Should You Repair or Replace Damaged Boots?

Let's face the facts – boots are pretty hard, and they usually have a long life. After all, people like you are purchasing boots to run, hike, and do who knows what else in them, from running the everyday errands to going to work day in and day out.

So, we're assuming that you're reading this article because your boots are just a little more run-down than you'd like, and now you're wondering whether it's time for a new pair or if you can effectively repair your old ones and continue to use them.

If your ordinary walks are mostly confined to the streets of your town, then there's a good chance they'll see a lot more action than they were initially designed to endure. It can be difficult to tell whether your favorite pair of walking or hiking boots should be repaired or replaced when this happens. In this article, we'll focus on the steps you should follow to make this decision.

Examine The Damage

If the damage is minor and the boot looks good, you can simply repair it by having a cobbler resole your shoes. Depending on the shoe’s sole type, the cobbler will most likely remove the sole from your boots and replace it with an insole that matches the worn-out one, whether that's a leather, polyurethane, or cork sole. Again, this is a cost-effective way to save money on pricey new shoes if they only need minor repairs.

If the damage is more substantial, you may want to consider replacing your boots instead of repairing them. This could include splits in the leather, tears along seams, or seams coming apart at the heel area of the boot. These damages can cause leaks when water gets inside the boot and ruins its shape over time, causing even more damage.

When choosing between repairing or replacing damaged leather boots, consider how often you wear them and how much wear they have left before deciding whether to fix them up or send them off to be recycled into something else, like belts or wallets for example!

Consider Your Boots’ Value

There are two types of value for boots: sentimental and financial. If you've purchased a pair of branded high-quality boots, such as Timberlands or Adelante boots, you already know that they're not cheap and might want to repair, rather than replace, them. Because of this, it's essential to consider your damaged boot's value when deciding if you should repair or replace them.

For example, if you have a pair of expensive boots that have been damaged by water, it might be best to repair them, as high-quality boots are usually easy to repair. But, for instance, if the outside layer becomes too wet and then dries out again, it can become brittle and crack.

If this happens on the side of your shoe, it could cause further damage to other parts of the shoe and create an uncomfortable fit when walking around in them again. So, it's best to repair them the moment you notice some damage.

If the boots have sentimental value or are your favorite pair, you may want to consider repairing them, instead of replacing them, if the damage isn't too severe and can be improved. However, if the damage is irreparable or if the boot is damaged beyond repair, then it's time to replace the boot entirely.

Consider The Cost of Both Options

Many people assume that repairing their damaged boots will cost more than buying new ones. This isn't always true. The cost of repairing a pair of well-worn boots can vary depending on how much damage they have sustained.

For example, if you have a pair of hiking boots that are still in good shape except for one thing – like a broken sole – then it's probably cheaper to pay for repairs than spend the money on a new pair of hiking boots. You can also find used hiking boots online or at garage sales that cost less than brand new ones and still work just as well as when they were made new!

Can I Repair My Boots?

If you have some extra time and you're into DIY projects, then the answer is yes, you can repair your boots. However, it's not as easy as it sounds and requires a lot of patience and skill.

First, you need to get the right tools for the job. You can get them at any shoe repair shop or even a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's. Then, you will find out what kind of material your boots are made of to know what you'll need for repairs. Leather is one of the most popular materials for making boots because it provides excellent protection against water and heat.

There are different ways to repair your boots, depending on what type of damage they have. Here's how to fix the most common boot problems:

Canvas Lining

If your boots' canvas lining is torn or worn out, you can use fabric glue to fix them back in place. Apply the glue directly onto the lining and press it down until it dries completely. If you have a sewing machine or know someone who does, you can also sew up holes in the canvas lining with thread and needle.

Heel Pads

If your heels are worn down or cracked, grab some adhesive heel pads from your local shoe store. Just cut them to size and stick them inside the heel area of your boots so that they become a permanent part of the shoe's design!

Final Thoughts

So, which is it? Repair or replace? Well, it depends on what's wrong with the boots, how comfortable you are with repairing them, and how much you're willing to spend. Above all else, we hope this post can help you see that each boot damage instance requires a unique solution. If you're still unsure what to do, give the experts at a reputable shoe repair shop a call.