Cracked shoe sole. Can this be fixed?

Why does the sole separate 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 highly 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 cracked shoe sole. After all, footwear has a limited lifespan, which is influenced by, among others, how to use and store them. This even applies to high-quality shoes, where the soles can wear out much faster than the uppers. 

Apart from wearing a particular pair of shoes very often for a long period of time and the wear and tear that this causes, the cause of the problem may be... wearing the shoes too infrequently and storing them 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 uppers or soles, lose their elasticity and become brittle.

What does the life of the sole depend on?

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

• number of kilometers traveled
• the weight of the user of a given pair of shoes
• user posture defects
• gait
• the type of terrain you walk on
• place and method of storing shoes
• frequency of wearing a given pair of shoes

How to 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 wear shoes with a cracked sole?

Many people wonder whether walking with cracked soles - apart from the fact that it looks unsightly - has any negative consequences.

Firstly, worn out soles provide less traction with the ground. The tread becomes smooth, which significantly increases the likelihood of slipping on uneven or wet surfaces.

Secondly, such soles have an intense impact on your feet and joints. Due to less shock absorption, all shocks and impacts are transferred to the ankles, knees and even hips. As a result, you may start to feel discomfort and pain in your joints.

Third, uneven sole wear can affect the way you step. In the long run, this may cause deformations in this area. The short-term effects of this state of affairs include: feeling of discomfort while walking.

How to repair a cracked sole at home?

Now that you know what the consequences of wearing shoes with a cracked sole can be, you definitely want to avoid them. To prevent this from happening, all you need to do is repair your shoe. We show you how to do it 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 that your shoes will not fall apart again in a light drizzle. It will be best if you choose waterproof glue. 

If you are dealing with a sole that is peeling off, it is worth peeling it off completely first. The next step is to get rid of the old glue. To do this, you can use acetone or nail polish remover to dissolve the glue.

Make sure the surface is free of dust, grease and other contaminants. Then use fine-grit sandpaper (150-180), which will give you better adhesion. Rub the top of the sole and the bottom of the shoe until the surfaces are rough.

Then, using a brush or Q-tip, apply a small amount of very strong glue to one surface, e.g. the sole of a shoe, and press it firmly, making sure to smooth out all the edges. 

To be as sure as possible that the connection will be durable, you can cover the shoe 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, stuff its interior with rolled-up newspapers or socks. Wait at least 24 hours before wearing the shoe again. If you notice that there is excess glue on the upper of the shoe, remove it with a cotton pad soaked in a little acetone or nail polish remover.

If this problem is too much for you, it is worth entrusting your shoes to a specialist. An experienced shoemaker will remove old seams or glue remnants, attach a new sole, and your shoes will gain a new life.