Fix shoe heel is not just about mending broken footwear—it’s a step towards sustainability. Reviving the well-worn heels of your cherished shoes prevents waste and contributes to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. By opting to fix shoe heels, you keep treasured footwear on your feet and out of landfills.
- Method 1: Use flexible glue and a durable cloth like denim.
- Method 2: Apply self-adhesive patches with optional stitching.
- Method 3: Try quick fixes with duct tape for a temporary solution.
With over 5 million pairs of shoes repaired since 1994, NuShoe has perfected the art of handcrafted renewal. We believe in the power of restoration to extend the life of your shoes and maintain their comfort and quality. As I, Eric Neuner, founder of NuShoe, can attest from years of experience, fixing shoe heels not only saves your footwear but also delivers the highest quality craftsmanship day in and day out.
Our journey in shoe repair is more than just a service—it’s a mission to preserve and improve your favorite shoes for a lifetime of trips.
Fix shoe heel glossary:
– Recycle old shoes
– Renew leather shoes
How to Fix Shoe Heel
Using Glue and Cloth
When it comes to fixing shoe heels, one of the most reliable methods involves using flexible glue and a piece of denim cloth. This approach is great for those who want a long-lasting solution.
Steps:
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Prepare Your Shoe: Start by removing the shoe insert. Clean the worn-out heel area to ensure the glue sticks well.
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Select Your Cloth: Choose a durable cloth like denim. It should be thick enough to withstand wear but thin enough to fit comfortably in the shoe.
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Apply the Glue: Use a flexible glue, such as one meant for shoe soles. Spread it evenly over the worn area.
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Attach the Cloth: Press the denim onto the glued area, ensuring it covers the entire damaged section.
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Stitch for Security: For added durability, stitch the top edge of the cloth using a strong thread. This prevents peeling.
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Finish Up: Reinsert the shoe insert and trim any excess thread.
This method not only prolongs the life of your shoe but also saves you money in the long run.
Self-Adhesive Patches
For a quicker fix, self-adhesive patches are a fantastic option. They are easy to apply and provide a durable solution.
Steps:
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Clean the Heel: Ensure the heel area is clean and dry for the patch to stick properly.
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Apply the Patch: Peel off the backing and press the patch firmly onto the worn area. Smooth out any wrinkles to secure it.
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Optional Stitching: If you want extra durability, stitch around the edges of the patch.
These patches are perfect for those who need a fast and effective solution without the hassle of glue and cloth.
Quick Fixes with Duct Tape
Sometimes, you need a temporary solution. That’s where duct tape comes in handy. It’s a quick and easy fix for minor heel wear.
Steps:
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Clean and Dry: Make sure the heel area is clean and dry to help the tape stick better.
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Apply the Tape: Cut a piece of duct tape large enough to cover the worn area. Press it onto the heel, smoothing out bubbles.
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Replace as Needed: This is a stopgap solution, so replace the tape as it wears out.
While not a permanent fix, duct tape can get you through in a pinch until you can apply a more lasting repair.
By following these simple methods, you can keep your favorite shoes in action and out of the trash. Whether you choose glue and cloth, self-adhesive patches, or duct tape, each technique offers a practical way to fix shoe heels at home.
Professional Shoe Heel Repair Services
When your DIY skills just aren’t enough, professional shoe heel repair services can come to the rescue. Whether you choose mail order repair or visit in-person cobblers, these services ensure your shoes get the expert attention they need.
Mail Order Shoe Repair
NuShoe leads the way in mail order shoe repair, offering a blend of convenience and quality craftsmanship. With over 4 million pairs of shoes resoled since 1994, NuShoe’s commitment to sustainability and excellence is best.
Here’s how it works:
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Upload Photos: Start by uploading photos of your shoes to the NuShoe website.
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Receive a Shipping Box: NuShoe sends you a shipping box with a prepaid label, making it easy to send your shoes to their workshop.
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Expert Craftsmanship: Once received, a team of skilled craftsmen and women work to restore your shoes, ensuring they look and feel as good as new.
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Track Your Repair: Stay updated on the repair status through NuShoe’s tracking system.
Customers rave about the detailed work and the near-new condition of their shoes upon return. As one satisfied customer noted, “NuShoe did a wonderful job repairing and refurbishing my boots. Just like new!”
In-Person Shoe Repair
If you prefer a more personal touch, visiting a local cobbler can be a rewarding experience. Local cobblers offer personalized advice and can address specific concerns about your shoes.
Benefits of Choosing a Local Cobbler:
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Face-to-Face Consultation: Discuss your shoe repair needs directly with an expert. This allows for personalized solutions custom to your footwear.
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Support Local Businesses: By choosing a local cobbler, you’re supporting small businesses in your community.
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Quick Turnaround: Often, local cobblers can offer faster service compared to mail order options.
One customer shared their experience, saying, “A gentleman here said it couldn’t be done. He should have said he couldn’t do it. NuShoe did an excellent job!” This highlights the value of seeking expert craftsmanship, whether through NuShoe or a local cobbler.
In summary, whether through the convenience of mail order repair or the personalized service of in-person cobblers, professional shoe repair services provide the expertise needed to extend the life of your footwear. These options not only save you money but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by keeping shoes out of landfills.
Replacing the Heel of a Shoe
Replacing the heel of a shoe at home can be both cost-effective and satisfying. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can bring your favorite footwear back to life. Here’s how you can do it:
Measuring and Cutting
Gathering Tools: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You’ll need replacement heels, a hacksaw, a metallic gel pen, a ruler, and a solid cutting surface.
Measure the Worn Heel: Use a ruler to measure the worn part of your heel. Typically, if the worn part is around 5-6 mm, a 1/4” replacement heel should be suitable.
Mark the Cutting Line: With your metallic gel pen, mark the point from the top of the heel down to where you want to cut. Draw a dotted line to ensure a straight cut.
Cut with Precision: Using the hacksaw, start cutting from the least worn corner of the heel towards the most worn. Stay just outside your marked line to maintain accuracy.
Smooth the Edges: After cutting, use a flex shaft or Dremel with a sanding bit to smooth out any rough edges. Test the replacement heels to ensure they feel right when you stand on them.
Gluing and Finishing
Prepare for Gluing: For this step, you’ll need Barge contact cement and clamps. The contact cement ensures a strong bond between the shoe and the replacement heel.
Apply the Glue: Use a brush to apply a thin layer of Barge contact cement to both the shoe bottom and the replacement heel. Allow the glue to dry for 10-15 minutes until it becomes tacky.
Align and Bond: Carefully align the replacement heel with your shoe and press down firmly. The glue bonds instantly, so precision is key.
Secure with Clamps: Use clamps to hold the heel in place while the glue fully dries. Leave it clamped for at least an hour to ensure a secure fit.
Final Touches: Once the glue is set, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges, ensuring the heel is flat and professional-looking.
By following these steps, you can effectively fix shoe heel issues at home, saving money and extending the life of your favorite footwear. This DIY approach not only brings personal satisfaction but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Fixing Specific Heel Issues
When it comes to fixing specific shoe heel issues, a little know-how can make a big difference. Let’s explore some common problems and how to tackle them effectively.
Fixing a Collapsed Heel
A collapsed heel can make your shoes uncomfortable and unsupportive. Here’s a simple fix using extra foam and durable fabric:
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Remove the Insert: Start by taking out the shoe insert to expose the collapsed area.
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Cut Extra Foam: Measure and cut a piece of foam that fits the collapsed section. Ensure it’s thick enough to provide support but not so thick that it alters the shoe’s fit.
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Glue the Foam: Apply a flexible glue to the foam and press it into the collapsed area until the glue sets.
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Cover with Fabric: Cut a piece of durable fabric, like denim, and glue it over the foam. For added security, you can stitch the fabric in place.
This method not only restores support but also extends the life of your shoes.
Repairing Peeling Leather
Peeling leather can make your shoes look old and worn out. Here’s how to refresh them:
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Sand the Peeling Area: Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the peeling area. This removes loose leather and prepares the surface for repair.
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Color with a Permanent Marker: Choose a permanent marker that matches your shoe’s color and fill in the peeled area. This helps blend the repair with the rest of the shoe.
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Apply Shoe Polish: Finish with a matching shoe polish to blend the colors and add a protective layer.
By following these steps, you can make peeling leather look as good as new.
Addressing Uneven Wear
Uneven wear can affect your posture and comfort. Here’s how to address it:
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Replacement Heels: If the heel is significantly worn, consider replacing it entirely. Follow the steps in the “Replacing the Heel of a Shoe” section to measure, cut, and glue a new heel.
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Rubber Filler: For minor uneven wear, use a rubber filler to level out the worn areas. Apply the filler, let it dry, and then sand it smooth.
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Silicone: Apply a thin layer of silicone over the worn area to create a smooth, even surface. Silicone is flexible and durable, making it a good option for minor repairs.
By tackling these specific heel issues, you can extend the life of your shoes and keep them comfortable and supportive.
Next, let’s explore Frequently Asked Questions about Fixing Shoe Heels to answer common queries and provide additional tips.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fixing Shoe Heels
How can I fix the heel of my shoe?
Fixing the heel of your shoe can be straightforward and cost-effective. One popular method involves using glue and cloth:
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Remove the Insert: Begin by taking out the shoe insert to gain access to the heel area.
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Apply Flexible Glue: Use a flexible glue specifically designed for shoes. This type of glue ensures durability and flexibility.
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Attach Durable Cloth: Cut a piece of durable cloth, such as old denim, to fit the worn area. Press it firmly into place over the glue.
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Stitch the Top Edge: For added security, use a thin, sharp needle and strong thread to stitch the top edge of the cloth. This prevents peeling and ensures longevity.
This DIY method is ideal for minor wear and tear, helping you save money while extending the life of your shoes.
How to fix collapsed heel in shoes?
A collapsed heel can be uncomfortable, but you can fix it using extra foam, fabric, and glue:
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Remove the Insert: Take out the shoe insert to expose the collapsed section.
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Cut Extra Foam: Measure and cut a piece of foam to fit snugly into the collapsed area. Make sure it’s thick enough to provide support.
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Glue the Foam: Apply flexible glue to the foam and press it into the collapsed heel section until the glue sets.
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Cover with Fabric: Cut a piece of durable fabric to cover the foam. Glue it in place, and for extra durability, consider stitching the fabric.
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Replace the Insert: Once the glue is dry, put the insert back in the shoe.
This method restores the shoe’s support and comfort, making them feel like new again.
Can the heel of a shoe be replaced?
Yes, the heel of a shoe can be replaced, offering a new lease on life for your favorite footwear. There are two main options for replacement:
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DIY Replacement: If you’re handy, you can replace the heel yourself.
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Remove the Old Heel: Carefully use tools like a hacksaw to remove the old heel.
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Measure and Cut: Measure the new heel to fit, marking it with a metallic gel pen before cutting.
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Glue and Attach: Use Barge contact cement to glue the new heel in place. Clamp it until the glue sets.
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Finish: Sand the edges to ensure a smooth finish.
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Cobbler Services: For a professional touch, consider visiting a cobbler.
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Local Cobblers: Take your shoes to a local cobbler who can replace the heels using high-quality materials.
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Mail Order Services: Companies like NuShoe offer mail-in services. Send in your shoes, and they’ll replace the heels and ship them back.
Replacing the heel can revitalize your shoes, making them stylish and comfortable again.
Conclusion
At NuShoe, we believe in the power of extending the life of your footwear through expert craftsmanship and sustainable practices. By choosing to fix shoe heels instead of discarding worn shoes, you’re not just saving money—you’re actively participating in a movement towards sustainability. With over 5 million pairs of shoes repaired since 1994, we take pride in our commitment to keeping shoes out of landfills and promoting a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Our services are designed to provide high-quality repair solutions that breathe new life into your favorite footwear. Whether it’s through our mail order repair services, where you can conveniently send in your shoes for expert renewal, or by visiting a local cobbler, the options for extending your footwear’s life are varied and accessible.
Every repair we undertake is a step towards reducing waste and fostering a culture of reuse. By maintaining the quality and comfort of your shoes, you not only preserve your investment but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Join us on this journey towards sustainability and craftsmanship. Let’s make a difference, one pair of shoes at a time.