After ascending to the Lost Mine Peak, Katie and I looped back on a scorching descent. Temperatures were rising and we needed to refuel before running out of water (we both packed 3 liters). At first, it seemed the plunge down the mountain would be easier since we weren’t working against gravity, but that was a deceptive thought. Every step going down applies pressure to your joints, especially the knees. Katie had trekking poles but wasn’t compelled to bring them on this hike. She greatly regretted that decision. Granted, our load became lighter as we replenished with water and hydration packs, Katie’s genius idea, but the weight of the heat was punishing.

To my surprise, the thick rubber exterior sole began to flap toward the last 50 yards of our hike. I was hopeful they’d stay on until we made it to the car, but with each step, I grew more uncomfortable as the outer sole fussed louder. Bits of gravel made their way into my Columbia boots and could feel the Earth piercing the bottom of my feet. Thankfully, we were toward the end of our hike and not still making our way to the peak, but even still I had a hard time bearing the rocky trail. To make matters worse, the sole of my other boot began to detach itself from the rest. The sole on the second boot managed to remain halfway on by the time we made it to the car, but the exterior sole of the first boot was destroyed before making it to the pavement.

Once we finished the trail I removed both boots and only then had to deal with walking on a hot skillet. What’s great about traveling with others are the different things everyone prepares for. Katie packed both Gorilla Glue and a few rolls of duct tape; my assumption is her background as a medic in the U.S. Air Force prompted her to pack materials that would be useful in an emergency. While this was not the emergency she planned for, we’re both glad she prepared for the unexpected. There were virtually no stores available to replace my boots; not to mention, we were due to hike up the Guadalupe Mountain peak in the next couple of days.

To provide better context of the condition of my boots, I was truly a novice in how to care for hiking boots. The classic Columbia belonged to my mother, who possessed these boots for over twenty years! I just assumed since my mom is good at caring for her belongings, these boots were good to go… and for free! Once I got back from my trip, I sunk into the rabbit hole on how to care for hiking boots before purchasing a brand new pair of Merrels.

Quick tips on how to care for hiking boots:

• Keep your boots debris-free: We can’t always clean our boots right away, however, you want to be sure to clean them as soon as you get home.

• Keep your boots dry: Probably the best piece of advice I’ve come across—the humidity will eventually tear at the glue that molds the outer sole to the rest of the boot, so if you can, leave your boots in an area where they can safely dry out.

• Splurge on Vibram sole: Vibram is known to manufacture exceptionally long-lasting soles designed to withstand the wear and tear they constantly face The longevity of a sole has a lot to do with the rubber compound, and Vibram’s hardened rubber compound provides a more abrasion-resistant sole.

• Exchange for a new pair of boots anywhere between 500-1,000 miles: A few factors apply when it becomes time to buy new boots, but only you know your boots best.

Katie and I took no chances and used up all her glue and an entire roll of duct tape for both boots. As you can see, we beat the obstacles and managed to reach Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 ft—the highest elevation point in Texas.

Read about our trip to the Guadalupe Mountain here and subscribe at the bottom of the page for updates on new blogs, prints, and more!