Hiking boots are one of the most important pieces of gear in any hiker’s inventory. They keep your feet dry and comfortable, support a heavy load on your back, and can even act as shock absorbers on rough terrain. But how long do they last? And how much should you pay for them? Read our guide to find out.
How long hiking boots last depend on several factors
How long your hiking boots last is determined by how often you use them and how hard you use them. Here are some things to consider when determining how long your hiking boots will last:
1. Quality of materials
The quality and thickness of the leather or synthetic material that your boots are made from will determine how long they last. The better the materials, the longer it will take for your boots to start showing signs of wear and tear. Leather is generally the most durable material because of how tough it is.
But a thinner leather hide can be just as effective in protecting your feet if it’s coated with waterproofing. Synthetic materials (nylon) are usually less durable than leather but provide good protection from water and snow because they won’t stretch out as natural materials do.
2. Durability
Hiking boots must be durable because they’ll be your primary source of protection from the elements. You want them to last for as long as possible, and if you can’t afford to replace them every year, then you’re going to want to prioritize how much use they see to preserve their lifespan.
Durability depends on how often your boots are used and how tough the materials are, so you may find that even a well-made pair of boots will eventually start showing signs of wear and tear if you take them with you on many hikes.
3. Price
Price is also a factor when thinking about how long hiking boots will last. There’s no point in buying cheap boots that break down quickly when you can invest a little more and get a pair of quality boots that will last for years. One way to save money without sacrificing quality is to buy second-hand boots through sites like eBay or Craigslist.
Although you can’t be sure how long they were used, well-made boots should last even longer when worn by a second person.
How much to spend on hiking boots
When it comes to how much you should pay for your hiking boots, donít let price be the deciding factor. Quality is much more important than how much you spend, so make sure those boots are well-made if you want them to last. I
If you’re on a budget, then check out how second-hand stores like eBay — they often sell good quality used hiking boots at 50% of the price – which means your new pair of boots will cost less than $100 even if they’re made from premium leather.
4. Comfort and how they feel on your feet
When you’re looking for how long a hiking boot will last – how long it will last depends on how much you use them. You want to make sure that they’re comfortable and fit your feet well so that you don’t have to deal with blisters or anything else that could ruin your hike.
You want boots that provide good padding and arch support because those will be essential for a long, comfortable hike.
Also, look for boots that will stay in contact with your feet – try putting your hand inside one of the boots to see how much free space there is between your skin and the shoe’s interior. If you can get in at least 2-3 fingers, you might not need as much padding on the inside.
How to properly care for your hiking boots so they last longer
To make sure your hiking boots last as long as possible, it’s important to take care of them. Here are a few tips for how to keep your hiking boots in good condition:
1. Keep them clean
After every hike or walk to the grocery store, it’s important to take off your boots and then give them a thorough cleaning. Use soap and water or, if you’re wearing leather boots, use an oil-based soapy liquid (such as saddle soap) that will help prevent water from seeping into the leather and drying it out. Let your boots dry for at least 24 hours before putting them back on again — they should last longer when they’re dry because the leather won’t be stretched out.
2. Store them properly when you’re not using them
If you don’t wear your hiking boots every day, then it’s best to store them. Ensure they stay fresh and free from dampness by storing them in a dry place with a little product or newspaper stuffed inside so that the leather won’t rub up against itself and cause any small tears.
3. Buy replacement insoles
When the insole of your hiking boots is falling apart, you’ll want to replace them, and how long a pair will last can depend on how often you replace the insole. In most cases, it’s best to replace the inner soles every 6 months because they get compressed over time and lose their ability to provide support to your feet.
Learn how the insoles of your boots should look and make sure you replace them when they start falling apart — it’s easy to do and will ensure you won’t have a problem with how long hiking boots last after that.
Conclusion
Hiking boots are not a cheap purchase, so it’s worth knowing how long they last. Boots made from quality leather or synthetic material will keep the water out and the shoe in good condition for years. However, you’ll want to replace them after 5 years of heavy use on trails because they will show signs of wear and tear.
If you’re looking for how long hiking boots last – how long your shoes should last depends on how much you use them- if you don’t wear your hiking boots every day, then it’s best to store them properly when not using them; replace insoles regularly (every 6 months) with new ones as soon as they start falling apart!