The soles of our shoes are constantly taking a beating. They are the first line of defense against the hard, cold ground below us and often the first to show signs of wear and tear.
Most of us have experienced the frustration of a shoe sole coming detached from the shoe upper, especially when it’s a new pair of shoes. It can be a real pain to have to reattach the sole, but it’s actually not that difficult to do at home.
In this article, we’ll show you how to reattach a shoe sole using two different methods: a temporary fix with glue and a more permanent fix with stitching. We’ll also provide a few tips on how to prevent your shoe soles from coming detached in the first place.
Table of Contents
Why Do Shoe Soles Come Off?
There are a few reasons why shoe soles come off. The most common reason is simply that the glue that attaches the sole to the upper has come undone. This can happen over time as the shoes are worn and the soles are flexed.
Another reason why shoe soles come off is that the soles are too thin. This is often the case with cheaper shoes that are made with thinner soles to save on costs.
The last reason why shoe soles come off is because of poor craftsmanship. If the shoes are poorly made, then the soles may not be properly attached in the first place.
Which Glue Is Used to Stick Shoe Soles?
There are many different types of glue that can be used to stick shoe soles. The most common type of glue used is rubber cement. Rubber cement is a type of adhesive that is made from a blend of natural and synthetic rubber. It is often used to bond rubber to metal and plastic. Rubber cement is also used to bond fabric to fabric, and it can be used to repair shoes.
Another type of glue that can be used to stick shoe soles is contact cement. Contact cement is a type of adhesive that is made from a blend of synthetic rubber and resins. It is often used to bond metal to plastic, and it can also be used to bond fabric to fabric. Contact cement is also used to repair shoes.
The third type of glue that can be used to stick shoe soles is epoxy. Epoxy is a type of adhesive that is made from a blend of synthetic resins and hardeners. It is often used to bond metal to metal, and it can also be used to bond plastic to plastic. Epoxy is also used to repair shoes.
How to Temporarily Fix a Shoe Sole with Glue?
If you need to wear your shoes right away and can’t afford to take them to a cobbler or don’t have time to stitch them, then you can temporarily fix the sole with glue.
You’ll need the following supplies:
- Shoe glue
- Toothpick or small brush
- Cloth or paper towel
1. Start by cleaning the sole and upper where the sole is detached. This will help the glue to better adhere.
2. Apply a thin layer of glue to the underside of the sole.
3. Press the sole back into place and hold for a few seconds.
4. Wipe away any excess glue with a cloth or paper towel.
5. Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours before wearing the shoes.
How to Permanently Fix a Shoe Sole with Stitching?
If you want a more permanent fix, then you’ll need to stitch the sole back onto the upper. This is a pretty simple process that anyone can do at home.
You’ll need the following supplies:
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
- Leather or fabric patch (optional)
1. Start by threading the needle and tying a knot at the end.
2. Next, you’ll want to make a small hole in the sole where it is detached from the upper. Do this by inserting the needle up through the bottom of the sole.
3. Once you have a hole, start stitching the sole back onto the upper. Start from the inside of the shoe and work your way out.
4. When you get to the end, make a few stitches on the inside of the shoe to secure the thread. Then cut the thread and tie a knot.
5. If you want, you can reinforce the stitching by applying a leather or fabric patch on the inside of the shoe.
How to Prevent Your Shoe Soles from Coming Off?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your shoe soles from coming off.
- Inspect your shoes regularly. Take a close look at the soles of your shoes on a regular basis, looking for any cracks or damage. If you see any, take action immediately to repair or replace the sole.
- Be mindful of what you step on. Avoid walking on sharp objects or rough surfaces that could damage your shoe soles.
- Protect your soles. If you know you’ll be walking in an area where there is potential for damage, consider protecting your soles with a product like Sole Protector.
- Store your shoes properly. When you’re not wearing your shoes, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This will help to prolong the life of your shoe soles.
- Don’t forget to care for your shoes. Regularly clean and polish your shoes, and don’t forget to condition the leather to keep it looking its best.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent your shoe soles from coming off. Of course, sometimes accidents happen and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. If your shoe sole does come off, don’t panic – there are plenty of ways to fix it. Just take a deep breath and follow our guide on how to reattach a shoe sole.
FAQs
Can I fix my shoe soles with superglue?
Superglue can be used to temporarily fix your shoe soles, but it’s not a permanent solution.
How much does it cost to fix my shoe soles?
It depends on the severity of the damage and whether you take them to a cobbler or do it yourself. Generally speaking, it will cost around $20 to have a cobbler fix your shoe soles.
How often should I replace my shoe soles?
You should replace shoe soles when they start to wear out.
Can I fix my shoe soles myself?
You can, but you will need to buy some sole glue and a sewing kit.
What should I do if my shoe soles crack?
You should replace them right away.
How do I take care of shoe soles?
You should regularly clean your soles with a damp, soapy cloth.
Last Thoughts
Chances are you’re reading this article because your shoe soles are starting to come off. Whether it’s because the soles are worn out or because they were poorly attached in the first place, it’s important that you fix them as soon as possible.
If you’re lucky, the soles will just fall off. However, it’s more likely that you will need to do some repairs or stitching in order to get them fixed. If you’re planning on doing this yourself, then I would recommend buying a sole glue and a sewing kit.
These products can be found at your local hardware store or sporting goods store. However, you’ll probably want to contact a cobbler or a repair shop to have them reattach the soles.
Also, keep in mind that shoe sole repair is a pretty common issue. If the soles are worn out, then it’s a good idea to replace them.