How to Fix a Hole in a Shoe: 7 Easy Steps

Just because there is a hole in your shoes doesn’t mean you can’t use them again. What you need to know is that it takes a simple manual skill to get them looking pristine again. If this sounds like your current situation, then we will show you a few nifty steps on how to fix a hole in a shoe.

Before we go so far, let’s be clear that the tips in this article will apply only to restoring the top and bottom of everyday walking shoes-not boots. This is because boots might demand more intensive tricks that only a cobbler can apply.

Time is precious, right? So let’s get straight to jigging. 

Steps to fixing a hole in shoes’ bottom Using Adhesives

What you need:

  • Shoo Goo (clear or black) other options include Gorilla Glue and Liquid Nails
  • Grit sandpaper
  • Shoe goo
  • Duct tape/ electrical tape
  • Wooden stick (but ice cube is better)

Note: this method is ideal for skate shoes, running sneakers, and leather shoes

Step 1: clean your shoes

If there is mud and debris smearing on your shoes, you’ll need to clean that out first. Working on dirty shoes makes the process not only messy but also unnecessarily time-consuming. From there, let the shoes dry in the sun. Optionally, you can wipe clean the area where the hole is if the shoe isn’t so dirty.

Step 2: roughen up the edges

For the shoe goo to stick properly, you’ll need to roughen up the edges of the hole with a small piece of sandpaper.

Step 3: Block the inside of the shoe with a duct tape

To access the inside of the shoe properly, you’ll need to detach the laces-you don’t have to go all the way. Just a few lines to allow your hand to easily touch the toe end. Next, get the insole out as well (leave it if it’s glued).

Spot the inner side of the hole and patch it up with sandpaper. This helps the shoe goo that you’ll put on the outside from sipping through to the inner parts.

Step 4: shoe goo application

Grab the shoe goo and apply just enough to cover every part of the hole. You can use an ice cube to spread it evenly to all areas. Why an ice cube? There are two reasons; first, the goo doesn’t stick on the ice, and secondly, the cold from the ice makes it settle in the hole properly.

Step 5: allow the goo to dry

Set the shoe upwards and make sure there is enough support to keep it that way. Now, let the goo dry (in a cool place) for up to 24 hours. Warning; don’t let dust or anything land on the goo during the drying period.

Step 6: detach the duct tape

After 24 hours have elapsed, gently detach the duct tape and stash the insole back to the footbed.

Step 7: sandpaper the goo once more

Using the small sandpaper piece, smoothen the goo once more until its surface is fine uniformly.

Now your shoe’s bottom is sealed and waterproof! 

Tips for Patching Up the Top

If your shoe has a hole in the top fabric, here’s how you can fix it:

  • Purchase a matching fabric– you need to buy a fabric that completely matches the top of your shoes to avoid anyone recognizing the patch. If you have an older cloth that meets your needs, then save your bucks. By the way, you can be innovative and go with different colored patches to pull off a unique fashion statement.
  • Stash the shoe with newspaper-it would be easier to apply the patch when the shoe is properly stretched. That’s the work of the newspaper stuffing. Plus it will prevent the needle from accidentally piercing your hand.
  • Snip a patch from the fabric that will match the hole– Equipped with scissors, cut out a patch that will precisely cover the hole. The piece can be made circular, triangular, or rectangular depending on where it’s going to be stitched. Care for a sneaky tip? You can cut two patches one for the other shoe even if it’s not holed.
  • Stitch the fabric– do you like the way the patch looks and fits on the hole? Great. Now go ahead and pin it on the shoe. If you are placing the same patch on the other shoe, make sure they are at identical spots.
  • Flatten the edges with steam iron-at this point, the patch will look irregular and out of place. So get hold of a steam iron and run several presses until it adheres evenly to look like an inherent part of the shoe. Make sure to put a damp cloth over it first for the best performance.
  • Sew up the patch-now that the patch looks like part of the shoe, it’s time to sew it up. Start knitting from one point in small stretches up until the last part. Now make a knot so the thread is secured properly.

During the knitting process, try to keep the stitches uniform. If you are artistic, feel free to adopt complex stitches for a more unique look. Lastly, remember this method is ideal for shoes with soft materials like running sneakers, suede, and other house shoes.

Wrap up

Some shoes can hold a very special meaning in your life. Maybe they were gifted to you by someone you loved so much or the pair is no longer in distribution. Therefore, a small hole on the front, sides, bottom, or behind should not make you retire them just yet.

With the tips discussed in this article, you can get your everyday shoes looking new by fixing any annoying small holes. However, if needlework is not your cup of tea, there’s no point in trying hard and damaging your shoes. Instead, seek help from a nearby shoemaker. 

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