How to Repair the Rubber Heels of Shoes
Wearing out or damaging the heel on a favorite shoe has generally meant it needs to be taken into a cobbler for expert shoe repair, or it ends up in the garbage to be replaced with a brand new pair of shoes.

Home shoe repair is not something that a lot of people think about when the heels of their shoes go bad, but if you have a little do-it-yourself knowledge, repairing a shoe heel yourself can save a lot of time and money.
Things You Will Need
- Shoe Goo rubber adhesive
- Sand paper or emery board
- Ice cube
- Toothpick
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Sand and rough up the damaged area of the heel. Use either an emery board or sandpaper. If you have purchased a tube of Shoe Goo, it will come with a sanding board.
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Squeeze out and apply Shoe Goo over the damaged area of the heel. Fill in as much of the damaged area as possible.
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Apply Shoe Goo to the tip of a toothpick and work it into difficult places to reach like cracks or crevices.
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Smooth out the freshly applied Shoe Goo with an ice cube.
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Follow manufacturer’s directions for drying time, but most repairs will take 24 hours to dry. Thick applications may take longer.
The Drip Cap
- Wearing out or damaging the heel on a favorite shoe has generally meant it needs to be taken into a cobbler for expert shoe repair, or it ends up in the garbage to be replaced with a brand new pair of shoes.
- Apply Shoe Goo to the tip of a toothpick and work it into difficult places to reach like cracks or crevices.
- Thick applications may take longer.
References
Writer Bio
Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
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