Boot Repair

[Johnny Redgate]

I bought a pair of Mammut MT Trail XT GTX Mountain Boots this summer for upland vegetation surveying. I have a couple of problems with my feet so I needed a high-spec boot with stiff sole and wanted a Goretex lining for waterproofness. They also have a rubber toe-cap which I particularly wanted as I knew I would be walking through knee deep wet heather for a couple of months and this trashed my old Meindl Burma's a couple of years ago (wore out the leather on the toe) which were otherwise brilliant. Anyway, they have been the best boots I have owned by far (and they ought to be at £150) and were extremely comfortable from the outset. The trouble is, the rubber toe-cap is just starting to detach on the top corners and I am very keen to stop this getting worse. I thought I'd try sticking it back with superglue but has anyone got any better ideas/similar experience? Thanks

[artdemole]

I would have thought the super glue would crack and deteriorate due to movement.Better to ask shoe repair shop as might need re welding or vulcanized.

[slimrbp]

Originally Posted by artdemole

I would have thought the super glue would crack and deteriorate due to movement.Better to ask shoe repair shop as might need re welding or vulcanized.

Agreed, when my Dad used to fix his running shoes he used a rubber cement such as 'Shoo Goo' which has a degree of flexibiltiy.
As artdemole says it would be an idea to speak to a shoe repair shop or as they are not that old the manufacturer.

[nigel_b]

Nooooo! I've had some lovely leather army boots over the years and pulled the heels off most of them in mud etc. The bottom line is that I've never successfully managed to re-attach a sole to a boot, not with epoxy or superglue or anything.

I was once told that water eventually attacks and breaks down superglue but don't know how true that is. I did use it successfully on some running shoes years ago, but probably never got them wet.

[Lancashire Lad]

You say you bought the boots at a cost of £150.00 only this summer. - Surely, boots of that price must be supplied with at least a twelve month guarantee, so I would certainly explore that route in the first instance.

Separation of the toe cap from the boot doesn't sound like normal wear and tear to me. - If push came to shove, I'd be very surprised if trading standards wouldn't support a case for faulty manufacture, if they have started to effectively "fall apart", and if your supplier were to refuse to repair/replace under warranty.

I'd certainly look into what remedy any original guarantee would offer before going down the DIY repair road, (which may actually invalidate any manufacturers guarantee).

Regards,
Mike.

[Johnny Redgate]

Thanks all for your advice.

The toe-cap is a shaped rubber patch glued on over the leather so I guess is vulnerable to the wear and tear meted out by constant dragging of a wet boot through thick wet heather (no paths in the area I was working) and the damage my Meindl boots suffered in the same way makes me think it is particularly brutal. However, you've got a point Mike and I should have a chance to go to a branch of the store I bought them from this week so it has to be worth a try. Thanks again.

[tcvarlh]

Mammut advise this, return to store, the store returns to Mammut, fixes or replaces, return to store, forward to user.

this is Mammut warranty:

The Mammut Sports Group AG generally guarantees for all its products. However, this guarantee does not cover replacement as a result of incorrect use, normal wear and tear or fading as a result of UV exposure. The guarantee also excludes damage caused by external factors such as falling stones, rocks, ski edges, embers, fire, etc. However, in such cases we can offer a professional repair service at the customer's expense.
In the case of actual guarantee claims, the product will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

they have left themselves an out with that etc!

The boots are advertised as 3 season boots so mud should not be truly detrimental. Argue this fact and press your claim "Were the boots fit for purpose?" According to the sellers advertised claims? Most boot manufacturers will oblige anyway and being as Mammut is Swiss, well let's just say they have some very strict laws there.

You WILL invalidate any warranty if you take them for repair at a 3rd party.
h

[Tringa]

Agree with the advise to take them back as you have not had them very long.

However, if anyone needs to repair boots I recommend Freesole.

It is a rubber like substance and very good. Still holding one sole on after 5 years.

Dave

[Johnny Redgate]

Boots returned today. We'll see what the manufacturers say.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by Johnny Redgate

Boots returned today. We'll see what the manufacturers say.

Did you eventually get a satisfactory outcome to the issue?

Regards,
Mike.