How to Repair Hiking Boot Soles - A Step-By-Step Guide (2024)

Hiking boots naturally last long, but wear and tear are normal too. You’ll notice your soles giving out if your hiking boots have been through rough terrain.

If you notice the following problem and wonder how to repair hiking boot soles, we have you covered.

We came up with an easy fix for both situations. If they’ve been torn or if you’re on a trip outdoors, something went wrong. We got it all figured out, and by the end of this post, you will know how to repair hiking boot soles yourself, too.

Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways:

• Only cemented and double-stitched hiking boots can be resoled.
• Proper sole glue is needed for repair.
• Neat repairing takes about a day.

So, How Do You Repair Your Hiking Boot Sole?

We promise it’s no engineer’s work. If it’s just the sole, we believe you can fix it yourself with the right motive. Here’s a list of things you will need:

• Damp Towel
• Tweezers (Optional)
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Sole glue
• Patience (see what I did there?)

And it’s time to get back in business. Follow the steps, and your hiking boot soles will thank you.

Step 1: Find the damaged spot.

Without acknowledging where your sole weak point is, you’re working with no light here.

Step 2: Unlace and Clean.

Before starting the repairing task always clean your hiking boot. Remove the laces and give the entire boot a gentle clean with a towel; we prefer wet (pun intended). Use isopropyl alcohol while cleaning. Use tweezers if you have any minor dents poking out of the boot.

Do you know you can wash your favorite hiking boots in a washing machine? It’s interesting, right? Read our step-by-step guide: How to wash hiking boots in the washing machine?.

Step 3: Apply Glue

Now apply sole glue thoroughly on every damaged spot. We usually like the Gear Aid Aquaseal FD+, but you can use any hiking boot sole glue.

Step 4: Compress

Press the sole and the boot together. You will need to wait 12-14 hours, but we recommend leaving it for a day. You can even duct tape the sole around the boot to be the most secure.

Andvoilà,your hiking boot’s sole is completely fixed. Keep in mind glue can only do so much. If your sole itself has holes in it, they’re beyond repair. You will need resoling or a new boot.

How to Repair Hiking Boot Sole when You’re on a Hike

The process mentioned above is easy but time-consuming. What if you’re on a day trip, and your bootsole starts acting up? Don’t worry; we got you.

If you’re hiking and the sole feels off. Take a few minutes off the hike and apply glue on the loosened surface. Take your boots off and use your hands to press the sole and boots together.

Always carry a sole glue around. The 15ml Stormsure flexible repair adhesive costs about $15 and is super convenient to carry.

Note that these are quick fixes and not permanent fixes. So, glue to your seal might work long enough to get you through the hike but don’t even think about going on a new hike without fixing the soles first.

Should I Resolve My Hiking Boots?

Technically, this is the second step of fixing after you have acknowledged where your boots’ problem is.

Resoling is a better option for hiking boots. It is also a permanent fix rather than something provisional. Let’s go through why you should resolve your hiking boots and why you shouldn’t.

Pros:

• Permanent fix:Resoling means your damaged sole gets replaced by a new one. And with the new replacement, you don’t have to worry about your soles again.
• New grip:You’ll get a fantastic grip from your boots. It’s almost like getting a new pair. More rigidity and firmness. We know how important a good quality hold is on rough terrain.
• Increased traction:Soles are the primary sources that fight against slippery trails, a.k.a traction. A new sole means increased traction, just like when you first wore them.
• Restoring the entire boot:Soles are supposed to be worn out after usage. What if you have a pair of boots you deeply love but are discontinued by the manufacturing company? Get a resole, and you can wear them again,` just like good old times.
• Increased mileage:A good pair of hiking boots gives 800-1,000 miles. With resoling, you can easily add a couple of hundred miles.

Now that you know the good stuff, let’s figure out why you might want to reconsider.

Cons:

• Expensive: Restoring is a rigorous process. Besides, it’s done by professionals. So you must find the right sole for your boot and book a professional. Then pay for removing the old sole, attaching the new one, and the charge fee. Your wallet might not approve of it.
• Won’t fix the boot: What if your entire hiking boot is affected by the atrocity of mother nature? You can resolve it, but you can’t fix the ugliness of the boot’s upper body.

Besides, finding the right sole is a hassle in itself. So, think it through.

Also, consider that resoling is only possible for double-stitched or cemented boots.

Final Verdict

Honestly, the amount of stress a broken sole puts on is immeasurable. We tried to make it as simple as possible. With just four simple steps, you can learn how to repair hiking boots sole quickly and don’t have to go to a shop and pay extra.

A sole glue can be a lifesaver if you’re out on a hike. It doesn’t hurt to carry one.

You might also be interested in:

• How Should Hiking Boots Fit
• Are Hiking Boots Good for Work?
• How to Tie Hiking Boots The Right Way