Boot Sole Glue Choices? Aka "the Fish Pun Thread"

love this thread already as only recently did this on an old-ish pair of Sidis*. I wish i could give a definitive answer that stands out from the competition, maybe someone else can.

I tried around 6 different products all claiming to be the best.

My best result was with a Bostick industrial cartridge, but even this only lasts around 3 to 6 months. I have thrown it away now as it dried out (so not necessarily the best format to use) and can't remember the exact name, but i guess all the Evostick/Bostik contact adhesives must be similar.


*after doing this the second time (with the same glue) i can't stress how much preparation and cleanliness plays a part in longevity of the adhesion, the second time is lasting well after taking an hour cleaning off old glue, removing dirt/discolouration from the shoe surface, and thoroughly roughing up the faces with 400 grade or coarser.

 

i've used black RTV in the past. but a google told me this
https://www.google.com/search?q=str...uObgHxgnCBwYyLTExLjLIB1g&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

 

I've tried to repair favorite boots, be they bike, work or hiking. Never found anything that lasts, much less any good at keeping the water out.

Luckily I have found a good cobbler who is able to perform this miracle on demand, in return for some beer vouchers.

I have also switched to Gaerne boots for riding and the soles have never come away nor leaked.

 

Had good results with Stormsure

 

They have a contact adhesive called Stormoprene as well

 

We were walking in Cornwall about 3yrs ago, were at least 5 miles from the car along the coastpath and the sole came 1/2 off one of my walking boots.

We were at a beach and the small shop up the road happened to have some Gorilla superglue Gel which pleased me immensely as I've had great results with it in the past.
Note the Gel, not the usual stuff.

After cleaning both sides really well with hand wipes I stuck the sole back on and hoped it would last the walk back to the car, which it did.
I used my spare boots for that holiday but sort of forgot when we got home I'd glued up my favorite pair and started using them again.
They got used for many miles in all weathers and wore out before the sole came off again.

When we go away now I always make sure there is a bottle in the car.

 

Looks like these have not been worried much by polish, just saying like.

 

Bookmarking this because I've a boot (S5 Neoprene safety boots Kore high) from Engelbert Strauss thats got an annoying tiny leak that needs sealing.

 

The local cobbler puts Vibram soles on his boot repairs, I guess being Scottish drinking Yorkie Tea and being Geordie like, it may be too much of a spending spree for you.

 

Y'know you're right. I looked at the pic and thought the same. Its also true that iphone cameras pick up every imperfection so things can look worse than they are.

However here they are having just had a liberal dose of dubbing.

 

I’m now satisfied with your reaction to my observation, which was in the best interest of the boots and ultimately you.

 

They all say that, it's Cobblers

 

Ive used Shoe Goo on a pair of sidi boots and a pair of trainers over aa year ago and still going strong

 

its not far from the truth.

Most rubber soles aren't pure rubber but oil based rubbers, synthetic mix of rubber and various polymers or completely synthetic oil based materials, so in essence all have oils in them which will always stop perfect adhesion. That and when they're made they're bonded on hot to enhance the adhesion characteristics and fuse and cure the soles onto the upper. A green state if you will. Try the same thing again with cured and cold soles and you're on a hiding to nothing.

The adhesion however good the prep is always going to be a case of not if, but when it's going to fail. the only guarantee he can give you is that he can't guarantee when. I've had cobblers in the past literally charge me pennies for the job because they know I'll be back at some point.

 

Not glue, but I have had Sidi boots soled successfully by:

GB Bike Leathers @ The Three Sisters Public House, Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham, Gillingham ME8 8QR, Kent.

 

Shoe goo is what the skateboarders use and so far it's the best I have tried. As noted by others.

 

Any fish based glue should work on Soles, but that could be a load of pollacks