How to Repair a Shoe Sole
Even expensive, high-quality shoes can develop problems from normal wear and tear, like an encounter with a dog, or from the winter weather. If the sole of your shoe has started 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 are designed specifically for specific shoe materials. Others are multipurpose adhesives that work on many different surfaces. Maintaining regular shoe maintenance will also help reduce the damage to your shoes.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Craft knife
- Alcohol
- Clean cloth
- Newspaper
- Sandpaper
- Adhesive
- Palette knife
- Citrus cleaner
- Plastic bag
- Heavy book
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1
Remove any stitching at the toe of the shoe with a craft blade. Pull back the sole as far as it will go.
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2
Lay down newspaper to protect your work surface.
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3
Clean both surfaces of the shoe sole with rubbing alcohol and a white cloth. A clean, old sock that has been cut open works well for this.
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4
Sand both surfaces of the shoe sole with medium sandpaper.
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5
Follow the instructions for the adhesive you plan to use. Pay careful attention to any precautions recommended by the manufacturer. Some adhesives give off powerful fumes, so work in a well-ventilated area if you're using a strong chemical adhesive.
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6
Spread the adhesive on both surfaces of the shoe sole with a palette knife or other flat tool. Work the adhesive into the crevices of the sole. Use a citrus-based cleaner to remove any adhesive that gets in the wrong place.
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7
Place the sole back on the shoe, and put the shoe on a piece of newspaper.
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8
Cover the shoe 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 if necessary.
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9
Allow the glue to dry for 48 hours.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Check to make sure the adhesive you're planning to buy is appropriate for shoe repair.
Use a citrus cleaner to clean the adhesive off your tools.
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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- Photo Credit one shoe image by CraterValley Photo from Fotolia.com
Comments
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Its much cheaper to repair than buy new shoes.
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The difficulty is determining the type of glue which is suitable for the sole material. I usually use an awl and cobbler's thread as well to reinforce the bonding.
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Darn, I was hoping there would be info on repairing or replacing soles with holes in them.
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Looks like show repair is making a comeback! It's hard to find "Shoemakers" in some towns/cities anymore.
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When I was younger we would have the soles of shoes replaced several times before they eventually had to be discarded. We always took them to a cobbler. Aren't many of them around anymore.
