Re-soling boots?

[Neil]

I bought my first hiking boots in 1976. I went through 3 pairs of soles before the uppers were worn out. I just took them to the Alpine shoe repair in Banff and the shoemaker put on a brand new pair of soles for around 20 bucks. The boots I now own have the soles bonded to the uppers in such a way that I will have to throw them out fairly soon even though the uppers are in excellent shape. Can anyone recommend a hiking boot that is made in such a way that the vibram soles can be changed?

[DLHiker]

I'm not certain of this, but I think only the norwegian welt style can be resoled. You might want to call a manufacturer, such as Vasque, to ask about this.

[Tom McG]

Boot repair

Most shoe repair shops won’t touch a shoe that has the sole bonded to it or if they will the replacement isn’t that good. A hiking partner on mine had her boots redone by The Cobbler & Cordwainer, 73 Crescent Ave, New Rochelle, NY, 10801. Their web site is www.cobcord.com
I had the Norwegian welt style soles replaced on my boots last year and it took a bout a week, including UPS shipping time.
DL Hiker is right the easiest and best soles to replace are the Norwegian welt style.
Tom

[Jeff]

I have the La Sportiva mountaineering boots. I have to admit they are heavy - 5.2 lbs. They have the vibraum sole. They are the most solid boot I have ever owned. I have had them 4 years now, and La Sportiva will do 1 free resoling when I decide to send them back in. They are all leather, hence the weight and durability. Check them out. Maybe they are not for you. I want to get a different lighter pair, but I can't see myself wearing something else until my current boots disintegrate.