Boot gash!

[Ed]

Hi folks,

I'll throw in a photo at the end. Returned from a nice hike today to go through my usual extensive boot ritual - after having left the boots lovely and clean, I noticed a deep gash in one of the lugs. It seems to go right through the lug, but no further thankfully.

I'd rather not leave it until it progresses into a full blown tear - I've only had the boots since August and the way I look after them I wasn't expecting to replace them for at least a couple of years.

Any suggestions - can it be mended? Do I need a resole?

Link to open image (so you can zoom out!) - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14035139/solegash.jpg

[Pudd]

What actually happened, did you stand on something?

If you've had them from August, I'm sure the manufacturer could do something about it and hopefully for a discounted price.  Though I'm sure the very first question they will ask you how often do you use them?

Was thinking that maybe there is some type of 'filler' on the market that you could pack into the gash?

[Mourneman]

Not sure if this is the best advice but I had the same problem last year,I used a hot poker to seal the tear!

[Ed]

Pudd I don't remember it happening - I might have stood on glass (donard wood - scrotes and their bottles)

I'm out in them regularly, every day in some shape or form, proper hikes at least twice a week

Maybe try and fill them with this? http://www.camping-online.co.uk/home-diy-tools-and-accessories/loctite-super-glue-adhesive/copydex-bison-pritt-range-of-adhesives/50ml-liquid-rubber.html

[surfnscenic]

How about calling in with a reputable shoe mender for an initial professional assessment?

If you're about Belfast city centre why not call into the Victoria Heel Bar on Church Lane, beside the Hi-Park Centre.

I know the guy there, David, and he'll give you an honest opinion and advice.

Good luck.


George

[Ed]

How about calling in with a reputable shoe mender for an initial professional assessment?

If you're about Belfast city centre why not call into the Victoria Heel Bar on Church Lane, beside the Hi-Park Centre.

I know the guy there, David, and he'll give you an honest opinion and advice.

Good luck.


George

I work at cromac square, so I'm very near to that place - they resoled a pair of brown shoes for me and did an ok job. Would they know much about hiking boots, vibram etc tho?

[surfnscenic]

I don't think they specialise in walking boots but they'll be better placed to advise accordingly.

[Pudd]

You ever get this fixed Aragorn?  Would be interesting to know how. 

[Ed]

You ever get this fixed Aragorn?  Would be interesting to know how.

Hi Pudd,

At mournemans recommendation I got some FreeSole boot repair gel. I filled the gash then smoothed some over the top - worked a charm! Id recommend keeping a tube of it for emergencies