How long do hiking boots last?
They will last for upto 1000 miles.
Good mileage huh! However, this is just an average number. So it could be lower or even higher than this.
So really, how many long can you expect your hiking boots to last? Between 500 and 1000 miles is a good mileage to aim for. If you hike more often, your boots will wear out faster and if you hike a few months a year, your boots can last years.
Will you use them for one year, two years or what? Hold that thought. That is what we are trying to find out here.
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Do hiking boots wear out?
Hiking boots are durable so that they can withstand the rough terrain and last long. They should protect your feet from the harsh environment and keep them dry and comfortable.
But… they do wear out, eventually. The good thing is that by the time they wear out, they will have served their duty well. And your feet will be the happier for it.
Hiking shoes combine comfort and durability. They support the weight of your body and anchor your ankles. At the same time, the footwear must be light in weight so that you can move easily. Waterproof and at the same time comfortable.
How long should a pair of boots last?
Some factors will determine how long your hiking shoes will last. These include the quality, how often you use them, maintenance, your body weight and the hiking terrain.
For example, if you hike every day, your boots will wear out faster than someone who hikes once a month.
Nevertheless, a $100 hiking boot can give you from 500 to 1000 miles. Now, this is not a fixed figure because people use their shoes differently, and the quality of the boots will vary.
High-quality boots can go up to 1000 miles. If you choose to go hiking with lighter shoes such as trail-running shoes, then expect to get about 400 miles.
Factors Determining the Lifespan of Boots
Some of the factors that can affect how long your hiking footwear will last include:
Boot Quality
Trail boots come in varying quality. Of course, the heavier and more durable ones can serve you longer than the light ones.
Quality doesn’t mean a high price. It is the quality of the materials used to make the boot and how they have been made.
A high priced hiking boot can give fewer miles than a lower-priced once. Therefore, prioritize the quality of the boot rather than the price.
High-quality shoes have a protective barrier on the outside around the toecap and the heel. This is to protect against holes and scratches. Look for phrases such as “TPU welding” and “abrasion-resistant mesh”.
Ensure the pair that you order has polyurethane (PU) for midsole support because it is light and lasts longer. It will give you comfort yet its light.
PU is commonly used for insulation and cushioning. Its resistance to abrasion and lightweight makes it suitable for midsoles.
How you use the boots
Do you wear your boots after the trail? Well, this could reduce their life. Walking on the pavement can make the shoes to wear off faster than if you only used them on the trail.
The brand name
There are many manufacturers of hiking wear. The most popular ones are Keen, Merrell, La Sportiva, Columbia and Salomon. They make their boots differently, which means they may not give you the same mileage.
Therefore, if you are wondering how long do Keen hiking boots last, it may be different from how long do Columbia hiking boots last.
The type of boot, for example, leather, Gore-Tex, textile and even suede matters a lot. Some are more durable than others. It also depends on the quality of materials used, how you use them and the care you give.
Before you buy, check on the brand reviews to know if the shoes are durable or not.
The same applies to how long do Salomon hiking boots last.
Hiking shoes care and maintenance
How do you maintain your trail footwear? we discussed this in detail in another article. You can read it here.
How you care and maintain your footwear will determine how long they will last. If you take good care, they will last longer.
- Store the boots in a dry and cool place at all times.
- Always air-dry the insoles after every use to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Clean your hiking footwear after every use. To do this, start by gently removing any dirt from the outer parts using a brush. Then wipe with just a little bit of water using a soft cloth. If you have leather boots, you need to apply conditioner after cleaning to protect them from cracking and drying out. After that, you should apply a leather protector.
Remove the mud
Never store muddy shoes! Remove any mud and dirt immediately after your adventure. Leaving the mud on the boots for long can damage them because moisture and salt are the boots worst enemies.
Always dry your boots thoroughly
If you were caught in the rain, remove the insoles and stuff the boots with newspapers to absorb the moisture. Apply leather treatments and waterproofing after every use in wet conditions.
Replace inner and outer sole
Check the interior of the shoes before wearing them. If the insoles wear out, replace them. You should also replace the outer sole if the upper part is still in good shape.
Do not walk on the pavement with the boots to prevent the outer soles from wearing out. Concrete makes the boots wear out faster.
Your weight
If you are heavy, your boots will wear out faster than for a lighter person. This is because you are exerting more pressure on the shoes as they support your weight.
Hiking terrain
If you use your boots on rough terrain, they are not likely to last as long. Hiking on rocky terrain will wear away the boots unlike hiking on open trails.
Conclusion
How long do hiking boots last with regular and irregular use? As you have seen here, 1000 miles is a good bargain. However, if you hike trails with extreme difficulty rating, they can wear out after doing 500 miles. Just give them the best care possible and they will give you value for money.
