Having a pair of hiking boots resealed

Over time, hiking boots wear out and become less resistant. Regular maintenance will considerably increase their lifespan. And if the wear is too great, it is sometimes necessary to have a pair of hiking boots resealed. You will then have shoes with soles that are as good as new, so that you can resume trekking in complete safety. We explain in detail the steps to follow to have your soles changed.

Why have your hiking boots resoled?

Whether you are simply hiking in the mountains or doing a more technical activity such as mountaineering, your shoes, and in particular their soles, wear out quite quickly. Indeed, it is the part that is in direct contact with the ground and the various natural elements present (rocks, holes, water courses...). Sometimes when daily maintenance is no longer enough, we tend to throw away our worn-out shoes.

However, other alternatives such as resealing are more advantageous than replacing your walking shoes completely. This operation allows you to :

• Keep the shoes you have carefully chosen and that fit you perfectly.
• Save the cost of a new pair of shoes.
• Make an ecological gesture for the planet by avoiding throwing away a pair and having another pair made.
• Have a local craftsman change your soles.
• This gives several good reasons to change your soles rather than investing in a new pair of shoes.

What does sole changing involve?

The reshoeing consists of changing the entire sole of your pair of hiking boots. To do this, the professional will first remove the damaged sole and then prepare the shoe. He will treat it and sometimes reline it so that the result is uniform to accommodate the new sole which will then be put in place.

The shoemaker can offer you various options to extend the life of your shoe. For example, it is possible to take advantage of the resoiling process to replace the rubber around the shoe at the same time in order to protect it properly (addition of stone guards or a complete coating). Walking shoes are designed to be resoled several times before they are completely worn out.

Be careful not to wait until your pair of shoes is in too bad a condition, otherwise resealing will be much more complicated. The best time to do this is when the cushioning foam has not yet been used up. There should still be some sole thickness left in the toe area. If your shoe is too worn out, the sole change will not be durable and of high quality.

Where can I get the soles of my shoes changed?

To have your shoes resoled, you will need to go to a shoemaker. It is best to go to a professional who specialises in mountain equipment. This will guarantee you an optimal result.

You will need to pay between 50 and 100 euros to have the soles of your shoes changed. A supplement is usually charged for the coating option in addition to the resoiling. The price varies according to the craftsman and the type of sole.

Whether you are a heavy walker or an occasional hiker, resoiling will allow you to significantly increase the life of your shoes without taking risks in the mountains with worn soles. It is a good alternative to changing your entire pair of hiking boots which would be much more expensive for a similar result.