Rubber Fatigue on Soles
Overview
Rubber fatigue on soles refers to the gradual wear, hardening, or degradation of the rubber compounds used in hiking footwear. It affects traction, durability, and overall performance.
Key points
- Caused by repeated flexing, abrasion, and environmental exposure.
- Leads to reduced grip and potential delamination.
- More common on long-distance or high-mileage routes.
- Impacted by terrain type, load, and gait patterns.
- May require mid-hike footwear replacement.
Details
Footwear soles experience continuous stress from rocky surfaces, sand, mud, and repeated impacts. Over time, rubber compounds lose elasticity and grip. Long-distance hikers often observe noticeable degradation after several hundred miles.
Signs include smoothing of lugs, reduced friction on wet surfaces, and peeling at the edges. Choosing durable compounds and rotating footwear can help extend lifespan, but eventual replacement is expected for multi-month hikes.
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Illustrative hiking footage
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