I just finished a week-long backpacking trip in the Rockies, and now every time I walk in my hiking boots, there’s this weird crunching sound coming from the soles. I’ve checked for stuck pebbles or debris but found nothing. The boots are about two years old, mostly used for multi-day hikes on rocky terrain. I tried cleaning and drying them thoroughly, thinking maybe some dirt was trapped inside, but the noise persists. It’s not super loud but definitely noticeable and a bit distracting. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be the midsole or some kind of internal wear? What should I look for to diagnose or fix this before my next trip? Also, any recommendations for reliable boot repair shops or DIY fixes would be great!

On 02/01/2026 at 8:15 PM, the_hiker said:

I just finished a week-long backpacking trip in the Rockies, and now every time I walk in my hiking boots, there’s this weird crunching sound coming from the soles. I’ve checked for stuck pebbles or debris but found nothing. The boots are about two years old, mostly used for multi-day hikes on rocky terrain. I tried cleaning and drying them thoroughly, thinking maybe some dirt was trapped inside, but the noise persists. It’s not super loud but definitely noticeable and a bit distracting. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be the midsole or some kind of internal wear? What should I look for to diagnose or fix this before my next trip? Also, any recommendations for reliable boot repair shops or DIY fixes would be great!

Sounds like your boots might be experiencing some midsole or outsole delamination, especially after heavy use on rocky trails. Even if you don’t see debris, sometimes the layers inside the sole can start separating and cause that crunching noise when you walk. You might want to flex the boots gently and see if you can spot any separation or hear the noise more clearly.

If that’s the case, a cobbler who specializes in outdoor gear can often re-glue or replace the soles, which can save you a ton compared to buying new boots. Otherwise, if you’re up for a DIY fix, some strong waterproof adhesive like Shoe Goo can help seal minor separations. Just make sure to clean and dry the area thoroughly before applying.

Also, if you haven’t already, try wearing them around the house on different surfaces to pinpoint if the noise changes with pressure or terrain - that might give clues on where the issue lies. Good luck, and hope you get

On 02/01/2026 at 8:15 PM, the_hiker said:

I just finished a week-long backpacking trip in the Rockies, and now every time I walk in my hiking boots, there’s this weird crunching sound coming from the soles. I’ve checked for stuck pebbles or debris but found nothing. The boots are about two years old, mostly used for multi-day hikes on rocky terrain. I tried cleaning and drying them thoroughly, thinking maybe some dirt was trapped inside, but the noise persists. It’s not super loud but definitely noticeable and a bit distracting. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be the midsole or some kind of internal wear? What should I look for to diagnose or fix this before my next trip? Also, any recommendations for reliable boot repair shops or DIY fixes would be great!

That crunching sound sounds super annoying, especially after a solid trek like that! Since you’ve ruled out debris, it might be the midsole or even some tiny air pockets forming inside the sole layers from all that rocky pounding. Sometimes the glue or stitching between layers can start to separate, causing those noises.

If you’re up for a quick DIY check, try gently flexing the boot sole to see if you can spot any separation or bubbles. Also, wearing them on a smooth floor and listening closely might help isolate the exact spot. For repair, a good cobbler who specializes in hiking boots can often re-glue or replace midsoles, but it depends on the boot model and how much wear they’ve had.

Others here might have better recs for repair shops, but I’ve had luck with local outdoor gear stores that offer repair services or can point you to trusted cobblers. Definitely worth fixing if you love those boots - nothing like a

On 02/01/2026 at 8:15 PM, the_hiker said:

I just finished a week-long backpacking trip in the Rockies, and now every time I walk in my hiking boots, there’s this weird crunching sound coming from the soles. I’ve checked for stuck pebbles or debris but found nothing. The boots are about two years old, mostly used for multi-day hikes on rocky terrain. I tried cleaning and drying them thoroughly, thinking maybe some dirt was trapped inside, but the noise persists. It’s not super loud but definitely noticeable and a bit distracting. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be the midsole or some kind of internal wear? What should I look for to diagnose or fix this before my next trip? Also, any recommendations for reliable boot repair shops or DIY fixes would be great!

Sounds like your boots might be starting to show some wear in the midsole or maybe the outsole is separating just enough to cause that crunching. Even if you can’t see debris, sometimes tiny grit or dried mud can get trapped in the layers. If you’re comfortable, you could try gently flexing the sole to see if you hear or feel anything loose inside.

If you want to avoid a full resole or replacement, some folks have had luck with a bit of shoe goo or flexible adhesive to seal any small gaps. Otherwise, a good cobbler who specializes in hiking boots can often diagnose and fix these noises without breaking the bank. Definitely better to get it checked before your next big trek, so you’re not distracted by that crunch on the trail!

On 02/01/2026 at 8:15 PM, the_hiker said:

I just finished a week-long backpacking trip in the Rockies, and now every time I walk in my hiking boots, there’s this weird crunching sound coming from the soles. I’ve checked for stuck pebbles or debris but found nothing. The boots are about two years old, mostly used for multi-day hikes on rocky terrain. I tried cleaning and drying them thoroughly, thinking maybe some dirt was trapped inside, but the noise persists. It’s not super loud but definitely noticeable and a bit distracting. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be the midsole or some kind of internal wear? What should I look for to diagnose or fix this before my next trip? Also, any recommendations for reliable boot repair shops or DIY fixes would be great!

That crunching noise sounds like it could be from the midsole or maybe some small air pockets forming between layers inside the sole after all that wear. Even if you didn’t find debris, sometimes tiny bits can get trapped deep in the tread or between the outsole and midsole, especially after rocky terrain. If you can, try gently flexing the sole and listening closely to see if the noise changes or comes from a specific spot.

Also, if your boots have a removable insole, take it out and check underneath for any dirt or damage. Sometimes the midsole foam can start to break down or separate, which might cause that crunch. If you’re comfortable with a DIY fix, a bit of waterproof shoe glue to reattach any loose layers could help, but if you want to be sure, a local cobbler who specializes in hiking boots can give it a proper look and repair.

Have you noticed any changes in comfort or support while walking

That crunching noise you’re describing sounds a lot like what happened to my boots after a long stint on rocky trails. Even when there’s no debris stuck, sometimes the midsole or outsole layers start to separate slightly, letting tiny bits of dirt or grit get trapped inside and cause that subtle crunch. Since you’ve already cleaned and dried them, I’d recommend flexing the sole gently to see if you can spot any small gaps or cracks along the edges.

If you do find separation, a bit of waterproof shoe glue or sole adhesive can work wonders as a DIY fix before your next trip. Otherwise, some boot repair shops specialize in resoling or reinforcing midsoles - worth checking out if you want a longer-term solution. A local outdoor store might even have recommendations for reliable cobblers in your area.

On 02/01/2026 at 8:15 PM, the_hiker said:

I just finished a week-long backpacking trip in the Rockies, and now every time I walk in my hiking boots, there’s this weird crunching sound coming from the soles. I’ve checked for stuck pebbles or debris but found nothing. The boots are about two years old, mostly used for multi-day hikes on rocky terrain. I tried cleaning and drying them thoroughly, thinking maybe some dirt was trapped inside, but the noise persists. It’s not super loud but definitely noticeable and a bit distracting. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could it be the midsole or some kind of internal wear? What should I look for to diagnose or fix this before my next trip? Also, any recommendations for reliable boot repair shops or DIY fixes would be great!

That crunching sound you’re hearing reminds me of when my boots started to delaminate a bit between the sole layers. Even if the outer sole looks fine, sometimes the midsole or the glue can degrade after heavy use, especially in rocky conditions. You might want to flex the boots gently and see if you can spot any slight separation or hear the noise more clearly.

If you don’t see anything obvious, try pressing around the sole edges to check for any hollow spots. Sometimes moisture trapped inside can cause weird sounds too, but since you’ve dried them well, that’s less likely. For a quick DIY fix, some folks have had luck with shoe goo or flexible adhesive to seal any tiny gaps, but if you’re gearing up for another trip soon, a professional resole or repair might be safer.

Also, if you’re near a decent outdoor shop, they often have repair contacts or can recommend a cobbler who specializes in hiking boots.