Posted on February 03 2016
The weather is cooling down which means it’s time to hit the trails. Your hiking boots may have been pushed to the back of the closet during the summer months, but pulling them out for the new season is a perfect opportunity to inspect them. It’s important to make sure your hiking boots are still up to snuff.
How do you know if your hiking boots are still in working order? It is time to replace your hiking boots?
When to Replace Your Hiking Boots
Does the sole have any bounce?
Your hiking boots cushiony sole and sturdy arch support are two of the main elements that make your excursions enjoyable. When the soles are past their prime, it’s time to start shopping for new boots.
The easiest way to determine if your soles are still trail-ready is to perform a press test. Press your thumb upwards on the mid-part of your boot’s sole. Are there obvious signs of compression? Has the sole lost its bounce? If your answer is yes, then you need new boots.
Is wear and tear on the boots obvious?
When is the last time you took a good look at your shoe? It’s a good practice to hold your boots at eye level and inspect their physical appearance. Is the leather or fabric frayed? Have your boots lost their shape? Are the lace hoops broken? Are the soles cracked?
Answering yes to any of these questions means you should purchase a new pair of boots before your next hike.
Does your body ache more than usual?
Hiking is a physical activity that is more than likely to leave you a little sore the following morning. However, if you’re noticing your aches and pains are more severe than normal this may mean your hiking boots have worn out. Any significant knee, back, or foot pain is a sure sign that it’s time to start shopping for new shoes.
Try a New Pair of Hiking Boots at SRI Shoe Warehouse Today
The best way to tell if your hiking boots are worn out is by trying on a new pair of the same boot. To perform this simple test come to an SRI Shoe Warehouse location today. If you already know you are in need of a new pair, you can browse our large selection of hiking boots online.