Hiking boots are like a hiker's best friend - they keep your feet safe, dry, and comfortable on all your outdoor escapades. Some boots will hold up really well for a long time. Others ... not so much.
Unfortunately, even if you've got top-tier boots hand-crafted by the ancient gods of hiking, time is the ultimate undefeated champion. In other words, it's important to know when your boots are overstaying their welcome.
Whether you've got an old pair that you're considering upgrading or just want to know what lifespan you can expect from a new pair, you've undoubtedly wondered when to replace hiking boots. Good news: I've got the answer for you.
When to replace hiking boots: hiking boots should be replaced every 500 - 1,000 miles (hiking 10 miles/week). Of course, this depends on the quality of the footwear, the type of terrain you're hiking on, and several other factors.
But it's not always easy tracking those miles. Even with step counters, it's way too easy to lose track of your boots' mileage. Luckily, there are several ways to tell when to replace hiking boots.
8 Easy Ways to Know When to Replace Hiking Boots
There are several indicators your boots may be hiking on borrowed time. Aside from the obvious cosmetic issues like cracking leather or extreme cases like soles peeling from the shoe, there are some early indicators you can look for.
Common signs that you need to replace your hiking boots:
- Worn-out eyelets or lacing loops
- Worn-out ankle support
- Cracked midsole
- Worn tread
- Frayed Laces
- Cracked or pitted insoles
- Leather, Fabric, or Synthetic Upper and Stitching
- New Foot Pain/Discomfort
So we went over the main indicators above. But how do we know the exact conditions to check for? Let's a take look at what exact signs you need to factor in before tossing the old boots for some new ones.
Depending on the severity of wear on your boots, these items listed below can either be early warning signs, or telltale signs that you need new hiking boots immediately. Be sure to keep an eye on these factors and use your best judgment accordingly depending on the condition of your boots.
Eyelets/Lacing Loops
The eyelets of a hiking boot/shoe are the "holes" that the laces go through. Some hiking boots don't have eyelets and will have lacing loops, instead.
Wearing footwear with bad eyelets or lacing loops can lead to injury and serious discomfort over time. This is an issue, especially with high-top boots as the ankle support will become less stable—and we definitely don't want to deal with a rolled ankle!
So, what should we look for when looking for worn eyelets/lacing loops on a hiking boot?
If you notice the eyelets or lacing loops are starting to peel away from the boot, or that the boot is starting to crack around the eyelets, it's a good sign that they're becoming too worn.
Also, if it's becoming more of a hassle to keep the boot/shoe tightened when tied, it's another indicator that the eyelets are becoming worn.
Worn-Out Ankle Support
The ankle support of a hiking boot is vital for preventing injury and strain on your, well, ankles.
Proper ankle support also prevents further damage to your knees and even hips, too.
Worn-out ankle support on a hiking boot can cause the hiker to try and compensate by changing their footing or using more weight on a foot than they normally would. This, once again, can lead to injury.
If you notice that your ankles don't feel as firm or supported as they used to, examine the fabric and cushion around the ankle support for wear.
Once the support becomes too worn, the padding will become a lot softer and "thinner" than it once was.
Cracked & Worn Midsole
The midsole of a hiking boot or shoe is in between the arch of your feet and the ball of your foot.
Cracked and worn midsoles lead to an overall less-fortified boot sole, which can increase the wear of the boot's insole.
Always examine the midsole of your boots or hiking shoes for large cracks and tears. The last thing you want is a flappy foot when trekking through the wild!
Worn-Out Tread
Footwear tread is a funny thing. It's a bit of a magician; now you see it, now you don't.
This is usually the first indicator you need new hiking boots. The tread of your hiking boots can wear down very fast if you're not paying close attention.
If the tread on your hiking boots becomes too filed down, the soles of the shoe are going to become slick. This can lead to slipping and sliding or, simply put, injury.
Studying the tread of the boot is also a great way to find out if it's indeed a quality problem with your footwear or a problem with your form.
Frayed Laces
Hiking on different terrain exposes your boots to different elements: mud, water, dirt, etc.
It may not seem like it after a few times, but even dry dirt can cause problems for your laces. And not cleaning your laces can lead to them stiffening up and eventually cracking.
Even with proper care laces can still get run down over time. Always examine the tips of the laces and note the condition of the plastic wrap on the end. If the plastic wrap is gone, your laces are going to start splitting and unraveling.
When laces become too worn, they can even break. Though this is usually from extreme wear. You should have your boots or laces replaced long before this ever happens.
The Insole Condition
Did you suddenly notice one day that it feels like you're walking on crumbled foam? Or maybe like you're stepping on clumps of soil? Yeah, it's time to toss those boots in the bin.
Insoles are typically made of EVA foam. It's a pretty fascinating material and has tons of different uses. And it's quite durable. However, it's not immune to wear and tear.
In most cases, bad insoles will cause blistering on the feet. This is extremely annoying to deal with and can—for me, anyway—diminish the desire for future hikes for fear of blistering.
Under more serious circumstances, deteriorating insoles, though tolerable, can lead to huge issues. It puts your footing slightly off balance and can hinder your ankle support, leading to joint pain.
Fine cracks along the insoles are an early sign that the insole is becoming worn. Though, at this stage, you don't always have to hit the emergency alert button and toss your hiking boots. Just pay attention to the cracks and take note of any larger cracks.
Another sign of wear on the insoles is pitting. You will notice pitting especially around your toes and the ball of your foot. If you start to notice serious pitting in those areas (I'm talking having the ability to sink your toes into the pits) either get some new insoles or bury those boots in the backyard.
Leather, Fabric, or Synthetic Upper and Stitching
Unlike fashion sneakers, every part of a hiking boot's construction serves a purpose, including stitching.
The stitching of a hiking boot is crafted to uphold the boot's integrity and durability. Bad and worn stitching can lead to an increased breakdown of the boot.
Look around the upper and around the sole. If the stitching is frayed or becoming separated, it's a good sign that you may have to add a new pair of hiking boots to your shopping list.
Bad stitching doesn't only affect the boot's integrity. Loose or worn stitches can severely hamper the capabilities of waterproofing your hiking footwear, too.
New Foot Pain
Foot pain and discomfort are often a sign that you may be wearing an improperly laced or sized hiking boot. But what about when you've been wearing the same shoe for a while and just started suffering new pain and discomfort?
Experiencing new pain in your feet or hips is another indicator that you may need new hiking boots or hiking shoes.
When the insole and tread become worn, it opens you up to an increased probability of injury. Your feet may slide more in the shoe, or your ankle may be bending in ways it shouldn't be, adding stress to your joints.
A personal note: wearing worn-out footwear caused me some serious physical pain in my hips and gluteus medius. The pain lasted months and would have been avoided had I just bought a new pair of hiking boots. Take it from me, it's an annoyance you don't want to deal with for months on end. Always take care of your physical health.
The Dangers of Using Worn-Out Hiking Boots
Now, you might be wondering, "What's the big deal if my boots are a bit worn out? They're just shoes, right?" Well, not quite. Hiking boots are more than just footwear—they're your trusty sidekicks on every adventure, and using worn-out ones can lead to some unpleasant consequences.
- Increased risk of slipping or falling: Ever tried to walk on a banana peel? That's what it feels like to hike with boots that have lost their traction. Worn-out soles can seriously compromise your grip, making you more prone to slipping or falling, especially on tricky terrains. And trust me, nobody wants to be that person who slid down a hill because their boots couldn't keep up.
- Potential foot and ankle problems: If your boots aren't providing enough support, it's like walking for miles with a heavy backpack but no supportive straps. Your feet and ankles bear the brunt of the impact, which can lead to long-term problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or just some seriously sore feet.
- A less enjoyable hiking experience: Let's face it, hiking with blisters, wet feet, or discomfort can take all the fun out of the journey. You're out there to enjoy nature, not to grit your teeth with every step you take. Worn-out boots can turn what should have been an awesome day out into a painful slog.
In short, worn-out boots are like that friend who keeps bailing on your plans—they just take the joy out of things. So, don't ignore the signs. When your boots are past their prime, it's time to bid them goodbye and move on to a new pair. Your feet will thank you for it!
What Steps To Take Before Replacing Your Hiking Boots
If you're concerned about tossing a pair of hiking boots too early, consider proper maintenance of your hiking boots. With proper care and protection, you can extend the lifespan of your boots and save some cash in the long run.
The best way to tell when you need to replace your hiking boots is by looking for the points mentioned earlier in the article. At the end of the day, though, feeling is always the best indicator. If they feel like they're giving out, then let 'em go.
One thing to consider, too, is your level of hiking. New hikers make a big mistake by exhibiting improper form or footing, which leads to an increase in wear and a possible short lifespan of your footwear. Always take the proper steps in ensuring you're using the right hiking form and practicing good maintenance on your boots and they'll last quite a bit of time.
