Paying tribute to my boots, but is it time for a change?

[Deleted member 87865]

Dear All,

First I would like to say Muchas gracias, or even "Veľká vďaka" since the label says Made in Slovakia, to my LOWA boots.

These sturdy brown beauties have been with me on roughly 2.5 treks of El camino, as well as various other day hikes. I purchased them in Bilbao back in 2016, the third pair and the last worn on that epic journey from Lourdes to Compostela. Since then, I have worn them on another blended route that began in Bedous, taking in the Somport Pass, the Valcarlos Pass, The San Salvador route; and this year a complete CF including a 4-day addendum to Muxia and Finisterre.

But time and effort take their toll. At Ponferrada's Decathlon store I purchased a very needful pair of new insoles, and I'm thinking of buying some superglue to try and mend the broken stitching which has come apart on the tops of both boots. My questions are, am I punishing these old darlings by keeping them on active service, is it time to say goodbye and move into a new pair? When should one let go of beloved old trekking buddies, when they start to show superficial damage or wait until there's an actual hole in the heel? How do (did) you decide to let go and maybe repurpose your boots as plant pots?

Thank you for your thoughts.

P

 

[Moorwalker]

There are a few specialist places that do boot repairs and if you love your boots that might be worth looking at.

 

[Deleted member 87865]

There are a few specialist places that do boot repairs and if you love your boots that might be worth looking at.

Thank you Moorwalker. I've just had a go with the superglue. I do love them, they're very robust. I'm also wondering about repairs to backpacks: maybe I can get my Osprey refurbished?

Philippum

 

[linnea.borealis]

Dear All,

First I would like to say Muchas gracias, or even "Veľká vďaka" since the label says Made in Slovakia, to my LOWA boots.

These sturdy brown beauties have been with me on roughly 2.5 treks of El camino, as well as various other day hikes. I purchased them in Bilbao back in 2016, the third pair and the last worn on that epic journey from Lourdes to Compostela. Since then, I have worn them on another blended route that began in Bedous, taking in the Somport Pass, the Valcarlos Pass, The San Salvador route; and this year a complete CF including a 4-day addendum to Muxia and Finisterre.

But time and effort take their toll. At Ponferrada's Decathlon store I purchased a very needful pair of new insoles, and I'm thinking of buying some superglue to try and mend the broken stitching which has come apart on the tops of both boots. My questions are, am I punishing these old darlings by keeping them on active service, is it time to say goodbye and move into a new pair? When should one let go of beloved old trekking buddies, when they start to show superficial damage or wait until there's an actual hole in the heel? How do (did) you decide to let go and maybe repurpose your boots as plant pots?

Thank you for your thoughts.

P

I have gone through two pairs of Lowa Renegades and love them. My second pair has lasted only a bit more than a year. Both heels are badly worn on the soles. (lots of road-walking on my latest walk in Italy) I am contemplating seeing if they could be resoled. It seemed they should have lasted longer. In the meantime, I bought a slightly lighter-weight pair of Salomons, but I miss the lovely leather workmanship of the Lowas. Has anyone had theirs re-soled? I also keep wanting to go lighter, but when I'm out all day on rough paths, I have been so glad to have those solid boots.

 

[Moorwalker]

Thank you Moorwalker. I've just had a go with the superglue. I do love them, they're very robust. I'm also wondering about repairs to backpacks: maybe I can get my Osprey refurbished?

Are you in the UK? If so, try

Feet First Resoles - Europe's leading outdoor walking boot repair and climbing shoe repair service - Feet First

Feet First Resoles are based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Europe's leading outdoor shoe and boot repair service, carrying out repairs on walking boots, climbing shoes, mountaineering boots and all kinds of general footwear

www.resoles.co.uk

for boot repairs. They are good to talk to about what is possible.

I don't know about rucksack repairs, it would probably depend on what needs doing. I'd contact Osprey first and see what they can do, many manufacturers offer repair services.

 

[VAtoNC]

Dear All,

First I would like to say Muchas gracias, or even "Veľká vďaka" since the label says Made in Slovakia, to my LOWA boots.

These sturdy brown beauties have been with me on roughly 2.5 treks of El camino, as well as various other day hikes. I purchased them in Bilbao back in 2016, the third pair and the last worn on that epic journey from Lourdes to Compostela. Since then, I have worn them on another blended route that began in Bedous, taking in the Somport Pass, the Valcarlos Pass, The San Salvador route; and this year a complete CF including a 4-day addendum to Muxia and Finisterre.

But time and effort take their toll. At Ponferrada's Decathlon store I purchased a very needful pair of new insoles, and I'm thinking of buying some superglue to try and mend the broken stitching which has come apart on the tops of both boots. My questions are, am I punishing these old darlings by keeping them on active service, is it time to say goodbye and move into a new pair? When should one let go of beloved old trekking buddies, when they start to show superficial damage or wait until there's an actual hole in the heel? How do (did) you decide to let go and maybe repurpose your boots as plant pots?

Thank you for your thoughts.

P

So interesting you should post this! I have some well-worn Lowas that have taken me to, among other places, the trek to Everest Base Camp. They're still wearable but worn. They're the Renegade model which is heavier than other boots. I decided that I'm leaving them at home, and I bought some lightweight Keen boots. Since I'm going to switch them out with hiking sandals I wanted the lighter weight, too.

 

[Deleted member 87865]

So interesting you should post this! I have some well-worn Lowas that have taken me to, among other places, the trek to Everest Base Camp. They're still wearable but worn. They're the Renegade model which is heavier than other boots. I decided that I'm leaving them at home, and I bought some lightweight Keen boots. Since I'm going to switch them out with hiking sandals I wanted the lighter weight, too.

Yes, I just checked and mine are Renegades too. They still look well, new insoles and superglued stitching, so I'll wait a little longer before planting flowers in them.

 

[NorthernLight]

Don't ditch them (or pot them) before you have a happy replacement!

 

[Derrybiketours]

My questions are, am I punishing these old darlings by keeping them on active service, is it time to say goodbye and move into a new pair? When should one let go of beloved old trekking buddies, when they start to show superficial damage or wait until there's an actual hole in the heel? How do (did) you decide to let go and maybe repurpose your boots as plant pots?

Before walking my 3 Caminos I researched footwear and reviews on Lowa Renegade were very good. I travelled to my nearest Decathlon store 75 miles from home and first impressions were cumbersome, heavy and rubbing against my ankle. I tested them for an hour, tried various sizes and different socks trialling on the in-store purpose built activity course. I left dissappointed especially as had such high expectations and decided to purchase a pair of Merrill Moab Ventilators trail shoes online for half the price of Lowa. After walking 2,000 Kms they have served me well except for ware and tare on inside of heel. Lightweight, breathable, very comfortable, fantastic value for money at £55. The ideal Camino de Santiago shoe. If your Lowa have served you well and are still comfortable and your blister free I'd wear them until your ready to do your feet a favour and put them inside a Moab

 

[mikebet]

Another vote for the Merrell Moab Ventilators. I finally had to abandon mine after the last walk because of fraying in the lining and worn-down tread. But they served me well for many years and that model is still sold so I wasn't too heartbroken over the separation. I'll be getting another pair as soon as I see them on sale.

 

[Paintboy2]

I have gone through two pairs of Lowa Renegades and love them. My second pair has lasted only a bit more than a year. Both heels are badly worn on the soles. (lots of road-walking on my latest walk in Italy) I am contemplating seeing if they could be resoled. It seemed they should have lasted longer. In the meantime, I bought a slightly lighter-weight pair of Salomons, but I miss the lovely leather workmanship of the Lowas. Has anyone had theirs re-soled? I also keep wanting to go lighter, but when I'm out all day on rough paths, I have been so glad to have those solid boots.

I have resolved my Vasque's twice with great success. The replacement soles (Vibram) performed better than new. I also used a product called "Shoe Goo" as an adhesive and it worked great. Dont give up on old friends or comfortable boots.

 

[Greg Wilson]

Dom, like yourself I get almost romantic about faithful, reliable, comfortable equipment. I loved my Lowa Renegades too. Working as a Ranger at the'Giant's Causeway' (world heritage site in Northern Ireland), the iconic hexagonal basalt columns were very slippery when very frequently wet. The Renegades were the best boots for grip in these conditions, saving me from many potential accidents. After years at this job They were beyond repair so got a new pair for Camino training. Sadly I developed a troublesome ankle injury so ended up on Camino ingles in shoes. I'm restarting training for next Camino with Renegades.

 

[Deleted member 87865]

Dom, like yourself I get almost romantic about faithful, reliable, comfortable equipment. I loved my Lowa Renegades too. Working as a Ranger at the'Giant's Causeway' (world heritage site in Northern Ireland), the iconic hexagonal basalt columns were very slippery when very frequently wet. The Renegades were the best boots for grip in these conditions, saving me from many potential accidents. After years at this job They were beyond repair so got a new pair for Camino training. Sadly I developed a troublesome ankle injury so ended up on Camino ingles in shoes. I'm restarting training for next Camino with Renegades.

Haha, it took me a mo' to realise 'Dom' meant me. As I get older I find I really like things that, well, just function well. A symptom of middle age, but a benign one. The Giant's Causeway has got to go on my unwritten list, alongside Skellig Michael. Very best wishes for your next trek.

Philippum

 

[Deleted member 87865]

Thank you to all for the feedback. I just thought, one factor I should have taken into account is the difference in walking between colder seasons and high summer. I love my boots and I rarely get the troublesome blisters on the soles, but what I do get in summer is red spots on the tops of the feet, undoubtedly due to the heat. I dunno if anyone tends to swop boots for trail shoes or even for sandals in the summertime, but I guess that could be a wise move.

 

[Bella2017]

I have resolved my Vasque's twice with great success. The replacement soles (Vibram) performed better than new. I also used a product called "Shoe Goo" as an adhesive and it worked great. Dont give up on old friends or comfortable boots.

Having the worst blisters ever in my newer vibram soled trespass leather boots I had to rejuvenate my old hawkhead boots using shoe goo. I successfully completed camino ingles
And finisterrers with no blisters but need more heel repairs. Where did u get your new vibra m soles from?

 

[Paintboy2]

Having the worst blisters ever in my newer vibram soled trespass leather boots I had to rejuvenate my old hawkhead boots using shoe goo. I successfully completed camino ingles
And finisterrers with no blisters but need more heel repairs. Where did u get your new vibra m soles from?

I bought them from my local cobbler.