Hiking Boots - ALTAI® Footwear

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: 3 Simple Tips On How To Prevent Hiking Injuries

altaidev on October 10, 2018

Prevention is the first step to enjoying long hiking excursions injury free. And while we build our boots to be incredibly lightweight and no break-in period to help, here are a few exercises and stretches to get you even more prepped and keep you trekking comfortably.

Ankle Strengthening

Heel raises are an easy way to strengthen your ankles. Using a chair, or similar sturdy object, for balance, slowly raise one heel up, standing on your tiptoes, then slowly lower the heel to the ground. Repeat for each leg 10 times and try to do a set at least a few times throughout the day.

Taping

With quality athletic tape, you can add extra support; especially for those with previous injuries that may hinder full stability while on the trail. Some basic taping techniques can be found here or speak to a physician about what would be a suitable application for you.

Calf Stretches

Facing a wall, place both hands on the wall and bring one foot backwards 6 inches, knee bent, then slowly bring the heel down to the ground. You should feel a pull all along the lower and upper calf. This is also a recommended stretch for post-hiking or related activities.

Happy Trails from ALTAI™: On-The-Go Lacing Techniques for Happy Feet

altaidev on September 27, 2018

Specific lacing techniques can help alleviate discomfort, especially when putting in those miles on the trail. And while we build our boots super lightweight with no break-in period, here are some techniques that may help with situations while you’re on-the-go.

Lacing For Top-of-Foot Relief

Window lacing can help relieve pressure on the top of your foot, should the need arise on the trail. Simply undo your standard lacing down to where you feel discomfort on the top of your foot. Then bring each lace directly above (not across) to the next available eyelets. Continue normal lacing (or other preferred method) the rest of the way up the boot.

Lacing To Prevent Heel-Slip

Heel-slipping can make life miserable on your feet and is usually a result of too much excess space in the front interior of the boot. While we would highly recommend considering a different size for a better fit, this lacing technique will help in a pinch when you’re already deep into your long-haul adventure. (If your ALTAI™ boots don’t fit quite right when they arrive, we have a fair return policy to get you the exact fit you need.)

Undo your standard lacing down to where the top of your foot meets your ankles. Determine which two sets of eyelets match up with this spot and cross the laces over, like usual, but wrap each lace around the other twice before securing the tension with the next set of eyelets.

ALTAI™ Pro Tip: How To Choose the Right Combat Boot

altaidev on June 22, 2018

How to choose the right combat boot: the choices seem endless. There are a number of factors when considering the right combat boot for your needs. Here we address environmental obstacles we keep in mind when designing every pair of ALTAI™ boot. No matter the brand of boot you choose, here are some challenges to consider when choosing your next pair of combat boots and keep you performing at your best.

Jungle Environments:

Seek out truly WATERPROOF boots. While a wide variety of types of jungles exist, one thing they all pose as a challenge for troops on foot is water or moisture. Whether it be thick, heavy mud or hours on end ankle deep in water, the right combat boot has features to help avoid these exhausting obstacles. You can see for yourself how compelling completely waterproof boots can be a big step up by watching our boots in action.

Desert Environments:

Consider BREATHABILITY. It is clear that in desert environments, soldiers are feeling the heat; and not just from combat. Extreme temperatures have posed challenges in places like Iraq and Afghanistan so it is crucial that the right combat boot for desert environments offers a “cool” solution in footwear.

Cold Environments:

WATERPROOF combined with BREATHABILTY mean less heaviness or thickness to keep warm. Since feet naturally produce moisture, cold environments can be trickier than just throwing on an extra pair of socks. Wet, moist feet are nearly impossible to keep warm; they must be dry to avoid losing heat quickly. For this kind of environment, breathability and waterproofness are a key combination of features that help prevent unnecessary loss of heat due to dampness.

For more detailed advice on how to choose the right ALTAI™ boot for you, please contact us!

23 Ways Hiking Makes You Healthier

altaidev on May 2, 2018

Hiking is one of the unique ways in which you can explore or get to know about a new place. It is also the best way to stay healthy and the one which does not include any kind of whiskey bar clash with the bikers. Besides the crowded city environment, hiking will help you to engage the entire senses. Once you are into hiking, the internal monologue inside you will go away and you will start noticing your environments.

There are several studies which proved that being close to nature will help to relieve your stress levels, thus lowering the incidences of depression. Hiking not just improves your day-to-day positive feelings but also helps in offering a non-pharmacological approach to certain strong conditions such as depression and anxiety. Apart from all these, hiking will help to give or create your own space. It helps a lot in balancing the mental as well as emotional factors which you will be facing in your personal and work life.

On the other hand, if you are hiking with someone important to you, then you can be with them in a deeper level and it would be supportive to your partner or sibling or friend or any human you are with. In short, hiking provides you with much mental pleasure along with enjoying being in the Mother Nature, breathing the cool and fresh air out there.

You can check out the below mentioned 23 health benefits of hiking. Find more detailed benefits of hiking from https://www.riderstrail.com/

ALTAI™ Outperformance Test™ – Do You Have What It Takes?

altaidev on January 30, 2018

David REAPER Justin – Shoot U Soon Radio

Here at ALTAI™, we never settle and neither should you. We constantly strive to build a better boot, with YOUR needs in mind. No excessive bells and whistles you don’t need; we listen to your feedback and our designers take direction from exactly what YOU need in a boot.

This is why we work closely with a wide variety of professionals and experts to put our boots through harsh, real world conditions. From law enforcement professionals, to bushcraft experts, to paintball assassins, we take their input and constantly strive to meet their demanding needs and we pass that performance onto you in all of our boots.

With every pair of ALTAI™ boots, you can be sure: whether you’re hiking towering peaks or chasing down bad guys in the urban jungle, we made sure your footwear will help you complete your mission. So, if you think you have what it takes to give us the most extreme, real life conditions and are committed to customer-based improvements, get in touch with us. Share with us how you are Born To Outperform™ and what matters to you in a durable boot.

ALTAI™ – #2ForTheBlue and The Season of Giving

altaidev on December 22, 2017

Since ’tis the season to give back, we have decided to combine our current holiday sale (10% off all boots) with our 2ForTheBlue program (for a limited time). The #2ForTheBlue program gives 2% of purchases directly to a nation-wide effort to support our men and women of Law Enforcement – known as “I DONUT need a reason to thank a cop.”

All this month, use discount code “2ForTheBlue” and not only will YOU get an additional 20% off your purchase, a donation will be made to “I DONUT need a reason to thank a cop” automatically. So give back while holiday shopping, and let’s all get in the holiday spirit!

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ALTAI™ Fall Hiking Tips: 5 Important Things To Remember

altaidev on September 22, 2017

It’s officially fall and we know you adventurous types will be gearing up, embrace the cool autumn air, and venture out for an awe-inspiring journey. But like most things, staying up-to-date on best practices are always a good idea. When it comes to hiking, even more so; it can mean saving your life.

Here are 5 Simple Tips for making sure your fall adventures are filled with unforgettable memories and not unshakable tragedies.

Always check plan out the entire journey. This means checking weather conditions where you plan to hike, including road conditions which can vary in remote sites. Seasonal changes occur quickly so be sure to check these conditions daily.
Pack a blaze orange hat or jacket if you plan to explore near hunting areas. Be sure to have some for your four-legged companions as well.
Bring layers! While during some points of your hike you may warm up and lose a layer, you’ll want warm layers around when temperatures suddenly drop or if you hike longer into the evening.
Think carefully about your footwear and socks. Consider steepness, elevation increase, and weather conditions. Will you be crossing a small stream? Climbing a few log jams? Be sure to know what obstacles lay ahead of you to inform you on the right footwear/sock combinations.
Pack as if you need to spend a night in the woods. The essentials should include flashlight with working batteries, food, water, and a fire starting mechanism.

Introducing: the All New MFH200-Z

altaidev on September 19, 2017

A new season has arrived and we have all new styles to tackle whatever obstacles you face this fall. Whether you’re finishing up the last touches on that remodel, sneaking in those last minute yard projects, or simply extending your summer adventures into fall, any of these styles got you covered.

Side-zip models in both 6″ and 8″ versions are perfect for anyone who needs an exact fit, fast. Our quick lace models are also ideal for those who prefer to fine tune their gear each time they gear up.

Available now at our online store.

The ALTAI™ Experience: Stay Light on Your Feet. Anytime. Anywhere.

altaidev on July 25, 2017

From law enforcement professional to outdoor enthusiast… in one pair of boots.

We have a belief at ALTAI™ that law enforcement officers are some of the hardest working people in the world; not to mention, their feet. From chasing criminals to walking long nights on patrol, these men and women have to think fast on their feet and have the footwear to match.

Light weight is a top priority when 10k steps a day is a walk in the park for you. Every step matters so our original design was inspired to keep hard working feet going all day long. A boot that feels like they’re hardly there means moving with less added effort, increasing potential of long-term injury, common with lugging around in heavy boots.

On average, our boots are approximately 5 ounces lighter than the average tactical boot. Anything heavier can really add up over any amount of long distance. With that in mind, if you’re the grueling hiker, you will benefit in the same way law enforcement professionals do with the MFT100. Let’s face it, you probably already have gear weighing you down on the trail so anywhere you can cut weight is a huge benefit to your overall experience.

If you’re into gear that’s just as multi-functional as you are, it’s time to upgrade to the ALTAI™ Experience; one boot to do it all.

Learn more about the ALTAI™ MFT100.

ALTAI™ Gear Junkie Giveaway Winners Announced!

altaidev on July 22, 2017

A big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who participated in our Gear Junkie #GiveTheBoot #GetTheBoot Giveaway! We had such a great time reading through why you think your friends could use a pair of ALTAI™ boots; we definitely have some rugged fans out there.

Now for the best part: announcing our winners! If you’ve entered our Gear Junkie giveaway, be on the look-out for a direct message from the ALTAI™ team on your Facebook. If you are a winner, you will receive a direct message from us that you’ve been selected for a free pair of boots! Follow the instructions in your message from the ALTAI™ team and you’re on your way to your free set of boots for you and a friend.

In case you missed the fun, here are all the contest comments and submissions on Gear Junkie’s Facebook post.