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MrBadExample
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09/22/2017 10:54AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hey folks,

I have a question for ya.

I have an old pair of gore tex hiking boots laying around.

Has anyone experimented with modifying hiking boots to facilitate draining them?

I was thinking some well placed holes in the sides of the boots.

My thought was to start with a small diameter drill bit and drill some holes.

Anyone have experience?


Thanks!!!
 
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09/22/2017 12:09PM  
Drill bits and soft materials tend to give bad results.

Punch sets are cheap off Amazon, or find someone who has a set.

Google search suggests a red hot poker (a fat nail would work). Makes sense, no unraveling or degradation.

Report back, I'd be interested.

Daniel
 
OldFingers57
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09/22/2017 12:59PM  
I use the OTB Abyss boots that have drain holes on the bottom of the boot. they only have 4 holes that are about a 1/4 inch hole, although they do have a mesh netting to not allow stuff to come into the boot.
 
PortageKeeper
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09/22/2017 07:15PM  
I have used up a couple pair of old hiking boots by burning holes through the sides with a hot nail. It works fine and they drain well.
 
09/22/2017 07:33PM  
I have done this with old leather boots. It may be a bit more difficult with modern boots with lots of layers of fabric. I used a grommet kit and placed the grommet in the instep close to the level of the insole. I added a layer of stainless steel screen from a faucet aerator (pipe shops also sell fine screen) to the outside before I set the grommet. The grommet kit includes a punch to cut the right sized hole. With fabric layers you may need to melt the edges so they don't come apart. I don't know about that, I'm an old fashioned leather boot guy.
 
MrBadExample
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09/22/2017 11:34PM  
I like where this is going!

My boots may not.

I'm on the fence as to whether or not to do this to my old boots. They're no longer water proof anyway.

What's the worst that could happen?
 
09/23/2017 07:11AM  
The hardest part of the process was getting the grommet set "anvil" properly supported inside the boot so you can hammer the thing together. I used scrap wood and lots of experimenting before I managed to lined up and supported.
 
giddyup
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09/23/2017 09:18AM  
With all of his punching, cutting, and burning being discussed my only suggestion is make sure your tetanus shot is up to date. ;)) That's my suggestion! Get creative and make it happen!
 
mastertangler
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09/23/2017 12:09PM  
Old boots? Why not? It will probably work out fine and dandy. I like the advice given so far. Probably better than my method which would of been to toss them into the backyard and let my American Bulldog "have her way" with them for an hour......Guaranteed to drain ;-)
 
09/24/2017 06:59AM  
I also have considered this. Didn't try it because I figured the holes would let in annoying small rocks. But maybe Sedges' idea of adding a mesh screen would make it work.
 
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