Boots with dual-density soles - Long-term storage

[Jack Black]

In the 1990’s I was a professional gear tester, and as a consequence I have a LOT of outdoor gear. Among many other things, I used to field-test boots for hiking, rock climbing, and mountaineering, and sometimes if I was sent the wrong size, a model changed, or my schedule changed for some reason, I wouldn’t even wear them, so I’d either give them away or put them away for when my days of free boots were over. I still have at least a dozen pairs of various types of outdoor footwear stored away, still in the boxes, they’re between 15 and 17 years old, and today I got out a new pair. They were a pair of nice looking suede hiking boots, which were sent in the wrong size, and I thought I’d give them to a pal for his birthday. They have a dual density Vibram sole unit, and I noticed straightaway that the softer part had a shiny look to it, it was also tacky to the touch. I gave it a wipe with a cloth and a piece just broke off, the rubber was really fragile. I checked the rest of the boots I have stored, and what I found is that the boots with dual-density soles have all gone the same way. The dual-density sole unit of a pair of high-end combat boots, which I’d worn a few times, but not for about 5 years, had gone completely as had the harder outer sole, and the rubber rand, the whole sole had almost disintergrated. However, the other boots with standard (mainly Vibram) sole units are fine, as are the butyl rubber soles of my climbing shoes. Guess I shouldn’t have hung onto these boots so long as I now have to throw out a few pairs of otherwise perfect boots. Anyone else had this kind pf problem? The type of sole unit I'm talking about is not the sort with a hard outsole and an EVA (or similar) wedge, like on a trainer or approach shoe, but a monobloc sole unit with a hard outsole and what should be a slightly softer section behind this.

 

[willseeyalater]

Do you still have cobbler or shoe repair shops there? It might be possible to have them resoled, at least check to see what the cost would be before tossing them.

 

[Unk]

I had a pair of Rocky Cordura/Gore-Tex Wellingtons with that type of sole and the sole disintegrated..while I may have gotten them in some contaminants, could not remember doing so. Bummed as as had previous excellent service from Rocky boots with regular Vibram soles.

As to re-sole on the other boots, if otherwise good, imagine Vibram still offers some killer lug soles.

 

[Jack Black]

Do you still have cobbler or shoe repair shops there? It might be possible to have them resoled, at least check to see what the cost would be before tossing them.

Yeah, there's still one or two hanging on by the skin of their teeth. I'll check, I really HATE to throw things away. Might be worth it for the combat boots, nice full-leather boot with a Sympatex lining. Last time I looked into resoling the cost was pretty high, and as the uppers had had a lot of wear I didn't bother, but the uppers of all these boots are new or as new. Pretty unusual situation I guess.

I had a pair of Rocky Cordura/Gore-Tex Wellingtons with that type of sole and the sole disintegrated..while I may have gotten them in some contaminants, could not remember doing so.

Yeah, it's strange. These have been well stored and not been subject to any extreme temperatures or anything. How long had you had yours before it happened Unk, for all I know mine might have been going downhill for a good few years now.

As to re-sole on the other boots, if otherwise good, imagine Vibram still offers some killer lug soles.

Yeah, I'm sure they do. If I was still in the gear-reviewing game, I'd certainly have something to say about it. I guess when these type of soles were developed they didn't test for such long-term use. I know my own circumstances are unusual, but if you're buying boots for irregular use it might be worth considering avoiding this type of sole unit.

Thanks guys.

 

[Unk]

Jack Black, couple of years on my Rocky Wellingtons, one year they were fine, the next, they were unserviceable. Not daily wearers primarily waterfowl hunting in a duck boat [salt water].

 

[Jack Black]

Jack Black, couple of years on my Rocky Wellingtons, one year they were fine, the next, they were unserviceable. Not daily wearers primarily waterfowl hunting in a duck boat [salt water].

Thanks Unk, that's no time at all is it, particularly considering how much you pay for a decent pair of boots? I was talking to a friend and he was saying he had the same problem after about five years. I've just been waxing a couple of pairs of other hiking boots with dual-density sole units of a different type, and they are absolutely fine despite being older than the boots I've had a problem with, and seeing a fair bit of use. One pair are Zamberlan Ultralite's (not been made in a long time) which has a Vibram outersole and a wedge which I think is EVA, I've mainly worn them in summer, but the uppers are almost as new. The other pair are Brasher Hillmaster GTX, which uses an EVA wedge, they've had more use, show a bit of wear and tear, but the soles are fine. Ironically, it was thought the monbloc dual-density soles would be tougher than the EVA wedge type and stand up to hard use better.

 

[thebrain]

I think getting a resole might be the answer since you don`t have any original cost it would be a little lighter hit to the wallet . Too bad about the boots , I have some older boots (maybe 12 years) that have not done that, now what happened to yours makes me worry.

 

[Jack Black]

I think getting a resole might be the answer since you don`t have any original cost it would be a little lighter hit to the wallet . Too bad about the boots , I have some older boots (maybe 12 years) that have not done that, now what happened to yours makes me worry.

Do your boots also have a dual-density sole? The other boots I have, some of which are 20 years old, are fine. I'll post pics of the defective boots in the next couple of days, really are a mess.

 

[Tallone]

Do your boots also have a dual-density sole? The other boots I have, some of which are 20 years old, are fine. I'll post pics of the defective boots in the next couple of days, really are a mess.

I have a pair of bates jungle boots with soft soles. Been sitting unused for a few years, started wearing and rubber has disintegrated rapidly.

New jungle boots have vibram soles.

 

[Jack Black]

I have a pair of bates jungle boots with soft soles. Been sitting unused for a few years, started wearing and rubber has disintegrated rapidly.

New jungle boots have vibram soles.

Sounds like the exact same problem. I might e-mail Vibram about it. They're far from the only manufacturer who make these type of soles of course.

 

[thebrain]

The boot I was speaking of are a dual density sole , I like the lighter weight and softer feel. Now I wonder if they are good for long term use, I guess nothing rubber lasts forever.

 

[Tilaran]

Had a pair of Vasque Clarion GTX. I bought 2 pairs in 1997 at a bank sale. Wore the first ones for about 4 years until they were near dead.Pulled the others, strapped them on and never made it out of the bedroom. More junk.
OTOH I have a 1976 era pair of Herman Survivors that are on their third(Vibram Tacoma) soles and are still in good use.
eBay vintage boots and see what you can find.
Nearly everything with an American name is just outsourced junk from China these days.
Redwing, Chippewa and Danner still have a few models actually made there....probably with leather, thread, glue and hardware imported from Somalia or some other paradise.
Sad years.
I have a collection of stories, documents and videos to leave to my great grandkids and explain exactly what killed the USA.
Greed.
See ya at Walmart.
I'll be watching a Black Friday video. I wouldn't set foot in one.

 

[Jack Black]

Just found another pair of boots that have gone rotten They've got Berghaus branding, but like many outdoor brands who start to market boots, Berghaus never made footwear themselves. The soles are made by a company called 'Top Climber', with a logo that, at a glance, looks like the Vibram one.

Sorry for the delay in posting pics, I was hoping to borrow a better camera, but will try to post some up later.

 

[bigbadboom]

I have had a similiar issue with work boots here in OZ . The soles are polypropylene and I understand the phenomena is known as hydrolysis.

Your boots just start crumbling 1 day - like Feta cheese.

Essentially boots with that type of sole have a 4 or 5 year life span - and built in obsolescence.

 

[Jack Black]

I have had a similiar issue with work boots here in OZ . The soles are polypropylene and I understand the phenomena is known as hydrolysis.

Your boots just start crumbling 1 day - like Feta cheese.

Essentially boots with that type of sole have a 4 or 5 year life span - and built in obsolescence.

Thanks for the info. It's poor isn't it, considering how much these things cost? I reckon there must be cases where boots (and more pertinently; sole units) have been lying around in factories/warehouses/stores for a considerable time before they're even purchased.

Sorry for the delay in posting pics, I'm currently using a dongle and it's a bit like the boots - not up to spec. 'Crumbling like feta cheese' is a very apt description though.

 

[Jack Black]

Apologies again for the delay.

 

[bigbadboom]

At least the Vibram portion is still ok - Ive had the whole sole disintegrate and crumble away on issued work boots and at least 1 pair I bought myself. ( Local brands like Oliver , T-Boots and Blundstone )

Im super careful when I buy boots now. Im due for some new elastic sided boots soon too.

I think Steel Blue boots are good to go ( probably the most comfortable boot ever ) had a pair for a few years and no Feta yet.
Just got some Danner hikers that seem pretty good too .

 

[Jack Black]

At least the Vibram portion is still ok - Ive had the whole sole disintegrate and crumble away on issued work boots and at least 1 pair I bought myself. ( Local brands like Oliver , T-Boots and Blundstone )

Im super careful when I buy boots now. Im due for some new elastic sided boots soon too.

I think Steel Blue boots are good to go ( probably the most comfortable boot ever ) had a pair for a few years and no Feta yet.
Just got some Danner hikers that seem pretty good too .

I think these boots would just fall to pieces if I wore them. Same with the others, one pair of which looks OK at a glance. The soles on the boot pictured (and the others) are actually supposed to be one bonded unit, I think the softer part contains a lot of polyurethene (P.U.). The other boots I had in storage with the old-type mono-density Vibram soles and the dual-density models that use an EVA-type wedge seem to be OK (been out in a pair today that I've had 18 years).

I was talking to a friend today who had the same problem with a pair of work boots he bought, they were from a well-known manufacturer, but he got them cheap as they were an old model. The first time he wore them, he got a damp feeling inside them and eventually had to take them off. His socks were soaked, and then he noticed the boots had turned to Feta (good description again)! Contacted the manufacturer, but didn't get a lot of help.