Over time, hiking shoes wear out and become less resistant. Caring for them regularly considerably extends their lifespan. And if the wear becomes too significant, you may need to have your hiking shoes resoled. You'll end up with shoes with soles as good as new, ready to get back to trekking in complete safety. We explain in detail the steps to follow to have your soles replaced.
Why have your hiking shoes resoled?
Whether you're doing a simple hiking trip in the mountains or a more technical activity like mountaineering, your shoes — and their soles in particular — wear out fairly quickly. They are, after all, the part in direct contact with the ground and the various natural elements you encounter (rocks, holes, streams…). Sometimes, when everyday maintenance is no longer enough, there's a tendency to throw worn-out shoes away.
Yet other alternatives, such as resoling, are more advantageous than a complete replacement of your walking shoes. This operation allows you to:
- Keep the shoes you chose with care and that fit you perfectly.
- Save yourself the cost of a brand-new pair.
- Make an eco-friendly gesture for the planet by avoiding throwing away a pair and having a new one made.
- Support a local craftsperson to replace your soles.
This gives you several good reasons to have your soles replaced rather than investing in a new pair of shoes.
What does a sole replacement involve?
Resoling involves replacing the entire sole of your hiking shoes. To do this, the specialist will first remove the worn sole and prepare the shoe. It will be treated and sometimes re-padded to ensure a uniform finish before fitting the new sole.
The cobbler can offer you different options to extend the life of your shoe. For example, you can take advantage of the resoling to replace the rubber around the shoe at the same time to protect it properly (adding a toe cap or full rand). Walking shoes are designed to be resoled several times before they are completely worn out.
Bear in mind that you shouldn't wait until your shoes are in too poor a condition, as resoling will become much more complicated. The best time to do it is before the cushioning foam has been worn through. There needs to be some sole thickness left at the toe area. If your shoes are too worn, the new sole won't be sufficiently durable or high quality.
Where to have your shoe soles replaced?
To have your shoes resoled, you'll need to take them to a cobbler. The best option is to find a specialist in mountain footwear. This will guarantee the best possible result.
You can expect to pay between around fifty and a hundred euros to have your shoe soles replaced. An additional charge is generally applied for the rand option on top of the resoling. The price varies depending on the craftsperson and the type of sole.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or an occasional walker, resoling will significantly extend the life of your shoes without taking risks on the mountain with worn-out soles. It's a great alternative to replacing your hiking shoes entirely, which would cost considerably more for a similar result.
