Fixin' Flip Flops (and Other Shoes)

Sometimes it hardly feels worth it to fix an old pair of shoes, especially flip-flops, which are pretty cheap. But what if you really like that pair of shoes and they're basically in good shape? This instructable will show you how to reattach a separated sole quickly, easily and cheaply.

Step 1: What You Need

The best adhesive for this repair is a good contact adhesive like Barge Cement or Shoe Goo. A tube costs $6 - $12 and will last for many repairs.

Other than that and your broken shoe, you'll need:

newspaper to cover your work space

toothpicks

a rag

a scrap piece of card stock (junk mail works fine)

Step 2: Read Your Glue Instructions and Warnings Before Beginning to Glue.

Step 3: Prepare

Using a damp rag, clean the area you will be gluing the best you can.

Allow to dry fully.

Step 4: Glue

Squeeze out glue on both pieces to be joined, BUT DON'T LET THEM TOUCH! Get as far back as you can.

Step 5: Spread

Using the card stock and/or the toothpicks, spread the glue. Cover as evenly as possible. Use toothpicks to prop the pieces apart and keep them from touching.

Step 6: Dry

Fill in any missed spots and wait for the glue to dry completely. Keep the pieces apart!

Step 7: Join

Starting where the pieces are still attached, begin pressing the pieces together. Go slowly and keep pressing until you get to the last of the open end.

The pieces now have a permanent bond.

Step 8: Press

Press very firmly and make sure all the glued areas touch. I put my shoes on and stepped on them.

Step 9: Clean

Clean up excess cement by rolling your fingers along the extra glue. It will be dry and stick to itself.

Step 10: Wear

The repair is done! It is waterproof and permanent. Easy, right?!

Comments

[RyanMoore22]

So you wait for the glue to dry before pressing the pieces together? How does it bond if the glue has completly dried?

[Rhonda Chase Design]

Yes, 100% dry. (See step 6) Contact cement only sticks to itself and forms a permanent bond. Sorry, I don't know the chemistry, just the mechanics.

[RyanMoore22]

Hmm... well this is probably the reason I only got temporary results. I was beginning to lose faith in the product. Thanks Rhonda.

[ringai]

That's a cool fix.

I love goop. It's a great addition to any toolbox.

[Rhonda Chase Design]

Thanks! I always used to have Barge Cement on hand. I used it for everything. And then I forgot about it until I wanted to save these shoes. It's good stuff.

[ringai]

It's a handy thing for fixing cracks in plastic/poly containers. Just slather some goop on a crack and then put a plastic garbage bag over it for strength.

I've used done it on a gas can and a large kid's pool (patched on the water side ;-) )

Both repairs were good enough, but I did replace the gas can asap.

[Rhonda Chase Design]

That makes sense. That's essentially what an inner tube repair kit is. But in a large economy size!