How to repair shoe sole?

Candice Cleaver
by Candice Cleaver

I have a pair of deeply loved shoes with worn-out soles that need repair. My attempts at DIY fixes haven't lasted.


If any of you have successfully repaired shoe soles, I would be immensely grateful for your foolproof methods.


Please share your helpful tips to fix my shoes.


Thank you for your insights in advance.

How to repair shoe soles

  15 answers
  • William William on Jul 17, 2023

    You need a flexible adhesive. Have you tried using contact cement? Spread some on the shoe and some on the sole. Let both dry till tacky to the touch. Then press both together and apply some kind of weight. Leave for a few hours.

  • J Brown J Brown on Jul 17, 2023

    there is a special shoe glue. Probably available at Walmart, Target etc.....

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 17, 2023

    If all else fails take them to a Cobbler. My father used to use Evostick if my memory serves me right. Clamp for 24hrs.

  • Loctite makes a glue for shoes and there is also a product called ShoeGoo. Both are available at Lowe's.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jul 19, 2023

    take them to a shoe shop

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 19, 2023

    If you want to reglue this sole, use ShoeGoo, a great product and clamp the glued section together for 24 hours.

  • Dee Dee on Jul 19, 2023

    Shoe Goo. True to its name, Shoe Goo is designed specifically for use on footwear, and it's hands down one of the best shoe glues for just about any style. Shoe Goo dries clear (a must for maintaining seamless color), and the glue remains flexible even after drying

  • Betsy Betsy on Jul 19, 2023

    Hi Candice: My fool proof method is to go to a shoe shop that does these things :) It may cost a bit more, but in the long run, it's really better, cheaper and less frustrating.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jul 23, 2023

    Hold the shoe firmly and pull on the edge of the sole with pliers, moving the sole away from the bottom of the shoe.

    If the sole doesn’t come off easily, try wedging a paint scraper or butterknife between the sole and the shoe as you pull on the sole with pliers. You can also use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the glue that attaches the sole, which will make it easier to remove.

    There may still be some dried glue remnants on the bottom of your shoe where the sole was attached. Pour a little acetone or nail polish remover on a rag and scrub the bottom of your shoe with it.

    Rough surfaces with sandpaper which hold together better with glue than smooth ones.

    Apply shoe sole adhesive to the new sole with a brush or cotton ball. Follow the instructions on the adhesive for application. Some adhesives must sit for a few minutes, or “cure,” before the item can be put in place. Some adhesives require heat to be activated.

    Clamp the sole to the shoe using rubber bands, duct tape, or weights. The sole needs to be pressed tightly against the shoe for the two surfaces to adhere. Secure the sole in place by wrapping rubber bands or duct tape around the shoe, or by placing it on the ground and setting weights on top of it to press the shoe into the sole.

    Wait 24 hours before using the shoe again. Most shoe sole adhesives take at least a full day to set. Let your shoe sit somewhere cool and dry where it’s not in danger of being moved or touched.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jul 25, 2023

    I would take it to a shoe repair if E6000 doesn't hold it back together.

  • Hi Candice! You can check out this video for your reference. Hope this helps!


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx0tvIHwsSM

  • Candice Cleaver Candice Cleaver on Jul 31, 2023

    Thanks for all the advice

  • If you’re finding DIY fixes aren’t hanging in there for you, it might be worth it to bring them to a shoe repair person.

  • Deb K Deb K on Aug 06, 2023

    Hi Candice, hope this helps.

    https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Shoe-Sole#:~:text=Fortunately%2C%20as%20long%20as%20the,them%20again%20within%2024%20hours.


    If all else fails, you can take them to a shoemaker for repairs


  • Annie Annie on Aug 29, 2023

    This video might be able to help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cUxNJIAPic