Can You Get Boots Resoled And Is it Worth It?

Over the years, many of us have invested in good quality boots that will last and provide safety and comfort when we're outdoors.

Boot wear is inevitable and at some point, they'll need to be resoled or replaced. The same goes for leather boots; but do you know that they can be resoled? And if you decide to get it done, would it add value to your initial purchase?

If you've tried nothing else before, consider getting your pair resolved by a competent cobbler. Here are some [not all] points to ponder on.

Is it time to replace your boots?

If you are looking at the soles and they look pretty thin or worn down, or if you see cracks in the leather, or feel that the uppers are unbonded, it's definitely time to get rid of your old boots. You can also gather more information https://footwearpair.com/ here.

When To Get Your Boots Resoled?

It's important to decide if you should resole before or after an upcoming hiking trip, so you don't have to be without your beloved boots for too long. Many cobblers offer fast turnaround times or can give you an estimate for how long it will take them to repair yours.

Two Options When Deciding On How To Resolve Your Boots: You have two options when deciding on getting a resolving job done. You can choose a full-grain leather sole which is stitched down in place, or a rubber Vibram sole with a non-stitched application.

The Vibram option is lighter, offers better grip on rocks and ice, and also doesn't retain water. A stitched down leather sole is more traditional - it's the original way of attaching a boot sole to the upper of leather boots or shoes that were manufactured by shoemakers back in the 80's. Many hikers swear by this method because it offers excellent traction on all types of surfaces while being fully functional in wet conditions.

However, I feel that they are not as durable or grippy when compared to rubber soles which become apparent on wet rock faces. So unless you plan to hike dry trails most of the time, I'd opt for a stitched-on full grain leather sole which is also cheaper than the Vibram option.

How Much Does It Cost?

A full-grain leather resole with rubber Vibram bottom will cost around $150 to $200 while a resoling by stitching on a full grain leather sole will be less expensive at about $80 to $110 [for both options, price will vary depending on the cobbler you are using]. If you are not sure whether or not they can do it, ask them for samples of what is possible and compare costs with other cobblers in your area.

Take Care Of Your Boots Before Sending Them Out For Repair. Whether you decide to have your boots resoled before or after an upcoming hike, give them some attention before you send them out for repair. Cleaning and conditioning your boots will help the new sole to bond with the leather which will keep it from peeling off after just a few hikes. Also, check that there are no sharp objects on the trails that can cut through the soles while hiking on rough terrain.

Care Of Your Boots After Resoling By A Cobbler: After receiving your re-soled boots back from the cobbler, be sure to clean and condition them using boot oil or wax polish [to be applied sparingly] so they remain waterproof and provide grip when hiking on loose rock surfaces. However, avoid applying too much oil since it'll attract dust and dirt particles which can stick to the leather and start peeling it away from your boots.

Conclusion

Resoling your shoes is not always necessary. If they are still wearable, you may only need to replace the sole if it has become warped or cracked. It's worth contacting a reputable shoe repair shop in order to find out what needs to be done with your specific pair of boots before making any decisions on whether or not resolving them would be beneficial for your footwear and wallet alike.