What if your boot goes through sole separation or gets torn up while hiking? If you know how to repair a hiking boot, you may fix it and save your journey. Also, hiking boots are not always cheap; rather, those are mostly expensive.
Hiking means walking. Therefore people buy expensive boots to get some comfort and peace. So if you know how to fix or repair hiking boots, you can save a lot of money, and you might also use your favorite boot again.
Boot torn up are caused by a couple of different things or situations. It may happen because of your walking style or if it is not a good fit. Also, if your boot gets wet sole separation may happen if the glue is not waterproof.
It is not always your or boot’s fault; boots can be torn because of the condition of a hiking trail as well.
Hiking Boot Repair
The proper repair techniques will not only keep your pair of boots working again, but it might help you make them last for a longer period of time. The skills and the necessary things for fixing for repairing a torn-up boot are mentioned and discussed below:
Things you need
To repair your hiking boots, you need to have different glue kinds as one type of glue cannot be used for all boot materials. You need to have some leather needles and threads, gloves, a couple of q-tips or cotton buds, a knife of scissors.
For cleaning, you need to have a piece of cloth, spirit alcohol, some tape. You might also want to keep suede leather, some common colored leathers to attach those on the torn parts if needed.
Clean the boot
If you see that you have a problem with your boot, then 1st clean the pair properly and clean out all the dirt, soil, or other materials stuck to the shoe. Use a piece of wet cloth or cotton dipped in spirit or alcohol to clean your boots. Once you are done cleaning completely, let it dry for some time.
Remember, if you use glue to mend your separated sole without cleaning it, the glue will not hold properly. As a result, your boot sole will go separated again. If you start stitching the leather without cleaning, you will lose your grip and end up with an ugly stitched boot.
Rectify the problem
After cleaning, rectify the problematic areas, search for all the problems your hiking boot has. In this way, you will be able to fix all the problems at a time. Even if you cannot fix them all, at least you know which part your boot has a problem.
Use adhesive
Adhesive or glues are used to repair sole separation. If you face-sole separation, try to pull the sole from the shoe to the possible extreme position. Clean the inside of it and pour out some adhesive in between the two surfaces.
Put the glue gently on the corners and wherever it is needed. After this, please wait for a minute and rejoin the two surfaces properly and let it dry. If possible, wear gloves before starting the repairing process. Keep yourself safe while using glue, alcohol, or spirit.
See Also: Cold Weather Hiking Clothes
Leave it to dry
After gluing, leave the boot outside to dry. If you are in a camp and leaving in the sunlight is not possible, then leave the boot beside the campfire. Many people try to hold the two surfaces together with the help of heavy things.
Many use clamps, rubber bands, or heavy objects to create pressure or hold the surfaces together. These may deform the shape of your boot. Therefore leaving it in the sunlight or beside fire can dry the glue as adhesives are temperature sensitive.
Leather patch
The adhesive does not always work with every torn up. If your leather is worn out, then try to stitch it. Stitch the leather edges with shoe sole properly. This process is not easy and may take some time, but you can mend your boot with leather patches, then your shoe will be in good condition for a longer time.
After stitching, if you have space put some glue in between the boot and rand and is the rubber border around the boot. Try to work safely as leather needles are susceptible and sharp. This will make your shoe flexible.
While purchasing a boot pair, try to choose the right one according to your hiking trail condition. There are different types of hiking boots in the market for different types of trails and weather. Some are for ice terrains; others are for forests, deserts, Rocky Mountains, hills, and many more.
While exploring the wild, make sure to use the pair of boots to handle anything and everything that the trail throws at it. When buying, try to choose a pair of boots that are suitable for almost all trails.
Lastly, buy a pair of boots which is light in weight as it will not add extra weight to your feet. You might also want to buy a waterproof pair and has breathable space as it will keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable. Waterproof hiking boots are tending to have longer durability.
Last Few Words
Being able to repair your sole, even temporarily, is an important skill if you are a hiker. Besides, there is no harm to learning anything. If you can learn the techniques, someday you might help yourself or others with those. Also, there is a saying the older the boots get, the better feel. If you know have the skills, you will be able to mend your hiking boot and will be able to get a better feel of your favorite pair of boots.
Lastly, if you do not want to mend your torn up boot by yourself, you can always give it to sole or boot repair shops. That way, you can also save the money of buying a new expensive pair of hiking boots.
