When to Replace Your Hiking Boots

As much as we all love our hiking boots, no matter how good they were, they can’t last forever. Even if you choose the best boots out there and take good care of them at some point, you will need to replace them as in life most things don’t last forever. As a standard rule, hiking shoes should at least be replaced after 500 miles. Unfortunately, it is hard for many hikers to determine the miles they have covered. Some other factors can be used to determine when to replace your hiking boots. Herein is a look at tips for you to recognize when your hiking boots need to be replaced;

Press Test

Over time the inner sole will be compressed and not provide you with the support that you need. Check on the sides of the sole for compression lines, if theses lines are heavy, then you need to replace your boots. In a new Pair of boots, there will be no compression lines. Press upwards the midsole to find out if it has compressed. With a new pair of boots, the sole should easily compress into fine lines, unlike the old pair.

Appearance

A lot of times we tend to ignore the appearance of the boots. You should check if it has any signs of holes, if the fabric is ripped, if it has lost its shape or if the tread of the sole has worn out. These are the good signs that it is time to replace your boots. At times you will notice the inner of your boot getting dirty, and you will have to empty the dust from time to time. This is a clear sign that the collar padding has worn out and can no longer filter out the dust.

The feel

This is the first sign that should tell you to replace your hiking boots. Does your hiking boots suddenly feel uncomfortable? Or are you getting pains or aches in places that you have never experienced before like your leg, hips, feet, knees or back? This could be a sign that your hiking boots are not supportive anymore and you need to replace them. When you think the time has come and you don't want to spend huge amounts of cash, check out this post on finding the right boots at a good price: Visit the post here.

Thinning of the inner sole can cause discomfort from small stones and rough terrain and eventually lead to blisters. This is an indicator for replacing your footwear as quick as possible.

Leakage

Even the highest quality footwear will develop holes with time; this will let in water in the case of prolonged rain. Although you can increase the lifespan of your footwear by re-proofing it regularly, if it still leaks even after re-proofing, it is a sign that you need to replace your boots.

Sometimes it is hard for you to notice when you need to replace your footwear. Try fitting a new pair of the same quality, if the new pair feels more comfortable and supportive, this could be an indicator that your old ones need to be replaced.

It is important to make sure your hiking boots are in good shape and replace them on time when they are worn out. This is to avoid pains or aches and also a lot of discomfort during your hike. Below are tips on to increase the longevity of your hiking boots

· Take them off properly

· Rotate between two to three pairs.

· Maintain them well by re-proofing regularly.