8 Signs That You Need to Replace Your Hiking Boots
You’re out hiking, and you feel a whisper of pain on the arch of your foot. You cross a river, and your waterproof boots are no longer as they used to be. You might start to get signs from your shoes that it is either time to replace or fix them up.
Listening to the signs is essential to preventing injury and strain on your limbs. But what exactly should you be watching for? We’ll break down eight signs you should be looking for that will tell you it’s time to look into some new hiking footwear.
When to Replace Your Hiking Boots?
Sit down with your boots and ask yourself if you see or have experienced any of the following signs.
The tread looks like a bald tire. If you find yourself slipping more than usual, your tread is poor, and this is a telltale sign that you need a new boot. Unfortunately, ducktape can only do so much.
There’s a separation of the sole and shoe. Your shoe should not be flapping open, screaming for help. If your toes are getting fresh air, it’s time to shop for a new boot.
There are tears or split areas on the boot. Boot tears or splits are very natural after hitting rough surfaces like stones. But if any are letting water in or you feel a draft of air, it’s time to replace your hiking footwear because your boots are no longer protecting your feet.
It’s no longer waterproof. Creek crossings are not like they used to be. When you walk through them, you no longer trust that your socks will make it out as dry as they went in because the material is compromised.
The insoles are falling apart, and your feet hurt. If you are starting to get signs of arch pain, your boot's insoles need to be replaced. The last thing you want as a hiker is to develop plantar fasciitis from a lack of arch support.
There is no more ankle support from the ankle collar. The ankle collar of the boot is the high-top part that cuffs your ankle. It helps to prevent your ankle from rolling while on rough terrain.
Shoelaces are falling apart. Shoelaces help to secure the boot to your foot like a seat belt. Without proper shoe laces, your boots cannot guide you through various terrain and can cause joint strain.
There is no midsole cushioning. Grab your shoes and do the thumb test. Press up on the midsole of your boot from the bottom, and if it starts to cave in, it indicates that the midsole is no longer providing support (aka doing its job).
Repairing Worn Hiking Boots
The good news is that you can fix some of the issues you may be experiencing with your boots.
If your tread is bald, sometimes the brand you purchased the shoe from can resole your boots for less than buying a new pair.
If your insoles suck and collapse, you can easily buy replacement insoles that can give you that arch support back.
If water seeps through your boot material a bit (I’m not talking about a complete flood in your shoe), you can reseal them with a tech wash.
If your shoelaces are in bad condition, it’s an easy fix. Buy some replacement laces!
Hiking Boot Care
Now that you’ve identified the signs of hiking boots that need replacement, you can begin the acceptance process. All jokes aside, boots are a tool for us hikers to use to do what we love. Its main job is to provide support.
If you don’t have a solid pair of footwear, this can damage you in the long run, causing knee, joint, ankle, and foot pain. Don’t ever let it get that far. If you are unsure of how unsupportive your footwear is, take it to a local outdoor outfitter, and they will be more than happy to help you.
Happy hiking!
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