Essential companions for your long adventures, hiking shoes don't last forever. They take a serious beating, sometimes crossing steep, muddy or rocky terrain. As they wear down, they can cause discomfort or even become a safety hazard. So, what is the lifespan of hiking shoes?
Key takeaways:
- On average, hiking shoes can be used for between 800 and 1,500 km.
- Several factors affect the lifespan of a pair, including terrain, weather and distance covered.
- Shoe care starts as soon as the hike is over.
- Thorough cleaning, air drying and indoor storage are essential for extending the lifespan of hiking shoes.
How many km do hiking shoes last?
After buying your hiking shoes, you'll be able to use them for a good while. Their wear will depend, however, on several factors including your gait, how you use them, the terrain you cover and the type of pair.
On average, the lifespan of hiking shoes ranges between 800 and 1,500 km. That's roughly three to six months of daily use. If it's hard to track the exact number of kilometres on your shoes, you can rely on the first signs of wear before replacing your pair. The condition of the laces, the outer upper, the stitching, the eyelets and above all the soles should all serve as warning signs.
The main causes of wear on a pair
Several factors will affect the wear of your pair of hiking shoes. First, the terrain you cover. A flat dirt trail, for example, will wear your pair down far less than steep mountain terrain. Next, weather conditions also play a role, with shoes exposed to heavy rain or sunshine wearing out more quickly. The third factor is distance covered. Even if you wear your best hiking shoes, they will inevitably wear out with use over time.
Finally, bear in mind that other factors such as the walker's weight, their gait, the construction of the shoe, but also poor maintenance play an important role in the wear of a pair.
Our tips for extending the lifespan of your hiking shoes
To extend the lifespan of hiking shoes, regular maintenance is key. As soon as you're back from your outing, start taking care of them. To do so, don't hesitate to remove the mud by rinsing the shoes under water. Knock them together to dislodge any remaining mud and remove any stones stuck between the soles.
Once you're back home, make sure you clean your hiking shoes properly. First, remove the laces and the inner insoles. Then start by removing dry residue with a stiff-bristled brush. Next, rinse the shoes with water to remove all remaining residue. Remember, never put your pair in the washing machine, as this causes premature wear.
You can then leave them to air dry at room temperature. To speed up drying, stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture. Avoid exposing them to direct heat sources, which could damage them.
From time to time, give your shoes a thorough clean and re-waterproof them. You can also replace the laces and even have some pairs resoled. Finally, the lifespan of your hiking shoes can be preserved by storing them in an appropriate place. Opt for indoor storage, in a dry spot, away from direct sunlight and at room temperature.
