4 Steps to Fixing Your Own Shoes at Home

It’s always important to have a DIY (Do it yourself) hack up your sleeves. It might come in handy one day.  For example, if you know how to fix your own shoes at home, you can save on the time and money you’d have used taking them to the repair shop..

This article will tell you how to fix four of the major shoe problems at home. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

1. Attaching a New Sole

This operation is one of the most beneficial activities you can conduct. By fixing your soles, you can save up to half the money you can spend to get a new pair. You may be worrying about what time is right to get new soles for your footwear. Well, all you have to do is check for when they are giving in. The platforms may be weak, leading to creasing. Plus, the thread may be too old. Here is how to attach a new sole.

1. Flatten your shoes by grinding with a sander.
2. Trace your shoe onto the new sole material as close to the base as possible. This will ease the cutting process.
3. Cut out the sole with your preferred tool. Leave some extra material around the edge of the replacement sole.
4. What comes in next is to make use of shoe glue. Cement glue is ideal for your shoes. However, it features a pungent smell; therefore, wear a mask if you are allergic. Wait until the glue has a matte appearance or dries a little before attaching. If you stick them while wet, your footwear will spoil quickly.
5. Line up your shoe to the new sole material.
6. Leave it to dry a little, then walk around in it for a firmer attachment. This step allows you to get the feel of your new sole.
7. If all is well, you can cut out the excesses and sand the edges for a smoother finish.

2. Fixing Split Leather

Splitting leather is one of the most embarrassing shoe defects that you cannot overlook. Day to day activities can result in accidental splitting. Still, your shoe leather may dry up and split. Here is how to fix split shoes at home.

1. Dab a small cloth dipped in alcohol around the split section. This process will help to clean dirt around the areas.
2. Use tweezers to grab the edges of the split sections. Open it up slightly and use sharp cuticle scissors to cut out the frayed edges.
3. Trim all the edges until they are lean and flat.
4. Measure the split sections with a measuring tape. Add an inch all around the measurements.
5. Use scissors to cut out canvas pieces according to your measurement. It is best if you work on one section at a time.
6. Insert the canvas pieces gently into the leather split using tweezers. Ensure they lie flat within your shoes behind the respective leather splits.
7. Dab a toothpicks end into the leather glue and apply between the leather and canvas. Use your fingers to grab the leather on either side of the split. Press them together. The edges don’t have to fit perfectly.
8. Hold the edges of the split together and let it dry for a while. You can fasten this by asking someone to blow dry the area for ten minutes as you hold.
9. Use a filler in the gap between the split section while smoothing with a palette knife.
10. Use a sponge to apply a matching color to the section.
11. Use a spray finish to coat the areas. Allow them to dry before use completely.

3. Fixing Separated Soles

Sometimes your shoe opens up, but your sole is still in perfect condition. Here is how to reattach your sole.

1. Open up the section and remove dirt with a cleaning wipe. Ensure there is no dirt left.
2. Apply a thin glue layer along the sole edge and sole interior surface.
3. Press your shoe immediately to the original position.
4. Hold for a minute or so.

4. Fixing Scuff Marks

Do you want your shoes to have a harmonious look? No need to take them for an entire redying. You can effortlessly camouflage marks on black leather with a permanent black marker. In the same way, you can find a permanent marker that matches your shoe color. Color the area, dab with a clean tissue, and reapply. Do this till it is perfect. For white shoes, use a white art eraser. If they are torn, white-out is your ideal solution.

Conclusion

Quite often, people tend to discard shoes that only need a little fixing. Now that you know how to go about these problems don’t waste your money. Let your favorite shoes serve you for as long as they can.