How to Resole an Athletic Shoe by Yourself

Replace your soles before playing sports.

Resoling your own athletic shoes is a wise way to save time and money. Although cobblers may charge an arm and a leg to attach fresh soles, you can do the job yourself in one day, restoring your sneakers to mint condition. Resole both shoes at the same time to ensure they have the same sole density.

Things You'll Need

• Two sheets of ¼-inch synthetic rubber
• Marker
• Work gloves
• Straight-edge knife
• Flat metal scraper
• Shoe repair cement
• Soft fiber brush
• Clean rag
• Vice

Instructions

1. Trace the outline of your right sneaker sole onto a piece of ¼-inch synthetic rubber. Take your time to ensure an exact match.

2. Put on a pair of work gloves. Cut out the shape of the sole with a straight-edge knife.

3. Loosen the shoe's insole with a knife. Carefully remove the insole. Cut off the outer sole with the knife.

4. Run the edge of a flat metal scraper over the bottom rim of the sole-less sneaker to smooth the surface and remove any residual glue and rubber.

5. Brush a thick layer of shoe repair cement onto the outer edge of the fresh sole. Fit the sole onto the rim and squeeze it into place. Squeeze tightly for 60 seconds. Wipe away any residual cement with a clean rag.

6. Place the shoe in a vice and tighten it to keep maximum pressure on the sole for 24 hours.

7. Repeat Steps one through six for the left sneaker.

8. Layer the underside of each insole with shoe repair cement. Insert each insole into its respective sneaker and press in place for 60 seconds.

References

• Only Tennis Shoes: How to Resole Your Tennis Shoes