5 Best Resoleable Hiking Boots (Buyers Guide)

Do you want the pair of hiking boots you buy from your hard-earned money to last longer than you expected? Then you may find it satisfying that resoleable hiking boots can be a great way to go. The sole component of footgear – in essence – bears the brunt of wear and tear every time you use them.

In addition, its quality and performance over time would not be the same as before. Certain brands like Asolo and Zamberlan manufacture resoleable offerings to revolve this particular problem.

How Resoling The Hiking Boots Makes Them Last Longer?

Constructed with an emphasis on longevity, resoleable footwear products are made of specialized stitching and materials. Along with that, they sport a sole design, which allows them to be removed and replaced with a newer variant. Generally, a sole is either sewn or glued to the boots. Hence, they must be removed first and cleaned from the excess glue and debris after.

After clearing the area for resoling, it needs to be roughened with a piece of sandpaper. Furthermore, it is required to strengthen the bonding surface of the new sole. Later, the craftsman involved in this process will use either glue or sew the replacement sole into the boot. It depends on the footgear’s design and then a clamp is used to hold all these components together while traces of excess material are trimmed.

At the end of this process, the user can test these resoleable hiking boots out in a controlled environment. It is done to determine if the new soles are properly attached to the footgear. Resoling makes sense on many levels, which includes keeping your favorite, broken-in boots alive. However, many people are not aware that these rubber-soles shoes, the modern cemented and molded boots can be resurrected.

You can get the most well-crafted leather-sole shoes and boots repaired locally in many cities. Nonetheless, you can even decide to do it yourself with the help of books or the internet. But, the molded-sole hiking boots and climbing shoes are a specialized fix and require outside help.

What To Look For When Purchasing Resoleable Boots For Hiking?

First and foremost, you need to know if you can resole hiking boots. Some modern boots and hiking shoes cannot be resoled because of the quality of design and manufacture. Generally, resoling hiking boots is only possible if it has a cemented or double-stiched construction. In short, it means that the design has a type of connection between the outsole, insole, and other lower parts of the boots. It allows for clean separation and removal so that boots can be renewed.

Hands down, boots are the most critical gear for hikers and hiking activities. Choosing the right pair can help you glide up and down the trail with a smile on your face. Whereas, getting poor-quality boots can make you grit your teeth with every fall or trip. Moreover, while selecting the right shoes/boots, you may have to forget about looks, numerical sizes, flashy features, or even what you were recommended by others. The issues you must prioritize are durability, weight, comfort, stability, warmth, and water resistance.

Brief notes on what to look for in hiking boots and how do you know which are good for you:

1. The most important thing in buying boots is to get a good fit
2. A snug fit at the heel and enough wiggling room for your toes in front
3. Select the style of boots based on the terrain you will hike on
4. Choose boots based on the loads you expect to carry
5. Get the right fit to avoid blisters, blackened toenails, sprained arches, bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, and more foot issues
6. The right socks can relieve pressure problems with details like toe seams and overall thickness
7. Ignore size numbers and choose a boot that feels right for your foot size
8. Do not buy any boot if a narrow toebox cramps your toes
9. A boot’s “last” is the carved wooden foot around which the boot is shaped and constructed
10. If the chosen boots’ last matches the shape and volume of your foot, chances are the boot will work for you
11. Hiking boots also need to have the right shape and ample padding
12. Tongue padding should be ample, but reasonably stiff to avoid the “cutting” feeling from tight laces
13. The stiffer the sole, the more padded the tongue should be to counteract the torque of a rigid sole
14. Internal ankle padding is a well-hidden feature that’s critical to your comfort
15. Look for a secure fit around the heel and ankle to eliminate excess movement
16. Decent padding on both sides of the joint to minimize chafing
17. You can easily evade most of the discomfort by breaking in the boots
18. Choose a model matched to your frequent type of use and terrain

5 Best Resoleable Hiking Boots on Amazon

1) Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots

Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots are made of Cordura, suede, and leather with rubber soles. The meaning of the GTX in the Asolo style names stands for a GORE-TEX lining. Moreover, many Asolo boots and shoes are an ideal choice for light hikers and trekkers who demand lightweight and comfort with a snappy design.

Key Features:

• The outsole is a combination of bi-density rubber bottom for cushion and traction
• Super light and breathable with technology targeting comfort, durability, and performance on the trail
• Water-resistant Italian leather + Gore-Tex lining for ventilation and dry inners
• Polyurethane midsole provides shock absorption to alleviate pressure points on feet
• Prevents bruising with Asoflex thermoplastic torsional support design

Pros:

• Super adhesive, plush, price worthy, good water protection, Reliably supportive
• Balance preserver, suitable for rocky ascents and descents
• Provides adequate ankle support and protection, true to size
• Sufficient sole traction and grip within the sole, Ability to resole the boots if needed

Cons:

• Frail outsole, Not-so-cushy footbed, may not be for you if you are looking for long-lasting outsoles
• Stiff and rigid, which is great for hard terrain, but not if you are looking for light hiking
• A long time to break in the boots and can take a while to get accustomed to the stiffness
• Toe box could be too narrow or uncomfortable for some foot shapes

Where to purchase?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

2) Zamberlan Women’s 996 Vioz GT Hiking Boots

Zamberlan Women’s 996 Vioz GT Hiking Boots are beefy hiking boots that mean business, especially on those trails less traveled. It is perfect for day hiking, outdoor work use, and adventure travel. The 996 Vioz GTX is one of the best-selling boots for both men and women and is a tribute to Italian comfort, performance, and design.

Key Features:

• 100% Hydrobloc full-grain leather uppers
• Exclusive resoleable Vibram 3D outsoles designed to provide excellent grip
• Gore-Tex provides good performance and comfort membranes
• Utmost breathability and waterproof protection
• ZBPK Performance Fit last + ZLF Ladies Fit – renowned and exemplified

Pros:

• Outstanding waterproofing, Top-notch traction, Flexible collar, Fantastic design
• Lasting durability, Ample arch support, Classic leather design
• Designed for both function and style, for both men and women
• For hiking and backpacking activities with heavy overall loads

Cons:

• Insufficient ventilation, Lack of debris protection, could be costly
• Arch support may be high for some people

Where to purchase?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

3) Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Trekking Boots

Lowa Men’s Tibet GTX Boots are made of 100% Nubuck with synthetic soles. These lace-up hiking boots feature D-ring eyelets and speed-lacing hardware. With padded tongue and collar, Lowa Tibet Boots has perforated lining for climate control and managing moisture and heat. Moreover, these boots are built to handle virtually anything for hardcore backpackers and hunters for miles of rugged, off-trail terrain.

Key Features:

• Designed with thoughtful features such as the handy I-Lock lacing cam
• Keeps your feet comfortable for miles of tough terrains
• Gore-Tex lining provides durability, breathability, and weatherability
• Handcrafted in Germany, features premium nubuck leather uppers
• Provides long-lasting underfoot support with an injected PU midsole and a full-length stabilizer

Pros:

• Excellent trekking performance, Supportive hiking boots, Zero break-in period
• Offer width options, Comfortable right out of the box, Waterproof, Durable

Cons:

• Some may need to replace the insole

Where to purchase?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

4) SCARPA Men’s Kailash Trek GTX Boots

The Kailash Trek GTX Boots by Scarpa features imported 100% leather with rubber soles. These easy-wearing boots are one of the best-selling trail boots, which offer comfortable flexibility. Kailash Boots does not sacrifice support for day hiking and lightweight backpacking adventures. You can use it in any weather conditions for great performance and comfort with good breathability or durability.

Key Features:

• Provides flexible mobility without sacrificing support or protection
• Features for multipurpose performance on long hikes and light backpacking trips
• Gore-Tex and suede leather upper keeps out the elements
• TPU toe cap – added protection, Lightweight PU midsole – durable impact absorption
• Bi-component steel hardware for easy tensioning with low friction nylon inserts
• Vibram XS TREK Outsole for dependable grip in a wide range of terrain

Pros:

• Comfortable to use, Sturdy, Excellent ankle support, Excellent traction
• Suitable for trekkers who do multi-day trips and harsh trail conditions
• Almost instantly comfy with a decent lacing system
• Lightweight but burly enough to go the distance
• Waterproof reliability, and hot summer breathability

Cons:

• Heavy, High priced, Firm cushioning isn’t for everyone
• Priced on the steep side, but worth it

Where to purchase?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

5) Danner Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots

Danner Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots are manufactured in the United States. These boots have stitch-down construction, which is handcrafted to provide a wider platform. Offering increased stability underfoot, many of such boots can be recrafted. Women’s Mountain Light Cascade tributes to one of the 30+ years iconic hiking styles by Danner. Moreover, this style is believed by many to be the greatest backpacking boot of all time.

Key Features:

• Sienna Cache leather – subtle color variations for an antiqued effect that patinas beautifully over time
• Vibram Kletterlift outsole for comfort and durability on both wet and dry surfaces
• Offers a roomier fit without sacrificing any supporting and stability features
• Eliminated openings for debris and water in the tongue area with a one-piece leather design

Pros:

• Super-durable, Classically versatile, Generously comfortable
• Supportive, Warm, Excellent finish, Easy to resole
• Extra-wide sole that creates a stable, ankle-saving platform
• One-piece leather undeniably strong

Cons:

• Lengthy break-in, Underwhelming cushioning, Leather making them heavier than the competition
• The tread pattern is functional, but not exactly cutting-edge, Break-in period is mandatory

Where to purchase?

You can purchase these here on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

In short, when the pair you wear outdoors ends up with a worn outsole, you can either continue to use them or get new hiking shoes or boots. Continuing to use them may injure your feet whereas buying new pairs means spending your hard-earned money. Opting for hiking boots that allow resoling, can allow you to remove the tattered sole and install a new and compatible one.

The design of these products allows you to preserve the quality of your boots. Also, extend their lifespan via the hiking boot sole replacement service. However, this particular service is better left to trained craftsmen, manufacturers, and specialists.