How often should you replace your hiking boots?

The first step in determining when you’ll need to replace your hiking boots is to determine how long they’ll last.

You should change your hiking boots every 500-1,000 miles, depending on the quality of the boots, based on typical use (hiking 10 miles per week).

There should be obvious signs that it’s time to update by the thousand-mile mark.

However, not all boots are created equal. Some are more durable than others. After a brief period of use, some tap out.

The answer to this question will be determined by a number of factors, including the shoe’s quality, the terrain, the typical amount of wear, and the materials utilised.

Let’s take a look at what has to be looked at before you contemplate changing your hiking boots for the purpose of clarity.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to be an expert in forensics to figure things out, so don’t overthink it. This should be used as a “checklist” rather than a “to-do” list for a boot replacement.

Signs you need to replace your hiking boots

There are a few signs that your hiking boots are on borrowed time.

There are some early indicators we can look for, aside from obvious cosmetic issues like cracked leather or extreme cases like soles peeling from the shoe.

What are the symptoms that your hiking boots need to be replaced?

• Eyelets or lacing loops that have been worn out
• Ankle brace that has seen better days
• Midsole cracks
• tread that is worn out
• Lace that has frayed
• Insoles with cracks or pits
• Uppers and Stitching: Leather, Fabric, or Synthetic
• New Foot Discomfort/Pain

Worn out ankle support

A hiking boot’s ankle support is critical for reducing damage and strain on your ankles.

In addition to preventing future injury to your ankles, proper ankle support also protects your knees and even hips.

A hiking boot with worn-out ankle support may induce the hiker to adjust by shifting their footing or putting more weight on one foot than they would ordinarily. This too, can result in harm.

Examine the cloth and padding surrounding the ankle support for wear if your ankles don’t feel as solid or supported as they used to.

When the padding on the support becomes too worn, it becomes softer and “thinner” than it ever was.

Worn out tread

The tread on shoes is a strange phenomenon. It’s a bit of a conjurer; you see it one moment and then don’t the next.

This is generally the first sign that your hiking boots need to be replaced. If you don’t pay attention, the tread on your hiking boots can quickly wear out.

The soles of your hiking boots will get slippery if the tread on them becomes excessively filed down. This can result in slipping and sliding, or, to put it another way, harm.

Examining the tread of the boot can also help you determine if the issue is with the quality of your footwear or with your form.

Cracked and worn midsole

A hiking boot or shoe’s midsole is located between the arch and the ball of your foot.

Cracked and worn midsoles result in a less-fortified boot sole, which can contribute to increased insole wear.

Always look for big fractures and rips in the midsole of your boots or hiking shoes. When you’re out in the woods, the last thing you want is a flappy foot!

Leather, Fabric or synthetic upper and stitching

Unlike fashion shoes, every aspect of a hiking boot’s structure, even the stitching, has a purpose.

A hiking boot’s stitching is designed to maintain the boot’s integrity and longevity. Bad or damaged stitching might cause the boot to break down faster.

Take a look around the upper and the sole. If the stitching on your hiking boots has frayed or detached, it’s a solid indication that you’ll need to get a new pair.

The integrity of the boot is not the only thing that is harmed by poor stitching. Waterproofing your hiking boots might also be significantly hampered by loose or damaged stitching.

Conclusion

This is why I highly recommend getting a quality pair of hiking boots. I personally alternate between this and this.

I hope you guys like this article and now I hope you know how often you should replace your hiking boots!

Ryan Anderson

Hey, I am the founder of Outside Origin! I love hiking in my spare time and have gone to various different hikes. You can check out our about us section to learn more about what our team and I do over at Outside Origin.