Fix my flappy boot?
September 27, 2021 5:49 AM Subscribe
I have a pair of Cat boots - leather upper, rubber sole, the kind that look like Redwings but cheaper - and they're in perfect shape except that one sole has peeled away from the upper in comical Charlie Chaplin fashion.
Looks like it should be a fairly easy fix with the right glue, but which should I use?
I've done my due Googling diligence, but there seem to be a lot of very strong feelings and not much consensus.
My only real requirement is that it needs to be available in the UK, and something that sets fairly quickly would be ideal since I don't really have a way to clamp it.
Thanks!
I've done my due Googling diligence, but there seem to be a lot of very strong feelings and not much consensus.
My only real requirement is that it needs to be available in the UK, and something that sets fairly quickly would be ideal since I don't really have a way to clamp it.
Thanks!
If you can get Barge's shoe cement it's what I've always used for that kind of problem. String or rubber bands will work as clamps/
posted by leslies at 6:07 AM on September 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by leslies at 6:07 AM on September 27, 2021 [3 favorites]
Contact adhesive is the usual thing for this. Widely available (Wilko, DIY shops). Apply a thin coat to both surfaces. Leave until it feels dry to the touch, press firmly together. Clamping can be improvised with any heavy object.
posted by pipeski at 6:07 AM on September 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by pipeski at 6:07 AM on September 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
Masking tape makes a good clamp for this application.
I haven't had much luck glueing those sorts of boots back together. However my longest lasting repairs have been when I managed to get a few stitches between upper and sole. I drill matching holes between upper and sole and then thread with some sort of thin cordage (like kitchen twine though non natural fibers work better). You can turn a small drill bit by hand (or with a pin vice) if you don't have a drill.
posted by Mitheral at 6:47 AM on September 27, 2021
I haven't had much luck glueing those sorts of boots back together. However my longest lasting repairs have been when I managed to get a few stitches between upper and sole. I drill matching holes between upper and sole and then thread with some sort of thin cordage (like kitchen twine though non natural fibers work better). You can turn a small drill bit by hand (or with a pin vice) if you don't have a drill.
posted by Mitheral at 6:47 AM on September 27, 2021
+1 for Barge cement. Read and follow the directions (especially the bit about using in a well-ventilated area). Make sure you have the pieces lined up perfectly before you let them touch, because once they do they're not moving.
You probably don't need to clamp, but rubber bands or tape as suggested upthread are good ideas if you do. I'd let cure for at least 24 hours before wearing, though.
Also note that your shoes will have a strong solvent-y smell for a while afterwards. You may want to avoid storing them in, e.g., a closet full of clothes until that mellows out.
posted by sourcequench at 7:37 AM on September 27, 2021
You probably don't need to clamp, but rubber bands or tape as suggested upthread are good ideas if you do. I'd let cure for at least 24 hours before wearing, though.
Also note that your shoes will have a strong solvent-y smell for a while afterwards. You may want to avoid storing them in, e.g., a closet full of clothes until that mellows out.
posted by sourcequench at 7:37 AM on September 27, 2021
this would be a good time to get to know your local cobbler (even Timpsons would do a job, if that's all you have)
posted by rd45 at 8:52 AM on September 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by rd45 at 8:52 AM on September 27, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Okay! Contact adhesive, preferably Barge, get a few stitches in if possible (pretty sure I can do that), and if that doesn't work, off to the cobbler's.
Thank you, guys, that's very helpful!
posted by BlueNorther at 7:57 AM on September 28, 2021
Thank you, guys, that's very helpful!
posted by BlueNorther at 7:57 AM on September 28, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
For clamping, try using a bunch of rubber bands.
posted by msbrauer at 5:53 AM on September 27, 2021 [2 favorites]