Boots, like any other kind of footwear, are also prone to the issue of the soles getting torn and worn out. Compared to the alternative kinds of footwear, these are very expensive. Many people can just not afford to purchase newer versions every now and then. They are left with the option of re-soling others.
This begs the question, “Can you replace rubber soles on a pair of boots?”
Yes! You can replace rubber soles on a pair of boots. These replacements may happen a number of times as long as the upper of the pair is in good condition. To be on the safe side, the resoling has to take place at the earliest time when there are signs that the same are now getting torn and dilapidated.
Steps on How to Replace Rubber Soles
The following steps can help you to replace the rubber soles:
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- Using a set of pliers and a heat gun, pull away the old soles
- Remove the remnants of the old glue using the nail polish remover
- Scour the bottom of the shoes using rough sandpaper
- Clean the bottom to eliminate dust, moisture, and unwanted debris
- Pour some glue to the polished surface and spread with a round brush
- Place the new soles on the glued surface and press hard
- Leave to dry for around 24 hours
- Eliminate excess rubber by use of a sharp knife to finish it
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Pros of Replacing Rubber Soles
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- Cuts down the cost of maintaining the shoes
- Ensures smoother operations all the while
- A little bit more convenient to undertake
- Ensures minimal waste of parts and items
- Negates the need to purchase a new pair every now and then
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Cons of Replacing Rubber Soles
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- Interferes with the aesthetics of the pairs concerned
- Quite complicated to someone who lacks the necessary expertise
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See also: Best Rubber Work Boots
FAQs
We now devote the rest of the article to answer a couple of pertinent questions that surround this matter of re-soling the boots.
How do you tell if shoes can be re-soled?
The following steps may help to tell whether a pair of boots may have to be re-soled:
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- Run your fingers across the outer portions of the soles to look out for softness and wrinkles
- Inspect the perimeter of the outsoles to ascertain whether the wilt stitching may be exposed or not
- Look for any cracks or inconsistences in the grains of the soles
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How much does it cost to resole a pair of boots?
If you opt to bring in an expert to handle the resoling for you, you will definitely have to part with some money. Expect to part with around $15 to $30 to resole the pair from scratch. The exact amount largely depends on the size of the boot and the severity of the damages thereof.
How do you fix hardened rubber soles?
There are two major methods of doing this. We explain them here below for you:
Method I: Heat
This entails the use of heat to hardened the epoxy or the wax to bind the two constituent pieces together. Heat results in more permanent effects that endure the test of time. These procedures will most definitely let you achieve the necessary ends:
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- Heat some water in a pot and bring it to the boil
- Place the pot in the kitchen sink
- Submerge the runner in the water so that it becomes soft
- Make the rubber tight by the use of a pair of salad or canning tongs
- Remove it from the water thereafter
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Method II: Rubber softener
This is the use of the rubber softener to harden the joints that the two pieces of rubber form when the same are placed side by side. Following these steps will most definitely help you to bring this idea to fruition:
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- Spray the rubber using the silicone spray until the rubber is completely soaked
- Insert the rubber in an airtight plastic bag
- Preserve the rubber in the plastic bag for 3-7 days
- Lift the bagged piece of rubber
- Bend it to ascertain its pliability
- Upon attaining the desired degree of suppleness, remove the rubber from the bag
- Repeat the processes above severally until you attain the desired degree of quality
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Is it worth getting shoes resoled?
YES, it is! Not only is this activity resourceful but also cuts down the costs of maintaining the footwear. With this activity in mind, you need not necessarily purchase a brand new air every now and then. This is not to mention the convenience that comes along regardless of the state of the sole.
Can you add rubber soles to shoes?
YES, you can! It is indeed possible for you to add some extra rubber to the soles that you repair. This may be handy so that you attain some added degree of comfort, strength, and vitality you may never achieve with the fading or waning kinds of pairs.
How many times can a shoe be re-soled?
Most shoes may be resoled twice or thrice in their lifetimes. But then again it all depends on the frequency with which they are used and the nature of the terrains in which they are deployed for use. Of course, more unforgiving terrain is likely to damage the pairs faster and call for more frequent resoling.
How do I safeguard the soles of my shoes?
The practices highlighted and explained below may help you to do that:
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- Spray the area using a protectant
- Fix the heel guards to strengthen the base or the soles
- Reinforce the soles using the charcoal pouches
- Store them appropriately in a cool and dry place
- Keep them away from the dark areas
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How long does it take to get shoes re-soled?
If you do it manually, you may have to take 3 hours to come up with the necessary outcomes. In case you opt for a professional shoemaker or cobber, the actual task may take shorter, yes. But then, you may have to wait a little bit longer to have the pair shipped back to you after re-soling.
Can I put rubber soles on my leather-soled shoes?
WHY NOT? It is indeed possible to blend the rubber soles into the leather-soled shoes. That is because leather and rubber are largely interchangeable.
Moreover, the only thing that may be needed is to strengthen then the joints, and that is it! Rubber is even stronger and more agile than leather.
Can cemented shoes be re-soled?
YES, they can! However, for this to happen, the upper has to be first and foremost detached from the sole. Then, the two portions of the shoes have to be tightly fixed and appropriately decorated to prevent the same from giving off any ghastly sites to the eyes.
Conclusion
We now believe you have received in-depth insight concerning whether or not the rubber soles on a pair of boots may be replaced or not.
We ask you to go beyond merely getting to know more about this subject matter. How about you now putting in place appropriate measures to have the soles of your boots replaced?
