gear - ALTAI® Footwear

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.