In order to maintain a high level of performance, many police officers and tactical professionals aspire to be light and quick on their feet. That’s where Under Armour tactical gear comes in. For more than 10 years, Under Armour has pushed the envelope by developing innovative technologies. It strives to keep elite operators cooler or warmer, lighter and drier, and more comfortable so they are able to perform at their peak, day after day.

“We set out to secure a partnership with Under Armour because they build the kind of gear our customers crave—highly technical, efficient, functional with a high level of design,” said Andrew Hoefener, COO of TacticalGear.com. “We are proud to include such a groundbreaking brand as part of our lineup.”

Drawing from its experience as an athletic footwear manufacturer, Under Armour has outfitted its duty line with advanced comfort and innovative technologies. Its footwear boasts traits such as lightweight EVA cushioning and athletic-inspired outsoles to ensure a better fit for on-duty action.

The Under Armour Valsetz, one of its most popular tactical footwear offerings, was designed specifically to increase speed. Engineered to be both lightweight and comfortable, the boots feature Armourbound and Armourlastic EVA foam to provide extra cushioning. With a fit more similar to running shoes than duty boots, it carries aggressive tread to keep wearers surefooted and ready for action. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the Valsetz comes in a variety of styles to fit individual preferences—such as low, mid and tall variations.

The Tactical Zip boot is another noteworthy Under Armour addition to TacticalGear.com. Its full-grain leather upper can easily be polished, while its ballistic mesh panels deliver breathability. Constructed for swift movements, the anti-friction lining prevents blister-causing hotspots. The traction rubber outsole can grip slick surfaces and discourages the caking of mud and debris. A push-through protection plate keeps feet safe from hazards.

TacticalGear.com now carries the bulk of Under Armour’s tactical footwear line and will be adding its apparel line to the online store in the coming months.

About TacticalGear.com

Launched in 2004, TacticalGear.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in Chesterfield, Mo. The online superstore was designed from the ground up to serve members of the tactical community and offers a wide selection of apparel, footwear and gear.

Starting today, customers can make a charitable donation to American Hiking Society while making a purchase at HikingBoots.com. The option to donate is available during the checkout process. Customers can choose from a range of dollar amounts as an add-on to their purchase, with proceeds going directly to American Hiking Society.

“We are very happy to establish this great new partnership with HikingBoots.com,” said Gregory Miller, President of American Hiking Society. “By providing an easy way for their customers to help protect trails and the hiking experience, the folks at HikingBoots.com have demonstrated their understanding of how important it is to protect the special places where we all love to hike, bike, camp, canoe and fish.”

As a previous donor to American Hiking Society, the team at HikingBoots.com is well aware of the organization’s dedication to policy and advocacy issues supporting national trails.

“We couldn’t think of a better organization to form an alliance with than American Hiking Society,” said Chad Weinman, CEO of HikingBoots.com. “They are the true champions of the trail and have really led the way on a number of conservation issues.”

Created by conservationists passionate about trail preservation in 1976, American Hiking Society’s mission continues to be promoting and protecting foot trails and the hiking experience. The organization is responsible for creating National Trails Day®, an annual day of education, stewardship and celebration that attracts more than 150,000 participants and takes place across all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

About HikingBoots.com

HikingBoots.com is an online specialty hiking store based in Chesterfield, Mo. Founded in 2004, the superstore provides a wide selection of technical footwear for explorers from top brands like Columbia, Merrell and Timberland. From light hiking to backpacking, HikingBoots.com tracks the latest trends in footwear and delivers them right to your doorstep.

The glossary was created to be utilized as a resource to help clarify and define terminology not part of the standard American English nomenclature. It contains highly specialized phrases and slang terms not found in the average dictionary. It includes terms that describe the special features, fabrics or materials found in tactical gear and apparel. Not sure what MOLLE is? There is an entry that explains the system. Can’t remember the name of the newest camouflage? It lists the latest variations of camouflage patterns. Helpful for even tactical experts, it takes the guesswork out of purchasing gear online and explains the exact product features.

It also incorporates the common words used by tactical industry experts, gun enthusiasts and those employed in the public safety arena, such as elite operators, law officers, SWAT teams or security professionals.TacticalGear.com added a number of phrases and field terminology that experts use in their daily operations. In fact, the store called upon outside experts for their go-to lingo, and they replied with a number of suggestions.

For example, the word standardize is defined as “to bring into conformity with a standard” in the dictionary. That same word in the Tactical Glossary has a more specific definition: “To organize your gear in a fashion that ensures it’s always in the same place. This is especially helpful during high-pressure missions or situations.” The glossary outlines nuances unfamiliar to newbies and potentially even some veterans in the field.

TacticalGear.com invites experts and novices alike to scope out the Tactical Glossary. For those who would like to make a glossary suggestion, they are encouraged to comment on the glossary page or leave feedback on its Facebook page.

About TacticalGear.com

Launched in 2004, TacticalGear.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in Chesterfield, Mo. The online superstore was designed from the ground up to serve members of the tactical community and offers a wide selection of apparel, footwear and gear.

The shoe up for grabs is the most luxurious in Mizuno’s neutral family, the Wave Enigma 2. Known for being lightweight and extremely comfortable, the shoe features a 12 mm heel-to-toe drop. Created for daily training, the Wave Enigma 2 has a full-length wave plate to generate a smoother ride with every step. The AP+ midsole technology offers a more bouncy, responsive feeling. The latest iteration is lighter and more flexible than ever.

In order to enter, contestants are asked to answer the question: “Who’s your running valentine?” This certain someone can be anyone special—a husband, a mother, a best friend—a person who brings joy and color into the world. Entrants can share their story about their running valentine, gain some good vibes, and potentially pick up free Mizuno shoes.

To officially enter the Mizuno Valentine’s Day contest, contestants can answer the question at Running Shoes News in the comments section. The winner will be selected by the staff of RunningShoes.com and announced Feb. 15, 2013. The winner and his or her valentine will receive two pairs of Wave Enigma 2. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

About RunningShoes.com

Founded in 1996, RunningShoes.com is an online specialty running store based in Chesterfield, Mo. The superstore provides a wide selection of specialty footwear for athletes from top brands like Brooks, New Balance and Pearl Izumi. From barefoot running to trail running, RunningShoes.com tracks the latest trends in footwear and delivers them right to your doorstep.

Yet it’s not just novices crowding the starting lines. More Americans than ever are challenging themselves with longer distance races such as a half marathon or full marathon. Training to run a continuous 26.2 miles—the length of a marathon—is no longer being categorized as an extreme sport. According to a report from Running USA, a nonprofit organization that promotes the running industry, the number of people who complete a marathon is up 47 percent since 2000. Marathons are now held in most major cities and can often turn into sell-out events.

Online retailer RunningShoes.com has unveiled an infographic that showcases this upswing in the number of runners and running events. “The Running Boom” infographic illustrates research from Running USA among other sources with data on race participation dating back to 1976. The numbers show a steady growth of marathon finishers with the biggest jump in 2009.

“Running is an incredibly contagious activity,” said Chad Weinman, CEO of RunningShoes.com. “We’ve seen evidence of this within our own staff. Someone registers for a 5K, and the next thing you know, everybody else is signing up, too.”

The visual representation of running research can be found on RunningShoes.com. Readers have been asked to share their opinion on why road races are more popular than ever at RunningShoes.com News or the RunningShoes.com Facebook Page.

About RunningShoes.com

Founded in 1996, RunningShoes.com is an online specialty running store based in Chesterfield, Mo. The superstore provides a wide selection of specialty footwear for athletes from top brands like Asics, Mizuno and Saucony. From barefoot running to trail running, RunningShoes.com tracks the latest trends in footwear and delivers them right to your doorstep.

The increase in space is a response to a rapid growth in both sales and staff during the past two years. The company reached maximum capacity at its previous space in early 2012. With the extra space, Cat5 plans to provide faster shipping times and an expanded variety of products for its 10 online stores.

“This expansion is a culmination of a lot of hard work from a dedicated team,” said Chad Weinman, CEO of Cat5 Commerce. “The result is a world class online shopping experience that focuses on serving our customers in the best possible way.”

With 40 employees currently, the privately-held company has nearly doubled in size every year since its inception in 2004. Cat5 previously expanded in 2008, when it moved into its current space on Edison Avenue. Since that time, it has launched several online storefronts including TacticalGear.com and made the acquisition of RunningShoes.com.

“We were fortunate to experience growth even during the downturn,” Weinman said. “We have no plans to slow down anytime soon.”

About Cat5 Commerce

Founded in 2004, Cat5 Commerce develops and operates niche online retail destinations from its base in Chesterfield, Mo. With ten online storefronts, its best-known retail properties include TacticalGear.com, RunningShoes.com and WorkBoots.com.

The guide reviews all the essentials needed to survive a disaster. It includes options for food, water, shelter, protection, tools and clothing. All of these categories are covered at TacticalGear.com, a proud supplier of survival gear necessary to riding out the apocalypse.

Food and water is infinitely important in the any person’s survival. Luckily, both can be met by gear found on the store’s website. Name brand hydration packs and ready-to-eat meals are important essentials that all apocalyptic preppers have in their collection. Hydration packs are ideal because it stores a water supply and provide space for additional tactical gear. The Camelbak Motherlode ($201.15) is a popular choice due to its leak-proof cap and plentiful stowage compartments.

There won’t be any settling down in this Mad Max-looking landscape. This nomadic lifestyle would necessitate a lightweight, durable bedding option. That is why a sleeping bag like the 5ive Star Gear Snugpak Sleeper Lite ($79.99) is the choice to meet shelter needs. Prevent hypothermia, chattering teeth and the bitter chill of desert nights.

Don’t forget the tools! While it might seem like an obvious suggestion, some might forget the importance of a pocket knife and a flashlight. Whether a knife is needed to cut a piece of rope or open an MRE, its applications are endless. The post-apocalyptic world will most likely not be a bright, well-lit environment. A compact flashlight, such as the Streamlight Polytac LED Tactical ($34.99), will be a good addition to that bug-out bag.

For the full recommendation rundown, please read Apocalypse 2012: 6 Ways to Gear Up for the Fallout. TacticalGear.com “highly recommends” investing in 2-Day Shipping for purchases to arrive just in the nick of time. On the bright side if the world does come to an end, those credit card bills won’t have to be paid off. There is always a silver lining.

About TacticalGear.com

Launched in 2004, TacticalGear.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in Chesterfield, Mo. The online superstore was designed from the ground up to serve members of the tactical community and offers a wide selection of apparel, footwear and gear.

Coined “pink collar,” these jobs are typically service-oriented positions occupied by at least 70 percent women. Over the past decade, the number of men entering these fields has doubled. One example from the analysis of these growing professions for men is the dental hygienist field, which has grown in male participation by nearly 200 percent.

The retailer WorkBoots.com recently released the “Men in Pink Collar” infographic, which outlines how this trend has taken the pink collar industry by storm. As supporters of all types of occupations, the work boots superstore wanted to bring awareness to this interesting trend.

“When we came across this information, we thought it was worth spending time highlighting,” said WorkBoots.com CEO Chad Weinman. “We hope it encourages both men and women to consider viable career paths in unexpected fields.”

This infographic can be viewed in its entirety on WorkBoots.com for a visual representation of the data. Readers are encouraged to share their views on this unexpected trend.

About WorkBoots.com

Founded in 2004, WorkBoots.com is a customer service-focused Internet retailer based in Chesterfield, Mo. Serving hard-working professionals, the online superstore provides a wide selection of high-quality work boots and delivers them right to your doorstep. Top brands include Timberland PRO, Cat Footwear, Georgia Boot and Wolverine.

Known commonly as the AT, the Appalachian Trail at 2,180 miles is the longest hiking-only footpath on the planet. It was completed in 1937 after 15 years of intense labor. Seventy-five years later, the trail that spans from Georgia to Maine is a much different place. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservatory, about 99 percent of the trail has been relocated and rebuilt.

To pay homage to the trail, HikingBoots.com collected 75 Reasons to Hike the AT. These reasons run the gamut and include everything from the best shelter facilities to the best place to grab a plate of fries. Some of the top highlights include the Hundred-Mile Wilderness, a portion of the AT that contains no roads for 99.7 miles, and McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the trail.

“We hope this list inspires more hikers to explore even just a section of the Appalachian Trail,” said Chad Weinman, CEO of HikingBoots.com. “We also want to give those who have hiked it the opportunity to reminisce and share their favorite spots on the trail.”

To accompany the list, HikingBoots.com created an Appalachian Trail infographic to help hikers visualize the trail with some key points. Readers are encouraged to share their reasons to hike the AT at HikingBoots.com News or on HikingBoots.com’s Facebook Page.

About HikingBoots.com

HikingBoots.com is an online specialty hiking store based in Chesterfield, Mo. Founded in 2004, the superstore provides a wide selection of technical footwear for explorers from top brands like Columbia, Merrell and Timberland. From light hiking to backpacking, HikingBoots.com tracks the latest trends in footwear and delivers them right to your doorstep.

There’s no better time to sit back and reflect on the year’s blessings, and HuntingBoots.com wants to hear what you have to be thankful for. That’s where the Give Thanks With Muck! contest comes in. Are you thankful for the chance to head out in the woods and do some hunting? Thankful for a supportive family? Whatever it may be, share it with the hunting community. The superstore will reward that good karma by delivering a collection of Muck hunting boots to one winner.

What does the ultimate fall footwear collection entail? The winner will receive a Muck Woody Max and Muck Arctic Pro Camo—boots that are ready to hit the trail throughout every season. The Woody Max uses a Mossy Oak camouflage pattern and thermal foam for stealth warmth, in addition to a flexible and lightweight construction. The Arctic Pro full camo upper packs in tons of insulation, fleece lining and support and a rugged outsole for maximum traction on icy terrain. The complete prize package has a total retail value of $394.90.

So, for those seeking some new boots for the new year, look no further. Hunters can enter the Give Thanks With Muck! contest by submitting their thankful thoughts on the HuntingBoots.com Facebook page. Entries will be judged backed on sentiment and best representation of the contest theme. The staff of HuntingBoots.com will select and announce a winner on November 29, 2012. This contest is open to U.S. residents only.

About HuntingBoots.com

Serving both hardcore and recreational hunters, this online superstore provides a wide selection of high-quality hunting boots and delivers them right to your doorstep. Visit HuntingBoots.com to shop top brands like Danner, Irish Setter, Rocky and Wolverine.