Sidra Saleem
11 min readJul 12, 2022

How to fix cracked hunter boots

Fixing cracked hunter boots is not an easy task to do. But it is not impossible either. Hunter boots are among the most popular boots in the world. They are versatile so you can wear them with jeans, formal trousers or work clothes.

However, one thing that a number of people do not realize about hunter boots: they are prone to cracking. Cracks on the sole of hunter boots mean they lose their shape and become misshapen and deformed.

A well-designed, correctly maintained hunter boots could save time for your next hunt or even while hanging out on the trail in the woods.

It’s hunting time, and you know how to keep your feet warm and cozy. But after a long tiring day, you’re about to discover why these boots are failing you. Don’t worry; we got a solution for this problem.

Here’s how to fix cracked hunter boots :

Step-by-step guide: How to fix cracked hunter boots:

Things or Materials You’ll Need

  • Sandpaper
  • Clean cloth
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Leather conditioner or oil
  • Pliers
  • X-acto knife
  • Nail polish
  • petroleum jelly or wax
  • Hair Dryer
  • Saddle soap
  • Sealant or glue

Step 1: Make sure you’re wearing waterproof gloves

Most people wouldn’t think to wear gloves on such a hot day, but your hands will thank you for it in a big way. After all, if you don’t protect them, you’ll end up with cracked and bleeding hands.

Step 2: Clean off the cracked hunter boots

The first thing you will need to do is clean the area where your boots have cracks. If there is dirt or dust, use an old toothbrush or a very soft brush to remove it. You can also use rubbing alcohol on the area of your shoe that has been damaged by water. This will help you remove the dirt and debris from the leather to repair it properly. Once you clean it off, you’ll be amazed at the difference in the shine of your new shoes.

Step 3: Make the edges smooth

Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges outside your shoes, so they are no longer sharp.

Step 4: Scrape

Use pliers to pull out any nails stuck inside your shoes. If necessary, use a hammer and nail remover to remove them. If there’s excess Glue left over after removing the excess, then scrape it off with an X-Acto knife or something similar until there’s none left at all (you can also use an old credit card if you have one lying around).

Step 5: Apply the right amount of clear nail polish on cracked hunter boots

Clear nail polish is the most important step in fixing cracked hunter boots. Not only will it stop the crack from spreading, but it will also prevent it from spreading to other parts of your shoes. You can either buy clear nail polish directly from the craft store or use a nail polish remover and a cloth to apply it.

Step 6: Dry the crack with a hair dryer or heat.

It’s a good idea to dry the crack off with a hairdryer, so it doesn’t crack again. If your weather is particularly harsh, you can apply a heating pad to speed up the drying process.

Step 7: Apply the sealant on cracked hunter boots

Once your cracked boots are looking great, it’s time to seal the deal. The best thing about cracked hunter boots is that they can be fixed entirely. And thanks to the added sealant, your boots won’t crack again for a long time. Stormsure Boot, Shoe, and Wader Repair Kit can make your life easy when repairing cracked boots; they can be of any kind.

Apply it to the cracks and let it dry for 30 minutes. Finally, give them a light rubdown with some saddle soap, and your hunter boots should be good as new!

Caution :

You have to use Glue in smaller quantities.

As it expands 3–4 times its original amount once you apply it.

Reasons for cracked hunter boots

The reasons for cracked hunter boots is not entirely clear, but there are several theories on what causes cracks in hunter boots.

Cracked hunter boots are typically the result of a number of factors.

1) Improperly fitted boots.

The most common reason for cracked hunter boots is a poorly fitted boot. If your feet are not snug in the boot and there is no room for your toes, then water will get past the boot and into your socks and feet. This can lead to blisters, chafing, and even infections!

2) Damaged soles or heels

Hunter boots are designed to be tough and durable, but they aren’t designed to withstand abuse. If your boots have been worn in areas with little protection from the elements, they could have suffered some damage. This could include scuffing at the toe, scuffs on the side of the boot, or cracks in the sole.

3) Excessive wear and tear

Excessive wear and tear is a reason for cracked hunting boots. The shoes sole gets worn down due to continuous walking in rough terrain, which causes cracks to form in the boot.

4) Wearing inappropriate footwear

Wearing inappropriate footwear, such as leather boots, in extremely cold weather can cause your leather boots to get cracked.

5) Using the wrong type of care products on your boots

A common mistake is using boot polish or wax on leather boots. These products can damage the leather and make it less durable over time. Instead, use cream or oil-based products like mink oil or olive oil to keep your boots looking great.

6) Excessive sunlight

Don’t leave your boots in sunlight or near heat sources like radiators or ovens. These environments can dry out the rubber inside your hunting boots and cause them to crack or even split open at the base of the shaft where it meets the sole unit.

7) Moisture or exposure to a highly wet environment

Check is if the boot is exposed to moisture, which could cause the leather to dry out and crack. If you are in a moist or wet climate, it is important to keep your boots waterproofed with either waxes or oils.

8 ) Weight

Two more things can cause a boot to crack: too much weight and too little weight. If your boots are too heavy, they will eventually crack.

Tips to take care of your hunter boots

Leather hunting boots can be fragile, so you must take care of them. We are here with a few suggestions and tips that will help you keep your boots looking their best for years to come.

1. Keep your leather hunter boots in their original box. This will prevent them from getting dusty so that they can look good.

2. Never use harsh cleaning products to clean your boots; use a soft brush and water solution to clean them.

3. Make sure you wear your leather hunter boots regularly and take them off when not worn to prevent damage to the sole of your boot that could cause wear or scratching.

4. Never put your hunter boots in direct sunlight for too long. The sun can cause discoloration in the leather, which is not good for your boots.

6. Always keep them away from heaters and fireplaces as well as any other source of heat that causes your boots to get too hot.

7. Cleaning them regularly will prevent dirt from building up on the surface, damaging it over time.

8. Use a good leather conditioner — this will help your boots maintain their shape and keep them looking good for longer. Avoid water-based products that contain silicone — these will damage your boots over time.

9. Avoid using bleach on leather — it can cause irreversible discoloration to the leather. Instead, use an interior cleaner with no bleach or sunscreens, which won’t damage the finish.

10. Don’t wear your hunter shoes in wet conditions — they love to absorb water and need to be protected from rain, puddles, and mud, so keep them away from damp areas when possible.

Quick Repair strategy for cracked hunter boots

Method 1

If the crack is tiny , it is possible to fix it yourself with a soldering iron and some solder. However, this method is not recommended if you are inexperienced with soldering or if you do not have access to a soldering iron and solder in your area.

Method 2

You can use oil and beeswax to fill in the crack. This is a very effective method of repairing boots. To keep your boots looking new, you should apply the mixture every few weeks to keep them good.

How to remove the smell from cracked hunter boots?

A simple solution is to use a shoe conditioner. Apply the shoe conditioner to the leather and let it dry. Leather conditioner is available in stores. It’s just like shoe polish; only it doesn’t shine the shoes.

Best Glue for craked hunter boots

The best practice is to use epoxy instead of acrylic-based Glue like Gorilla Glue or Super Glue. Epoxies are more durable than acrylics if you plan on wearing your boots for extended periods without washing them first.

To repair hunter shoes, you can use either acrylics or epoxies. If you have cracked hunter shoes, you might have to get rid of them. But, if you want to keep your boots, you should use acrylic-based Glue. These glues are made of chemicals that can damage the leather, but the effects are short-lived. Epoxy is a better product because it lasts longer and works great for repairing your cracked hunter boots.

This type of Glue will hold the cracks, seams, and creases you might have.

So, if you want to keep your boots, use this Glue. But, if you are going to keep using your shoes, you should take them off at least once a day to ensure they dry. Make sure you clean your shoes carefully as well.

Top 5 glues for Cracked Hunter boots

Boot-Fix Shoe Glue

Boot-Fix Shoe Glue is ideal for repairing broken uppers. It is an easy-to-apply glue that dries clear and hardens in minutes. It can be used with other materials to create a more substantial repair than would otherwise be possible.

Shoe Goo Shoe Repair Adhesive

Shoe Goo is an excellent adhesive for repairing shoes. It is easy to apply and remove and does not leave behind any residue or build-up of Glue. This makes it perfect for repairing shoes you wear daily, such as sneakers and hiking shoes.

Sof Sole Shoe Glue

It is water-resistant and waterproof. It has a long-lasting formula that works for years with proper care. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor use, including shoes and boots. It does not require a primer before application, so there is no need to worry about air bubbles or clumps forming in the Glue after application.

Gorilla Original Waterproof Glue

Gorilla Original Waterproof Glue is a high-performance adhesive that bonds quickly and permanently. It can be used with almost any surface, including paper, metal, plastic, and glass. The glue dries clear and is resistant to water, oil, and alcohol.

It can be applied directly to the shoes or a bead-blasted surface and then smoothed with an emery board or sandpaper. It also works well on non-porous materials like cardboard and wood.

Sof Sole Shoe Goo Footwear Adhesive Black Glue

Sof Sole Shoe Goo Footwear Adhesive Black Glue is a flexible and durable shoe glue used to repair any pair of shoes. This product is near to perfect for those who want to keep their shoes looking new but they don’t have enough money to go through the hassle of getting them repaired. The Glue will adhere to any material, making it easy to use on leather, suede, and other materials. It dries quickly, making it suitable for use while you’re out and about.

FAQ’s

Q: How long do I have to replace my cracked hunter boots?

A: You will need to replace your cracked hunter boots after three years of normal wear if you want them to last long. If you’re buying a new pair every year, it pays to look for something that lasts longer than that — but it pays not to go too crazy with your budget.

Q: How long does it take for my cracked hunter boots to be fixed?

A: It depends on how severe the damage is and how long it takes to fix it. If you have a cracked heel, it could take less than an hour for your boot to be fixed. On the other side, if there are other issues with your shoes, such as severe scuffing or water damage, it might take longer than an hour for them to be fixed.

Q: Can you glue the cracks in a hunter boot?

A: You can use Glue to fix your cracked hunter boots. Glue is generally easier to use than sewing because it does not require removing any material from the shoes. You can also use epoxy to ensure that it does not come off in the future.

Q: Are there any types of boots that are more durable than others?

The answer is yes; many different types of boots are more durable than others. Some of them include steel toe coated and rubber shoes. The steel toe-coated and rubber boots are very durable and robust as well. These boots can be used in extreme conditions where you need to work on your feet. If you want to wear these types of shoes outside, you should ensure they are waterproof.

Q: What do I do if my cracked hunter boots aren’t too bad?

You’re lucky because you can often patch the boots up. Cut out a piece of leather and glue it to the shoes. Then, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to your boots and allow them to dry.

If your hunter boots look awful, they may need to be completely replaced. It’s not worth repairing them if they are too badly damaged.

Q: How to prevent the leather of shoes from cracking?

To prevent the leather shoes from cracking, use a shoe tree to keep your leather from becoming wet. An easy way is to place your boots in the air and insert a shoe tree into the sole of your boot.

Conclusion

Cracked hunter boots can be a headache during hunting season. As you can see, there are a lot of things that you can do to fix your cracked hunter shoes. If you have cracked hunter shoes, you might think that your only option is to throw them out. However, with a little work and care, your cracked shoes can be repaired and returned to good as new condition. One worth-mentioning point you must keep in mind is that the quality of leather used in the manufacture of hunter boots affects how long they last. If you want your Hunter boots to last longer than a few years, then make sure that they are made from high quality leathers.

Sidra Saleem
Sidra Saleem

Written by Sidra Saleem

Software Engineering student having passion for writing and exploring the tech world

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