Simple DIY trainer heel repair. Get 50% more life out of your running shoes.

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I decided to repair the sole of my running shoes rather than buy a new pair. A simple repair job. I thought about a shoe goo sole repair but wanted to do a better job. After watching a few cobbler shoe repair KZbin videos I realised it wasn’t that difficult. And perhaps most of all, save myself some money and save the environment the cost of another pair of plastic shoes. Reduce your ‘carbon footprint’ ;) {sorry}.
0:00 - Intro
0:06 - What you need to repair soles on your shoes
2:11 - How to prepare the sole for the patch
3:44 - Making a template for the repair patch
3:53 - Cutting the patch for the shoe repair
4:30 - Preparing the contact adhesive and sticking the patch on
7:37 - Trimming and cleaning up the patch
9:12 - It worked!
The parts are cheap and the skills are easy to learn and put into practice. I now try and repair shoes whenever I can.
I love a project, the idea, the potential, the frustration, the challenge. I relish the chance to learn and build my skills. I am an educator by profession and love to do that, share my passion and try to inspire you to take on the challenge. It doesn't matter if it wasn't what you wanted when you started, you started and learnt something along the way.
Build our community. Share the love. Never give up!

[@okbutwhatisit]

Thank you, this was exactly what I needed to learn!

[@ac-v5360]

Great video! Yes, more repair videos would be great!

[@user-yu6yg1su7g]

Thanks for all the info I’m going to try mine this weekend, the best video on this subject.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thank you. Let me know how you get on. Post a video. :)

[@CocoAvalon]

Thank you for explaining this so well! Definitely gonna try this out!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, more to come soon, I'm filming now.

[@LeonardSamuels75]

Great idea Neil!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dsun2625]

Good job!

[@shanimeeks3802]

Excited to try this/ thanks for all the details

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment. Post a video when your done. :)

[@colonelkernal297]

I spit out my coffee when you said box cutter

[@sailingsolstice]

Nicely done. I tend to wear my running shoes out pretty evenly across the sole but I'm still tempted to try this out using one of the front sole pieces.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

That’ll be because of your perfect foot placement and technique. Unlike my heel to toe foot slapping style🤣thanks for the comment. Have a go and post a video. 👍😉

[@JCleggy]

I gotta say, I thought you were crazy when you held up the new rubber heel, but it looks like you did an absolutely wonderful job. Congrats

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thank you! 😊

[@Alessandro-fs4wr]

Realy interesting and well done video. Excellent explanation, clear, to the point. Voice and video making of professional level. Thanks for It.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Hi, thanks for the kind words, I should get around to putting some more videos on KZbin. I work as a school teacher and post Covid has been a busy year. The heels are still on, trainers now demoted to kicking around in. Thanks again.

[@runstant1]

TOP VIDEO, PERFECTLY EXPLAINED.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks. I ought to make a few more. I’ve been making films about alien evidence. Not that I believe in aliens, plenty of people do!

[@Agenamigo]

Brilliant! Thank for sharing this smart solution to this common wear and tear. 👍👍😀. What i need is vibram rubber sole replacement.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks and sorry about such a delayed response to your comment. You can buy the vibram soles online 👍

[@galaxytrio]

So smart.

[@ac-vp9mh]

Awesome Salomon running shoes. Awesome DIY. Awesome savings. Awesome for the environment 😀

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@Johny40Se7en]

That's brilliant. Cheers fella 👍

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment.

[@spikedcolor]

Great explanation, thanks!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garymccormack8186]

great money saving tip, will defiantly try this, can get a lot more wear out my favourite footwear.well done.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Try it out on your new £200 trainers! Thanks for the comment Gary.

[@alunrhydderch1786]

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Many thanks! Will try it, i wear the outside of my shoes very quickly.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment. And happy scuffing!

[@BritishSwiftieSince2013]

I hope we can both go on a run together I love running with you dad ❤

[@DeeJay003]

Excellent video, brother. Subbed !

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the sub! I'm filming now with more stuff.

[@djbillye4943]

the new rubber looks factory on them and matches.good show

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. 👍

[@mistersmith3986]

You my friend are a complete GEE KNEE OUS I think I'll try this on a pair of Topo Athletic that I just wore down. Thanx for the video my Running 🏃 Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment. And many thanks. God bless you kind sir.

[@leonda4817]

Terrific! My lugs always wear out beneath the big toe first.I will try this once i'm there

[@crushedz]

Excellent!Looks like a good fix.I'm wearing out the heels of trainers walking and am hyper about weight distribution-if heels are worn weight distribution changes.I've exhausted the 'buying a new pair' now[just because of a worn heel] and am looking for a fix.This looks like it.Thanks!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thank you. I’ve just patched my second pair of trainers this weekend. I managed an extra 290 miles running miles using the pair of trainers I repaired in the video and am still wearing them casually, the patch is still intact!

[@thepearratz]

Excellent video!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment.

[@mortonbeard2240]

I use Shoe Goo to fill in wear. I like yours also. Thanks.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Hi, thanks for the comment. I've only just repaired some trainers with shoe goo! It's great stuff. I couldn't use the technique in the video because of the way the sole is made. I love to keep kit going, good for the environment and your sole. ;) (sorry)

[@t4z84]

I got new balance 574 and some Nike air span 2 that have worn the rubber heels out to the side.. will normal shoe goo glue work by itself to rebuild the rubber heels in that area?

[@hockysa]

that looks so good!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks and sorry about such a delayed response to your comment.👍

[@juanmarquez8974]

Tengo una Nike y las voy a reparar. Gracias por su tiempo bendiciones

[@drpeemac]

Very good you have earned a suby...Love from Australia mate...!!!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Awesome, thank you!

[@drpeemac]

@Neil Simmonds Media Project solomon is clever now they have reduce the surface area of the pattern glue doesn't stick any more to the point load...spped cross series

[@meyerhaus3189]

Brilliant

[@louiseobrien1799]

I would like to resole the whole of the shoe. The heal in your video looks excellent. Any ideas on how to find what lm looking for? Even just starting with a brand would be helpful.

[@RQCK0N]

Neil, good man, many thanks. I've been thinking about this for my Salomon Speedcross 4's. They tops and 95% of the soles are perfect but the 'knobbly' sole/heel gripper pieces have worn away very quickly. I will definely be trying this and I agree, it's is 100% the environmental way to go.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks, we should all be doing what we can, sorting stuff out for ourselves, making our own kit, or repairing what we've got.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

So I’m curious, did you do it? How long did it extend the lifespan of your shoes? How much did it end up costing you?

[@themanape]

Thanks, poor people like me could use this.

[@markthomasson5077]

Good work. I have the same problem. One issue with many shoes is that the cushioning foam also packs down to this side, so using a thicker replacement sole May correct this. One tip I have seen with impact adhesive is to let the surfaces go completely dry, then warm up with a hair dryer. Contact adhesives used for wet suits are much tougher than Evostick. You can buy sheets of rubber sole material, which may have more suitable / grippy lugs. My first pair of Fell shoes were Walshes, which perhaps still have one of the best soles. As my feet got stronger, the soon became too tight. I have it in mind to remove the soles altogether, I am told a hot air gun carefully used is the trick, and use for new heals.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment. I used to own some walshes! Great shoes. You are right there are stronger adhesives. The patches are still on with Evostick. Thanks again. 👍

[@queens2nite]

@@neilsimmondsmediaprojectHi could you give me the name of the adhesive you used please. Great video thank you .

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

I used a contact adhesive called ‘Evo-Stik, Impact Adhesive’.

[@christinamartinez8132]

Nice! ❤

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks.

[@testermonkey2304]

Not sure if you know this but if youre wearing the heel out like that youre striking wrong and it could be hurting your knees. Im not a specialist or anything but Ive been told that usually means yours stride is too long or youre not keeping your feet underneath you enough while youre running. Good luck and well done

[@duncankendrick9200]

Hi Neil. Thanks for doing these videos. I'm really interested in the 'Pick and Pluck Storsage box' that you mention at the end of this video. Do you know when that one will be ready? Cheers

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment. I’ve had a slow spot for film making but I’ll make sure the pick and pluck is up soon. I’m also doing a cheap and simple custom padded case for camera lenses/valuables etc.

[@duncankendrick9200]

Great! I’ll keep an eye out for them.

[@DarcyWhyte]

Nice thanks! I have a pair of salomons and they're like new excep the tread is worn. The way the show is constructed it looks like one could replace the tread. To your knowledge do they sell the tread to be reglued on or do I have to use some generic tread?

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Sorry about the very delayed response. I just used a cheap generic heal repair patch. They’re still on now. Two years later. And have lasted longer than the original!

[@rindo5291]

Good video, when u doing some more..

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Right now, after far too long! I've just been so busy but now have set a lot in place to have a good push at it, keep an eye out. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@shahramkordestani3168]

Why not use Shoe Goo as an adhesive or is it in your opinion Gorilla a better one at that?

[@ytrew9717]

I have seen people using superglue to fix heels (it's not a flexible part, though there is also flexible superglue). I'm using PM polymer (also sometime to waterproof the top part, this stuff is cheap and can be used for many things, and last forever when opened, unlike silicone caulk)

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Hi and thanks for the comment. Super glue is great on rubber type materials. I have used it with good results to hold down something that is just starting to peel.

[@thatwastakenagain]

due to lack of trae skills dind't know shiny surfaces are hard to glue

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment. The glue has more to grip if the surface is rough. 👍

[@tbrennancreative4958]

Any ideas for court shoes/ tennis shoes that wear out on the ball of the foot?

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

You could try having a go. Not much to loose if the shoes are going in the bin anyway. Keep the repair patch thinner than a heel. Let us know how you get on.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

So, how long did the repair work - and what did it cost you, (approximately)? Can’t help wonder if this method could be used to change the sole enough to adjust for pronation or supination! Years ago I took a course in adjusting the Formthotics Custom Medical Orthotics inner soles - at the time one of my colleagues were working with the SuperSole concept, and another colleague designed inner soles for patients/clients from scratch - and I learned a lot from both of them, (and of course from the course I took). It would be interesting to see if any of the principles I’ve learned could be applied to custom making/repairing the outer soles! But I guess it could quickly end up getting awfully expensive!

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for taking the time to post a great comment. It took me about one hour the first time and I've got it down to about 1/2 an hour now. It cost about £3 for the heel on amazon and the glue is £4 a tube and I didn't use much. As for pronation etc. I have no idea. I do this to my mainly to my retired shoes so I can strut around the streets for years after their running carer has ended. 🤣

[@steinbauge4591]

So any ordinary contact glue can do it with proper groundwork?

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

I would have thought so? I’ve used 3 different types and they have all worked. Thanks for the comment.

[@go5582]

Hi handsome. Great channel and cobbler diy. I would like to know what do you drink & snack on durring your shoe repairs? Do you prefer English tea over Gatorade lime flavor?

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

What a great question. And the answer is…… Tea. Earl Grey. I have never in my life even thought of drinking Gatorade. How about you? Which would you drink?

[@seeview06]

Where can I get those particular rubber heels?

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Amazon.

[@HourRomanticist]

It aggravates me to no end that there is no longer any shoe repair industry in the world. I have adidas ultra boost 2020s where the ONLY thing wrong with them is the tread on the fotefoot of the outsole is bald. If I could replace the outsole as if it were a leather shoe, I would use it for another 2 years.

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment, You are right, they are designed with a finite life span. I have found a shoe repair company that will resole a simple flat sole for £55 plus postage!

[@user-cm5xm9bh1q]

but shall they survive rough terrain? any one tried?

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Thanks for the comment. They are still on after more than a year!

[@panhuragan4388]

1:57 he forgot to make a knot at the end

[@badhabit8824]

Not a box cutter. A utility knife. Lol

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

Oops. Should have done a bit more research.

[@mikelacross]

I used gorilla glue to stick my soles back on, sadly a went for a swim in them & the glue dissolved! 😂

[@neilsimmondsmediaproject]

What a choice. Avoid swimming or change the glue! I’ve moved over to using a contact adhesive used to repair car tyres. It’s strong! Nearly fainted with the fumes. 🤣 Thanks for taking the time to comment. 👍

[@frankshann4811]

Please can you tell us what car tyre contact adhesive you used (brand and type)? Is that instead of Evo-Stik impact adhesive? (It's hard to get Evo-Stik in Australia because it has to be purchased on eBay with expensive postage from the UK.)

[@griffinmaxwell789]

Try getting the gorilla glue gel rather than the standard gorilla glue. It dries quicker and isn't really susceptible to water damage. I used it repair a pair of shoes and washed the shoes afterward, and they were completely fine

[@minixtvbox]

​@@neilsimmondsmediaprojectwhat brand and name?