What Kind Of Shoes Can Be Resoled ?All Facts

Are you wondering what kind of shoes can be resoled? Have you been considering buying new shoes but don’t want to break the bank? Well, rest assured you may not have to! Before you invest in a costly replacement pair, find out if your kicks are eligible for resoling.

With modern techniques and materials, many footwear styles can now be repaired instead of replaced. Keep reading to learn more about which types of sneakers and boots might be able to benefit from this innovative process.

Also Read:Top 7 Best Shoes For Shuffling Gait

What are resoled shoes?

Resoling is basically the process of replacing the worn-out or damaged sole on your shoes. It involves removing the existing sole from the shoe and attaching a new, often higher quality one in its place.

This type of repair is not only great for making your shoes look like new again but can also help extend their life span. The materials used in resoling are often of higher quality and better suited to the conditions you may encounter in your daily life.

When To Get Shoes Resoled?

If your shoes are wearing down after only a few months of use or you find yourself slipping in wet environments, it may be time to get them resoled. You can typically tell if your shoes need a resole by checking the bottom for signs of wear and tear.

If you notice any deep grooves or holes in the sole, then it’s time to get them resoled. Additionally, if your shoes are losing traction or stability, don’t hesitate to get them repaired as soon as possible!

How To Decide When To Repair Or Buy New Shoes?

Credit:Kirby Allison

Deciding whether to repair or buy new shoes depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the type and quality of the shoes, and the cost of repair versus the cost of replacement. Here are some things to consider when making this decision:

  1. The extent of the damage: If the damage to your shoes is minor, such as a scuff or small hole, then repair may be a good option. However, if the damage is significant, such as a large tear or a broken heel, then it may be more cost-effective to replace the shoes.
  2. Type and quality of shoes: If you have a high-quality, expensive pair of shoes, then it may be worth investing in repair to extend their lifespan. However, if the shoes are low-quality or inexpensive, then it may not be cost-effective to repair them.
  3. Cost of repair versus replacement: The cost of repair should be compared to the cost of a new pair of shoes. If the repair cost is close to or more than the cost of replacement, then it may make more sense to buy new shoes.
  4. Personal attachment to the shoes: If you have a sentimental attachment to the shoes or they have sentimental value, then repairing them may be worth the cost.

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace shoes depends on the individual situation. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional shoe repair shop to get an estimate for repair and to assess the condition of the shoes.

What kind of shoes can be resoled?

Most types of shoes can be resoled, provided that the upper part of the shoe is still in good condition. Here are some examples of shoes that can typically be resoled:

  1. Dress shoes: Leather dress shoes can often be resoled with new leather soles.
  2. Boots: Many types of boots, including leather, suede, and work boots, can be resoled.
  3. Athletic shoes: Some athletic shoes, particularly those with leather uppers, can be resoled.
  4. Loafers: Loafers are often resoled with rubber soles.
  5. Oxfords: Oxfords can be resoled with leather or rubber soles, depending on the style and the wearer’s preference.
  6. Sandals: Some sandals can be resoled, particularly those with leather or cork soles.

It’s important to note that not all shoes can be resoled, and some types of shoes may not be worth resoling if the cost of the repair is greater than the cost of a new pair of shoes.

is it worth it to resole shoes?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the cost of the repair and the type of shoe you plan to repair. In most cases, it can be worth it to get shoes resoled if you want to extend the life of your favourite pair of kicks.

It’s also important to consider that many types of shoes may not be worth resoling if the cost of the repair is more than the cost of a new pair. However, there are some types of shoes, such as dress shoes and boots, that tend to hold their value over time and may therefore be worth repairing instead of replacing.

Top 5 methods to resole shoes?

1. Sewn Resoling:

This method involves removing the old sole and stitching a new one in its place. It’s typically used for dress shoes and other types of leather-soled footwear.

2. Glued Resoling:

This method requires adhering a new sole to the bottom of the shoe with an adhesive. It’s often used for athletic shoes, sandals and other types of rubber-soled footwear.

3. Vibram Resoling:

This method involves attaching a proprietary rubber sole to the bottom of the shoe using an adhesive or stitching. It’s commonly used for work boots and other types of heavy-duty footwear.

4. Stipple Resoling:

This method involves attaching a rubber sole to the bottom of the shoe with small, evenly spaced dots of adhesive. It’s often used for loafers and other types of casual footwear.

5. Compression Molded Resoling:

This method involves using heat and pressure to attach a new sole to the bottom of the shoe. It’s typically used for dress shoes and other types of leather-soled footwear.

Method of resole shoes at home

The resoling shoe is a task that should typically be done by a professional shoe repair shop, as it can require special tools and materials. However, if you are feeling adventurous and confident enough to try your hand at resoling your own shoes, here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Shoes Remove the old sole from the shoe. If it’s glued on, use a utility knife to cut away the glue.

Step 2: Install New Sole – Cut the new sole to match the shape of your shoes, then attach it with an adhesive appropriate for that material (such as contact cement or rubber cement). You can also opt to stitch the sole onto the shoe.

Step 3: Attach Heel Counter – If your shoes have a heel counter, attach it with an adhesive or by stitching.

Step 4: Finishing Touches – Lastly, trim any excess material from the new sole and add a protective coating of wax or polyurethane to protect your shoes from the elements.

The 5 Best Repairable Shoe Brands

There are many brands that produce shoes that can be repaired , but here are five that are known for their quality construction and ability to be resoled:

  1. Allen Edmonds: This American brand is known for its high-quality leather shoes that can be resoled multiple times. They offer a recrafting service that can restore shoes to their original condition.
  2. Red Wing: Red Wing produces sturdy work boots and casual shoes that are designed to last. Their shoes are often resoleable and can be repaired at their authorized repair shops.
  3. Dr Martens: This iconic British brand is known for its durable boots and shoes that are often resoleable. They offer a repair service for their shoes, including the replacement of soles and stitching.
  4. Birkenstock: Birkenstock is known for its comfortable sandals and clogs that have a cork footbed that can be resoled. They offer a repair service that can replace worn-out soles and refurbish the cork footbed.
  5. Danner: Danner produces high-quality hiking and work boots that are often resoleable. They offer a repair service that can restore boots to their original condition.

These brands are known for their quality craftsmanship and use of durable materials, making them good options for those looking for shoes that can be repaired and worn for many years.

Faqs:

Can I resole boots myself?

In general, it is not recommended to resole boots yourself. Boot resoling can require specialized tools and materials that may be difficult for the average person to access or use properly.

What are common signs that I need new shoes?

Some common signs that you may need new shoes include worn soles, torn uppers, stretched material and frayed laces. If your shoes show any of these signs, it may be time to invest in a new pair.

Conclusion:

Resoling is a great way to extend the life of your favourite shoes and keep them looking like new. While it’s typically best to leave this task to a professional shoe repair shop, you can also attempt resoling your own shoes if you are feeling confident in doing so.

Just make sure to use the appropriate tools, materials and techniques for the job. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional for help. Good luck and happy resoling!