Leather tear on Alpina Alaska stitch

[Telecat]

So I'm sure ljke many of you, I've been spending a lot of time prepping for the upcoming season. This weeks project was to re-waterproof all my gear.

Of course part of this was my boots. I looked up advice on this forum and found Lilcliffys (I think he was the OP) method of soaking them and then coating with zamberlan hydrobloc. Seems like an effective method, the treatment soaked in well and left a new waxy finish on the boot.

Anyway when applying the cream, I noticed the threads on this seam on the back of the boot were a bit deeper, sort of pinching the leather in, but i didn't think much of it.
After the first layer of hydrobloc, soaked in. I used a horsehair brush and a super thin second layer of cream to sort of even out and add a nicer "finish" to them. P.S. the color is way more muted and less intense after this treatment, i dig it!

Anywho while applying that 2nd layer I noticed that seam cracked right open, the leather just split. I have several leather products and haven't seen that happen before after conditioning.

So what's the deal with the quality here? These boots can't have more than 25 miles on them..

I thought when I bought them that they reek of modern, "sneaker-type" construction. Synthetic materials, a lot of different prices of materials stitched together. My inclination was to look for a more traditional full grain, piece leather upper with stitch down construction. But i found these at a great price, and they're very highly reviewed everywhere on the internet.

Don't get me wrong. Until now ive had absolutely no issues, they very comfortable, almost unbelievably warm, and my feet have never gotten even a bit wet. Very breathable too.

But this makes me worry that now there's a wide open gap for water to get in. And question how much longer they will keep it together...

What should i do to fix it?

[CwmRaider]

When did you buy these? I would try to make the warranty claim if possible before attempting any kind of home repairs, after 25 miles this cannot be "normal wear and tear".

[bgregoire]

Send them back to alpina


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[greatgt]

Shoegoo.....backcountrying......everything will break! TM

[fisheater]

My first thought was shoe goo as well. However, Roelant and Ben offer a better suggestion in attempting to warranty these boots. If you get nowhere in returning those boots, you will find shoe goo works well, but there will be periodic maintenance over the life of the boots. I don’t think that rip, repaired with Shoe Goo will be the death of those boots.

[Telecat]

I emailed Elan/Alpina yesterday, they got back to me this morning.

They won't warranty the boots because they were bought off ebay, despite them being bought brand new.

Fair enough, I guess that's part of the gamble with ebay.

They recommended I see a cobbler. Im not sure what that will cost, I assume $25-40? Is it worth it over just using shoe goo?

[bgregoire]

Both eBay and PayPal have warranties that could get the repair paid for by the seller.

I would opt for aquaseal over shoegoo if you have the option

A cobbler may use a cobblers glue or sew a leather patch over it.

It’s really up to you. Those boots are not nearly dead yet

[joeatomictoad]

Firstly, I agree with the general consensus on getting a warranty replacement/repair. If you have the precious resource of time to initiate and followup with this type of thing, then exploit it for your greatest benefit.

If a warranty replacement/repair is not available:
Keep the tear in the leather, and wear it proudly. Gives it character. Kind of like sun freckles and tattoos on the canvas of a human body, you've got nicks and dings and tears in your equipment. Try to make everything too perfect, and you no longer become Owner of the equipment, the Equipment owns the athlete.

If more than cosmetic, then use what's available to bring it back up to functional standards. Boot goop seals well and is resilient; however, not terribly resistant to abrasion. This area does not look highly stressed or fatigued (just don't pull the loop with a great amount of force). The area may be subject to some abrasion. I would consider doubling over a small area with boot goop and skateboard grip tape, just to make it a little more abrasion resistant...and, it's a good conversation starter!

[Johnny]

Keep the tear in the leather, and wear it proudly. Gives it character. Kind of like sun freckles on the canvas of a human body, you've got nicks and dings and tears in your equipment. Try to make everything too perfect, and you no longer become Owner of the equipment, the Equipment owns the athlete.

^^^^ This. Just this.

[Telecat]

Haha thanks everyone.

If it costs less than $20 ill have a cobbler stitch it back up.

If not ill get some shoe goo or similar alternative and just glue it back together.

Im not one to care about my gear staying pretty. I take good care of my stuff, but im not one to wear white sneakers and complain when they get muddy, shoes are utility items.

My gear, mostly second hand has a lot of interesting character (see my skis i fixed last season lol, https://telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php? ... 986#p29986 ). But this particular rip does seem like it will compromise its waterproofness. So I'll get it healed up and wear the scar with pride