How to Repair the Heel of Athletic Shoes

by neffk

201K9140

Intro: How to Repair the Heel of Athletic Shoes

The heel of my athletic shoes wear out before the rest of the shoe. This instructable is all about how to glue in some cloth and secure it with a few stitches.

STEP 1: Glue in Cloth

Glue in a bit of cloth over the worn out part of the heel. Remove the insert first. Then use a glue that is flexible to fasten the cloth into the heel. I used glue that was designed for gluing soles together. The choice of cloth is important. It must be durable but not too thin or too thick. I used old denim from a worn out pair of jeans.

STEP 2: Stitch in Top Edge

I think the top edge is the most likely place to fail, so I stitched that in. I used a curved needle, but it's not necessary. Use a thin sharp needle and some strong thread.

STEP 3: Finish

Put the insert back in, trim ends of thread, and take a step back to admire your work.

34 Comments

jaggerbog 4 years ago

I sometimes glue a bit of foam or sponge into the hole as well, before adding the fabric. I use PVA, I think it's called Elmer's in the States.

Steger33 4 years ago

Looks great! Many a pair I have discarded simply because of this. Your instructions were clear. Pictures with brief instructions. We
repair cell phones when folks can't finish their home repair. We understand. Good shoe repair shops can fix heels as well; this looks simple!

dkschmidt 5 years ago

I had a similar issue today and just cut KT tape to size. Works great.

EstebanB22 6 years ago

any idea of how to repair this?

RobO27 8 years ago

Help!!!!! ???? this is my second pair of now seemingly unavailable Canucks trainers my dog has destroyed. Living in the UK I'd have more chance of striking oil in my garden than getting another pair. I get the inside repairs and are all goods including the initial posters stitching, mine would look more like rambo did them. Does anyone have any ideas? do you think butchering some other trainers for parts (the foam and shapes of the tendon cut out) and trying to find fabric colours from a craft shop would work with a tonne of glue? I know they're never going to be 100% but some semblance of how they looked would be great.

neffk 8 years ago

Yes, I think you can fix this. Won't look perfect but it'll be functional. I recommend sewing over glue. Nylon seems to work best. You can get foam from the craft store, too.

strangeseraph 8 years ago

This is a lifesaver! I go through shoe heels soo fast! Time to go save some of my favorite runners!

rationalmac 8 years ago

Great instructable...Thanks for posting this!

joeysdreamgarden 10 years ago

Great work! I think I might have to do this with my trainers.

bethelcobbler 10 years ago

Excellent job on instructing how to repair heel linings! Professionals use contact cement; it is best to apply it to both surfaces while it is still wet. This permits you to slide and position the lining into the right spot. Allow about half an hour to dry, pressing the materials together.

Jossy92 11 years ago

A piece of "MOLESHKIN" anti-blister tape which is CUT TO CONFORM to the shape of the heel seems to adhere indefinitely. However a few added stiches might help if needed. I place them in new shoes too.

patmatchue 13 years ago

you can bring your shoes to a local shoe repair shop and ask for backlinings....most shoes can be repaired

if there are none in your area you can mail them to Bill's Shoe Repair in Midland Park, NJ.

neffk 13 years ago

Yes! This is what I do for my good, leather shoes. Good as new for 5-10 $. Usually a good shine is included.

Cargod63 14 years ago

If you untie your shoes before taking them off you won't need to do this repair. Nice repair for those of us who are lazy (I am one) to untie their shoes.

ali208 13 years ago

The heel of my work boots wear out quick, I do untie them before taking them off, and I pull them on not stepping into them I searched everywhere on line Googled my fingers off and couldn't find anything to help... I'm glad I finally found this.

neffk 14 years ago

I have a pair of hiking boots, which I tied and untied.  There's no point in buying hiking boots and wearing without lacing them up.  Anyway, they eventually dud wear our in the back, too.  They did last a lot longer before needing repair, though.

ricehimself 15 years ago

I usually put some duck tape when they start to wear out. It's very effective. You just have to replace it from time to time.

dudemanchan 15 years ago

For the bottom padding of your shoe i just cut a piece of cardboard out and place it at the bottom (with some super glue) and after you wear it a little bit, it forms to the shoe (like the sole).
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