Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Seal the holes with glue
• Method 2 of 2: Fix holes with a dust cloth
• Necessities
• Close holes with glue
• Repair holes with a dust cloth
• Tips

If you wear your favorite shoes often, they will eventually wear out and will definitely have holes in them. Instead of having to buy new shoes, you can seal the holes with glue or cover them with a cloth. Repairing your shoes with a patch prevents stones and dirt from getting into the shoes and allows you to continue wearing them. It is also cheaper and faster than buying new shoes.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Seal the holes with glue

1. Purchase an adhesive from a DIY store or online. Well-known brands of adhesives that can be used for shoe repair include Shoe Goo, Pattex Special Shoe and Gorilla Glue. Go through the reviews of each product and buy the one that fits your needs and budget.
   • When using most glues, a clear or milky layer will remain after drying.
   • Glues can be used to fix holes in leather shoes, athletic shoes, and skate shoes.
   • Shoe Goo is available in both clear and black.
2. Remove the insole if you are going to repair it. Pull the insole out from the heel at the bottom of the shoe. If the insole is glued to the bottom of the shoe, leave it in the shoe during the repair.
   • Set the insole aside so you can replace it later.
3. Apply duct tape to the hole on the inside of the shoe. Place the adhesive side of the duct tape on the inside of the shoe to cover the hole. The tape gives the glue something to stick to. Make sure the hole is completely covered.
   • If you don't have duct tape, you can use electrical tape.
4. Squeeze the glue on top of the holes. Hold the tube or bottle of glue over the hole and squeeze it so that the glue completely covers the hole. Make sure the hole on the outside of the shoe is covered with glue, otherwise a watertight seal will not form.
   • It is normal for the glue to clump on the hole.
   • Don't worry if the glue doesn't look so neat during this application.
5. Spread the shoe glue evenly over the holes. The glue will be too tacky at first, so give it a few minutes to dry so it can partially cure. Once hard, use a wooden stick or your finger to spread the glue evenly on the outside of the shoe.
   • Don't leave the stick or your finger in the same spot for too long or it will stick to the glue.
6. Let the glue dry overnight. Allow enough time for the adhesive to dry completely and form a seal. The hole in your shoe should now be closed and watertight. Press the glue to make sure it is firmly attached to the shoe.
   • If you don't let the glue dry for enough time, it will wipe off the shoe.
7. Remove the duct tape and replace the insole. When you remove the tape, the glue should be flat on the inside of the shoe. If you were repairing a hole in the sole, you will need to put the insole back on before wearing the shoe. If everything went according to plan, the hole in your shoe should be repaired by now.

Method 2 of 2: Fix holes with a dust cloth

1. Fill the shoe with newspaper. Stuffing the shoe with newspaper makes it easier to apply the dust cloth. This method works best with shoes made of softer materials, such as suede or sheepskin boots and shoes.
2. Buy the fabric to fix the shoes. The fabric you use on your shoe will be visible on the outside, so buy a fabric that fits well with the style of the shoe. You can buy fabric online or at a craft store. Buy enough fabric so that you can completely cover the hole.
   • You can buy fabric almost the same color as the shoe if you don't want it to stand out.
   • Good fabrics to use for this include tartan, leather and suede.
   • You can also buy fabric that contrasts with the current color of the shoes if you want to make a unique fashion statement.
3. Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover the hole. Cut out a rectangular or square piece of fabric to cover the hole. Depending on where the hole is, you may need to adjust the size of the dust patch so it doesn't look weird on the shoe.
   • For example, if the hole is on the toe of the shoe, use a piece of fabric that covers the entire toe instead of a small patch that only covers the hole.
   • If you want both shoes to look the same, cut two pieces of fabric so that you can put one on the other shoe, even if it doesn't have a hole.
4. Pin the dust cloth to the shoe. Adjust the position of the fabric patch and make sure it is straight before sewing it in place. You can also trim the piece of fabric if you are not happy with how it looks on your shoe.
   • If you put a dust cloth on both shoes, make sure they are in the same place.
5. Iron the dust cloth on the shoe with steam. Place a damp cloth on the dust cloth on the shoe and then hold a power iron on the dust cloth for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat this three or four times to flatten the edges of the fabric patch and make it conform to the shape of the shoe or boot.
6. Sew the fabric patch to the shoe. Insert a needle with thread through a hot fabric patch in the shoe. Then put the needle back out of the shoe and through the dust patch. Continue this method along the edge of the fabric swatch until it is completely attached to the shoe fabric. Tie the ends of the thread to hold the fabric patch in place.
   • Try to make the stitches as even as possible.
   • You can also use a more complicated stitch such as a zigzag stitch or slip stitch to create a unique look.

Necessities

Close holes with glue

• Glue
• Duct tape
• Wooden stick

Repair holes with a dust cloth

• Newspaper
• Dust
• Scissors
• Pins
• Steam iron
• Needle and thread

Tips

• If the damage to the shoe is extensive, you should consider replacing it or taking it to a shoemaker for repair.