How to Glue the Innersole of a Shoe

Quality shoes can be maintained in good condition for years.

A well-made pair of shoes is a long-term investment. With a modest amount of care and maintenance, they'll last for years -- in some cases, a decade or longer. Major repairs, such as replacing a sole or restitching a separated sole and uppers, need a professional's attention. However, routine cleaning and maintenance, including insole repair and replacement, can be done at home. Many otherwise durable shoes are discarded because the insoles wear out, making the shoe uncomfortable to wear. New insoles are easy to install, and will extend the shoe's useful life.

Things You'll Need

• Scalpel or box cutter
• Clean cloth
• Rubbing alcohol
• Sandpaper
• Coarse sandpaper
• Scissors
• Contact cement

Instructions

1. Remove the old insoles from your shoes. Some simply lift out, but others are glued in and must be cut away. Use a scalpel or box cutter to separate the insole from the shoe, taking care not to cut into the sole.

2. Shake any loose soil out of the shoe. Moisten a cloth lightly with rubbing alcohol and wipe the interior of the shoe, cleaning it and removing any small pieces of adhesive. If there is enough glue from the old insole to form a noticeable lump, use rubbing alcohol or your scalpel to remove most of it.

3. Feel the inside of the shoe with your fingertips. If the sole has a rough, textured feel, proceed to the next step. If it feels smooth, use a piece of coarse sandpaper to rough it up and help the adhesive stick.

4. Compare the replacement insoles to your originals to ensure that the arch support will rest in the same place. Slide the insoles into the shoe without glue and try them on to ensure a correct fit. If necessary, trim the replacement insoles with a knife or scissors until they fit properly.

5. Coat the sole of the shoe lightly with contact cement and apply a similar coat to the underside of the replacement insole. Rest the shoe in a well-ventilated area for four or five minutes until the surface of the adhesive is slightly dry and tacky to the touch.

6. Slide the replacement insole into the shoe, taking care not to press down on it until it's positioned correctly. Once the insole is aligned with the shoe, press it gently but firmly into place, beginning in the middle and working your way toward the toe and heel.

7. Repeat for the second shoe. Allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before wearing the shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Professional shoemakers have traditionally used contact cement to repair insoles, but several manufacturers make newer adhesives specifically for shoe repairs. The technique is exactly the same for either type of adhesive.

References

• Shoe Service Institute of America: Invest in Shoe Repair and Shoe Care
• Shoe Service Institute of America: Shoe Service for Consumers