Getting up in the morning just to find that your favorite pair of boots has begun showing wear and tear can be exasperating. You realize your boots are well past their prime, but you simply don’t feel like putting them back.
If you’re stuck thinking that repairing your boots would cost as much as buying a new pair, the good news is that you can have your work boots resoled in less than half of what a new pair will cost.
To help clear the doubts, we’ve gathered information about resoling your favorite boots, including the price of the same. You’ll also learn more about the right time to resole your boots and what type of boots can be resoled.
The Cost of Resoling Boots
The average cost of resoling your boots can range anywhere between $80 to $150. The cost generally tends to vary keeping several factors in mind. For instance, climbing/hiking boots with no rubber often cost less to repair compared to tall hunting boots made with rubber.
Please note that the actual cost can and does vary depending on the type of your boot, the cobbler, and the service requested. Some boots are easy to resole, and yet can be modified and re-stitched, which can be rather costly. Not to forget the cobbler’s fee for additional services like new footbeds, new laces, and overall reconditioning of the boots where necessary.
The cost of resoling Vibram boots, or rather boots with Vibram soles usually depends on whom you chose for the job. Several footwear brands tend to offer resoling services for as low as $80, but keep in mind that this is mostly for boots they made.
Boots from different brands are made differently, which might bring about varied costs. Granted, not all construction methods are developed equal, or involve the same requirements of the cobbler in terms of labor.
The place where you’re getting your job done is also a consideration. For those who are living in cities like New York and LA, chances are repairing your boots will cost you more than small towns. Still, if your soles have holes in them, then it might cost you a bit more.
Another thing to consider is the quality of sole that needs to be resoled; rubber, leather, or foam soles. You might also want to consider whether you need to reconstruct half or full sole. In some cases, it might not be sufficient to just resole the boots.
You might also need to replace the heel, which can’t be reconstructed once it is detached from the boot. This type of resoling might cost you around $55 to $120, which is notably higher compared to half resoling, which can cost as low as $35.
When is The Right Time To Resole Boots?
Resoling your boots will become crucial after a point in time. Even though there’s no such a principle about the recurrence or how often your boots must be resoled, below are several indicators that it’s the right time to do so:
Uneven sole is a major sign to watch out for. If left unattended, uneven sole could definitely be troublesome for calves and ankles in the long run. Thus, it demands a resole.
If there’s a hole in the bottom, which indicates that the outsole (the contact with the ground) is damaged. Also, be sure to pay attention if the hole has reached the interior as this could cause your feet trouble.
Splitting of soles: If the upper of the boots have started detaching from the midsole, then it’s the right time for a resole. Splitting of soles makes the boots uncomfortable, and likely to affect your movement.
Damage to excessive moisture and water: Rubber soles might remain reliable but leather soles are usually susceptible to water damage. This might harm the integrity of the boots and potentially invite serious injuries to your foot.
Another sign is when the leather starts to thin and the pavement suddenly feels a whole lot closer to your toes. When this happens, consider resoling the boots, otherwise, this might lead to a hole in the sole.
What Type of Boots Can Be Resoled
While all boots are not made the same, it’s important to know which shoes require resoling and which ones don’t. It’s easy to think that invisible soles are stuck or glued, but that’s not always the case.
As much as you want your boots resoled, some models may are not worth resoling, especially those designed with cheaper glued soles. Boots that are made using Goodyear welt construction often have a row of visible stitches around the sole, which makes them great for resoling.
That said, the idea of resoling or a remake, which sometimes can involve more like totally reconstructing the footbed and possibly the upper, is that you’ll often end up spending less than you would when buying a whole new pair.
Most working people go through a pair of boots nearly every year, or even every few months, depending on the field of work. So unless you’re purchasing lower-end footwear, you’re likely to save money in the long run by investing a bit more in your boots.
Besides, you don’t always have to visit a cobbler to get your boots resoled. Some of them can be fixed on their own. Hobnails or boot glue are some of the efficacious products that can join the sole effectively.
So if you’re thinking about fixing your boost by yourself, then you’ll simply have to find the matching size and stick it using little nails or boot glue. Basically, what you’ll need is a sole replacement kit (that costs around $24.99), which is more affordable than purchasing a new pair of boots.
The Bottom Line
You can consider both resoling and reconstructing on the same boot as many times as you find necessary, but pay attention to the signs that we have mentioned. That way, you’ll be able to determine whether the soles need a repair or a replacement. Resoling has always been a cheaper option, especially when you’re doing it by yourself.