Can you resole walking boots?

How boot construction affects resoling

Most walking boots today use cemented construction: the upper is glued to a midsole and outsole. A specialist can often remove a worn outsole and glue on a new one, as long as the midsole is in good shape. Lowa's listing for the Camino Evo GTX, for example, describes it as resolable with traditional glued construction.

Some traditional boots are stitched, for example with a Norwegian welt, where the upper is stitched to the sole unit. These are designed for resoling and can often be resoled several times.

Lightweight boots and trail shoes often have a moulded foam midsole bonded to a thin outsole. When the outsole wears, the foam is usually compressed too, so replacing just the outsole makes little sense.

Signs a boot is worth resoling

If the boot leaks through a worn membrane, a new sole will not fix that. See walking boots leaking for how to check.

• The upper is in good condition, with no cracks at the flex points or splits at the seams.
• The rand around the bottom of the upper is intact or repairable.
• The midsole is not cracked, crumbling or badly compressed.
• The boot still fits and is comfortable.
• The membrane, if there is one, still keeps water out.

Don't leave it too late

Resoling is easiest when the lugs are worn but the outsole has not worn through to the midsole. Once the midsole is exposed or damaged, the repair is bigger, and some repairers will decline it. Check your soles regularly, especially at the heel and under the ball of the foot, where they usually wear first.

Worn soles also affect grip. Smooth lugs slip on wet grass, mud and polished rock, so do not wait until you have a fall to replace them.

Note:Worn soles reduce grip. Replace or resole boots before the tread is too shallow to bite into mud and wet grass.

Where to get boots resoled in the UK

Some makers run resoling or repair services through their UK distributors, often for specific leather models. Contact the brand or check its website for current details. There are also specialist outdoor boot repairers in the UK who resole walking and climbing boots from many brands, usually by post.

General high-street cobblers can sometimes help with simpler jobs, but walking boots with Vibram soles and rands are best handled by someone who repairs outdoor footwear. Costs vary by boot, sole and repairer, so ask for a quote before sending boots off.

Which boots are likely candidates

Heavier leather boots with named rubber outsoles are the usual candidates: models such as the Lowa Camino Evo, Meindl Burma Pro, Hanwag Banks Winter and Scarpa's leather boots. Our guide to walking boots you can resole compares six using listing facts and flags where the listing does not confirm resoling.

When buying with resoling in mind, ask the maker or retailer directly whether the model can be resoled and by whom. It is a reasonable question and the answer affects how long the boot will last.

See boots you can resole →

Scarpa and other brands

Scarpa boots are often asked about. Many of Scarpa's leather boots use Vibram outsoles that specialist repairers in the UK can replace. Check with Scarpa's UK distributor or a specialist for a particular model, as construction varies across the range.

Meindl, Lowa, Hanwag and Zamberlan also make leather boots that are commonly resoled. Fabric boots from any brand are less likely to be worth it. See our leather walking boots guide for long-life options.

Resole or replace?

Resole if the upper is sound, the boot fits well and you would happily wear it for years more. Many walkers value a resoled boot because it is already broken in.

Replace if the upper is cracked, the membrane leaks, the midsole is collapsed, the boot no longer fits or the cost of repair is close to a new pair. Read how long do walking boots last for the wear signs to watch.

Frequently asked questions

Can you resole Scarpa boots in the UK? Many Scarpa leather boots can be resoled by specialist repairers. Check with Scarpa's UK distributor or a specialist for your model.

How much does it cost to resole walking boots? It varies by repairer, sole and boot. Ask for a quote; compare it with the cost of a new pair.

How many times can boots be resoled? Stitched boots often several times; cemented boots depend on the midsole and upper condition.

Can fabric walking boots be resoled? Rarely worth it, because the foam midsole wears out with the sole.