In the past full leather hiking boots were your only choice of hiking footwear. They were like tanks for your feet. They were tough and unbearably heavy. It took a long time to break them in and they were maintenance intensive. Hiking boots have come a long way since then. Leather is still used in many versions of hiking boots. However leather is now combined with lightweight man made materials to reduce weight and make them more comfortable.

A hiking boot made of primarily leather material still needs a break in period but don’t require as much time as they used to. Once leather hiking boots are broken in though they are very comfortable. Unlike their space aged cousins, most leather hiking boots still need to be waterproofed. Just make sure to follow the manufacturers instructions so they don’t lose their breathable properties or it will be like wearing a sauna on your feet.

Leather has a tendency to retain water when it gets wet. So you need to make sure you dry them properly. Out on the trail your options are limited. The best way I have found to dry them out is to take off your boots and drain the excess water out. Once the water is drained, change into dry socks, put he boots back on and walk them dry. I usually tie the wet socks on the outside of my pack and change back into them once they are dry.

If your leather hiking boots are still wet when you get home, one way to dry them properly is to remove the insoles and stuff them with wads of newspaper. Do not dry your boots in the hot sun or place them on the furnace like you may have heard. This is a sure way to ruin your leather boots. Leather that dries out quickly has a tendency shrink, pull away from the seams and soles, and can even crack. Drying them out quickly is a sure way to ruin a good pair of boots.

The stitching on leather hiking boots have a tendency to unravel from the seams. To repair a loose stitch, cut or better yet, carefully burn off the excess stitching. For added protection apply a small drop of rubbery adhesive like Shoe Goo to the stitch. A blunted toothpick is great for this.

Combined with modern technology, full leather hiking boots are great. Leather hiking boots look good, they are tough and will last many years with a little maintenance.