Soles of my boots

[dazthechippy]

Hi Folks, just back from a days walking in Wales and the soles of my boots have literally fallen off, the main part of the boot is still there but the rubber tread bit both heel and toe on both boots is now separate...

They've not been out for anything strenuous like I've just done in a long time, wondering if the adhesive has perished and if anyone has had this happen before. They are quite old, about 15 years..

So, wondering if its repairable as I have the soles and if i can take them to a cobbler or am I better buying new boots..

I think someone else discussed this on this site sometime ago bit cant find the post..

Answers on a postcard would help please, thank you..

[Yorkshire Andy]

What boots and sole?

Paid £40 for my vibram soled Matterhorn boots to be done via timsons who sent them away

[alwayscross]

fifteen years, not to bad. I would say just get a new pair, at fifteen years chances are you goanna deal with more than just the soles later on.

[preparedsurrey]

What make of boots are they? I know Atlberg would work on their old boots at one point (don't know if that is still the case)

[BaseOne]

At 15 years, I would get a new pair. If you have used some types of waterproofing, it is possible that this has mixed with grit and sand, which over time, can be very a abrasive on the stiching.

My own personal criteria for buying new boots:

- Buy something made in Europe and not by a child in a Chinese sweatshop. Conscience is clearer and it keeps jobs in Europe.
- Vibram soles
- Triple stiching
- Lace loops on the sides which help pull the foot in to the heel of the boot, and hold it there.
- 20-30mm rubber strip over the area where sole meets leather. This protects the boot from scratches on rocks and this area also takes most of the dampness when walking.
- No Gore-tex, it's a marketing gimmic and after a couple of hundred km, it is destroyed anyway.

[dazthechippy]

hi all, thanks for the replies so far, boots are made by Zamberlan (Italian), I got them in snow & rock I think it was, over £100. They're leather.

As you've said, that was a long time ago so I'll start to look round for a new pair. Might hang onto them as a spare pair..

cheers

[Deeps]

hi all, thanks for the replies so far, boots are made by Zamberlan (Italian), I got them in snow & rock I think it was, over £100. They're leather.

As you've said, that was a long time ago so I'll start to look round for a new pair. Might hang onto them as a spare pair..

cheers

I keep my old boots, unless they're totally done they're usually fine for the garden etc. I've got a couple pairs that are fine if its dry so wear for dog walking in good weather, I've got a pair that I keep by the door with cut down laces that I can just step into if I need to step out for any reason.