Best Glue For Shoes: 8 Picks For A Quick Shoe Repair
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It can be a real pain when your favorite pair of shoes start coming apart at the seams. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be quite uncomfortable. In this article, I’ll cover my picks for the best glue for shoes as well as educate you on the different types on glue options.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy shoe repair, you might want to try using some glue. But not just any glue! There are different types of glue that are better suited for certain materials. Let’s discuss the best ways to repair your shoes using glue and provide tips on how to use it effectively!
Best Glue For Shoes
1. Shoe Goo Repair Glue
Rating: 4.6/5
Shoe Goo is a popular option for those looking for the best glue for shoes. It is easy to use and dries quickly, so you can get back to using your shoes in no time. It is also versatile and can be used on a variety of materials, including rubber, leather, and vinyl.
2. Gorilla Super Glue
Rating: 4.5/5
Known for its quick drying power and stronghold, the Gorilla Super Glue is perfect for materials like leather, rubber, and even stone. Developed to withstand wear and tear, this adhesive will work wonders for shoe repair on flexible parts of athletic shoes and hiking boots.
3. Shoe Goo Boot Adhesive
Rating: 4.3/5
Be it canvas, vinyl, rubber, or leather – Shoo Goo Boot Adhesive will instantly and tightly seal shoe damage. It is waterproof and the perfect adhesive for flexible items – athletic shoes or even skateboards.
4. Gear Aid Aquaseal Shoe and Boot Repair Adhesive
Rating: 4.5/5
This adhesive is perfect for those who are looking for easy-to-use glue. Gear Aid Aquaseal comes with a brush applicator so that you can easily apply it to your shoes. It also dries quickly and is waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor footwear.
5. Amazing Goop 2 Max Adhesive
Rating: 4.7/5
This glue is perfect for those who are looking for easy-to-use, fast-drying glue. Amazing Goop 2 Max has a strong bond and can be used on a variety of materials, including leather, rubber, and vinyl. It is also waterproof and can be used on outdoor footwear.
6. Krazy Glue Max Bond
Rating: 4.6/5
Krazy Glue Max Bond Glue is an all-purpose glue that is versatile and strong. It can be used on a variety of materials, including leather, rubber, and plastic. So if your shoe broke at the toe, this is the perfect glue to use.
It is also waterproof and permanent, so make sure to use it with your hands covered. Also, never use this shoe glue on mirrors, Teflon-related materials, foam, and paper.
7. Loctite Shoe Glue
Rating: 4.7/5
This Loctite glue has been specially designed for shoe repair that is permanent and invisible. The glue is water, heat, and vibration resistant and is the perfect fix shoe glue for rubber, vinyl, suede, leather, and canvas shoes. It is also one of the best adhesives for patch-filling in shoe repair.
8. Barge All-Purpose TF Cement
Rating: 4.5/5
Did your worn-out boots break at the heel? This Barge shoe cement glue is ideal for those searching for versatile glue that may be used on a variety of surfaces. It’s simple to apply and has a high-quality bond. It is also water-proof, so it can be used on sports shoes outside.
How Do I Choose the Best Glue for Shoes?
Choosing glue for shoes has to depend on the type of shoe you want to mend. I looked at a variety of factors, including:
- The type of material the shoes are made from
- The size and weight of the shoes
- The intended use of the shoes (e.g., for everyday wear or for special occasions)
- How much money you’re willing to spend
Important: Always work in a well-ventilated area when opening and using any glue. Some of them can have some really strong fumes.
How to Glue Shoes Back Together?
Before you start, it’s important to clean both surfaces that will be glued together. This will help the glue to adhere better and create a stronger bond. You should also rough up the surface of the shoes with sandpaper if possible. This will provide more “teeth” for the glue to hold onto.
Next, apply the glue to one of the surfaces. You can use a brush or your finger to spread it evenly. Be sure to apply enough glue so that it is visible, but don’t use too much, or it will be difficult to clean up later.
Now, bring the two surfaces together and hold them in place for 30-60 seconds. You may need to use clamps or weights to keep the surfaces from moving.
Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before wearing the shoes. This will give the glue plenty of time to set and create a strong bond.
Now that you know how to choose and use the best glue for shoes, you can keep your favorite footwear in good condition for many years to come!
What Are the Different Types of Shoe Glues?
1. Superglue
Superglue is a formula that bonds well with synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester. It can also be used on leather and canvas. So, it is perfect for repairing dress shoes. You might not want to use it for large repairs on the flexible parts of athletic shoes because they won’t hold. To use, simply apply the glue to one surface and press the two surfaces together. Hold for 30-60 seconds and allow to dry overnight.
2. Urethane Glue
Urethane glue is a strong, waterproof adhesive that can be used on various materials, including leather, rubber, and vinyl. It is also effective at bonding dissimilar materials such as metal and plastic. Use a glue gun to adhere to one side of the tape and the other surface. Attach one side, then flip over and attach the second. Allow drying for 24 hours before using it again.
Urethane bonds well with materials like rubber, leather, vinyl, suede, etc. The glue dries clear and works on any flexible part of the shoe, like the heel. The adhesive won’t break in harsh weather conditions, so it is a great choice for repairing hiking boots.
3. Shoe Goo
Shoe Goo is a popular adhesive used to repair shoes made of rubber, leather, and vinyl. It can also be used to seal cracks and gaps in the sole of the shoe. Glue one surface and press the two surfaces together to use. For 30-60 seconds, grasp it tightly. Allow 24 hours for the glue to dry before using it again.
4. Neoprene Cement
Neoprene cement is an adhesive perfect for large repairs. It is an effective glue for leather, cotton, synthetic fibers, etc. Neoprene cement dries clear and becomes waterproof when dried so that it can seal holes water-tight. However, Neoprene is flammable, so take care not to be around sparks or fire while using this shoe glue. It is the perfect glue for leather shoes, hiking boots, rubber vinyl shoes, and work boots.
What To Look For When Buying The Best Shoe Glue
When you are looking for the best shoe glue, there are a few things that you will want to take into consideration.
- Drying time: You will want to choose a glue that has a fast drying time so that you can return to using your shoes as soon as possible. For example, attaching soles to the bottom of the shoes is a large repair, which requires super glue with quick drying time.
- Bond strength: The stronger the bond, the longer your repair will last. Flexible areas of the shoe, like the toe, need shoe glue with high bond strength for efficacy.
- Water resistance: If you are looking to use glue on an outdoor shoe, you will want to make sure that it is waterproof. Neoprene cement, urethane, and cyanoacrylates are waterproof shoe glues.
- Ease of use: You will want to choose a glue that is easy to apply so that you can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
- Versatility: If you want to be able to use glue on a variety of materials, you will want to choose a versatile option.
Glue For Shoes (FAQs)
What Type of Glue Is Usually Used in Shoe Repairs?
Shoe repairs typically use one of three types of glue: cyanoacrylate, neoprene cement, or urethane.
How Long Does Shoe Glue Last?
- Cyanoacrylate shoe glues will last for about two years. An example would be this Shoe-Fix Cyanoacrylate Shoe Glue.
- Neoprene shoe cement glues will last for about five years. An example would be this Angelus Shoe Contact Cement.
- Urethane shoe glues will last for about ten years. An example would be Aleene’s Liquid Fusion Clear Urethane Adhesive Glue.
The lifespan of the shoe glue depends on the type used, how often you are wearing them, and if they are getting wet among other environmental factors.
How Do You Remove Shoe Glue From the Shoe Sole?
There are a few ways to remove shoe glue, depending on the type of glue used.
- For cyanoacrylate glues, you can use acetone or nail polish remover.
- For neoprene cement glues, you can use a heat gun.
- For urethane glues, you can use a chemical stripper.
Is Gorilla Glue OK for Shoes?
Yes, Gorilla Glue is a type of cyanoacrylate glue, and the glue works perfectly fine on shoes. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Which Shoe Glue is the Best for Leather Shoes?
The Gorilla Glue is perfect for leather shoes. It has a quick drying time and a strong bond.
Using Glue For Shoes – My Final Thoughts
In my quest to find the perfect glue for shoe, I came across water-resistant and heat-proof adhesives that cater to any type of footwear material and is also resistant to pressure on the flexible parts of footwear. Whether you want to fix your work boots or make your soles flexible again, purchase from one of my top picks to have your worn-out shoes feel new again!
Based on my research, Gorilla Glue is the best overall glue for shoe repairs. It has a strong adhesive that holds up well and it’s also reasonably priced.
Once you have those shoes repaired, you might also like reading my article on how to clean leather shoes or how to clean suede shoes.
Let me know how your shoe repair went (good or bad) and which glue you used in the comments below. Best of luck!