Hiking boots are a crucial piece of gear for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors. They provide the support and protection needed to navigate rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, repair hiking boot services are now available to fix any damages to your outdoor footwear. However, like any piece of outdoor gear, hiking boots will eventually wear out, and one of the first things to go is often the soles.
Worn-out soles can be a major problem for hikers. They can make it difficult to maintain traction on slippery surfaces and can even lead to injuries if the sole is so worn that it no longer provides adequate support for the foot. The good news is that repairing worn-out hiking boot soles is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic tools.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of repairing hiking boot soles, so you can get back to the trails in no time.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need to repair your hiking boot soles. These include:
- A leather punch: This tool is used for making holes in leather. You’ll need it to create new holes for lacing or to widen existing holes.
- A needle and thread: You’ll need a needle and thread to sew the new sole onto the boot.
- A new sole: You can purchase new soles for hiking boots at most outdoor or shoe repair stores. Make sure to purchase a sole that is the same size and shape as the original sole.
- Scissors: You’ll need scissors to cut the new sole to the correct size.
- PVA glue or contact cement: You’ll use this to attach the new sole to the boot.
- A flat surface: You’ll need a flat surface to work on, such as a table or a workbench.
Step 2: Remove the Old Sole
The first step in repairing hiking boot soles is to remove the old sole. This can be done using a combination of tools, including a leather punch, scissors, and a needle and thread.
Start by punching holes along the edge of the sole using the leather punch. Then, use the scissors to carefully cut along the edge of the sole, being careful not to cut into the boot itself.
Once the sole is removed, use the needle and thread to remove any remaining pieces of the old sole that are still attached to the boot. Be sure to remove all of the old glue and debris from the boot as well.
Step 3: Measure and Cut the New Sole
With the old sole removed, it’s time to measure and cut the new sole. Measure the length and width of the sole of the boot, and then use the scissors to cut the new sole to the correct size. Make sure that the new sole is slightly smaller than the boot so that it can be easily attached.
Step 4: Attach the New Sole
Now that the new sole is cut to the correct size, it’s time to attach it to the boot. You can use either PVA glue or contact cement to attach the new sole to the boot. Both of these adhesives work well and are readily available at most hardware stores.
If you’re using PVA glue, apply a thin layer of glue to both the boot and the new sole, and then press the sole onto the boot. Hold the sole in place for a few minutes to allow the glue to set.