How to Resole a Pair of Shoes
It is a terrible feeling when you realize your favorite shoes have worn out soles. However, you don't need to throw the shoes out or pay to have them resoled; you can resole them yourself with a few quick tips.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Dishwashing soap
- Utility knife
- Self-sticking soles or soles with shoe-repair contact cement
- File
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- New heel
- Shoe-repair contact cement
- Panel nails
- Hammer
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To Resole the Shoes
-
1
Clean the soles of the shoes to remove all dirt and grease. Dishwashing soap mixed with water will probably be the best cleaner.
-
2
Cut off the old soles with a utility knife.
-
3
Scuff the area where you cut off the soles with a file so the new sole adheres.
-
4
Stick either self-sticking soles onto the shoe or apply a shoe-repair contact cement and glue the new sole onto the shoe.
-
5
Walk around in the shoes to help the soles adhere.
-
6
Trim any extra bits of the new sole with a utility knife. If needed, use your file to smooth gently any rough edges.
To Resole the Heels
-
1
Pull off the old heels with a screwdriver. Remove any nails, if needed, using pliers.
-
2
Use shoe-repair contact cement on the new heel to make it stick.
-
3
Apply 3 to 5 panel nails with a hammer to make sure the heel stays in place. Space the nails about 3/8 of an inch away from the edge of the heel.
-
4
Smooth any rough edges with your file.
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