Shoes were designed and made to be loved and worn with pride. But like any other clothing item, they vary widely in price, purpose, and longevity. So, once you land on that pair that fits perfectly, giving it up might be hard even when it starts to wear out. Fortunately, with some special adhesives, you can quickly mend your favorite footwear without having to visit the cobbler. There are numerous shoe glues on the market specially designed to repair shoes. But before making an ultimate choice, you might want to learn how shoe glue works. This will help you find one that best suits your needs.
There are three common types of shoe glues, each with different active elements used to generate the adhesive you need to repair your shoe. They include
- Neoprene cement
- Urethane
- Superglue
Factors You Should Consider When Selecting the Best Shoe Glue
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Drying Period
After fixing your shoe, you might have to wait a few minutes to a few hours until the glue dries. After drying, you might have to wait a little longer for your shoe glue to cure. Otherwise, your shoes’ movement quickly disintegrates the adhesive bond that has yet to set. If you are working on minor fixes such as mending holes in your sole, go for fast drying and curing adhesives such as super glue. However, for more extensive repairs such as reattaching a shoe sole, you might want to use more flexible sealants such as urethane rubber. Be sure to wait until the glue fully cures and follow the manufacturers’ directions for best results.
Is It Waterproof?
Your favorite footwear is designed to endure getting into contact with water. Even when you are very cautious, there is a possibility that you will accidentally step into a puddle or get out in the rain. That said, the perfect shoe glue should also be water-resistant. Sure, some types of shoe glue, such as cyanoacrylates, neoprene cement, and urethane, are waterproof. All the same, their efficiency depends on the individual product formula and how well you apply the glue. Before binding the two parts together, be sure to spread the shoe glue on a clean, dry surface. If well done, the repair will be safe from water damage.
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Versatility
Besides shoe repair, what else can your shoe glue fix around the house? Can it fix other types of footwear? When you choose a versatile product, you are sure it won’t be sitting around collecting dust until you need to repair your shoe again.
Please keep in mind that versatility might also be a factor based on the type and degree of the shoe damage. While shoes can be made from a wide range of materials, glues are not always perfect for big fixes. Consult your manufacture’s product information and recommendations to understand the type of fixes and materials specific glue can handle.
Your Shoe Type
Ideally, the shoe glue manufacturers outline the range of materials that the glue is designed to fix. Consider the type of shoe you want to repair before settling on any adhesive. For instance, if you do not find leather among the product information, manufacturer website, or package details, you should not use this glue to fix your leather pair.
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Canvas, suede, leather, cotton, neoprene, and polyurethane are common materials used to make shoes. Different glues work best for these materials. To guarantee the best results for your shoe repair, be sure to select the shoe glue specifically designed for your type of shoe.