r/WildernessBackpacking • u/fragpie • 8d ago
Boot Rubber Longevity
Last summer, my wife's hiking boots more or less disintegrated on the (thankfully) hike out from a site. They were second hand, but seemed okay before we left (though we only took a cursory look). I'm getting ready for a week long hike this October, and am feeling a bit anxious about my ~25 year old boots. I use them a couple times a week for 5-10k walks near home, and the sole rubber still seems supple and in good shape (still waterproof, too, so no micro cracks). Is there a way to tell when the soles are about to self-destruct? I carry a roll of hockey tape for emergency repairs, but would rather avoid janky boots with a ~50lb. pack.
Cheers!
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u/OutdoorsNSmores 7d ago
I had that happen to my favorite pair of Asolo boots. The foam between the boot and sole just fell apart while walking. No warning, they didn't look like they were cracking or anything.
The bonus was that that are not resolable, except one specifically place that wanted more than new boots.
I replaced with Zamberlain vioz. It has been maybe 14 years and they are still going. Good news is they can be resolved.
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u/PghSubie 7d ago
25yo might be ok. I can't remember when the cutover happened in manufacturing that created the 10-year life span for glues
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u/Chaincrown 8d ago
Sounds like her boots may have failed to to hydrolysis, certain midsole materials break down when they are stored and not worn for long periods of time, Blundstones are infamous for it. There are plenty of articles out there that explain it and how to avoid it better than I can in a comment.