Boot Repair

[SF-Pilgrim]

Hi

I have a pair of Vasque boots that are probably around 30 years old. Last year I walked the Camino Frances from SJPdP to Santiago with these boots, so they have a lot of miles on them. Yes they are a bit too heavy, but they are comfortable and I didn't have any significant feet issues during my Camino. Anyway I'm going to be walking the Camino Portugues next year. I'd love the wear these boots again, but as you can see in the pictures they need some repair work.

Are the boots repairable and who can I send them too?

Buen Camino
Tom

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi Tom , I would say that after 30 years off service your boots deserve retirement

It would be time to by new boots .

Wish you well,Peter.

 

[Waka]

To get 30 years from a pair of walking boots is exceptional.

 

[Robo]

@SF-Pilgrim

You might want to check out some 'modern' boots in your local store.
On my first Camino in 2015 I bought some Salomon GTX Mids, and they felt like bedroom slippers compared to the boots I used to wear 30 and 40 years ago! Totally different technology...

Sadly they won't make it on another Camino and I bought another pair today!

 

[t2andreo]

On the other hand, if you are dedicated to THESE boots, and the uppers are serviceable, they can be resoled. In fact, there is at least one resoler in the San Diego area. Google search for 'hiking boot resoling.'

I have used a firm located in Virginia, when I lived up north. My Keen Targhee boots were resoled twice, after each Camino Frances. Subsequently, I donated them, with tread remaining after Camino #4. I used a new pair of the exact boots on Camino #5.

Typically, you mail them the boots, arrange payment (usually by credit card). They recondition the boots, resole them, give you a new insole and perhaps laces, then mail them back to you.

On the plus side, these are already very well broken in. On the negative side, they ARE 30 years old...

I hope this helps.

 

[Glenn Rowe]

Hi

I have a pair of Vasque boots that are probably around 30 years old. .... Anyway I'm going to be walking the Camino Portugues next year. I'd love the wear these boots again, but as you can see in the pictures they need some repair work.

Are the boots repairable and who can I send them too?

Buen Camino
Tom

View attachment 36120 View attachment 36121

Tom,

Looks like they may be Vasque Clarions -- excellent boots! I've completely worn out two pairs of Clarions since 1988. The last pair died about 3 years ago. I now have two new pairs of Vasque boots: a 2-year-old pair of Taku GTXs and a practically new pair of Breeze III GTXs. They're just as good/comfortable as my beloved Clarions. Better, actually, since they're both Gore-Tex.

In my estimation -- sadly -- yours may not be repairable unless you're willing to pay about as much as (maybe more than) new boots would cost.

 

[SF-Pilgrim]

On the plus side, these are already very well broken in. On the negative side, they ARE 30 years old...

I feel the same way. Before my Camino last year I did have them resoled. Overall the shoes are still comfortable. It's just the holes that are forming. I'd hate to use them in the current condition and have major shoe problems develop along my Camino next year.

Glenn makes a valid point. Repair may cost more than new shoes. Most likely correct, but I figure it doesn't hurt to find out.

Thanks for everyone's input. Since Vasques have done so well for me over the years, at REI I'm look at what they have. The Vasque Skywalk GTX might be a possibility.