How to Repair a Shoe Sole

Even expensive, high quality shoes can develop problems after long use. If the sole of your shoe has begun to separate, it makes more sense to repair the shoe than to replace it. The best way to repair damaged shoe soles is with a strong adhesive. Some adhesives, such as Shoe Goo, are designed specifically for shoes. Others, like E-6000, are multi-purpose adhesives which work on many different surfaces. Super glue and hot glue, on the other hand, typically are not effective for repairing shoe soles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Craft knife
• Alcohol
• Clean cloth
• Newspaper
• Sandpaper
• Adhesive
• Palette knife
• Citrus cleaner
• Plastic bag
• Heavy book

1. 
   Detach any stiching from the toe of the shoe.

   Use a craft blade to remove any stitching at the toe of the shoe. Pull back the sole as far as it will go.

2. 
   Clean the shoe sole.

   Lay down newspaper to protect your work surface. Clean both surfaces of the shoe sole using rubbing alcohol and a white cloth. A clean, old sock which has cut open works very well for this step.

3. 
   Roughen the surface with sandpaper.

   Sand down both surfaces of the shoe sole using medium sandpaper. This roughens the surface so that the adhesive can hold them more securely.

4. Read the instructions for the adhesive you plan to use very carefully. Follow any instructions given. Pay careful attention to any precautions recommended by the manufacturer. Some adhesives give off powerful fumes, so be sure to work in a well ventilated area if you're using a strong chemical adhesive.

5. 
   Spread the adhesive with a palette knife.

   Use a palette knife or other flat tool to spread the adhesive on both surfaces of the shoe sole. Work the adhesive into the crevices of the sole. Use a citrus-based cleaner such as Goo Gone to remove any adhesive which gets in the wrong place.

6. 
   Place a heavy object on the shoe to hold the sole in place.

   Place the sole back on the shoe. Set the shoe down on a piece of newspaper. Cover with a plastic bag and place a heavy object such as a large book on top of it. Ensure that the object you place on the shoe has enough weight to press the shoe and sole together firmly. Add more weight as necessary.

7. Use a citrus cleaner to clean the adhesive off of your tools. For best results, allow the glue to dry for 48 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to make sure the adhesive you're planning to buy is appropriate for shoe repair.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling dangerous chemicals.
• Do not breathe the vapors of chemical adhesives.
• Avoid prolonged contact between strong chemical adhesives and skin, and wash hands thoroughly after use.

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