Are you in the market for a pair of hiking boots? Whether you are a newbie or have been hiking for a few years, searching for a new pair of hiking boots can be overwhelming. Prices vary dramatically and trying to work out the differences in why one boot is so much more expensive than another can be baffling. You then look a little bit further and see one pair of boots is leather, another is synthetic, and a third pair is waterproof. Are you thinking that these hiking boots will be a significant investment, and you want to feel you are getting your money’s worth? Another burning question could be, how long will hiking boots last?
With many questions, do you throw your arms into the air in dismay and just want to go for a hike? Well, here at MyGreenTent.com, we have put together a guide to help you.
How Long Will A Good Pair Of Hiking Boots Last?
There is a saying, ‘You get what you pay for.’ For many people, this rings true when it comes to hiking boots. Much depends on how you intend to use your hiking boots. Are you going for short strolls on good paths or long, regular hikes in the mountains on rocky ground? If so, you’ll need a good quality leather hiking boot. Here’s a great men’s pair and here’s a great women’s pair.
Weight is another factor to consider. Not only do you need to take into account your weight, but also if you are going to carry a full backpack. This will make a difference in how long hiking boots will last.
Once you have decided how you are going to use your boots, the next part to consider is the material of the upper part of the boot.
Leather
Leather is the traditional material of hiking boots. It is tough, durable, and has excellent abrasion resistance. Leather is naturally water-resistant but not waterproof to heavy downpours. They will need extra care to make them waterproof. Leather is also breathable, a great help when you are on a long hike or walking in warmer weather.
Manufacturers choose to use two types of leather in the production of hiking boots, full-grain leather and nubuck or split hide.
Full-Grain Leather is thick. It is the total thickness of the hide and is used to make strong, tough boots for die-hards back-packing on longer treks.
Nubuck Leather is made from the outside of the cowhide and is thinner and therefore does not share the same tough, abrasive qualities of full-grain. Boots made with a combination of fabric and leather often use nubuck.
You can buy leather boots made from one piece of leather, moulded into shape, meaning fewer seams to wear out.
So, how long will leather hiking boots last? If leather boots are looked after properly, their soles will wear out before the upper part of the boot. They can cope with years of heavy use.
Synthetic
Not long ago, leather would have been the clear winner for the best hiking boots. However, there have been considerable advances in synthetic materials, and synthetic boots are no longer just lighter and need less breaking-in. They are also proving to be a good quality boot which is easy to care for and durable.
Usually made with nylon or polyester, synthetic boots dry faster, and as a general rule, they cost less than leather hiking boots.
It is now possible to buy boots with a combination of synthetic and leather. Many manufacturers use synthetic on the flexible part of the boot.
They can show signs of wear sooner than leather boots where the stitching starts to deteriorate.
Waterproof
A waterproof boot might be your answer if you want to avoid soggy and wet feet when stomping on the hills. With a Gore-Tex® lining, your feet will stay dry from crossing the streams.
The soles should last about 1000 miles, depending on where you go hiking. The waterproof lining could last as long as the boots. However, people have found that the waterproof lining has a tough time when your feet rub against it for miles, along with any dirt or grime that might make it into your boot. Even sweat can affect the membrane. Eventually, the lining will give way to wear and tear.
Here is a link to a helpful YouTube video with more guidance YouTube
How Long Will A Cheap Pair Of Hiking Shoes Last?
Now to throw something else into the mix. How about hiking shoes? These are lighter than hiking boots and do not have the same ankle support as hiking boots. They can be a preferred option depending on where you go walking.
Hiking shoes do not offer the same protection as hiking boots, but they are great for fast hiking and look good away from the trails. They also come with the bonus of usually being cheaper than hiking boots. It is possible to find cheap hiking shoes for $25.
How long will hiking shoes last? Again, this depends on where you will walk and how often you will head to the trails. A rough estimate is about 500 miles. This can vary if you walk on uneven ground and how much weight you carry. The more weight you carry, the quicker your shoes will wear out. Let us say:
- You walk 30 minutes a day, equating to 3 – 4 hours a week. Then your shoes will last approximately six months.
- If you walk 60 minutes a day, averaging 7 hours a week. Your shoes will need changing roughly after three months.
How do you know if your shoes are wearing out? Signs can include blisters, a sore back, aching joints and aching feet. There are physical signs similar to the signs of wear and tear in hiking boots. So please read the heading ‘How Do I Know When I Need New Hiking Boots?’
How Many Miles Do Hiking Boots Last?
If you are already a keen walker, you will probably dread the day you must look for another pair of hiking boots. As mentioned earlier, variables can affect how long hiking boots will last. As there are so many factors to consider when talking about how long, it is perhaps easier to talk about how many miles a boot can do. Let us assume you bought a pair of boots to last and have looked after them. How long will hiking boots last?
- A solid boot produced for rugged terrain should last you 600-700 miles. Reaching 1000 miles is achievable. Suppose you have a step counter that is roughly 2 million steps. You might even hear impressive accounts of people getting 4000-6000 miles out of their boots.
- Lightweight, trail-running shoes will likely give you 400-500 miles, equivalent to 1 million steps.
How Do I Know When I Need New Hiking Boots?
Several tell-tale signs indicate it might be time to get a pair of new boots.
- The soles are a good indicator. If they look worn, including the lugs, you might start to lose grip when out hiking, which could lead to an accident in a worst-case scenario. Are the midsoles looking cracked? Another test for the sole is to press the midsole. If it feels firm, there might still be life in the sole. It is unlikely to provide the necessary support if it feels soft. If you have good quality leather boots, it might be possible to get them resoled.
- The laces might be fraying. Laces are easy to replace, but it could also signify that the boots might need replacing.
- The eyelets and lace hoops could be wearing down, or if they are metal, getting bent out of shape.
- Is the upper part of the boot looking damaged or cracked? If this is the case, you might find your feet getting wet as the water-resistance of your boot is compromised.
Some quick, straightforward questions you could ask yourself are:
- Do they leak?
- Are you slipping?
- Do they feel uncomfortable?
- Can you feel stones through the soles?
- Is dirt getting into the boot?
If you are in a fortunate position where you have two pairs of hiking boots, it helps to hold them side by side and compare them against one another. This way, you can judge if one pair is misshapen and if the ankle collar has collapsed and does not look sturdy enough to support your ankle.
What Are The Longest Lasting Hiking Boots?
Even though synthetic boots are advancing rapidly in terms of quality and how long will hiking boots last, it still appears the traditional rugged leather boot is the winner. It is advisable to look for features which back-up manufacturer’s claims that their products are long-lasting. These features can include:
Midsoles
Polyurethane (PU) is an excellent material, and it is incredibly versatile. Owing to its cushioning qualities, it acts as a brilliant shock absorber in the midsole of a hiking boot. It lasts longer than other materials, has high abrasion resistance and is lightweight.
Another commonly used material for the soles of hiking boots is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). EVA tends to be softer and used in lightweight shoes.
Therefore for a boot to last longer, choose a sole made from PU.
Upper Part Of The Boot
In general, most hikers seem to say full-grain leather is the better material for longer-lasting boots. Although, many agree the gap is narrowing between leather and synthetic. This is also only true if leather hiking boots are looked after properly.
Synthetic boots need less care. To keep a leather boot supple and waterproof, it requires regular conditioning. Leather boots also take longer to dry and need to dry naturally. Otherwise, you could discover a crack in your boots, making it challenging to prevent your leather boots from leaking.
Traditionally, leather boots were more expensive, but that is not the case these days. Synthetic boots can reach some hefty price tags. However, what you can probably find in most stores is synthetic boots will start from a lower price and continue upwards. In comparison, leather hiking boots will begin at a higher price.
Outsoles
The outsole of the hiking boot is made of rubber and is the part of the shoe which hits the ground when you walk. Your kind of hiking will depend on the pattern and lugs you need for grip and durability.
The deeper and thicker the lug, the more the boot stands up to longer trekking and backpacking. The more your sole comes into contact with the ground, the more grip and support your foot will have.
For further tips on how to choose a pair of hiking boots, click here Tips for choosing hiking boots
How To Care For Hiking Boots
We have talked about the importance of caring for your boots. The more love and attention you give your boots will determine how long will hiking boots last.
You might like the idea your boots look dirty. After all, it shows you use them. However, hiking boots can put up with a lot of mud, muck and wet, but they dislike mud and dirt remaining on the boot and will deteriorate if this happens.
For a few tips on how to care for your boots to ensure they last longer, click on the following link How to clean hiking boots
Conclusion
Hiking boots are a huge investment. So you want to ensure you have all the facts when deciding which hiking boots to purchase. The first decision is to determine what type of hiking you plan to do and how regularly you plan to go.
Once you have answered this question, you will have a rough idea of the money you want to spend. You can then decide on which features you would like. You might even rule out leather on the basis you are a vegetarian or vegan.
Be assured that whether you are a casual hiker, camper, or a long-distance backpacker, there is a pair of boots for you.
Just remember the answer to the question, ‘How long will hiking boots last?’ will also depend on how well you look after your hiking boots.