You’re a hiking enthusiast, and you’re wondering how long your hiking boots will last. After all, hiking boots can vary greatly in terms of quality and material. Plus, the amount that you hike can also affect how long your hiking shoes last.
You’ve heard that hiking boots usually last anywhere from 400 to 600 miles, but you’re not sure if that’s true.
To get a better idea of how long hiking boots typically last, it’s important to understand the different factors that can affect their lifespan. The type of hiking boot, the material it’s made out of, and how often you hike are all important factors to consider.
In this article, we take you through everything you need to know to understand how long your boots should last as well as which ones you should buy.
How Long Do Hiking Boots Last on Average
Hiking boots can last anywhere from two months to five years, depending on the type of hiking boot. Some hiking boots are made for light hiking on easy terrain, while others are made for more extreme conditions.
The lifespan of your hiking boots will also depend on the material they’re made out of. Leather hiking boots will last longer than synthetic hiking boots, but they may not be as comfortable in hot weather.
If you take good care of your hiking boots and only use them for hiking, they should last you several years. However, if you use your hiking boots for other activities like running or backpacking, they may only last a year or two.
Even with the best care, hiking boots will eventually need to be replaced. Depending on how often you hike, you may need to replace your hiking boots every two years or so.
No matter how long your hiking boots last, it’s always a good idea to have a backup pair. That way, you’ll be prepared for anything when you hit the trails.
Types of Hiking Boot and Their Lifespan
The type of hiking boot that you decide to use will impact the average lifespan you can expect from them. Let’s take a closer look at the three types in question.
Lightweight Hiking Boots
Lightweight hiking boots are designed for easy hiking on well-maintained trails. They’re usually made of synthetic materials and don’t have a lot of features.
Lightweight hiking boots will last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on how often you hike. If you only hike a few times a year, your boots may last longer. But if you’re an avid hiker, you may need to replace them after a year or so.
Mid-Weight Hiking Boots
Mid-weight hiking boots are a good choice for hiking on rugged trails or hiking with a heavy backpack. They’re usually made of leather or a combination of leather and synthetic materials.
Mid-weight hiking boots will last anywhere from one to three years, depending on how often you hike. If you only hike a few times a year, your boots may last longer. But if you’re an avid hiker, you may need to replace them after two years.
Heavy Hiking Boots
Heavy hiking boots are designed for hiking in extreme conditions, such as mountains or snow. They’re usually made of leather and have a lot of features, like waterproofing and insulation.
Heavy hiking boots will last anywhere from two to five years, depending on how often you hike. If you only hike a few times a year, your boots may last longer. But if you’re an avid hiker, you may need to replace them after three years.
Factors that Impact the Lifespan of Hiking Boots
In addition to the type of hiking boot, there are many factors that can impact the lifespan of your hiking boots. Let’s take a closer look, so you have all the information you need.
The Materials
The material hiking boots are made out of is one of the most important factors to consider when determining how long they’ll last.
Full grain leather boots are the most durable type of hiking boot. They can last for years if you take good care of them. However, they’re not as comfortable in hot weather like doc martens and can be more expensive than synthetic hiking boots.
Synthetic hiking boots are less durable than leather boots but are more comfortable in hot weather. They’ll usually last for six months to two years, depending on how often you hike.
The Build Quality
The build quality of hiking boots is also important to consider. Higher-quality hiking boots will last longer than lower-quality ones.
Good build quality also means access to features like ankle support while also reducing the risk of common issues such as a cracked midsole, worn-out insoles, frayed laces, and visible compression lines.
If you buy hiking boots from a reputable brand, you can be sure they’re made with high-quality materials and good craftsmanship. These boots will usually last for years before you need a new pair, even with heavy use.
On the other hand, hiking boots from less reputable brands may be made with lower-quality materials and don’t always have an ankle collar for ankle support. These boots may only last for a few months, even if you only use them a few times a year.
The Hiking Conditions
The hiking conditions you subject your boots to also play a role in how long they’ll last.
Hiking boots that are only used on well-maintained trails will last longer than hiking boots that are used on rugged, off-trail hiking.
Hiking shoes that are used in extreme conditions, such as snow or mountains, will also not last as long as hiking boots that are only used on dry and smooth trails in the summer months.
The Distance Hiked
Additionally, the distance you hike also impacts how long your hiking boots will last.
The more you hike, the sooner your hiking shoes will need to be replaced. If you only hike a few times a year, your hiking boots may last for years. But if you’re an avid hiker, you may need to replace your hiking boots after just a few hundred miles.
The Maintenance You Provide
The maintenance you provide for your hiking boots is also important in determining how long they’ll last.
If you clean and treat your hiking footwear after every hike, they’ll last longer than hiking boots that are never cleaned or treated.
Additionally, if you store your hiking shoe in a cool and dry place when you’re not using them, they’ll also last longer.
Hiking boots that are subjected to extreme conditions, such as heat or direct sunlight, will not last as long as hiking boots that are stored in a cool and dry place.
Of course, all of these factors vary depending on the type of hiking boot, the material it’s made of, and the build quality. But in general, most new hiking boots will last anywhere from 400 to 600 miles.
If you take proper care of your trail shoes, you can extend their lifespan. But even with the best care, they will eventually need to be replaced.
When to Replace Your Hiking Boots
Even if you take good care of your hiking boots, they will eventually need to be replaced. Depending on how often you hike, you may need to replace your hiking boots every two years or so.
If you notice that your hiking boots are starting to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace them. Look for cracks in the leather, holes in the synthetic materials, or any other damage.
It’s also a good idea to replace a pair of hiking boots if they’re no longer comfortable. If you find yourself getting blisters or your feet are slipping inside your boots, it’s time for a new set.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hiking Boots
There are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your hiking boots.
First, make sure you’re using the right hiking boots for the trail you’re hiking. If you’re hiking in light hiking boots on a challenging trail, you’ll wear them out faster than you need to.
Second, take care of your hiking boots. Clean them after each hike and store them in a cool, dry place. If they get wet, stuff them with newspaper to help them dry out.
Finally, don’t use your hiking boots for other activities. If you wear them hiking, running, and backpacking, they’ll wear out faster than if you just use them for hiking.
Make things easier on yourself and, for example, invest in trail running shoes for more physical activities and sturdy boots for backpacking.
By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your hiking boots and make sure they’re always ready for your next hike.
To Conclude
In conclusion, hiking footwear will last anywhere from 400 to 600 miles on average. However, this varies depending on the type of hiking boot, the material it’s made from, and how often you hike.
If you take good care of your hiking boots, you can extend their lifespan. But even with the best care, your old boots will eventually need to be replaced.
So, if you notice your hiking boots starting to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to get a new pair. Just make sure you get a quality pair and look after them so that they last longer.
