Fancy Footwork (Repair Those Old Soles)

Intro: Fancy Footwork (Repair Those Old Soles)

I love my Chucks. They're the only type of shoe I've worn since I was 15. I wear them through spring, summer, fall and winter. Unfortunately, like any other shoe, they eventually wear out.

There's not a whole lot you can do with your shoes once they're totally shot but say goodbye and send them to the landfill. At least you can make them last a little while longer though.

This is a really cheap and simple way to repair cracks and holes in the bottom of your shoes that let water in. It won't last forever, but it will keep them dry for a little while longer.

What you'll need:

-Some thin, flexible plastic or rubber (I cut up a blister pack that my epoxy glue came in)
-Some epoxy glue
-Some sandpaper

Or:

-A bicycle tube repair kit

STEP 1: Clean the Affected Area(s)

First thing you want to do is use an old sponge, cloth, paper towel or whatever you've got on hand and clean up the area surrounding the hole or tear and then dry it off. It doesn't have to be spotless, just free of dirt and debris.

STEP 2: Cut a Square of Plastic or Rubber Out

Now, just grab whatever plastic or rubber you have and cut a square a bit larger than the hole in your shoe. Then just lightly sand the side of it that will be glued to the shoe and wipe it clean.

STEP 3: Glue It On

Now just mix up some epoxy glue and apply it to the area directly around the hole and stick your plastic square on top of the glue. Make sure no air gets trapped between the sole of the shoe and the plastic square. After it dries a bit, mix up some more epoxy glue and put it around the edges of the plastic square just to make sure it's waterproof. 

Then just let the glue set for around 8 hours (I suggest doing this at night before you go to bed so it will cure overnight) and you're ready to rock.

It may not look pretty, but who really cares what the bottom of your shoes look like?

I suggest jumping in a puddle to celebrate.