Fixing heels

Masked Loopy II started this discussion · 2/8/2011

I started doing some thinking after reading the threads about DIY heels. I've got several pairs of heels in the closet that I stopped wearing because the ankle straps broke or came loose. Is there an easy fix for this? On a couple pairs of shoes, it appears that strap came off simply because of shoe adhesive coming apart versus the strap actually tearing. Do I just super glue the straps back on? Is there an adhesive you tried that works? I suppose I could cut the straps and wear the shoes as slide ons, but I want to restore them if I can. Perhaps a shoe repair person would know what to do, although I'm not sure if dropping off stripper style shoes would raise some eyebrows. Anyhow, there's probably got to be a free or cheap fix I can do on my own.

9 replies

kcfl5 · 2/10/2011
I have taken my shoes to a shoe repair place. One of them the strap came off and the pad tore on the shoe....cost $20. Didn't get them fixed. Figured I didn't pay that much for them to be worth fixing that way. Instead on those I bought garder belt and cut off strap super glued pad and then when I wear them I wrap the garder around shoe and ankel. The other pair of shoes the metal buckel thing broke and that was free to fix. All the guy said to me is " you must like these type of shoes". Then there is another pair that broke too. yes I must be hard on shoes. Anyways these shoes the shoe the pad came up from toe to middle of foot. I used super glue. That worked. hth kim
monica kay · 2/10/2011
i recently bought "shoe goo" from the athletic store by my house. It's a strong rubbery glue that skateboarders use to protect and repair sneakers. I used it to repair tears in my latex boots and was very pleased with the results. I am not sure if it can help you, but it was an inexpensive product and worth trying.
chemgoddess1 · 2/10/2011
Not a fan of shoe goo....it seems to stay too pliable and is almost a little too thick. I tried it on a pair of sneakers that had the sole separate and I could always tell where the glue was when I walked. I have had good luck with 9001 High Strength Adhesive and also Liquid Fusion. http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/9ePxj3pLfHqe_h4etFPGtfUxKfMhpXQ0DFVzxtOFy8ynQlETnu2hWR1Xx1R3jIB9HK1C4f2uo71uvTww7uv53RRHZwn5FOC-xdvwSr86UMeBpsxWbl9bH2lCaeOg_mfJ1k360-5fUVNbaNYgygcO1Qa0AfiToQgmncA http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qfkXSq9aL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
AprilPoleKitten · 2/16/2014
The platform sole of my shoe is peeling off. Its on a clear pair of Pleasers. What is the best glue for that? I don't want to use super glue because I think it will dry too hard?
poledanceromance · 2/17/2014
Epoxy for plastic in the adhesive section of your hardware store. Some look like a syringe with two chambers, you push the plunger to squeeze some on a paper plate, use a Popsicle stick to mix it up and slather it on. Never comes off. Like ever.
majikmyke · 2/18/2014
Let me begin by saying that the previous studio I attended had about 10 to 12 pairs of heels available for the ladies to wear in class if they wanted to. Some of the shoes were in disrepair, and there wasn't anything happening to improve that situation. That's where I was able to help. A number of the shoes were Pleaser's. The hardest part about working on/repairing the platform high heels used for pole fitness is establishing the "hold points" after gluing or an epoxy application. It's just not as simple as gluing two pieces of wood together. I use various small clamps and masking tape to create holding pressure where needed. This type of shoe repair is a "thinking" repair. Think it through first, and then act! As mentioned in this thread epoxy comes in a dual cylinder tube that pushes out in equal amounts as poledanceromance has said. You mix it and then apply it. Depending upon the repair it can, in my opinion, be very messy and difficult to work with. Many of these shoes are specialty items with glitter and sequins on them that I doubt you want covered with dribs and dabs of brown or gray epoxy. I think a better answer than epoxy to AprilPoleKitten's question is using "Loctite GO2 Glue." It has a long snout so that you to get into the inner shoe area and spread a bead of glue around. The glue has a decent "open" work time which let's me finish the repair, and clamp it or tape it secure so that the repair can dry. Using super glue will be awkward, because of the lack of "open time" using this product. The pole high heels undergo tremendous abuse in practice and dance performance sessions. It's not that you personally are hard on the heels, it's the environment they're being used in. The most important thing I've found in making pole high heel repairs is to first establish how you are going to anchor and secure the repair after it's been glued. I would not recommend taking the shoes to a cobbler unless it's for stitching the leather. The cobbler has no reference to what pole shoes go through. This is not just a repair when it comes to gluing, but a "rebuilding" of the shoe to withstand the endurance and harshness of the pole fitness environment. The shoes you use are well constructed, but the shoe adhesives used by the factory, while good for regular walking heels, is totally inept for the pole fitness environment. I hope this helps you and others.
Phoenix Hunter · 2/18/2014
vice grips work well for holding the pieces together while they set. or you can even stick the front part of the shoe under a piece of furniture, if you are gluing the platform part of the shoe.
majikmyke · 2/19/2014
I do the high heel repairs at my workbench. Thank you, lilredrobinhood, because I never thought of using a piece of furniture to wedge the toe part under as a holding tool. Simply ingenious! Caution on using vice grips - I used them once on the heel of a shoe when doing a repair, and crushed the soft pad where your heel rests. It eventually returned to normal shape, but the ladies in the studio felt/noticed the crushed pad when they wore them right after the repair.
Stefana of Light · 2/21/2015
Hello Veeners. I'm fixing my chromes today, the sole is separating.. Loctite Go2 glue is what I'm going to use after reading this thread:) Any luck with one brand over another holding better or lasting longer? Any experience with highest heel brand ? Thanks in advance lovelies