Is a Hot Glue Gun Effective for Repairing Sandal Soles?

[Hornbein]

I bought some new Teva sandals but after little use the soles peeled off. I glued them back on but that didn't last. Here in Indonesia my only option could be to get a hot glue gun. Will it be worth it?

If not I can get them repaired in Tokyo at Mr. Minut. They know what they're doing.

 

[Baluncore]

Teva should give you a warranty replacement.

Hot melt glue will not work well.

You will need a flexible, polyurethane based, contact cement.
Consider Permatex Contact Cement from a car parts store.

Before coating the two surfaces, you must clean and dry them thoroughly, so the solvent in the glue can penetrate the surfaces. Maybe use alcohol or a flame to dry the surfaces.

Try different glues until you find one that works.

 

[Dullard]

There is a product called "Shoe Goo." It's actually made for what you describe - I've had very good luck with it.

 

[Baluncore]

It is difficult to clamp flexible shoes for 24 hours or more, while waiting for the glue to set. Most glues will not set if they cannot evaporate solvent to the atmosphere, which is probably the case for synthetic soles on sandals.

That is why I recommend a contact cement, so that it will approach touch dry, not tacky, before the two surfaces are joined. The shoes can then be used immediately.

 

[Hornbein]

Teva should give you a warranty replacement.

Hot melt glue will not work well.

You will need a flexible, polyurethane based, contact cement.
Consider Permatex Contact Cement from a car parts store.

Before coating the two surfaces, you must clean and dry them thoroughly, so the solvent in the glue can penetrate the surfaces. Maybe use alcohol or a flame to dry the surfaces.

Try different glues until you find one that works.

I found some contact cement at a religion supply store. I'm about to give the sandals a test run.

 

[berkeman]

I'm about to give the sandals a test run.

I see what you did there.

 

[Baluncore]

I found some contact cement at a religion supply store. I'm about to give the sandals a test run.

Testing should not be necessary, only faith is required. If the cement fails, then it says more about you than the cement.

 

[JT Smith]

I have a pair of Teva sandals that are about 25 years old. I bought a new pair twelve years ago but I like the old pair better (a molded foot bed instead of a flat one) so I keep repairing the old ones: replacing the velcro as well as forever regluing the diminishing pieces of external sole. My wife has the same situation: old sandals she'd rather (that I) repair instead of using her newer and less desirable ones.

I use contact cement sometimes ("Barge" cement) and it works okay. But (as another person reported) I find that "Shoe Goo" works pretty well. I think the contact cement is more particular to the cleanliness of the material (hard to achieve in the parting wedge of dirty sole pieces) as well as the technique. Shoe Goo is stickier and more forgiving. At least that's been my experience.

I would expect a hot glue gun to be a waste of time.

Most people just buy new sandals.

 

[jrmichler]

I had a good pair of running shoes where the outsoles came off. I glued the soles back on using contact cement, and got another 900 miles before one of the soles started to come off again. By that time, the uppers were shot, so I gave in and bought a new pair of shoes. Plus I went through several tubes of Shoe Goo to build up worn spots on the soles.

My previous record shoe miles was the previous pair that lasted slightly over 3000 miles. My shoes started lasting longer when I got old and slowed down.

 

[berkeman]

You're not setting a good example for the young-uns, there JR. "Replace your running shoes twice a year" is good advice, IMO.

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/replace-shoes.html

 

[jrmichler]

I also read that advice in numerous sources. Other people need to replace their shoes more often.

There was a time when I had a new and old pair of summer and winter (four pairs total) of running shoes. I could not feel the difference, so ended up with one pair each of summer and winter running shoes. Even at over 6000 miles, my feet did not complain. I just got tired of looking at and fixing them.

 

[JT Smith]

Looking at that photo I can't help but wonder about the rest of your ensemble. :-)

I was the same way for many years: I wore my shoes until they fell apart. And I didn't bother with particularly expensive shoes. Then I developed a problem with one of my feet. Did my previous behavior lead to that issue? My podiatrist couldn't claim that with certainty but it does beg the question.