Are Your Old Hiking Boots Still Safe?
You know that feeling when your favorite hiking boots start feeling a bit off? Maybe they're not hugging your ankles like they used to, or you're wobbling on uneven ground. Used hiking boots can lose their protective qualities over time, and worn-out ankle support is one of the biggest safety concerns on the trail. About 40% of hiking injuries involve ankle sprains, and boots with compromised support make you more vulnerable to these incidents. The good news? You can test your boots at home before they fail you on a mountain trail. What Happens When Boots Age? Hiking boots don't last forever. The materials break down from your body heat, sweat, UV exposure, and the constant flex of walking. Most quality hiking boots give you around 500 to 900 miles of solid performance. After that, the ankle support systems start to weaken even if the outside looks fine. Your boots might look perfectly good on the outside while the internal structure crumbles. The polyurethane m...