Hiking boots and shoes are a great way to get in shape. But they also need to be taken care of. If you don’t replace them as they wear out, your investment will be wasted. Fortunately, there are many ways you can fix these boots on your own with the right tools and instructions. Let’s get started to repair hiking boot soles!
The Way to Repair Hiking Boot Soles
How to Fix Hiking Boots and Shoes
The first step to repair your hiking boot soles is to remove the old glue with a solvent. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften up the glue and then scrape it off with a knife.
This will allow you to reposition the new soles at a later date if needed.
Once the old soles are off, you can use a knife or scraper to remove any dirt or debris from the base of your hiking boots. Next, clean the surface with soap and water to remove any residual dirt and grease.
You will require the following tools
You will need the following tools:
- Screwdriver (flat-head and Phillips)
- Hammer
- Scissors
- If you happen to have one. Otherwise, use a pair of pliers to get the old sole off easily. If you don’t have a knife or pliers, use your hands! Punching holes in your shoelaces is not fun at all.
This is the easiest way to get rid of your old shoelaces. Just cut them off with a pair of scissors and throw them away!
Clean your hiking boots
If you’re lucky, your hiking boots will have a waterproof lining, which means they can withstand getting wet. Whether not, then you’ll need to clean them as soon as possible after each trip.
- Remove any laces and brush the dirt away with a stiff brush or toothbrush.
- Use a damp cloth to remove mud from the sole of your boot. Be careful not to get any on your hands!
- Wipe away salt residue by using an old rag or shirt sleeve that has been soaked in water. This will help remove salt buildup inside your boots as well as on their exterior surfaces.
If you have leather hiking boots, use a suede cleaning brush or soft cloth to gently scrub off dirt and debris.
Once you’ve cleaned the exterior of your boots, make sure to dry them thoroughly. You can use a hairdryer if you have one but be careful not to overheat it!
Repair your hiking boot soles

You can fix your own hiking boots. It’s a good idea to do so, as you will be able to save money and have better control over the repairs than if someone else does it for you. Just make sure that the boots aren’t too damaged before fixing them. If they are, it won’t matter how good of a job you do on them because they won’t last long anyway!
If you’re just looking to fix small problems in your hiking boots, there are a few ways that you can do so. The first is by using an adhesive remover. This will remove any glue or other materials that may be causing the problem. If you want to make sure that the boots are waterproof again after being repaired. Then use clear nail polish over the area where repairs were made.
Apply glue
Before you can begin repairing your hiking boots, it’s important to make sure that the sole has been properly prepared. This means applying glue. The type of boot you are repairing will determine which kind of glue should be used. For example, if your hiking boots have a leather upper with rubber or plastic soles and heels (or vice versa), then a water-based glue would be appropriate for this type of material.
If your hiking boots have an all-leather upper with no rubber or plastic in their construction. Then do not use water-based glues because they may cause damage when applied directly onto leather uppers. Instead, opt for an air-cure method where everything is heated up together by rubbing them together until they’re soft enough. So that it doesn’t crack under pressure from being glued together!
Keep the sole in place
The first step is to hold the sole in place. There are several ways you can do this, but my favorite method is by using small pieces of tape. I usually use electrical tape because it’s easy to find and can be removed easily. Just wrap one piece around each toe, then stick another piece on top of that (like so).
If you don’t have electrical tape handy or want something stronger than just adhesive-backed paper towels and pens, consider getting some glue sticks instead! They’re available at most grocery stores in small tubes like toothpaste tubes or medicine bottles. Just ask for the “glue” option when buying them so they’ll know what you mean.
Secure the soles with new screws.
Now that you’ve got your boot soles back together, it’s time to secure them with new screws. You can use a screwdriver to do this, but some people find it easier to use a wrench or drill. A hammer may also be used if necessary; just make sure not to pound too hard on the surface of your boots.
If you’re using a wrench, turn it counterclockwise to loosen the screws. You may need to use some force as you do this. When each screw is loose enough for you to remove, pull it out of your boots and set it aside so that you don’t lose it.
Trim any extra rubber from the sides of the sole.
If you are repairing a boot sole, it is important to make sure that the rubber is not damaged. This can be done by trimming any loose rubber from the sides of the sole.
If the sole is damaged, you will need to cut out the damaged area by making a series of cuts in a “U” shape around the damaged area. This can be done with a utility knife or scissors.
Once the damaged area has been removed, you can begin to fill it in with new rubber. This process is done by applying rubber cement to both sides of the sole and letting it dry for about 20 minutes. Then, press the soles together so that there are no gaps between them.
Other methods of repair
There are a few other ways to repair your hiking boot sole. If you’re not sure how to go about it, consider using a boot repair kit or glue.
- Boot Repair Kit: These can be purchased at any outdoor store and contain all the parts needed to properly fix your soles. They come with instructions on how to use them, so don’t worry too much about following them perfectly!
- Glue: This method involves applying some type of liquid adhesive onto the damaged area before putting on new materials over top of it. You’ll want something like Gorilla Glue because it’s strong enough to not only withstand normal wear & tear but also help hold things together when you’re hiking up steep inclines!
It’s important to note that you should only use this method if you’re going to be hiking for a few hours at most. If your boots are going to get heavy use and abuse, it’s better to use a boot repair kit instead.
Your boots are an investment, so don’t be quick to replace them.
You can repair hiking boots yourself. It’s cheaper than buying new ones, and it keeps you from having to buy a replacement pair of boots every year or two.
Remember: your hiking boots are an investment, so don’t be quick to replace them! Not only will you save money this way, but you’ll also have the opportunity to get some great exercise while doing it.
Hiking boots can last a long time, especially if they are well cared for. The best way to care for your hiking boots is to keep them dry and clean after every use. If your boots get wet, let them air dry before storing them away. You may also want to invest in some shoe trees so that the insides of your boots will stay fresh and soft over time.
You can repair your own boots!
Repairing your own boots is a great way to save money, and it’s not difficult at all. If you have some experience with sewing and mending, then repairing hiking boots should be no problem for you!
First, it will save you money in the long run (because no one wants to pay $50+ for a new pair of shoes). Secondly and this is even more important. You’ll learn about how each part works together in order for them to function properly. This means that if there’s ever an issue with any part of the shoe itself, then repairing them yourself will help prevent costly replacements down the road.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a simple guide to repair your hiking boot soles. If you follow the steps carefully and take care not to damage anything when trying out different methods. You should be able to get your boots back into service within no time at all!
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Arthur Lewis is a hardcore hiker, traveler, and adventure seeker. He is a blogger and writer for “Hiking Mystery,” and he lives in New York City with his pet dog, Chipi.
He is very fond of the outdoors and has visited many countries, including Iceland, Portugal, Brazil, and Costa Rica. He also loves to explore nature by means of hiking, cycling, and kayaking. He is an expert on travel, and he helps other people find the best way to travel by providing information about their options.