistering and freezing. Dry, warm feet can quickly become a necessity—especially when tasked with an important job or while out in the wilderness—as they ensure your ability to walk comfortably. Purchasing waterproof boots is a viable and valuable option, but if you would like to keep your feet dry in other footwear, consider some tips for how to waterproof your boots.

Homemade Waterproofing

There are several ways to waterproof your boots. If you are interested in taking a natural route of creating a waterproof barrier between your boots and the elements, you’ll need to acquire a few things, including petroleum jelly and beeswax. By melting down eight ounces of petroleum jelly and two ounces of beeswax, you can create a mixture that will produce a waterproof barrier.

Consider adding a tablespoon of citrus-scented essential oil to ward off insects. After letting the mixture cool slightly into a cream-like consistency, use a scrub brush to coat your boots, paying special attention to the seams. Finish by using a larger brush to further work in your concoction and let the boots sit for twenty-four hours to saturate the leather. Finally, wipe away the excess mixture. Add additional coats as needed.

Product Waterproofing

There are several products on the market that help with waterproofing boots. Some are intended for this task, while others possess this property because they are intended for multiple purposes. Evaluate what you need from a specific product and look at the specifications listed.

There are water-displacing sprays, stain and water repellents, fabric shields, and universal protectors. The product you choose will depend partly on the material of your boots and partly on how wet you think they will get. Some waterproofing products will wick away light moisture, while others will offer more protection. The instructions for each should be listed on the product label.

Waterproof Boots

Though there are several viable options to help keep your feet dry through a given adventure, there is a difference between being water-resistant and being truly waterproof. When braving the elements, there are many independent variables, so having boots that will support every step you take is essential.

Consider Altai’s waterproof outdoor boots. These boots offer the comfort of a tennis shoe and the durability to last through a long outdoor trek. They are lightweight, provide support for your ankle and lower leg, and have a side zipper for quick removal. Having a product that provides the waterproof qualities you need without the guesswork will leave your time open for other things.

With these tips for how to waterproof your boots and options to cut out the middleman, you have some decisions to make. We understand the importance of reliable footwear during the most exerting activities and want to help you worry less and enjoy more. The benefits of keeping your feet dry go beyond comfort and, in many cases, determine your level of safety.

When you look for a new pair of boots, there are many things to consider. What do you anticipate doing while wearing these boots? If you plan on working outside in various conditions, you probably want waterproof boots. Waterproof boots are a great option for anyone that anticipates working in the elements. If you’re wondering what waterproof boots are made of, keep reading.

Waterproof Boot Construction

Waterproof boots are made from many different materials. If boots aren’t labeled as “waterproof” it’s safe to assume that they aren’t. Waterproof boots typically consist of rubber, polyurethane, or neoprene. They’re a great option if you anticipate your feet being fully submerged in water. It’s important that your feet remain dry throughout the day, which is why many people prefer waterproof boots.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Boots

When discussing what waterproof boots are made of, it’s important to distinguish the difference between waterproof and water-resistant boots. Although both types of boots can keep your feet dry, waterproof is the ideal option. Water-resistant boots can withstand a small among of water, but waterproof boots are ideal if your feet are fully submerged.

What Makes Altai® Different

Although there are many options for waterproof boots, there’s nothing like Altai® boots. Many other brands haven’t mastered the ability to make boots waterproof and breathable. Most options restrict airflow, making them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Altai® boots are made with SuperFabric® material, so they’re durable and breathable. They are also super lightweight, so you can wear them comfortably all day. The SuperFabric® material is also scuff-resistant. This means you can wear them every day and they’ll remain in good condition.

If you’re looking to buy waterproof boots online, consider Altai® boots. We have many styles and colors to choose from depending on your preference. Whether you need them for work or play, you’re sure to love our boots. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, as we’re happy to help.