Cracked shoe sole. Can it be fixed?

Why does the sole stick out from the rest of the shoe?

Each shoe consists of many different elements, some of which wear out naturally over time. This applies in particular to the sole, which is strongly exposed to contact with the ground, so traces of use appear on it relatively quickly.

It is worth remembering that various factors may be responsible for a crack in the sole of a shoe. After all, footwear has a limited life, which is influenced, among others, by method of their use and storage. This even applies to high-quality shoes, where the soles can wear out much faster than the uppers. 

In addition to wearing a particular pair of shoes very often over a long period of time and the wear it causes, the cause of the problem may be… wearing the shoes infrequently and storing it in a cardboard box in the basement or garage.

In such places, air humidity is increased, which significantly accelerates the aging process of shoes. As a result, individual parts of the footwear, such as the upper and soles, lose their elasticity and become brittle.

What determines the life of the sole?

Basically, the life of a sole depends on several factors. These are in particular:

• kilometers traveled
• weight of the user of a given pair of shoes
• user posture defects
• gait
• type of terrain to be walked on
• place and method of storing shoes
• the frequency of wearing a given pair of shoes

How can I prevent the sole from cracking?

One of the most effective ways to prevent cracks in the sole of your shoes is ... wearing them regularly. After all, they were created for this purpose! Remember that nothing lasts forever and if you don't wear your shoes, you will completely waste the money you spend on them. 

By keeping a pair of shoes in a cardboard box for a long time, you are helping to dry the glue and accelerate the aging process of the shoe. All because of the absorption of moisture, which causes the sole to crack and detach from the rest of the shoe. The side effect is also the formation of discoloration on the upper.

Can you walk with shoes with a cracked sole?

Many people wonder if walking with cracked soles - apart from looking unsightly - has any negative consequences.

First of all, worn out soles provide less grip to the ground. The tread becomes smooth and this significantly increases the likelihood of slipping on uneven or damp surfaces.

Secondly, such soles intensively affect your feet and joints. Due to the reduced cushioning, all shocks and impacts are transferred to the ankles, knees and even hips. As a result, you may start to experience discomfort and pain in your joints.

Third, uneven sole wear can affect the way you take your stride. In the long run, this can cause deformations in this area. The short-term effects of this state of affairs include feeling of discomfort during walks.

How to repair a cracked sole at home?

Now that you know the consequences of walking in shoes with a cracked sole, you definitely want to avoid them. To prevent this from happening, it is enough to repair the shoe. We advise how to carry it out at home.

First of all, you will need the right shoe glue. By choosing a high-quality product, you can be sure that you will get the best results, and the shoes will not come apart again in a light drizzle. Ideally, you should opt for a waterproof glue. 

If you're dealing with a detachable sole, it's a good idea to remove the sole completely first. The next step is to get rid of the old glue. For this, you can use acetone or a nail polish remover that will dissolve the glue.

Make sure the surface is free of dust, grease and other contaminants. Then use fine sandpaper (150 - 180) for better grip. Rub the top of the sole and the bottom of the shoe until rough surfaces are obtained.

Then, using a brush or an ear stick, apply a small amount of high-strength glue to one surface, such as the sole of a shoe, and press it down firmly, making sure to even out all the edges. 

For maximum confidence that the connection will be permanent, you can tape the shoe around with painter's tape and leave it overnight. You can also use a rubber band for this purpose.

Are you afraid that your favorite shoe will lose its original shape? To prevent this from happening, stuff the inside of it with rolled newspapers or socks. Wait at least 24 hours before putting on the shoe again. If you notice excess glue on the upper of your shoe, remove it with a cotton ball moistened with a little acetone or nail polish remover.

If this is too much for you, it is worth giving the shoes to a specialist. An experienced shoemaker will remove old seams or glue residues, attach a new sole and give your shoes a new lease of life.