If you wear your favorite shoes often, they will eventually start to wear out and have holes. Instead of buying new shoes, you can plug the holes with adhesive or cover them with a patch. By closing the hole, dirt and rocks will not be able to get into the shoe so you can continue to wear it. This option is also cheaper and faster than buying new shoes.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Plugging the Hole Using Adhesive
Step 1. Purchase a self-adhesive sealant at a hardware store or online
Some well-known adhesive brands that can be used to repair shoes include Liquid Nails, Shoe Goo, and Gorilla Glue. Check reviews for each product, and buy the adhesive that fits your needs and budget.
- Most adhesives will leave a thin clear or milky film when dry.
- Adhesives can be used to treat holes in leather shoes, sneakers, and skates.
- Shoe Goo provides clear and black colors.
Step 2. Remove the insole (the soft cushion inside the shoe) if you are handling the sole
Remove the insole from the bottom of the shoe by lifting the heel first. If the insole is glued to the bottom of the shoe, leave it there while you repair it.
Set the insole aside to reassemble later
Step 3. Apply duct tape to the hole on the inside of the shoe
Face the adhesive side of the duct tape down to cover the hole. The duct tape will be a place for the adhesive sealant to stick. Make sure you have covered all the holes.
If you don't have duct tape, you can use regular duct tape
Step 4. Insert the adhesive into the hole
Tilt the bottle or tube of glue against the hole and press it so that the glue completely covers the hole. Make sure the hole is covered with adhesive through the outside of the shoe. Otherwise, this seal will not be watertight.
- Glue clumping in the holes is normal.
- Don't worry if the adhesive looks messy when you do this.
Step 5. Apply shoe glue on the hole in an even layer
At first, the adhesive will be too sticky, so you'll need to let it dry for 1 to 2 minutes for some of the glue to harden. When it has hardened, use your fingers or a wooden stick to spread the glue evenly across the outside of the shoe.
Don't let your fingers or sticks stay in one place for too long as they can stick to the glue
Step 6. Let the adhesive dry overnight
Allow enough time for the adhesive to dry completely and form a seal. Now the hole is closed and waterproof. Press the adhesive so that it is firmly attached to the shoe.
If not given enough time to dry, the adhesive may come off the shoe
Step 7. Remove the duct tape, then put the insole back on
When the duct tape is removed, the adhesive will stick flat to the inside of the shoe. If you repaired a hole on the inside of the sole of the shoe, put the insole back in its place before you put the shoe on. If everything was done right, the hole in the shoe would be gone by now.
Method 2 of 2: Patching Holes Using Cloth
Step 1. Insert the newspaper into the shoe
Filling the shoe with newsprint will make it bulge, making it easier to patch. This method is especially suitable for shoes made of soft materials, such as suede shoes or shoes/boots made of sheepskin.
Step 2. Purchase fabric for patching shoes
The patch attached to the shoe will be visible from the outside later. So, look for fabrics that match your shoes. You can buy the fabric at a fabric store or the internet. Purchase a piece of cloth that is just enough to cover the hole.
- To make the patch less noticeable, buy a fabric in the same color as the shoe.
- Some good materials include tartan (checkered wool), leather, or suede.
- If you want a unique look, you can also use a fabric that contrasts with the color of the shoe.
Step 3. Cut out the fabric in sufficient size to cover the hole
Cut the fabric into squares or rectangles to cover the holes. Depending on the location of the hole, you may need to adjust the size of the patch so it doesn't look awkward on the shoe.
- For example, if the hole is at the toe of your shoe, use a patch that covers the entire toe, not just a small patch covering the hole.
- In order for the shoes to match the pair, prepare 2 pieces of fabric to be attached to the pair of shoes, even if there are no holes there.
Step 4. Attach the fabric to the shoe using a pin
Position the patch and make sure the patch is straight before you sew it. If you're not happy with how it looks on your shoe, you may need to cut a new piece of fabric.
If the patch is also attached to the pair of shoes, make sure you place them in the same position
Step 5. Use a steam iron to press the patch into the shoe
Place a damp cloth over the shoe patch, then place and hold the steam iron on the patch for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times to align the edges of the patch to follow the shape of the boot or shoe.
Step 6. Sew the patch
Insert the needle and thread through the patch until it penetrates the inside of the shoe. Next, stick the needle out of the shoe until it penetrates the patch. Continue this process until it surrounds the patch to attach the fabric to the shoe. Make a locking knot at the end of the thread to keep the patch firmly attached.
- Try to sew the patch uniformly.
- You can also apply complex stitches like catch stitch or slip stitch for a unique look.
