How to Judge Second Hand Hiking Boots in Nairobi Before You Hand Over Cash

A low price tag means little if the midsole has gone hard, and that is the first thing to check when you buy second hand hiking boots in Nairobi. A good used pair still has deep outsole lugs, a midsole that springs back when pressed, a firm heel and a thumb’s width of space at the toes.

Pre-owned Lowa, Keen, Scarpa and Quechua boots can carry you up Longonot and onto Mt Kenya scree for a fraction of the new price. The catch is that a tired pair looks almost the same as a sound one on the shelf. Below are the checks that separate them, plus sizing, trail matching, cleaning and breaking in.

Are Second Hand Hiking Boots in Nairobi Worth Buying?

Yes, second hand hiking boots in Nairobi are worth buying when the sole, midsole and upper still have life in them. A well-made leather or synthetic boot often outlives its first owner’s interest in hiking, so the remaining kilometres are yours for much less money.

Most of the cost of a mid-range boot sits in parts that wear slowly: the upper, the heel counter, the outsole and the waterproof lining. A boot that did one season of weekend walks in Europe may have used only a small slice of its 800-1,600 km. That is why quality thrifted second hand hiking boots in Nairobi make sense for hikers who want a proper boot without paying full imported retail.

The value disappears when a boot has failed in a way you cannot see from across the shop: a hard, cracked midsole, a collapsed heel counter or a torn lining. You can test for all three in under five minutes at the counter.

Which used boots age well, and which do not?

Full-grain leather boots with stitched or heavy cemented soles age best, because the upper stays firm and the leather softens to a new foot. Lowa, Meindl, Scarpa, Hanwag, Asolo and Zamberlan build many of their trekking models so that a cobbler can replace the sole later.

Light fabric hiking shoes age faster, because their mesh uppers and soft foam midsoles wear out at about the same rate as the outsole. Among second hand hiking boots in Nairobi, a fabric pair with smooth lugs is usually near its end; one with deep tread can still be a good buy.

What to Look for When Buying Second Hand Hiking Boots in Nairobi

Check seven things on any pair of second hand hiking boots in Nairobi: outsole lugs, midsole, sole joint, heel counter, upper, lining and insole. The table shows each check and when to put a pair back.

Part	How to check it	Put the pair back if…
Outsole lugs	Turn the boot over and look at the heel and the ball of the foot, where wear starts.	The lugs under the heel or forefoot are worn smooth or the rubber is cracked across.
Midsole	Press a key or blunt pen firmly into the midsole beside the heel.	It feels rock hard, does not spring back, shows fine cracks or crumbles.
Sole joint	Flex the boot at the toe and run a fingernail along the line where sole meets upper.	A gap opens, glue is visible or the toe rand is peeling away.
Heel counter	Squeeze the back of the heel between thumb and fingers.	It folds flat easily or leans to one side when the boot stands on a table.
Upper	Bend the leather or fabric at the flex point above the toes.	Deep cracks, split seams or holes appear at the crease.
Lining	Run your hand inside, especially round the heel cup.	The heel lining is torn through, or a waterproof label is present but the lining is ripped.
Insole	Pull the insole out and look at the pressure marks.	Only if the wear pattern is extreme; insoles are cheap to replace, so this rarely rules a pair out.

How can you tell if a boot’s midsole is too old?

A boot’s midsole is too old when it stays hard under firm pressure or shows cracks and crumbling. Hanwag’s advice is to push a key into the midsole near the heel wedge: healthy foam gives slightly and recovers, while aged polyurethane stays stiff.

According to Meindl, lack of use is the main cause of sole hydrolysis, because a midsole needs regular compression to stay elastic. So a pair of second hand hiking boots in Nairobi that sat in a cupboard for years can look nearly new yet be more fragile than a pair walked in every month. Some brands print a production date inside the tongue; treat anything over about six years old with care and test it on a short walk near home first.

What does the outsole wear pattern tell you?

On second hand hiking boots in Nairobi, the outsole wear pattern shows how the last owner walked and how much grip remains. Even wear across the heel is normal; heavy wear on one edge means the boot may have tilted to fit that walker’s gait.

Stand the boots on a flat table and look from behind. If they lean inward or outward, the midsole has compressed unevenly and will tilt your ankle the same way on a long Longonot descent. Deep forefoot lugs matter most here, because volcanic ash and wet red soil both punish smooth rubber.

Is the waterproof lining still working?

You cannot pressure-test a membrane in a shop, but second hand hiking boots in Nairobi still show the warning signs. A torn heel lining, a split at the toe flex point or a crack through the upper all mean water will reach your sock whatever the label says.

If the upper and lining are intact, a used membrane boot usually still keeps out puddles and wet grass. The outer may have lost its water-repellent finish and soak up water, but that is easy to restore at home, as explained below.

How Do You Get the Right Size in Pre-Owned Boots?

Get the right size by trying used boots on with hiking socks, late in the day, and walking on a slope if you can. Labels help you find the right shelf, but sizing differs between brands and a broken-in boot may fit differently from a new one.

Most second hand hiking boots in Nairobi come from the UK and Europe, so you will see UK, EU and US sizes on one tongue label. Use the table as a rough guide, then trust your feet over the number.

UK	EU (approx.)	US men’s (approx.)	US women’s (approx.)
5	38	6	7
6	39-40	7	8
7	41	8	9
8	42	9	10
9	43	10	–
10	44-45	11	–

What is the best way to test the fit in the shop?

The best fit test for second hand hiking boots in Nairobi takes three steps: a finger behind the heel with the boot unlaced, a snug lace-up with no heel lift, then a few minutes walking, including down a step or slope where your toes should not hit the front.

1. Wear your hiking socks; thick merino can take up half a size.
2. Unlaced, slide your toes to the front: one finger should fit behind your heel.
3. Lace up firmly and walk; the heel should barely lift.
4. Lean forward on a step or slope, as on a descent; your toes should not jam.
5. Check that the old flex crease does not dig into the top of your toes.

Which Pre-Owned Boots Suit Which Kenyan Trails?

Match second hand hiking boots in Nairobi to your usual trail: light hiking shoes for dry forest paths, waterproof mid boots for the rainy seasons and the Aberdares, and stiffer leather boots for Mt Kenya and multi-day treks with a heavy pack.

Karura Forest, Ngong Hills in the dry months and most day hikes near Nairobi are fine in a light low or mid boot with good tread, and thrifted fabric hiking shoes suit them well if the lugs are deep.

For the short rains you are hiking through right now, a waterproof mid boot earns its place. Elephant Hill’s bamboo section and the Aberdares moorland turn to deep mud after a downpour, and a boot like the Quechua waterproof hiking boot or the Keen Targhee Mid waterproof keeps your feet dry and your ankles supported. Our guide to waterproof boots for the rainy season explains how the different linings compare.

For Mt Kenya, Kilimanjaro or any trek with nights on the mountain, the second hand hiking boots in Nairobi to look for are stiffer, higher models such as the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid. For a big climb, be strict about the midsole test and allow three or four weeks of walking before you leave. The Kenya hiking gear checklist covers the rest of the kit for each kind of trip.

Where to Buy Second Hand Hiking Boots in Nairobi

You can buy second hand hiking boots in Nairobi at our shop in Mountain Mall, 3rd Floor, Shop D39, on Thika Road near Kasarani, Garden Estate and Thome. We sell quality thrifted boots alongside some new pairs, so you can compare both side by side.

The shop is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm, with Sunday visits by appointment. Trying on second hand hiking boots in Nairobi in person is the surest way to judge them, so bring your hiking socks and fit-test pairs at our third-floor shop in Mountain Mall before you commit.

If you cannot get to Thika Road, you can order online and pay by M-Pesa or cash on delivery. When you order second hand hiking boots in Nairobi without trying them, send us your usual size in two brands and the length of your foot in centimetres on WhatsApp, and ask for photos of the soles and the inside of the heel of the exact pair.

Thrifted stock changes often, so the brands vary from week to week. Look out for pairs from Lowa, Keen and Quechua, plus a light Quechua MH100 option for occasional walkers. Our wider look at thrifted outdoor gear in Nairobi covers jackets, packs and other pre-owned kit.

How Do You Clean and Break In Second Hand Hiking Boots?

Clean second hand hiking boots in Nairobi with lukewarm water, a soft brush and a little liquid detergent, then air-dry them away from direct heat. Break them in with short walks before any long hike, even if they already look well worn.

Cleaning and freshening a pre-owned pair

Before wearing second hand hiking boots in Nairobi, take out the laces and insoles and knock out any grit. Brush mud off the uppers and pay attention to the welt, the seam where the sole meets the upper, because dried soil holds moisture against the glue line. GORE-TEX’s official footwear care advice is to wash with lukewarm water and a little liquid detergent, avoid bleach and washing machines, and dry at moderate temperatures away from direct heat.

Never dry boots next to a jiko, on a hot dashboard or in strong midday sun; heat speeds up PU midsole breakdown and can crack leather. Stuff them with newspaper, change it every few hours, and leave them somewhere airy. A fresh insole sorts out most odour, and baking soda left overnight helps with stubborn smells.

Restoring water repellency

When water stops beading on the outside of the boot, the factory water-repellent finish has worn off. Re-treat clean, damp boots with a water-based spray or gel made for footwear. Avoid heavy waxes and greases on membrane boots: GORE-TEX notes they can reduce breathability, and boot-repair specialists warn that oils and wax can make leather too soft to stitch or bond if you ever want it resoled.

Breaking in a boot that someone else has worn

Used leather is often softer than new, but second hand hiking boots in Nairobi still need time to learn your foot: an hour at home, a 5-8 km flat walk, then a hilly half-day. Once they feel settled, a steady day hike on a firm surface is the next step; our Ol Donyo Sabuk hike guide describes an 18-20 km return walk on a rocky park road east of Thika, a fair test of fit on a long descent. Pair the boots with merino wool hiking socks to cut friction while the leather settles.

Common Mistakes When Buying Used Hiking Boots

The most common mistake with second hand hiking boots in Nairobi is judging them by the upper alone. Clean leather can hide a hard midsole and smooth lugs, so always turn the boot over first.

1. Buying a size too big “for thick socks”. A loose boot rubs at the heel on long descents.
2. Skipping the midsole press test on barely worn boots, which can be the most likely to fail.
3. Trusting a waterproof label without checking the lining and flex crease for tears.
4. Taking a fresh pair straight to Mt Kenya or Kilimanjaro without weeks of walking first.
5. Ignoring a soft heel counter, which cannot hold your foot on loose ash or scree.
6. Drying wet boots by the fire, which damages glue lines and midsoles faster than mud.

Avoid these and second hand hiking boots in Nairobi become one of the best-value pieces of kit you can own. Add a pair of waterproof leg gaiters in the rains and even an older leather boot will keep out most of the mud and grass seed on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it unhygienic to wear someone else’s hiking boots?

Wearing second hand hiking boots in Nairobi is fine once they are cleaned, fully dried and fitted with fresh insoles. The insole holds most of the sweat and odour, so replacing it removes the main concern. Wash the inside with lukewarm soapy water, dry the boots in an airy spot away from direct heat, and always wear your own clean socks.

How many years do second hand hiking boots last?

Second hand hiking boots in Nairobi last as long as their remaining kilometres and midsole age allow. Brands quote 500-1,000 miles (800-1,600 km) for a pair, which for a weekend hiker can mean several years. Polyurethane midsoles, though, tend to show age about six to seven years after manufacture, so an older pair may have fewer years left whatever its tread looks like.

Can I take used boots straight to Mt Kenya?

Second hand hiking boots in Nairobi should not go straight to Mt Kenya without a few weeks of walking first. Even a softened leather boot needs time to settle to your feet, and a multi-day trek is the wrong place to discover a hot spot or a weak midsole. Do at least two or three hilly day hikes in them, including one long descent, before the climb.

Are second hand hiking boots in Nairobi cheaper than new ones?

Second hand hiking boots in Nairobi usually cost much less than the same model bought new, which is why quality thrifted boots are popular with local hikers. The saving depends on the brand, model and condition. Compare the price with the remaining life of the sole and midsole rather than with the original retail price alone.

Can old hiking boots be resoled in Kenya?

Old hiking boots can sometimes be resoled, but only some models are built for it, mainly heavier leather boots from brands such as Lowa, Meindl, Scarpa and Hanwag. Light fabric hiking shoes usually wear out in the upper at the same rate as the sole. Ask a skilled cobbler before relying on a resole, and buy used boots with plenty of tread left.

Final Thoughts

Boots wear out from the bottom up, so judge any used pair by its sole first: lugs with depth, a midsole that springs back and a heel that stays firm. Add a fit you have tried on a slope, and second hand hiking boots in Nairobi will carry you far for much less than new.

Your next step: put on your hiking socks, come to Mountain Mall on Thika Road, and run the checks above on a few pairs of second hand hiking boots in Nairobi before you choose. Ordering from further away? Message us first for close-up photos of the soles.