My Scarpa Charmoz (winter only) boots need new soles, but are in otherwise fine condition. Only use 'em in winter condition, though. Sole is that Vibram "Climbing Zone" stuff on all light mountaineering boots. Been wearing them since 07 or so.
How long does everyone get out of a pair of boots? I seem to wear them out in 12 months, maybe 18 if I am lucky. Any recommendations on a boot that last 2 or more years.
Get a sewn welt and your boots will last a lifetime.
Mine have lasted 27 years:
_________________ I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher
Whats a sewn welt? Do any boots come with that, or you get that when you replace the soles?
The welt is where the upper meets the sole (there's a midsole in there somewhere, too). Traditionally, welts were sewn, that is, the upper was sewn to the sole. In the last 20 years or so, cemented (glued) welts have grown in popularity, especially with lower-end trail boots.
In general, you cannot resole cemented welt boots. Once the sole is worn, you trash the boot (or, more likely in my experience, the cement degrades and the sole literally falls off the boot). Some boot manufacturers may resole their cemented welt boots if you send the boots to them, but I've tried this and there's always some reason why they can't do it with your boots.
Today I only see sewn welts on higher-end mountaineering boots, but I'm not always sure. Back in the day, the style of welt (Norwegian welt, Goodyear welt, etc) was one of the important specifications for a boot; now I can't find the welt on the specifications charts. The children who work at REI look at you funny when you mention the welt. You used to be able to see the type of welt by looking at it; now even some sewn welt boots have a layer of rubber covering the welt so it looks like a cemented welt.
Whether any of this is important or not is open to discussion. Personally, I like to buy a product that will last me a long time and that can be refurbished when necessary, so I prefer a sewn welt (the only other real advantage of a sewn welt is the sole will not come off without plenty of warning; I have seen cemented welt boots disintegrate in the middle of a hike, and I am sure most of us have seen those boot soles laying by the sides of trails and wondered how the hell the people who left them behind got out).
On the other hand modern consumer and product development philosophy seems to favor disposable everything. Use it up and throw it away and buy another. The advantages of this approach are, a) You don't have to worry about boot welts; and b) you are always using the latest and greatest technology because you are replacing your gear periodically.
I hope to replace my boots this year. After 27 years and two resoles, they have had a pretty good run. _________________ I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher
the "Last" used by the manufacturer has a big effect on the comfort/fit for the wearer
I prefer Merrells but they many not be for you....They're certainly not for everybody
I am rough on my footwear and mine seem to last about 6-12 months, I average roughly 24 miles per week so I get about 600-1200 or so miles out of a pair
For hiking around here I find ventilation is important it keeps your feet cooler thus it reduces sweating which diminishes the chance of blisters
There are only two types of hikers those who have had blisters and those who will get blisters, it's a simple fact of life.
With the ventilation you get dirt, your feet will get filthy. Oh well, that's life in the food chain.
One common tactic for blister prevention is changing socks, moisture is your enemy
This info is hard won from experience of people in the outdoors, on how to prevent and treat foot problems
Regards
Matt _________________ So many canyons...So little time
"You can't fix stupid" Ron White
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary." James Madison
"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare." James Madison
Thanks guys. A lot of good info. My dad and I were talking about this a bit and he said the same as what Simon is saying about the sewn welt, but that would be down the road for me. I think from trying on the Merrells and a few others the last couple days, I'm kinda set on the Merrells. They feel so comfy. And from what I gather, REI has a 100% satisfaction guarantee so looks like they will be getting my business unless I hear different. _________________ West Ham United Oi!
I've had a pair of "Norwegian Welt" boots like Simonov's since high school. They have full grain (not top grain or split grain, full grain) leather. Still have 'em, but my feet have gotten bigger since then, and I wear custom inserts which don't fit. Hard to find 'em now, but MEC (http://www.mec.ca) was carrying 'em last I checked. Downside: generally very heavy.
Trail runners work pretty well, but I don't like 'em for XC or spring conditions (wet snow). With XC they vacuum up rocks. Watched it happen. A rock some 6" away just flew into 'em.
Got a pair of Lowa Trekkers right now. All leather midweight backpacking boot. Feet stay clean. Not good on waterproofing (too many freaking seams), so not good in spring conds. Comfortable. Good on XC. Reasonably good on edging. Did very well in traversing rock when friends were having trouble. Now just over 2 years old.
The rand (that rubber thing that covers the welt), is starting to peel. @#@$%! Good boots, but the rand is what will probably force me to replace them, and after only 2 years. Grrr. Tried seam grip on the rand: fail. Full leather boots should last longer than 2 years. May pop by A16 and see what my options are. _________________ Hiking? Aw, gee, do I have to?
How long does everyone get out of a pair of boots? I seem to wear them out in 12 months, maybe 18 if I am lucky. Any recommendations on a boot that last 2 or more years.
I guess it would depend on the mileadge you put on them, and the terrain you hike most.
I currently have a pair a La Sportiva Trekking boots (can't remember the orginal name but this was the replacement boot: La Sportiva Trango Trek 347 Micro EVO GTX GRIGIO) and have had them for about 7 years. I would say I have approximately 250 miles on them, and there is nothing wrong with them. Tread is still good, leather still good, and so is the rand. The only thing I did last year was put in a pair of superfeet as I wore out the original in sole.
Before that, I had another pair of La Sportiva something or other but they wore out in less than 12 months. I think because i use them on trail with heavy talus, water crossings, etc. I abused them severely.
_________________ There is no place for me in this world, Chanchito, I don't belong out there and I don't belong here. So I'm going into the wilderness, probably to die. I hope to see you again Chancho, maybe in the next life.
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