I've had my beloved boots for nearly five years, and have walked somewhere in the region of 700 miles in them, across many different terrains. They're still comfortable, but I'm heading off to Peru to do the Inca Trail later this year, and am worried that my boots may not stand up to the training and the hike itself. My question is, how long should a good pair of hiking boots last? (Mine are Meindl Burma Lady PRO MFS, if that helps). Obviously, if they need to be replaced I want to do it soon so that I have plenty of breaking-in time!

Thanks

Tasha

How long should you keep boots? Well that's a good question! For me it all depends on the boots. I have had boots that have only lasted a few years then fell apart and then I have had boots that are still going strong after 10 years (the problem I have is I will use boots that I like until they fall off my feet which can take years but when I go to try and buy the same boot you can't buy them anymore and I have to start all over again to find a boot I really like and suit my feet). I think what you want to do is take a good look at them and check the stitching, especially around the sole area, give it a pull and tug and be rough about it. usually boots will fail around the sole area. if everything looks good and still strong I would good with them. I for one like to do long treks in boots I feel comfortable in and I know. If you have any doubts then maybe you should get another pair of boots and make sure you break them in good.

I hope this helps

BP

Here are a couple of tips that may help give your boots more life : If anyone has any other tips please feel free to add more

When weather sealing a pair of boots I use a product called "Snow Seal". I clean and dry my boots then I warm them up (sunny day, hair dryer work), then I apply the "Snow Seal", like Bush Pig stated use your fingures to work the product into the seams and threads. The sealer is like a paste or wax. I use a rag to even the product out and warm the boots up again so it melts into leather or fabric. A bit of caution it smells, the Snow Seal not my boots - OK they do too - topic for another day. The sealer also darkens the material. I have a pair of work boots that I've had for over 4 years working construction. Best of luck - Little Rock