How to Repair a Shoe Sole

Co-authored by Rio Jongsae Kim

Last Updated: April 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Soles are often the first part of a shoe to wear out. Fortunately, as long as the rest of the shoe is in good shape, repairing the sole can be an easy way to make your shoes good as new. With a little sandpaper and some shoe sole adhesive, you can replace worn-out soles or fix holes or loose soles in just a few minutes, and wear them again within 24 hours.

How to Fix a Shoe Sole That’s Coming Off

Wipe down the shoe and sole with water and rubbing alcohol, then apply a thick layer of shoe sole adhesive with a cotton swab where the sole is separating. Hold the shoe together with duct tape or string for 24 hours, then sand off any overflow adhesive.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Replacing a Worn-Out Sole

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1
Pull the old sole off with pliers. Even if the sole is starting to come loose, you will probably need pliers to pull it off the shoe entirely. 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.^{[1]
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- 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. The glue should dissolve and scrub off. Clean any dirt or residual grime off the shoe as well.^{[2]
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Rough surfaces hold together better with glue than smooth ones. Use 120-grit sandpaper to scratch up the bottom of the shoe and the top of the sole until their textures appear rougher.^{[3]
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4
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
- Shoe Goo is a common and effective shoe sole adhesive, and is available in many shoe shops, sports supply outlets, and department stores.
If the adhesive needs to cure before it’s used, wait for as long as the instructions indicate before putting the sole on. Start at the front and lay the sole gradually on the shoe, making sure the edges line up properly. Once it’s in place, apply pressure to stick it firmly on the bottom of the shoe.
6
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.^{[4]
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- It can be helpful to stuff the shoe with paper first so that it keeps its shape while being clamped.
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.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Reattaching a Loose Sole

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Use a rag to rub some warm water and isopropyl alcohol over the area around the loose part of the sole. If you can do so without pulling it off further, clean inside where the sole has become loose as well.
2
Apply shoe sole adhesive between the shoe and the sole. Use a toothpick or cotton swab to apply a layer of adhesive inside where the sole has come apart from the shoe. Make the layer fairly thick, as it’s better to put in too much and have it overflow than to not have enough.^{[6]
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- Some adhesives need to cure for a few minutes after being applied and before the sole is put in place. Check the instructions on your adhesive product.
Being careful not to get any adhesive on your hands, press the sole and the shoe together tightly. Don’t worry if some adhesive spills out -- this can be sanded off later.
The sole should be pressed tightly against the shoe for the entire time it dries. Secure it using rubber bands or duct tape, or set weights on top of the shoe in the area where the glue is drying.^{[7]
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Place the shoe somewhere out of the way, where it can stay cool and dry while it sets. Wait at least a full day before wearing the shoe.^{[8]
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If any of the shoe sole adhesive spilled out when you pressed the sole down, sand it off using 120-grit sandpaper. Make sure the adhesive has dried out completely before sanding it.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Filling Holes

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Use a rag to rub warm water and isopropyl alcohol around the hole to clean off any dirt or grime. Let it dry for a few minutes before continuing.
This will help the glue adhere to the rubber. Scrub the edges of the hole with sandpaper until it appears to take on a rougher texture.^{[10]
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Remove the insole of the shoe and place a piece of duct tape inside the shoe where the hole is. If the hole does not go all the way through the inside of the shoe, put your finger in the hole and push up to see where the hole is and cover that part with duct tape.^{[11]
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Being careful not to touch the adhesive with your bare hands, gently squeeze it into the hole. Make sure the entire hole is filled, and don’t worry if there is some overflow.
The ice cube will allow you to smooth the surface of the glue without sticking to it. You can also use a tongue depressor or spoon covered with petroleum jelly.^{[12]
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Set the shoe so that the sole is facing upwards. Leave it somewhere out of the way where it will be cool and dry. Leave it for at least a full day.
Check to see if there is dried glue protruding from the hole or spilling out over the edges. If there is, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand it down until the bottom of the sole is smooth.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What should I check before I repair or replace my soles?

Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN.

Rio Jongsae Kim

Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist

Expert Answer

You have to check to see if the soles have started to thin, or they have holes. You should also check both shoes to see if they're wearing away evenly, or if they're splitting from the upper side of the shoes.

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Tips

To avoid getting adhesive on your skin, wear disposable gloves when applying the adhesive or handling the shoe after you’ve glued it.

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