Whether you are a passionate hiker, an immature teenager, or a workaholic professional, your damaged and broken rubber shoe sole can be annoying. Your frustration will be more if it happens to your favorite and precious pair of shoes.
It will never happen again! I will share 4 Easy Ways to Repair a Broken Rubber Shoe Sole.
From high-duty replacement soles to premium rubber adhesives, you will know all A to Z guides for mending your most-liked rubber shoes. Let’s get your rubber soles back on track!
A Guide to Repairing Broken Rubber Shoe Soles Through Different Ways
I have discussed 4 practical ways in easy step-by-step guides to repair rubber soles. You need to choose the method that suits you best.
1. Replacement of Broken Rubber Sole
You can replace the broken rubber sole by executing these easy steps:
◈ Soften the Old Glue
Start by softening the old glue through heating. You can do it with a hairdryer. The glue becomes soft and easy to remove.
◈ Peel Off the Old Sole
Next, gently remove the old rubber sole. You can do this task with a utility knife to avoid any damage to the rubber sole.
◈ Clean the Sole Surface
Once the old rubber sole is removed. Clean the shoe bottom with a cloth and acetone. Pull out all the leftover glue or debris for easy application of the new glue layer.
◈ Apply Rubber Sole Adhesive
Now evenly apply a layer of Barge All-Purpose Cement: Rubber and Leather Shoe Waterproofing Glue. Thoroughly cover all the parts of the shoe base.
◈ Attach New Rubber Sole
After that, attach a new Vibram 1330 Newporter Replacement Rubber Sole on the shoe bottom with an adhesive layer. Later, press it steadfastly and attach it completely from one end of the shoe to the other.
◈ Bind it With a Pressure
In the final stage, bind it with pressure such as a clamp or heavy weight and allow it to dry for 24 hours. After that, remove the pressure and check it by wearing it.
2. Fix a Detached Sole
Fixing a detached sole can save you money you want to spend on a new pair of shoes. Follow these easy steps for this purpose:
◈ Prepare the Shoe Bottom Back
Clean the area of the shoe back where the sole has separated. Clean the shoe where the sole separated using a damp cloth.
◈ Apply an Adhesive
Next, apply Barge All-Purpose TF Cement - Industrial Strength Adhesive for Leather and Rubber on both the separated sole and shoe part. Allow it to spread on the whole area for a few minutes.
◈ Push and Fasten the Sole and Shoe
Now firmly press the sole and shoe back and fasten it with a rope, tape, clamp, or put a heavy weight on it.
◈ Leave to Dry
Allow the reattached sole and shoe to dry for 24 hours. Next, remove the pressure and check the mended area. Wear the shoe to point out a gap or fault in bonding. If it is all OK, wear it in your daily routine.
3. Patching Rubber Sole Holes
Patching a rubber sole hole is the best strategy to save your surroundings from rubber trash. Go through these steps to complete this process:
◈ Wipe out the Shoe back Area
Begin the process by washing the shoe holes and their adjacent area. You can do this with a clean cloth and alcohol or acetone.
◈ Cut the Patch
Next, cut the patch equivalent to the size of holes in the shoe rubber sole. Try the Vibram Rubber half Sole Shoe Replacement to make patches. It will easily attach to the rubber holes due to its resembling material and quality.
◈ Spread the Rubber Cement
Now lay down a thin layer of Barge Infinity TF All-Purpose Cement: Rubber and Leather Shoe glue on the patch and the hole in the rubber sole. Leave it for a few minutes to make it sticky.
◈ Attach the Patch
Next, place the patch on the hole to make its strong attachment. Press it with a clamp or put a heavy weight for 3-4 hours to make this bonding strong.
◈ Check the Pachment
Now remove the pressure and check the parchment by wearing the shoe. If you did not find any fault, wear it. However, if there is an issue, repeat the above process.
4. Reattaching the Separated Sole with a Heat Gun
Using a heat gun to reattach a separated sole is an economical way to mend your damaged rubber soles. You can go through these steps to do this maintenance activity:
◈ Remove the Dirt From the Shoe
Wipe off all the dust and debris from the shoe surface and sole using a shoe-cleaning detergent.
◈ Make the Heat Gun Ready for Action
Next, prepare the heat gun by setting it on a low or medium grade. Because high heat can damage the shoe material. Arrange protective gloves and a flat workplace for your safety during operation.
◈ Soften the Adhesive with Heat
Now apply the heat by placing the heat gun at 6-8 inches distance from the shoe. Equally warm both the adhesive on the sole and shoe bottom.
◈ Add Extra Adhesive
After softening the existing adhesive, add some extra Barge Infinity TF All-Purpose Cement: Rubber and Leather Shoe to fulfill the deficiency of lost adhesive during the heating process.
◈ Reattach and Secure the Sole
In the final step, reattach the separated sole with the shoe body and fasten it with a tap or put a weight on it.
◈ Check the Repaired Sole
After 24 hours, remove the weight and examine the repaired rubber sole. If it is good, wear it. Otherwise, repeat this process.
Tips for Post-Repairing Care of Rubber Soles and Shoes
Knowing the ways to fix a broken rubber sole is not enough. You need to follow these tips to save them from damage in the future:
◈ After repairing the rubber sole, use Leather Boot Wax & Conditioner - Snow Seal Waterproofing Wax For Boots & Shoes. It will protect the shoe body and sole from future damage.
◈ Regularly inspect your shoes, especially the sole part to detect the early signs of wear, tear, and cracking. It will save your shoes from a larger problem and total damage.
◈ Store shoes in a dry and cool place using a shoe tree to maintain their shape and material quality.
◈ Always use shoe care and repairing products exclusively prepared for your shoe material, such as rubber sole care and repair products from the My Shoe Supplies.
Conclusion
Repairing a broken rubber shoe sole is not expensive process if you have relevant tools, accessories, and a guide.
Whether you replace your broken rubber sole, fill the holes in the sole, or reattach the separated rubber sole, all these methods are meant to increase the lifespan of your rubber shoes while saving you time and money. You can share your questions and suggestions in the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best glue to repair rubber soles?
The best option is the Barge All-Purpose Cement: Rubber and Leather Shoe Waterproofing Glue 1 Quart (946L), which you can order here.
Q2: Where can I buy a replacement rubber sole online?
You can buy a variety of rubber sole replacements online from the My Shoe Supplies.
Q3: Is coconut oil safe for conditioning rubber soles?
In rubber shoe manufacturing, coconut oil is used as a plasticizer to decrease the stiffness and enhance its flexibility. So, it is safe to use coconut oil on rubber.
