Understanding the Causes of Torn Trekking Shoes: A Comprehensive Guide?

• Choosing The Right Material
• Avoid Buying A Knock Off Version
• Understanding The Shelf Life Of A Trekking Shoe
• Proper Maintenance Of The Shoe
• Walking The Right Way

Imagine walking along a beautiful Himalayan trail. The scenery, the tranquillity, and the fresh air are captivating your senses slowly. You are almost lost in the sublimity of nature but as you take your next step, you trip because your shoe has somehow torn beyond repair! What a big put-off! What are you gonna do now? There’s an entire trail ahead of you, waiting to be explored but your shoes had already given away, way before you made it to the summit! Isn’t it disappointing? But worry not, we have the solution to this!

From minor rips to holes in the soles and completing tearing, torn shoes on a trek are one of the most common problems that we have encountered among trekkers. Shoes are the gears that face the most wear and tear while on a trek and as such, it is important that one should know how to utilize their shoes to increase their longevity and to avoid having the problem of a torn shoe on a trek.

In this article, we are gonna talk about some of the most important factors that can help prevent the tearing of shoes. Starting from the selection of the shoe to its maintenance and even how you walk factors in when it comes to tearing of the show. So how do you prevent this? The following expert tips will help you prevent such an issue while trekking and at the same time also teach you the right way to care for your shoes.

Choosing The Right Material

This is one of the most important things that you should keep in mind. There are a plethora of footwear brands in the market today and while all of them claim to be the best in the field, we recommend you select the material with utmost care and consideration. A trekking shoe should be engineered in a fashion that provides protection from rugged outdoor terrains.

Expert Tip: Select shoes with a Vibram sole, Ortholite insole and Goretex upper membrane.

Vibram soles are reliable and durable rubber soles that are equipped with large channels that allow mud and grime to pass through and self-clean while you walk. A reinforced heel and toe provide better downhill performance. These soles provide great grip on uneven surfaces and provide good shock absorption.

Ortholite insoles are high-performing comfort insoles ideal for trekking purposes. Insoles are a critical component of the shoes' comfort and should not be ignored. The advanced polyurethane and the recycled rubbers in the shoes provide a superior cushioning, great breathability, optimum comfort and durability. The open-cell structure of the footbeds allows great moisture management as well.

Goretex upper membrane is a durable microporous membrane that is laminated to a fabric. The pores in the Gore-Tex film do not allow water droplets to pass through them while keeping them breathable. This makes the material both breathable and waterproof.

Avoid Buying A Knock Off Version

Purchasing a trekking shoe is an investment. So when purchasing a trekking shoe invest in a good pair instead of buying cheap and knock-off versions. This will not only tear quickly but also can cause blisters, foot pain, and sprained ankles.

Understanding The Shelf Life Of A Trekking Shoe

The shelf life of good-quality trekking shoes is approximately 900 to 1600 km and 3 to 5 years. Beyond this point, the shoe becomes prone to wear and tear. So before you head out on a trek it is advised to check the condition of your shoes. Wearing a shoe beyond its shelf life can also cause problems like blisters and foot pain. If you are not sure about the current condition of your shoe discuss it with a shoe expert.

Proper Maintenance Of The Shoe

Another important thing that you should know about a trekking shoe is that it needs proper maintenance so that it lasts long and does not tear as easily. So what is the right way to care for your shoe?

The very first thing you need to do is avoid soaking your shoe in the water. I know this is your very first instinct when it comes to cleaning the dirt and muck from your shoe but this is not the ideal way to clean a trekking shoe. The best way to clean it is to use a wet cloth and wipe away the dirt from its surface.

Secondly, do not dry your shoe under direct sunlight. It’s a big no! Once you have cleaned the shoe with a wet cloth you can dry it in a relatively dry and moisture-free area but away from direct sunlight.

Also, many a time we have observed the trekkers dry their shoes in front of the fire but it is not recommendable. This is because the high temperature of the fire can cause the glue that holds its different parts together to weaken and it can also degrade the condition of the upper membrane and the sole of the shoe.

When you finally store your shoe after an adventure, make sure that they are completely dry and are stored in a well-ventilated space. You can also use silica gels and tea bags to keep them odour-free.

Walking The Right Way

Did you know how you walk also affects the longevity of your shoes? We have seen quite a number of trekkers applying pressure on the toe side of the shoe when moving forward or descending. This causes a lot of wear and tear, especially if the terrain is rocky or rugged. This is because the toe side of your shoe is not designed to withstand this much pressure. The heel, on the other hand, is designed in a way to absorb shocks and heavy pressure and does not give away. So when walking on a trek, we recommend using the heel side of your shoe first emphasising the pressure on the part as the toe side follows. Heels provide the best stability and traction to the foot and prevent wear and tear.

Keep these tips in mind and we ensure you there will no more be the problem of a torn shoe on a trek!!