- Tag: Shoe Guides
What Is the Velcro on the Back of Altra Shoes?
Have you wondered, what is the velcro on the back of Altra shoes? They look like flaps on the back heel of your Altra women’s or men’s trail running shoes. This handy feature is for keeping your gaiters in place while you’re on the trail.
Many Altra models, from the Olympus Family to the Experience Family, are equipped with a hook-and-loop system with a Velcro attachment on the heel that secures your gaiters and protects you on your adventures. This is the Altra Gaiter Trap system.
But wait a second—what are gaiters?
What Are Gaiters?
Gaiters are protective sleeves that attach onto our shoes and wrap up past your ankles. They prevent dirt, rocks, and other debris from getting into your shoes while you’re on the trail.
When gaiters are made with breathable nylon, like Altra Trail Gaiters, they can keep you comfortable, warm, and more secure from itches, scratches, and pesky rocks in your shoes. This goes for whether you are in running or walking shoes.
Gaiters have a variety of attachment methods, from fasteners to bungees and bindings. But the Velcro on the back of Altra shoes is part of a convenient fastening system for trail gaiters.
How to Use Gaiters for Altra Shoes with Velcro on the Back
The GaiterTrap™ System is easy to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Shoes Off, Gaiters On: Slide your gaiters through your feet, then put on your shoes.
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Hook in the Front: Use the tab on your Altra Trail Gaiters to hook into the loop at the bottom of your shoelaces.
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Velcro on Back: Open the Velcro tab on the back of your Altra shoes and press your gaiters into place.
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Hit the Trail: Secure and protected from the elements, you’ll attack the trail with more passion than ever.
How the Gaiter Trap System Protects Your Hikes
Gaiters can keep your runs comfortable on tough terrain. If you’re bushwhacking or hiking through rocky areas, gaiters can help to prevent scratches and cuts on your ankles.
Gaiters prevent rocks from sliding into your shoes and slowing you down. And for dusty, dirty, and muddy conditions, you won’t have dirt forming crusts on your uppers or collecting in your socks and hiking shoes.
And who likes the feeling of numb ankles from ankle-deep snow? With gaiters, you don’t have to expose your raw skin to so much.
Finally, you can stop wondering, “What is the Velcro on the back of Altra shoes?” That little Velcro tab has an important use. Maybe you’ll get some gaiters to Velcro in for your toughest hikes, runs, and races this year to help you Stay Out There™.
