If there’s one thing that you should know about me is that I am practical. I am not fond of buying new stuff every now and then—just when I need to.
In fact, my favorite boots have been with me for almost 5 years now, and I use it practically every day. You must think that the boots are of high quality as it is still in good condition after 5 years. Truth be told, I already have encountered a few issues with it, but those are nothing that the best glue for shoes can’t fix!
But in all honesty, finding the right shoe glue is not as easy as it seems. I had to use a few lousy and low-quality ones before I discovered the glues that do the job. What kinds of glue are good for shoes? Read on to find out!
Best Glue for Shoes Review 2021
Wondering what kinds of glue are good for shoes in the market? Well, think no further. Here are 5 of the best glue for shoes that you can try!
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1 - Boot- Fix Shoe Glue – Editor’s Pick
This is my top pick mainly because of its clamping-free feature. The manufacturer of this glue has been in the shoe making industry for three generations, and they have already perfected the art of making instant drying glue.
In fact, this glue dries in as little as 45 seconds with no clamping involved! Because of this, you can repair your shoes whenever wherever!
Moreover, the glue does not expand or get thicker as it dries, unlike most of the shoe glues in the market today. In addition to that, the glue is safe to be used on rubber and vinyl footwear. It dries clear, so you do not have to worry about dealing with black smudges or discolorations in your shoes.
Lastly, the glue gives a flexible bond that can withstand heat, cold and moisture.
Pros
- Dries as fast as 45 seconds
- No clamping needed
- One tube can repair up to 12 shoes
- Long-lasting bond
- Works on synthetic leather, vinyl, and rubber
Cons
- Application tip may be a bit big for hard-to-reach areas of the shoes
- While it is marketed as clamping-free, you may still need to add pressure when repairing your shoes
2 - Gorilla Original Glue – Alternative Pick
Even though the Gorilla Original Glue does not dry as fast as the Boot-Fix Shoe Glue, it has one feature that makes it stand above the rest—it is waterproof. It is 100% waterproof and does not break down when it is exposed to harsh weather and outdoor elements. Because of this, many consider this as the leading all-purpose waterproof glue in the market today.
In addition to that, the glue is also incredibly versatile. It can quickly bond with leather, canvas, rubber and vinyl shoes. More than just a shoe glue, it can also work on stone, ceramic, wall, glass, foam and concrete surfaces.
As it dries, the glue expands up to three times into the material of the shoes to form a strong bond and ensure that the sole will remain attached to the footwear for a long time.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Triple in size to deliver a stronger bond
- Can be used on repairing soles made with different materials
- Only a small amount of the product is needed in repairing shoes
- Waterproof
- Holds well and long
Cons
- Smells terrible
- Takes time to bond (30 minutes or more)
Shoe Goo may be the cheapest shoe adhesive in this batch, but it gives excellent value for your money as many claims that it is an extremely flexible and pliable adhesive. It is also waterproof and temperature resistant.
Not only can it seal and fill a hole in your shoes, but it can also provide a protective coating on your canvas, rubber, vinyl and leather footwear. In fact, many users apply this to the bottom of their shoes and skateboards to boost traction and prevent slips.
But since you get what you paid for, do not expect much on the drying time of this product. It takes about 24 hours to dry so it won’t be a great option for emergencies. Despite the long drying time, many users like it because it remains strong for long once it sets.
Pros
- Dries clear
- Delivers waterproof, temperature resistant and long-lasting bond
- May also act as a sealant (fill and patch holes)
- Can also work on flip flops
- Adds traction to the bottom of shoes
Cons
- It takes 24 hours to set
- Can be a bit difficult to apply as it has no application tip
4 - Loctite Super Glue– Upgrade Pick
Despite being the most expensive shoe glue in this list, I still believe that the Loctite Super Glue is a good investment as it contains low levels of volatile organic compounds, making it a lot healthier.
Just like our top pick, it does not require any clamping and also dries clear. But in addition to that, the glue is made up of a specialized rubber toughened formula which can withstand temperature changes, vibration, and shock.
Aside from bonding with different shoe materials, it is also effective in almost all household materials like plastic, wood, rubber, metal, and ceramic. Its formula also works even on wet surfaces which is a bonus feature for a shoe glue.
Another thing that separates this glue from the rest is its patented side-squeeze design that allows you to control the amount of glue that you will dispense.
Pros
- Patented side-squeeze design for maximum control
- Can be applied on wet surfaces
- Bonds with different types of shoe and household materials
- Low levels of VOC’s
- Resistant to extreme temperatures
Cons
- Each tube contains only a small amount
- Gets hard too quickly (even if it is still in the tube)
5 - Gear Aid Freesole – Best Shoe Glue for Athletic Shoes
Gear Aid Freesole is a durable urethane adhesive that works best on athletic shoes and hiking boots. This is because the glue features superior abrasion resistance, allowing it to create to protectors on your work boots.
It can address issues of peeling soles, damaged and scuffed toes, and damaged heels. This highly concentrated super glue is compatible with different footwear materials such as neoprene, canvas, suede, leather, and rubber.
It takes about 8 hours to dry up. When it is dry, it turns into a flexible, clear rubber that does not crack or peel. It is also temperature resistant and waterproof.
Pros
- Flexible
- Dries clear
- Delivers superior abrasion resistance
- Suitable for boots and athletic shoes
- Temperature resistant
- Waterproof
Cons
- It takes 8 hours to dry
- Remaining glue glues the cap to the tube, making it impossible to dispense the next tim
What Kinds of Glues are Good for Shoes?
There are actually different types of glues that you can use to fix your shoes. Understanding the functions, advantages, and disadvantages of each type can help you determine which one would suit your need well.
Urethane Rubber
The selling point of this glue is its cold and heat resistance. It is waterproof as well. Because of this, it is recommended for repairing damaged soles.
Super Glue
Super glue requires only little curing time and dries very fast. It is also often used in fixing peeling and leaking soles.
Neoprene Cement
Just like the super glue, this one is also fast drying. It is also non-corrosive which makes it a great choice in fixing athletic shoes with rubber soles.
Epoxy Glue
Students usually use epoxy glue in creating and building their arts and crafts projects. This can bond different types of materials and are often employed in footwear repair.
However, things tend to crack and get brittle over time. To avoid that, it is best that you use one that has a lesser catalyst. Another downside of this material is that it tends a long time to dry—over 24 hours.
How to Find the Best Glue for Shoes
How do you choose the best glue for shoes for your needs? Here are some of the things to consider:
Type of Sole Material
Not all adhesives are created equal. Some can work well on all surfaces, like the epoxy glue. There are some that are perfect for leather soles like urethane rubber and super glues. On the other hand, the neoprene cement is your glue of choice for rubber soles.
Temperature
The glues may become less efficient during the summer season because the heat can make them dry and brittle. With this in mind, it is best that you use urethane rubber during this season as it is both cold and heat resistant.
Bonding Speed
As mentioned above, the glues have varying drying times. If you need the adhesives to bond and dry immediately, you can go for super glue or neoprene cement.
Precise Application
Some glues come with extension tips of different sizes. These are recommended for fixing damage in the nooks and crannies of your sole.
Verdict
What kinds of glues are good for shoes? There are different types of footwear glues on the market today. It is crucial that you familiarize yourself with their differences to identify which type suits your need.
In this list of best glue for shoes, I picked Boot-Fix Shoe Glue as the winner because one tube is already enough to repair up to 12 shoes—talk about being affordable! Despite its affordable price, it still gives value for your money because it offers a wide array of features that you can find in pricier glues.
Do you want to save money and save your favorite shoes at the same time? Give these products a try!