When To Get New Walking Shoes

It must be human nature that makes us hold on to things that have past the point where they might still be useful,  and so the question of when to get new walking shoes is perhaps one that many of us  who are keen hikers avoid answering with any degree of commitment.

Maybe it's sentimentality that prevents us from doing so. You have probably been part of a similar scenario: you bought a pair of the best quality hiking boots over ten years ago with the money you'd saved from working overtime for over several months. You then climbed all of Scotland's Munros in them, wore them when you got married on top of Kinder Scout and used them to hold the Holy Water when your first child was baptised. Hiking boots like these should last forever and anyway, you won't find another pair like them these days!

Sentimentality indeed. It goes without saying that the most important aspect to any hiking boot is that they actually do the job they are designed for and so the question of when to get new walking shoes really isn't a hard one, is it? To make life a little easier, there are a few things to look for that can make the decision simpler.

Firstly, check if there's a hole in the bottom of the sole. If there is, then you can throw your hiking boots away immediately (or have them framed if they really do carry a lot of sentimental value).

Secondly, make sure the sole is still intact and hasn't started to come away from the body of the boot. Pull the sole away from the hiking boot and if there's any noticeable 'give', then clearly the integrity of this part of the boot has been compromised and it may be time for a replacement.

Thirdly, assess how waterproof your hiking boots are. You should of course have been caring for your hiking boots using the appropriate weather protection and waterproofing substances, however, leather and other boot materials do deteriorate over time. As wet feet are no good at all - they make for an uncomfortable walk and are bad for your feet's health - this may be the clincher that gets you searching for a suitable replacement pair.

Finally, ensure that you have adequate tread left on your soles. Hard walking across craggy terrain can put the walker and their boots under serious pressure to perform - and again, over time, hiking boot treads can and do wear down.

There's nothing wrong with sentimentality and most of us exhibit it to some degree. There is a problem however when it begins to have an effect on important decisions and the question of when to get new walking shoes is one of those decisions. In order to remain safe and get the most enjoyment from your activity as a hiker, don’t delay making it.