How Long Do Hiking Boots Last? Know the Answer

Hiking boots are not just a fashion statement. They are designed to withstand rugged trails, protect your feet from rocks and sticks, and provide you with comfort while you hike.

And in such journeys, you come across terrains and mountain paths that are different from the usual paths that we walk through in our everyday life.

Therefore, a good hiking boot with good durability should be on the top of the hiking boot checklist. Now, how long your hiking boots will last will depend on quite a few factors that we will cover here.

We will also talk about when it’s time for you to say goodbye to your favorite pair of boots. And how to take care of them, which can prolong the life of your boots as well.

Are Hiking Boots Durable?

Hiking boots are known mostly for their durability and their great foot and ankle support. In addition, hiking boots are made of nylon split-grain leather or suede, which are known for their great durability support.

Different materials are used in making different layers of the boot. Nowadays, artificial synthetics are more popular for hiking boots materials as they provide lighter weight, less absorbency, and, most importantly, better durability.

Generally, hiking boots are designed to last for a long time. They are made of durable materials that stay intact even when wet.

The lifespan of hiking boots varies depending on the brand and the model. Some brands offer warranties for their products, lasting up to 2 years.

Do Hiking Boots Wear Out?

Yes, like everything else in the universe, hiking boots also have an end of the line even though you have found ‘the one,’ but you have to say your goodbyes.

And the obvious fact that the more you’ll use it, the faster it is likely to wear out and what conditions the boots have been through.

Even if you don’t often use it, the condition of the boot will start to deteriorate. The key to getting the most life out of hiking boots is to take care of them.

How Long Do Good Hiking Boots Last?

According to some experts, a good hiking boot lasts an average of 500-900 miles at a max of 1000 miles. And if we are talking about time, it is uncertain even though shoe manufacturers recommend changing every six months.

The lasting of the boots depends on the person using them and the quality of the boot. Not everyone uses a shoe in the same way, some go all rough on them, and some take good care of them. Some go on hiking frequently, or some go once every six months or even a year.

The type of trail that you are walking on also plays a role in the longevity of your boots and how much they have been exposed to water or unpleasant weather.

And the weight of gears is to be considered because excess weight puts pressure and can crack the boot’s midsole.

How Often Should I Replace My Hiking Boots?

According to manufacturers, hikers that hike frequently replace their hiking boots after an average of 6 months. But that can vary depending on what type of trail you like, how many miles you have trailed and your usage time, and what kind of condition you’re using it in.

Here are a few things to look for that will help you determine when to replace your hiking boots.

If these points check out, then time for you to bid farewell to those boots and get a new one.

Is It Worth Resoling Hiking Boots?

If you are looking to save some money and be more eco-conscious, want to have less impact on climate change, or have attachments towards a pair, resoling your hiking boots is the best option for you, and obviously, it will be worth it. Resoling can also add an extra life to your boots.

But most of the boots ranging within $150 are not worth resoling because of their quality which won’t last long. If you got higher-priced boots, it might be worth your while to resole them.

But it is important to keep in mind that not all boots can be resoled because most modern hiking boots have to be thrown away when worn out. This is where resoling your hiking boots won’t be worth it.

How Much Does It Cost To Resole Hiking Boots?

The cost depends on your type of boots, the cobbler, and the damage’s extent. For a full solid resoling, you have to pay between $80-$150.

To resole half of your boot, it can cost up to $25 to $55, whereas a full resole can cost $35 to $75. For small damages in your sole, you’ll have to pay around $5 to $10 depending on what type of sole your boot has.

You can also try resoling the boots yourself with the sole replacement kits available on Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, costing around $25, which is better than buying a new pair of boots and saving you the cost of the cobbler too.

How To Take Good Care Of Your Hiking Boots?

Taking care of your boots influences how long they will last. Here are some ways that you can take off your boots

Clean After Each Hike

After a hiking session, take out the insole of your boots and let them dry out. Let the airflow into your boots. 

Clean After A Muddy Hike

Leaving your boot out with mud-covered in them isn’t really a recommended thing to do.

Clean out all the mud with water using a hose or even dunking them in the water and use a brush to remove the mud. Remove the insole separately and wash it.

Use Leather Conditioner

With time, the leather on the boots will start to get worn out, darken, and spots become more visible on it. To maintain the leather, use a leather conditioner that revives the leather on the boots.

Use Water Repellent Spray

Even good DWR (Durable Water Repellency) shoes need a treatment occasionally because the waterproof barriers on the boot start to wear out with time.

Don’t Keep Your Boot Near A Fire

Sources of high heat can shrink the leather on the boot over time, resulting in cracks in the leather. In order to let the boots dry, keep them overnight in the open air.

Final Words

In this article, we have covered how long a good pair of boots last, the factors that tell us how often we need to change or buy a new pair of boots, whether the boots are worth it and what the costs are.

And a few small tips explaining how to maintain your boots. Although hiking boots are not designed to last forever, they can last for a long time.

However, the wear and tear that they go through will depend on how you use them.