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How to Glue Shoes: Which Glue Work Best?

It is not easy to find the right adhesive for your shoe repair needs, but we have done our research and found some of the best adhesives on the market. This how-to guide will outline how to use each type of adhesive, as well as how long they take to dry and how much they cost. We hope this helps!

How to Glue Shoes: Which Materials Work Best?

Image
Product
Best Overall
Loctite Silicone Waterproof Sealant
  • resist extreme temperatures
  • resilient
  • watertight
Gorilla Super Glue Gel
  • dries clear
  • fast-bonding
  • with an anti-clog cap
Shoegoo Mini Adhesive
  • waterproof
  • easy to use
  • soak up any moisture
Super Glue by Glue Masters
  • fastest-curing gel
  • without leaving residue on hands
  • sets in just under 45 seconds
Barge Rubber Leather Shoe Waterproof Glue
  • waterproof
  • has all-purpose brush
  • versatile

Type of Glue for Repairing Shoes

There are many types of glue for repairing shoes. This how-to guide will outline how to use each type of adhesive, as well as how long they take to dry and how much they cost.

Contact Cement

A contact cement is a water soluble glue that uses the pressure of two objects pressed together for adhesion. It can be used on leather or vinyl but should not be used with polyurethane soles because it can cause them to melt. The major downside is how time consuming it is; you may need up to 24 hours before getting full results (once dried). Contact cements are usually cheaper than other glues in this list though so if price is your main concern then go ahead and get yourself some!

Hot Glue

The hot hide glue gun sticks best when applied from a heated applicator and should be used with full shoe parts. It is a very strong adhesive and will give your shoes the best grip to the ground of any adhesives in this how-to guide, but it’s also one of the most expensive ones on this list at about $25 per tube (depending how big you get).

Acrylic Glue

An acrylic glue is vegan friendly as well as non-toxic so if those are important things for you then go ahead and pick up some! This type of glue dries quickly too, usually within 30 minutes or less. They have good staying power though they don’t work that great under water – which isn’t really an issue when repairing shoes anyway!

Polyurethane Glue

Polyurethane glues can easily bond leather, cork and rubber soles. One of the best things about this type of glue is how quickly it dries – usually in just a few minutes with full results after 24 hours (once dried). Polyurethane glues are also waterproof so don’t worry when you put some on your shoe because they will stay there!

Preparing Shoes Before Gluing: Detailed Instruction

Before gluing shoes you should always prepare the shoe by cutting away excess material, old glue and sanding down rough areas. This ensures that your new glue will work efficiently and get a good grip.

  1. Cut away any extra fabric or lining from inside of the shoes to ensure there is nothing in its way when you are applying the adhesive on both sides
  2. Remove all traces of old glue
  3. Sand leather surfaces until smooth before application, this increases how well it sticks
  4. Remove dirt and any other surface contaminants from the shoe
  5. Clean shoes with a damp cloth or brush to remove grease, smog, dust etc.
  6. Wipe down your shoe after you have finished cleaning it so that excess water doesn’t drip on the glue when applying

This process is how to prepare shoes for gluing as well as how often people should perform this action in order to keep their shoes looking new!

How to Glue Shoes: Step by Step

Adhere to the following guidelines for how to glue shoes:

  1. The first thing you need is a clean and dry surface. This will help the adhesive adhere better.
  2. Next, apply black rubber cement on top of the object that needs fixing or gluing. You can also use contact cements such as Super glue for this process too. Apply it only on one side of the item in question so that they do not end up with an excess amount glued onto them. Be sure to place your hands under a wet cloth when using super glue because prolonged exposure may cause irritation from skin sensitivity issues due to its strong chemical composition which includes cyanoacrylate esters, acrylic acid and quaternary ammonium compounds among others.
  3. Once you have applied the glue, carefully press together both sides of the object that need to be glued.
  4. Wait for three or more hours before trying to use it again. This will ensure a strong bond is made between the two surfaces in question.
  5. If after this time period there are still any areas where they come apart easily then reapply another layer of adhesive and wait at least four hours before using it again once fully dried.

Best Glue for Repairing Shoes

The top best product [hide]

Loctite Silicone Waterproof Sealant


Loctite Silicone Waterproof Sealant
Protect your shoes with Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant. Our sealant creates a permanent waterproof, protective seal that is perfect for metal, glass, rubber and more. It's tough enough to withstand extreme temperatures and impact while also bonding well with many materials like aluminum or leather.
Pros
resist extreme temperatures
resilient
watertight
Cons
tube can come cracked

buy on Amazon

Gorilla Super Glue Gel


Gorilla Super Glue Gel
This fast-bonding stuff dries anywhere from 10 to 45 seconds, making it perfect for mending just about anything. With an anti-clog cap and tough impact resistant formula, nothing can stand up - or sit down - to the power of our product! Gorilla Super Glue Gel can be used on a wide variety of materials without the need for clamping. The gel formula bonds plastics, wood, metal, ceramic and more—without leaving your shoes clogged with dried glue.
Pros
dries clear
fast-bonding
with an anti-clog cap
Cons
may not work in some cases

buy on Amazon

Shoegoo Mini Adhesive


Shoegoo Mini Adhesive
Shoegoo 5510110 Mini Adhesive is the perfect for people who want to repair and protect their footwear. It's so easy - you just tear a piece, put it on the wet spot on your shoe or skateboard, then use water to activate the adhesive. The adhesive will soak up any moisture that might otherwise come in contact with your shoes. So go ahead and wear those high-tops blue suede shoes when it rains!
Pros
waterproof
easy to use
soak up any moisture
Cons
too small tube

buy on Amazon

Super Glue by Glue Masters


Super Glue by Glue Masters
Super Glue by Glue Masters is the most powerful, fastest-curing gel glue on the market. Perfect for that last minute fix or build anything without leaving residue on your hands. From shipping a model to gluing shoes, this stuff gets the job done right and has long lasting power so you can enjoy running around town all day - with no worries!
Pros
fastest-curing gel
without leaving residue on hands
sets in just under 45 seconds
Cons
can glue fingers together

buy on Amazon

Barge Rubber Leather Shoe Waterproof Glue


Barge Rubber Leather Shoe Waterproof Glue
Your rubber shoes may have started to flake and peel, but don't worry. Barge Rubber Leather Shoe Waterproof Glue has you covered. This all-purpose glue can be used to repair a shoe's vinyl, PVC, polyurethane, or leather material in addition to vinyl curtains as needed. It dries quicker than molasses and creates a clear finish that won't let the world know of your mishap with those pesky soggy shoes! Be sure not store close to any open flames though because this is highly inflammable!
Pros
waterproof
has all-purpose brush
versatile
Cons
need to be careful - highly inflammable

buy on Amazon

FAQs

Does shoe glue work in bad weather, shaky surroundings, or poor conditions?

Yes, shoe glue is a great adhesive in all conditions.

Does Glue effective for repairing shoes?

Yes, glue can be used to repair shoes.

What is the best shoe glue for leather boots?

The best shoe glue for leather boots is the one that’s specifically designed to work on this material.

What type of glue do shoe manufacturers use?

Shoe manufacturers use different glues depending on how they are making their shoes.

Conclusion

When it comes to glue, there are many opinions. Some people swear by superglue while others prefer hot melt adhesive and still more use craft glues for their shoe repair needs. As with any fix-it project that requires the use of adhesives or bonding agents, how you choose will depend on how much time and effort you want to put into your repairs as well as what type of surfaces need fixing together (if they’re both leather shoes, then a regular adhesive is perfect).

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