Hiking is one of the best ways to experience nature while also getting an intense workout, but you need the right footwear to do it safely. Unfortunately, even the best pair of hiking boots will eventually wear out. If it’s been a long time since you bought a new pair of hiking boots, you may not know when it’s time to upgrade to a new pair. Here are a few telltale signs that it’s time to start shopping for discount shoes online to replace your old boots.
You Can Feel Every Rock Underfoot
The best hiking boots have tons of cushion and support to cradle your foot over rough terrain. This makes it easy to tackle multi-mile-long hikes without dealing with foot fatigue before you reach the summit. However, that support can and will break down over time. It happens slowly, so you might not even notice it at first, but if you start to feel every rock on the trail, it may be time to start shopping. Once you find the best boots online for women and men and order a pair, you’ll stop feeling those sharp rocks with every step.
The Stitching Is Coming Undone
The sole and support of the shoe isn’t the only part of your hiking boot that experiences wear and tear. The stitching does, too. When your boot is in good condition, the stitching is tight and lays flush against the materials. This helps keep the boot together and reduces the risk of rocks, debris and moisture getting inside your shoe. If you start to notice fraying in the stitching or see that part of it is coming undone, it’s time to look for a new pair. When you search for mens boots online, look for models that feature minimal stitching to reduce the risk of fraying in the future.
Your Ankle Support Is Gone
The biggest benefit that hiking boots offer dedicated hikers is plenty of ankle support. The thick collar that wraps around your ankle helps prevent sprains and twists on the trail. Unfortunately, the ankle support will start to break down the longer you wear your boots. If you’re constantly having to tighten the laces to provide some semblance of support or notice that your ankle moves freely even when the collar is tight, it’s time to replace your hiking boots. Continuing to hike in your current boots puts you at risk for severe sprains.
The Sole Is Losing Traction
Most modern hiking boots have soles with deep lugs that make gripping wet or dusty terrain simple. Those lugs will start to wear down over time. The longer you wear your boots, the more the lugs will wear away and the less traction you’ll have on tough trails. Pay attention to the way your boots grip the ground as you walk. If you find yourself slipping frequently, it’s time to upgrade to a new pair of boots.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer to hit the trails once in a blue moon, the right hiking boots can make all the difference. However, your boots need to be in good condition. Watch for these telltale signs that it’s time to replace your old boots and you’ll be in good shape.
