How to Repair Hiking Boots? 5 Steps

No matter if you are a prop hiker or not, outdoor activity impacts the boot’s durability. So at some point in time, you need to know how to repair hiking boots on your own. Note that the repairing of the boot may be temporary and for a permanent solution, you need to send your boots to the cobbler.

So, if you are planning to repair and makeover your hiking boots, here is a simple procedure that you need to follow.

Material Needed

Depending on the type of repair you may need the following material:

• Duct tape
• Application brush
• Cleaning cloth or brush with a stiff bristle
• Sandpaper for repairing soles
• Isopropyl alcohol (max 70%) 
• Aquaseal SR Shoe Repair Adhesive

Procedure to Repair Hiking Boot

When you are repairing hiking boots make sure to clean them thoroughly. If there are any sticky things, remove it in the first place. After that, follow the below guidelines.

1. Check Exfoliated Outsoles

For hikers knowing how to repair hiking boot soles is a must. But for perfection, you need to carefully clean the boot. But if things are too worn out, you may need to replace the boot sole.

Down below are the steps to repair/replace your hiking boot sole:

• Simply clean the boot using a brush to remove excess dirt and scum. Make sure to clean the boot thoroughly using a stiff bristle brush.
• Now check the sole, if it is still useful then clean its inside. If the sole is not useful, buy a new matching pair.
• After that apply the layer of glue adhesive (Aquaseal SR adhesive) evenly and smoothly onto the boot sole.

• Now spread the glue on the boot sole using a hand brush.

• Use the best quality clamps or tape to hold the sole and uppers so that the adhesive work is way better.

• Leave the boot overnight for ideal repair away from fire. Reapply the glue if the sole starts to peel.

2.  Fix the Heels of the Hiking Boot

• Use sandpaper to rub the hiking boot’s heel for its worn-out area.
• Clean it with isopropyl alcohol.
• Apply the boot glue when the boot is upside down. Set the sole on an even surface while applying the glue and wait for 10-12 hours for the best results.
• Now use duct tape on the boot’s edges to help hold it together and maintain the repair. It will help to harden the new heel in a better way.

3. Fix Leakage and Poor Waterproofing Outsole

• The leakages in hiking boots are common. So to repair them, first clean the boot with isopropyl alcohol.
• After that apply the glue to cracks in the boot sole and fill every gap with glue.
• Keep the boot for at least 12 hours for a complete repair of the leaks in the sole.
• Now, try the boot on a leveled surface and make sure the glue has been applied smoothly.

4. Repair Hiking Boot Wear Out Panel

• Clean the boot using isopropyl alcohol.
• Apply the boot’s glue (Aquaseal SR) to each side of the torn part on the boot panel.
• Now press the two pieces of the boot together and tape them together (using duct tape).
• Leave the boot overnight or for at least eight hours.
• When you are planning to hike on, try the skip lacing technique for custom fitting

5. Peeling Boot Rand (The Upper Thin Rubber Layer for Protecting Injury)

Simple Video for Hiking Boot Repair

References

1. Fixing Hiking Boots after the Soles Separated from the Boot
2. How to Repair Boots and Shoes