Call of the Wild Website

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

When to Replace Old Hiking Boots

Guiding women hiking all over the world, I go through some boots.  If you are like me, once you find a great pair of boots, you don’t want to get ride of them – for anything.  I once worse a pair for 8 years straight, until the pair truly disintegrated on my feet in New Zealand.  With hiking season coming to a close, now is the time to ask, “Do I need to replace my old hiking boots?”  There are a few things to consider when thinking about replacing old boots
1.    Tread – if the tread is worn over most of the sole, it is time to replace the boots.  2 reasons to do this include Cushion and Safety.  If your feet are stomping on the ground with less insulation than previous, it can tire your foot more quickly.  Additionally, little tread on boots reduces there ability to grip the earth and rock, making it much easier to slide all around when you are on the trail.  Note:  Boots can be resoled.  Many boot manufacturers and independent stores offer this service.

2.    Waterproofing – If the waterproofing in the boot is failing, in most cases you can apply a commercially available spray (buy at outdoor or shoe store) and it should do the trick for a few more months unless the shoe fabrics themselves are starting to wear out. Then, replace.

3.   Boot Upper and Seals – As boots wear out, the seams and seals start to crack, peel, or become unstitched.  Minor, these can be repaired usually at home or by having your local cobbler do it for you.  Sadly, factory applied seals usually last a lot longer than aftermarket seals, so if you do it yourself with gorilla glue, it may not last as long as when originally bought it.

4.    Insoles – Insoles can wear out with boot use.  If you notice the insoles have cracks or have worn through in certain areas, replace them.  No need to replace the boot however!

5.    Laces – Laces over time can get dirt in them or get worn out, and start to fray.  Best to replace laces early on (or carry a spare pair), as it is highly likely they will end up breaking on you miles from your car.
The great news is that you can usually get a few more years out of old boots with a few of the suggestions above for most hikers.  The keys are prevention and a little maintenance.

These boots have 2 seasons of use and have no visible signs of wear.

With 2 seasons of trail use, the tread on these shoes is nearly gone.  Time for a resole.

This tread is in great shape after 1 season on the trail, thanks to the the long lasting Vibram sole.


These insoles have cracks and the arch support is no longer stable.  Time to replace.

After 1 season, these insoles have held up well.  Little wear visible.

6 comments:

  1. I have learned my lesson with boot soles. Only vibram will last.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A pair of good, sturdy and reliable waterproof hiking boots is something that every serious, and even recreational hiker, should have. I was searching for a perfect hiking boots brand and I came to know that just like a runner, the footwear is the most important equipment, because if your feet are hurting, then chances are that your hiking expedition will be uncomfortable. Therefore, you need to select the appropriate boots. Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. One of the most challenging decision for me as a hiker is doing away with my lovely hiking boots. Thanks to your tips, I now know when to replace my old hiking boots. See unique hiking boots designs here: http://hikingmastery.com/top-pick/best-hiking-boots-for-women.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hiking is so much fun and full of adventures. Hiking is all about walking through the long distances , fresh air , observing the beautiful nature and that smell
    of nature is just mind blowing . Hiking is something that leaves one full of enthusiasm and positive energy . It helps one connect with themselves and nature.

    Marcel recently posted...best women's hiking shoes reviews

    ReplyDelete