Regatta Bainsford Men’s Hiking Boots – A 3-Year Test (With Photos!)
- John C
- Dec 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 26
🥾 Durability After 3 Years – Old vs. New Comparison
I’ve put my Regatta Bainsford hiking boots through 3 years of hiking, mud, and outdoor adventures—covering 600+ miles and still going strong. Recently, I decided to buy a brand-new pair as backup, hoping these will reach 1,000 miles like my original pair, which lasted 4 years.
Old vs. New – Side-by-Side Comparison
Observation: Despite years of heavy use, the old boots held up remarkably well. The tread is still intact, and the leather shows scuffs but no tears—proof these boots are built to last.
Closer Look – Tread Comparison
The tread on the old boots has worn down slightly but still provides decent grip. The new pair highlights the deep tread pattern, showing how much traction you get straight out of the box.
📦 Feeling Ready to Order a Pair? 👉 Men's Version – Check them out on Amazon here. 👉 Women's Version – Check them out on Amazon here. |
Comfort and Fit
One of the standout features is their comfort. Even after years of wear, the old pair remained comfortable for walking. The new pair offers the same out-of-the-box comfort, which is a major selling point for these boots.
💧 Waterproofing Performance
Interestingly, I never waterproofed them, and they still held up well for a long time. However, I noticed that my 1st pair of 3 started leaking before the soles completely wore out. While this could be improved with waterproofing sprays, I found them to be well worth it for the comfort alone.
🌿 Regatta’s Isotex Waterproof Technology
The Regatta Bainsford boots use Isotex waterproofing technology, designed to repel water while staying breathable. It helps to keep feet dry by preventing water ingress while allowing moisture to escape, making them great for hikes in wet conditions.
💡 Pro Tip: Waterproof coatings can wear down over time, especially at seams and creases. A quick spray or wax treatment can extend their waterproofing performance. |
Should You Waterproof Them?
If you want to extend their waterproofing, applying a spray or wax treatment could help. But even without any added waterproofing, these boots performed well for 3 years in varying weather conditions.
🛡️ Boost Waterproofing with a Spray
If you want to keep your boots performing at their best for longer, consider using a waterproofing spray. It’s quick, easy, and helps seal the leather against leaks.
🧪 Quick Recap: Why I Chose Kaps SprayI’ve used this spray myself — it helps keep my boots water-resistant and looking clean. It’s cheap, effective, and dries fast. |
Third Pair Experience
This is actually my third pair of Bainsford boots. My first pair lasted an impressive 4 years and covered around 1,000 miles before showing signs of wear.
🛑 Note: These boots are ideal for DIY and walking, but they don’t meet workplace health and safety requirements — such as steel toe caps or certified slip resistance — and aren't suitable for commercial or safety-critical use. |
This second pair is heading the same way, with 600+ miles already logged and still going strong after 3 years. Over time, I’ve noticed they tend to start squeaking and leak before the soles fully wear out—but the exceptional comfort keeps me coming back for more.
🗒️ Quick Recap
Comfortable for 600+ miles and still going—or 3–4 years of use—and my first pair lasted nearly 1,000 miles over 4 years.
May leak before soles wear out—consider Kaps Spray for added waterproofing.
True-to-size fit—perfect with thick socks in colder weather.
FAQs About Regatta Bainsford BootsQ: Are these boots true to size? A: Yes, they fit true to size, and I comfortably wore them with thick socks in colder weather. Q: Do the boots need to be waterproofed immediately? A: No, they’re waterproof out of the box, but adding a spray like Kaps Nano Protector can extend their performance over time. Q: How durable are the soles? A: The soles last well, but I found they may start to leak slightly before the tread completely wears out—especially after 4 years or around 1000 miles of use. Q: Do the boots squeak after extended use? A: Yes, I noticed some squeaking after a few years. While it didn’t affect comfort, it may be a sign that the waterproofing is wearing down. I also found that leaks started to appear slightly before the tread completely wore out—especially after 4 years or 600+ miles. |
Final Thoughts
For the price, comfort, and durability, the Regatta Bainsford boots are hard to beat. Whether you choose to waterproof them or not, they’re a solid choice for hiking and outdoor activities.
📦 Feeling Ready to Order a Pair? 👉 Men's Version – 👉 Women's Version – 📢 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site at no extra cost to you. Thank you. |
💬 Got Questions?
Drop a comment below if you’ve tried these boots or have any other hiking gear questions. And don’t forget to check out more hiking tips and gear reviews here on the blog.
These boots are about the worst on the market the reason they have lasted you this long is because you deliver parts in a vehicle and don't actually work, if you did they would only last about 3-6 months