best hiking boots - ALTAI® Footwear

ALTAI™ Spotlight: The History of the Hiking Boot

altaidev on June 26, 2018

Definition – hike,verb; walk for a long distance, especially across country or in the woods.

Since the moments humans first walked the earth, you can be we were doing just that: walking. Walking upright, on two feet, gave us survival advantages in environments like the forest and grasslands. Two free hands and a unique, elevated view, allowed opportunities for new kinds of exploration, small and large. The first footwear were intended for, what we are familiar with, hikes; across deserts, plains, rocky mountains, and more. An early resemblance of a shoe of this kind was discovered and thought by experts to be around 5,000 years old.

This boot was thought to be issued by the Italian Army during World War I; designed with a leg splint for common injuries that occur in harsh, alpine terrain.

But it isn’t until the early 20th century that we begin to see boots that more closely represent what we are familiar with when it comes to hiking boots. With more free time to enjoy the outdoors for leisure, rather than purely travel or work, footwear designed for hiking quickly burgeoned into an industry that was here to stay. In the early hiking boot days, almost the entire boot, uppers and even the sole, were made out of leather. We’ve certainly made some pretty big leaps and bounds in hiking footwear since then!

The outsole is the next biggest leap in the hiking boot evolution. Boots with rubber outsoles were now easier to make, repair, and boots lasted longer. However, the outsoles really hit their time to shine when Vibram® arrives on the scene. A new universe of possibilities for boots opened up, offering outdoor experts and enthusiasts footwear for specific environments and conditions. All our boots use a Vibram® outsole for a boot to conquer a variety of terrain, working conditions, and all with extreme lightness.

The next huge step in outdoor boot evolution (and another one all our boots are a part of!) is SuperFabric® uppers. Leather, suede, nylon uppers have traditionally been used in hiking footwear. But now, SuperFabric® offers an ‘amored’ yet flexible and breathable solution; and it’s in every pair of ALTAI™ boots. Easily deflects scrapes from rocks or sharp edges, maintains its “out of the box” look longer, breathes, and waterproof; it is clear why we chose to be at the forefront of this boot evolution.

For more information on our boots, check them out on our online store.

Inside ALTAI™: Why Vibram® Puts the ‘Soul’ in our Soles

altaidev on May 8, 2018

There is little doubt that a quality, rugged boot must have a top performing outsole. Whether you are trudging through dense forest or chasing criminals in the concrete jungle, the outsole is one of the first components in your footwear that will attest to its worthiness.

This is why we use Vibram® outsoles in all of our boots. From hunting to law enforcement, professionals who demand extreme durability and performance, we trust the best in the industry to conquer a wide variety of terrain and conditions. Our hiking/trekking focused Vibram® outsole is designed to keep you light on your feet; anti-clogging lugs reduces mud, dirty, and debris from weighing your boots down.

The vulcanized rubber that Vibram® offers have extreme traction for wet, messy environments. Originally invented to vastly improve footing for mountain climbers, Vibram® remains the most used sole in the industry. Over the years, Vibram® soles have evolved and, now, with an impressive variety of outsoles for every condition, we are proud to partner with a component that always strives for absolute excellence in outsole performance.

Vibram® best-in-class outsoles are coupled with our custom designed last to provide, not only a durable boot, but a durable boot that fits like a glove. Every boot is designed by a ‘last’ which has been specifically engineered to prevent that nasty ‘break-in period’, common for many, fresh-out-of-the-box boots.

For more information, visit our website and learn about the full features of the ALTAI™ boot line.

ALTAI™ Insight: Winter Camping Tips

altaidev on March 6, 2018

Some of us get ‘cabin fever’ a little easier than others. Snow, ice, and wind won’t stop your appetite for adventure and exploration. While winter camping is an appealing way to escape The Winter Blues, it is also just as important to remember these key tips for an enjoyable, fulfilling adventure.

Check Weather Forecasts

We all know that winter weather can change at the drop of a hat, so don’t forget to check your local weather forecasts before packing up. This way, you won’t be stuck with inadequate apparel, equipment. Even better, you can avoid taking too many things beyond your needs that contribute extra weight and space.

Hot Water Bottles

If your winter camping adventure will include snow, be sure to get your hands on a hot water bottle to stay warm overnight. Melt snow in a pot on your propane stove or over a fire pit at the end of evening and fill your hot water bottle with the hot water. Place it in your sleeping bag and reheat more water to refill when needed! It’s also not a bad idea to have several hot water bottles, so you can strategically place them in all the right areas of your body you will want continued warmth. If there is a lack of snow or water access you can always opt for hand warmers instead.

Pack Down The Snow

Before setting up your tent, pack down the snow where you would like to set it up with your skis, snowshoes, or boots if you must. Creating a firmer surface for your tent ensures you won’t discover a surprise soft spot and avoid risking making a tear in your tent floor. Plus, an even surface is always more pleasant to sleep on!

Bring Extras!

Depending on what elements you will be facing, keep in mind that if you pack a hat, pack a spare. Especially in snowy areas, you may surprise yourself with how soggy these kinds of necessities can get. You’ll want a back up pair of gloves and hat, scarves, socks, and such, so you are not stuck with cold, wet hands and feet!

Get The Proper Sleeping Pad

While you certainly need to be mindful of adequate layers on top for your sleeping arrangement, you will also want to make sure you have a sleeping pad that will keep the cold out from underneath you. If your sleeping pad isn’t keeping you warm enough, you can line the bottom of your sleeping bag with extra clothes (another reason to bring some extras!) to help trap heat from escaping too quickly.

Gauge The Best Location

While every desired campsite will be different, there are some “ideals” to look for to ensure a comfortable, safe outdoor adventure. Try to find a location that has accessible firewood. You can eliminate the need to haul in firewood and it is always nice to know there are more supplies should your own run out. And even though melting snow is a technically fine way to get drinkable water, try finding a campsite near open water. Melting snow takes more fuel and energy than bringing water to a boil.

These little bits of advice are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to perfecting winter adventuring outdoors. As with any adventure, do your research on the area, weather, and it often helps to check conditions with the local ranger station. Enjoy the rest of the season and stay safe out there!

ALTAI™ teams up with UWC Adventures

altaidev on December 13, 2017

When it comes to epic hunting adventures, UWC Adventures is a guaranteed win. If you are a waterfowl hunter or looking to get into hunting birds, these are the folks to turn to. Which is why we are proud to announce that we have teamed up with UWC and are offering up a pair of our boots to be won with purchase of new membership if you sign up before Dec 25th.

For more information, visit UWC Adventures Membership program.

ALTAI™ Giveaway with Gear Junkie: Give the Boot, Get the Boot

altaidev on June 29, 2017

It’s here and our Independence Day Gear Junkie giveaway is underway and we’re giving you and a friend the opportunity to win a pair of our new MFH200 series! Just hop over to Gear Junkie’s Facebook post and follow these instructions:

1) Like this post (also, Like GearJunkie for amazing gear updates!)

2) #GiveTheBoot: tag 3 friends in the comments who could also use a new pair of these boots

3) And that’s it, you’re entered to possibly #GetTheBoot yourself: winners will be announced this 4th of July so stay tuned on our Facebook page!

Contest is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook; by entering you agree to a release of Facebook from liability in connection with this contest.

ALTAI™ Top Picks: Gear Reviewers

altaidev on June 27, 2017

It’s that time of year. You’ve dragged out all your gear from the closet and are inventorying and testing how your gear is holding up. So, if you’re in need of a ton of new gear, here’s our Top Picks for Gear Reviewers, to help you find the best gear for your adventures.

Instinct Survivalist – http://instinctsurvivalist.com/

For the ultimate bushcraft expertise, Instinct Survivalist is a wealth of knowledge beyond your wildest dreams. From reviews on machetes to DIY advice on how to fashion almost any piece of wood into a survival tool, this blog can probably save your life. As far as product reviews, Instinct Survivalist doesn’t hold back. He gets down in the real world, the real wilderness, and pushes every product to its limit. Take a look at his review of our MFT100 boots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaiWuxSNzgY

The Smart Lad – https://thesmartlad.com/

Hands-down, yes, The Smart Lad is your quintessential “geek at heart” when it comes to outdoor gear. Shawn Michaels, a Florida native, took life by the horns at a young age and decided to pursue his dreams: outdoor adventure. For someone who has rejected the “normal office job,” Shawn has developed a keen passion for finding gear that will not disappoint. Check out one of his reviews here: https://thesmartlad.com/hunting-boot/

Geek Prepper – https://geekprepper.com/

Combining the powers of geekery and preparedness, Geek Prepper has thought of everything and the gear needed when self-reliance is a necessity. Besides the knowledge-base of this survival resource, check out how real-world this reviewer’s attitude is when it comes to reviewing outdoor gear:

“If I’m going to review boots, I am going to live in them. I’m going to climb, slip, and stomp around for more than a day or two. When I review any gear, like a boot, I’m not trying to make the supplier happy. I am very clear about that right from the beginning… ALTAI™ didn’t even hesitate.”