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Post by rachelsdad on Feb 13, 2021 4:28:56 GMT -8
These are a pair of NF Chilkats w/400G Insulation, probably 12 years old. Good full grain leather uppers and "rubber" bottoms. Wore them to work yesterday and while heading to my car to go home one started clicking. I looked to see if I had stepped on a screw, (lots of construction at our bldg.), but didn't see anything. I typically sit in the car, bang snow/slush off shoes then pivot into car...that is when I noticed the "rubber" cap had split. ![]()  So, after adding duct tape are they relegated to shoveling/getting mail or is there any possible way they can be fixed? These were my go to snowshoeing boots for years, kinda bummed out! |
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 13, 2021 5:11:46 GMT -8
Gorilla Glue the gap closed? Or another heavy duty sealant?
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,994 
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 13, 2021 5:16:26 GMT -8
What about that liquid rubber stuff hawked on TV? The guy made a boat out of it, and it comes in black.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 13, 2021 5:22:15 GMT -8
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Post by rachelsdad on Feb 13, 2021 8:14:54 GMT -8
I think the cause is lost....it's at the flex point of the boot. LL Bean will remove the rubber bottom of their Bean Boot and return them on the original leather uppers for $40+/-. Wish TNF did. What a shame,TNF used to be such a great company. Seriously, but after only 12 years and hundreds of miles snowshoeing/winter hiking their boots just fell apart??  That was a very good run for a winter boot!! They don't make this version anymore, too bad...great performance and good looks too! And i notice Columbia Bugaboot IV are discontinued too....I was interested in a pair possibly. I did pick up some Merrell winters at marshalls or someplace liker that. Time to give them a shot! Gorilla Glue the gap closed? Or another heavy duty sealant? Yeah, but thinking it may not hold due to the flexing in that area |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Feb 13, 2021 10:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 13, 2021 10:19:35 GMT -8
Ain't nothing gonna fix that break. They are done.
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reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,160
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Post by reuben on Feb 13, 2021 10:23:57 GMT -8
Put a crowbar in your checkbook and buy a new pair.
If it helps, "You deserve it."
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Post by rachelsdad on Feb 13, 2021 16:14:30 GMT -8
Put a crowbar in your checkbook and buy a new pair. well....been holding on to that Communion money from grandma since 1971 |
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BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,929
Member is Online
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Post by BigLoad on Feb 13, 2021 20:42:18 GMT -8
Don't forget to take them off before you shoot them.
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Feb 14, 2021 8:19:06 GMT -8
That's exactly what happened to my boots last year. I tried using a variety of repairs to no avail. I bit the bullet and tossed mine. Columbia Titaniums - Great boots. Mine lasted 20 years of winter mountaineering.
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Post by rachelsdad on Feb 14, 2021 14:28:41 GMT -8
So me stoopid,
They were Baltoro 400's.
Read a boat load of reviews from 7-8 years ago, same issue. Guess I did good but I felt like I buried my dog today!!
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Post by hikerjer on Feb 14, 2021 20:32:27 GMT -8
All good things come to an end. Sorry for your loss.
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Post by tomqvaxy on Feb 15, 2021 5:25:26 GMT -8
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Post by rachelsdad on Jan 9, 2022 5:17:32 GMT -8
Interesting...to me...update.
I have a pair of Cabelas boots similar in style to the NF boots that cracked on me last year.
I travel across the Upstate NY 3x a week and so Friday I equipped my car for the winter. I've worn these for dayhikes and snowshoeing in 20 below zero weather...toasty but bulky. Great insurance tho if you run off the road in some of the places I have to drive to.
So I grabbed the Cabelas from my coat closet and the whole back of the rubber section was disintegrating in front of me. Dry brittle...goners.
I put them in the trunk of the car anyway but it got me to thinking.
My TNF boots had boatloads of posts on line on how they cracked like mine did lat year...now these.
Meanwhile I have 2 pairs of LL Bean rubber/leather boots, one pair over 15 years old and the insulated pair over 10. Many more harder miles than either the Baltoros or Cabelas which were mainly used for sub 10 mile winter backpacking or snowshoeing trips.
Both are still flexible and "rubbery". Probably a more natural rubber vs the synthetic material used on the others.
I missed my old Baltoros so much I bought a NIB pair over the summer and have been treating the rubber with homemade remedies Ive scoured on line to try and prevevnt the inevitable crack...especially since tho NIB they're probably already at least 5 years old.
Just wish the 'beaners were warmer for snowshoeing.
One sad update on LL Bean. I've procrastinated for too long to send them back for the $40 entire lower boot replacement....now you need to show proof of purchase...too many people buying beat up ones on ebay for $20 and Bean doing a loss leader service for non original customers...can't blame Bean.
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That was a very good run for a winter boot!!
