Best Boot Repair Glue

Boots are our favorite for a confident style. They provide comfort, support, and good looks to our feet, whether in winter, summer, or monsoon rains. But sadly, before the quality of our favorite boots deteriorates, the glue used in them deteriorates.

Hi, I’m R. Taylor. In this article, I’ll cover how to buy the best boot repair glue for just a few dollars instead of emptying your wallet by buying new boots, and how to repair your cracked boots and give them new life. 

Why write this article?

A few days ago, the soles of my work boots completely came off. I thought about taking the boots to a shop for repair, but since that seemed like a hassle, I tried to repair the boots at home—and I succeeded, thanks to the best boot repair glue. I’ve used a lot of shoe glue in my 30s, saving time and money and reducing environmental waste. I realized that publishing an article on the best boot repair glue would benefit you and our environment, so Raminify gave me that opportunity.

Why repair your shoes?

Although shoe repair may seem old-fashioned, repairing your shoes isn’t just about saving money; it also reduces waste and boosts comfort, quality, sustainability, and even the environment.

Saves you money

Nowadays, it is easy to throw away old shoes and buy new ones. But spending a little money on the best boot repair glue to repair your existing cracked shoes will save you a lot of money compared to buying a new pair of shiny shoes. Shoes are an important accessory for our foot health, so if your shoes are very worn out, they should be replaced.

Maintain the comfort gained

Did you notice? By wearing shoes for a long time, our feet adapt and get comfortable with that shoe. New shoes can cause foot discomfort as well as long-term foot problems, including blisters and burns. So, even though they are old, used shoes are often more comfortable than a new pair of shoes. That’s why your shoes need to be repaired. 

Reduce waste

Shoes are mainly made from materials such as rubber, leather, and synthetic textiles that are not easily biodegradable, meaning they end up in landfills for years and harm the environment. By repairing your shoes, you help reduce this waste. A study found that mending shoes can extend the life of shoes by up to 50%. Making new shoes requires a lot of resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. By repairing your shoes, you save these valuable resources. According to Aspen Public Radio, repairing shoes has a lower carbon footprint than recycling or manufacturing new shoes.

Personal reasons

A pair of shoes has become our favorite for many reasons. I remember having my favorite pair of cowboy boots and walking down the streets of New York wearing them when I met my wife for the first time. Anyway, I liked the boots, but I threw them away because I couldn’t think of a repair at the time.
Maybe it’s a pair of boots that you’ve been wearing for a long time, but to keep those styles alive, you should get your shoes repaired.

Finally, let’s take a look at some of the glues that are considered the best boot repair glues. 

Best Boot Repair Glue

Our Top Picks

  1. Shoe Goo Repair Adhesive – For general repairs
  2. Gorilla Glue Clear – For all materials
  3. Boot-Fix Shoe Glue – Quick-drying repairs and small fixes
  4. Barge All-Purpose Cement – Heavy-duty repairs
  5. Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue – For tough repairs
  6. E6000 Craft Adhesive – Waterproof repairs

1. Shoe Goo Repair Glue

I first bought this glue to repair my sneakers that I wear for afternoon walks. The sneakers looked new, but they were coming apart. I purchased this glue from a retail store and used it to repair my sneakers. It’s been working great so far, and I’ve walked miles in them since using it. Since then, I’ve used it on everything from my sandals to boots with great results. It’s easy to use, and best of all, it’s waterproof. So when it comes to the best boot repair glue, I put Shoe Goo at the top. 

Audience verdict

Customers say the product works well on tennis shoes and extends the life of work boots. They appreciate its strong adhesive that works well for multi-purpose use. Customers also mention that it is durable, holds up well after a week, and is of good quality. They describe it as fast and easy to use. However, some customers report that the product does not keep loose soles in place. Some say it’s great for patching things.

Pros
Performance is good
Durability
Quality is good
Easy to use
Dries quickly
 

Cons
Not for all shoe materials
Some shoes lose their fit, so be careful when using it.

2. Gorilla Glue Clear

Gorilla Glue Clear
It’s a multi-purpose glue, but I had a bad experience with it when I first decided to use it on my boots because it had completely hardened after sitting at home for over a month. However, my wife recommended I buy it again, as she had good results using it on her heels. I did, and was pleasantly surprised. Gorilla Glue looks very simple, but it works great on all materials. From your boots to other household items, this means it will get your money’s worth. One thing I will warn you about is that it seems to dry very fast, but it doesn’t dry 100% fast, so give it 2-3 minutes.

Audience verdict

Customers find the product easy to use, and the brush feature is a great addition. However, some customers complained that the bottle was half full. But its performance and quality are said to be excellent. Some have noted that it works well on a variety of materials, while others say that it eventually hardens and wears off.

Pros
Easy to use
The brush feature is excellent
Performance is good
Adhesive quality is good 

Cons
Takes some time to dry completely
Poor bottle capacity—glue is wasted

3. Aquaseal Boot-Fix Shoe Adhesive

Aquaseal Boot-Fix Shoe Adhesive
I used it on another pair of my old boots that were in perfect condition, except for the soles, which had started to crack. I used it on the entire sole of both shoes, so most of the original tread was filled and flattened. Because of this, when walking on snow/slush, I noticed that my feet slipped when my shoes got wet. The brake pedal also slides very easily when driving, which is a little scary, especially when braking. It’s not a problem with the product—it’s my fault for creating a flat surface under my shoes. I would caution you not to cover the entire sole of your shoe like I did. Overall, I think this is a great product, and I would use it again because it does a great job of resurfacing the sole and extending the life of the shoe.

Audience verdict

Customers love this adhesive for its performance, durability, and ease of application. They mention that it works well, dries down extremely hard, and lasts a long time. Some have praised its adhesive ability, and that it works well on all types of boots, such as leather, suede, rubber, canvas, and GORE-TEX boots and shoes. However, many have disagreed on its adhesive strength.

Pros
Works well
Durability is good
Easy to use
Adhesive quality is good
Waterproof
Flexible 

Cons
Low adhesive strength 

4. Barge All-Purpose Cement

Barge All-Purpose Cement
Although this Barge glue is popular for its versatility, in my experience, it works best on flat boots or shoes. I would advise you to follow the instructions if you use this glue. I used it when I changed the soles of my boots, and I was very nervous. If you try to put it on the shoe and then apply it, it will not last long. First, you need to apply the glue to both the surface of your shoe and the sole and let the glue dry for a while. The glue should feel sticky when you touch it with your finger, but it should not stick to your finger (I had to wait about 30 minutes for this to happen). Then, press the shoe and leave it for 24 hours or 2 days, and you will get an amazing result.

Audience verdict

Customers love the adhesion, ease of application, and effectiveness of the bonding glue. They mention that it is easy to use and works well, but is a little time-consuming.

Pros
Convenient
Easy to use
Good efficacy 

Cons
Time-consuming
Slight odor 

5. Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue

Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue
The seller recommended this to me because I couldn’t find Gorilla Glue to repair the soles that had separated from my shoes. I was a little confused because it was a gel rather than a liquid like other superglues, but after using it, I was really surprised and think it’s the best of them all. If you’re looking for the best boot repair glue and want a tough repair in a short amount of time, this is the place to stop. What makes it different from other super glues is that it’s gel-like, which you can easily apply to a specific area for the repair, whereas other super glues are liquid and spread everywhere. However, like other super glues, it dries out over time inside the bottle, so it’s recommended to buy only what you need.

Audience verdict

Customers love the quality, ease of use, and durability of the bonding glue. They mention that it’s nice, works well, and is easy to apply and store. Some also appreciate that the glue doesn’t spread everywhere and create a mess. Opinions are mixed about the value for money, with some saying it’s worth recommending, while others say it’s not worth their money as it dries out over time in the bottle.

Pros
Good quality glue
Works well
Easy to use
Durable
Mess-free 

Cons
Value for money
Dries quickly 

6. E6000 Craft Adhesive

E6000 Craft Adhesive
E6000 is my favorite glue for repairing everything. This E6000 is a durable, waterproof glue with strong bonding power, but it is generally suitable for light craft and flexible surface repairs. I have used it to repair shoes, although it will not last as long as you hope. However, if you have no other options, this glue is a good choice. My advice is: for tough repairs like boots, use a stronger glue like Barge All-Purpose Cement or Shoe Goo.

Audience verdict

Customers love the bonding glue’s adhesive strength, durability, and versatility. They noted that it forms a very strong bond, holds well, and works well. Some praise the smell and versatility. However, some customers report that it does not work well on shoe repairs and takes a while to dry.

Pros
Good adhesive strength
Durability
Works well
Versatile 

Cons
Dries quickly
Convenient to use
Mixed adhesive quality 

How to Repair a Boot: A Step-by-Step Guide

I want to reiterate that repairing boots is not just about saving money; it also improves comfort, quality, and durability, and even reduces environmental waste. You likely want to know about the best boot repair glue for boot repair. I believe you are a knowledgeable person, and I am proud to write this article for you. Now let’s take a look at how to easily repair your boots with the right glue, whether it’s a cracked sole, a worn heel, or a tear in the upper.
how to repair boot

Step 1: Clean and prepare

Start by cleaning the area you are going to repair. Clean the damaged area with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and oil, which will help the glue bond properly. Dry it thoroughly before proceeding. For cracks or small holes in the sole, lightly sand the surface to roughen it up, which helps the glue stick better.

Step 2: Choose the right glue

Using the right glue is essential for a long-lasting repair. A contact cement like Barge All-Purpose Cement is great for heavy-duty repairs, especially on leather or rubber soles. If you’re looking for something strong and flexible, you might want to consider Shoe Goo. Apply the adhesive in a well-ventilated area, as this adhesive has strong toxic fumes that are harmful to us.
how to repair boot

Step 3: Apply the adhesive correctly

For best results, follow your adhesive’s instructions. Typically, you’ll apply a thin layer of adhesive to the two surfaces you’re bonding (i.e., sole and boot). Let it sit for a few minutes until the adhesive becomes tacky, then press the pieces together firmly. For the best results, leave it for at least 24 hours. This will give you a nice, permanent result.
how to repair boot

Tips and Warnings

  • If you decide to use a new adhesive, do a patch test to see if it reacts well with your boot material.
  • Line the area where you’ll be repairing your shoe with newspaper or a cloth, as some adhesives can be difficult to remove from surfaces.
  • Take safety precautions, like wearing gloves, as the glue can be quite difficult to remove from your fingers.
  • Be sure to give your boots plenty of time to dry after repairing them, as a quick-drying process can weaken the bond.

Finally, repairing your boots is easier than you might think if you have the best boot repair glue. I have a lot of boots because I never throw away old shoes unless they are affecting the health of my feet. I don’t know how well I have summarized my experience, but I hope your time is valuable. Thanks.

FAQs about the Best Boot Repair Glue

What is the best glue for repairing boot soles?

The best glue for repairing boot soles is usually Barge All-Purpose Cement or Shoe Goo. Both offer a strong, flexible, waterproof bond that can withstand the stresses of outdoor conditions.

Can I use superglue to repair my boots?

Super glue can work for minor repairs, but it is generally not recommended for boot repairs, such as reattaching soles. Super glue hardens quickly and can become brittle, leading to cracks under heavy use. However, boots require shoe-specific glues for the best results.

How long does it take for boot repair glue to dry?

Drying times vary by type of glue. Contact cements like Barge Cement typically require 15-30 minutes and can take up to 24 hours to fully cure. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific drying times.

Is boot repair glue waterproof?

Yes, most boot repair glues, such as Shoe Goo and Barge Cement, are waterproof once cured.

How do I choose the best glue for my boots?

First, consider the material of your boots, such as leather, rubber, or synthetic, and the type of repair. For heavy-duty repairs to leather and rubber, Barge Cement is ideal. For general repairs, a flexible glue like Shoe Goo is a good option. Look for an adhesive that is flexible, waterproof, and provides a strong bond.

Can boot repair glue fix cracks?

Yes, boot repair glue can seal cracks and prevent further damage. Clean and prepare the cracked area before applying the glue, and consider using a patch if the crack is large.

Is boot repair glue safe to use indoors?

Boot repair glues often contain toxic fumes, so it’s best to use them in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Some glues can be harmful to your health if inhaled for long periods of time, so it is recommended to wear protective gloves and a mask.

How long do boots repaired with boot glue last?

A properly glued boot repair can last from months to years, depending on the quality of the glue, the type of repair, and the conditions in which the boots are worn. The longevity also depends on your repair skills.

Can I use boot repair glue on other shoes?

Yes, many boot repair glues are versatile and can be used on a variety of shoes, including sneakers, dress shoes, and sandals. Just make sure the glue is compatible with the material of the shoe. 

THANKS FOR READING
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About This Article

Author

Co-authored by:
R.Tylor
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist 

R. Taylor is a seasoned shoe repair expert with over 30 years of experience. Taylor’s deep knowledge spans decades of manufacturing, repairing, and optimizing shoes for comfort, durability, and p ain relief.

Co-authors: 2
Updated: November 20, 2024

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