rugged boots - ALTAI® Footwear

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™ 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.”

ALTAI™ Toughest Jobs Spotlight: Tree Fallers

altaidev on June 13, 2017

Some of the toughest occupations in the world are not the ones you always expect. Tree fallers, wildlife officers, paramedics, the list goes on… and so do the folks in these types of jobs. Today we spotlight tree fallers and the occupations that demand 110% from its workers and how we strive to improve every single step.

Tree Fallers – Chainsaws, sharp axes, broken branches, rock, and typically, some of the most untamed forests make tree falling an extremely rugged job; not for the faint of heart. While leather is a common material used to fend off these kinds of nasty, sharp objects, we all know how easily leather erodes under long-term, daily abuse. All it takes is one decent scuff and that’s the beginning of the decline of your work boots.

SuperFabric® materials change the game when it comes to long-lasting, durable work boots. With this futuristic level of abrasion and slash resistance, we were able to engineer a better boot, meant to thrive in these kinds of harsh environments.

Are you a tree faller or work in a similar rugged environment? We dare you to take the next step and experience the ALTAI™ Difference.

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).