Shoe Repair - Get more miles out of our kicks with these tips!

Have your soles fallen off your favorite pair of shoes before? Shoe glue to the rescue! Not all glues are created equal, and not all glues work with every material. The adhesive used should be waterproof, durable, and flexible regardless of shoe material. The three most common adhesives used are:

Urethane/urethane rubber:

A thick shoe glue that is resistant to temperature and moisture, it remains flexible after setting. This product is best for shoes whose soles have become separated. It works on leather, suede, rubber, neoprene, canvas, and vinyl materials alike.

Neoprene cement:

Is waterproof and bonds with rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, leather, cotton, and other synthetics and woven fabrics. Use with care, as this adhesive is flammable even after setting. It is best used to reattach soles and holes but will leave visible residual.

Super Glue (cyanoacrylate based):

 While much less flexible than the other two, cyanoacrylate-based glues dry almost instantly and can be used for near invisible repairs of upper areas (non-soles) of shoes.

Once you’ve got the right glue, here’s what to do:

1. Clean and dry shoes so that the area is clear of debris and dirt; nail polish remover will help get rid of old glue and residue.

1. If applying adhesive to a smooth surface that is not visible once repaired, you can help the adhesion process by roughing up the smooth surface with some rough grit sandpaper (60-100 grit).

2. Prepare shoe adhesive as directed on the product (recommended to use a flexible adhesive for lower shoe repair).

3. Apply a thin layer to the damaged area; you can use a paintbrush or apply directly from the bottle.

4. Press the damaged area back together and hold. Follow adhesive instructions for guidance on set time. A clamp can be used to press the inside of the shoe to the sole but is often not required.

5. Let shoes sit for 24-48 hours to ensure bonding has taken place.

For scuffs on the upper portion of shoes try these fixes:

• Suede: Use a clean pencil eraser to remove shallow scuffs.

• Leather: Scuffs and scratches can be covered with a felt tip marker of matching color. Salt stains can be addressed with white distilled vinegar.

• Patent leather: Rub petroleum jelly gently and directly into scuffs.

• Velvet: Stains and markings can be removed with talcum powder or chalk.

• Tennis shoe: A melamine sponges (magic eraser) can remove scuffs.

It’s good practice to give your shoes a once over at the change of seasons to insure your feet stay dry and comfortable. Keep shoes on your feet and out of the landfill with simple repairs.