How to Use Shoe Goo to Repair Skate Shoes

Skate shoes aren't cheap, and with the abuse of skateboarding they always wear out fast. But sometimes the problem is something small, like a worn through toe cap, or a hole or tear somewhere else. That's where Shoe Goo comes in!

Shoe Goo (from Eclectic) is a special glue-like thick adhesive that dries into something like rubber. It sticks great to shoes, and is the penny-conscious skater's best friend! Even if you do have all the money you want, you might have a favorite pair of skate shoes that you want to keep functional just because they are so comfortable.

What Can Shoe Goo Repair?

You can use to repair soles, toe caps, loose insoles, torn leather side panels, and really, pretty much anything.

How to Use Shoe Goo

The area that you are going to fix should be clean and dry.

• For a tear, apply some goo to both sides, and wait a few minutes. Then, put the ends together. Wait for around 10 minutes or so, and then if you want to add another layer, feel free.
• For a hole, the Shoe Goo website suggests putting some tape over the hole on the inside (like duct tape, or packing tape), and then applying goo on the outside. This is to keep a bump from forming on the inside. But, make sure you take the tape off in under 2 hours, or it'll become a permanent part of the shoe!

If you want to build up a thick wall of goo, then you should apply it in layers, and build up the area slowly. Put some goo on, wait a couple of hours, then apply another layer. This works better than trying to keep a really thick wad of goo in place, and waiting forever for it to dry.

Once you have done your repairs, wait at least 24 hours or maybe even 2 to 3 days before you do anything with your shoes. You want the goo to be good and dry. You can speed up the drying with a hair dryer set on low, but it's not recommended. It's easy to mess it up, and it gets boring standing there holding a hair dryer that long.

Shoe Goo Tips and Tricks

First, try adding shoe go to areas that you know are going to get wear, before the area gets completely worn through! So, the ollie panels on the sides, the toe cap, and any other place that you see ripping through or wearing thin apply Shoe Goo there first!

Second, the Shoe Goo guys at Eclectic suggest using an ice cube to smooth out the surface of the Shoe Goo before it dries. The goo won't stick to the ice.

Where to Get Shoe Goo

It is usually available at hardware stores, and often at skate shops. You can also buy it online. Shoe Goo is available in clear and black.