Save Your Boot Sole: Shoe Repair Secrets for All Budgets

When it comes to your work boots, the outsole is without a doubt the most vulnerable part. In addition to keeping you safe and sound from the ground, the sole faces all sorts of terrain and bears your full weight day in day out. After a while, it’s only normal that your soles will have some wear and suffer some abuse. In a not so recent segment, we checked out the best types of outsoles for the job as well as what to do when your sole gets worn.

Worn down soles and heels are a major problem that could see you take a ghastly fall while working. That’s why we insisted on getting traction adding products to improve grip. However, there are certain issues and accidents that while minor, they put you and your work boot at risk. If going to the cobbler for repairs is your last solution, then check out the following footwear fixing solutions that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Scuffed Boots

If you’re working in an intense environment, then your shoes and the side part of your soles are bound to get scuffed. Nothing ruins a good boot that having to deal with big, ugly marks all over. But before we proceed, you need to be able to tell if what you have is really a scuff or just some dirt that can be scrubbed off easily. In which case, a good cleaning will work wonders. However, if you’re stuck with a scuff, then read on.

Home Remedy – First off, some scuffs can be fixed up in the comfort of your home. If your work boot is scuffed, grab an eraser and gently rub it all over the scuff marks. This works very great with leather since the scuffs are rubbed right off.
Cheap Solution – If the scuff marks still persist, you’ll need to use a polish that matches the color of your shoe to cover up the mark. It’ll cost you a few bucks, but you are guaranteed of a lotion that can be used again and again in case of future scuff marks.
Costly but Effective – If the scuff mark is really one for the books and you’d rather not risk a DIY on your expensive pair of work boots, then you’ll need to head to the shoe repair. Of course, you will be charged accordingly, but scurrying off the scuffs is much cheaper than buying entirely new work boots.

Worn and Uneven Heels

Thanks to the unforgiving concrete and harsh, uneven terrain, the outsoles of your boots get worn at an unbelievable rate. The worst part is that the heels never wear out evenly, so you end up walking at very awkward and uncomfortable angles. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you could go about saving your work boots.

Easy Remedy – Of course, saving your sole starts right at home. If you could alternate your work boots all through the week, then you will significantly contribute to reducing the wear. The rate of wear on the heel is further accelerated by wearing one pair over and over for weeks on end. So make sure you wear it for a few days and alternate with another pair.
Cheap Solution – The only reasonable solution involves either you or a professional cobbler putting some rubber taps on the worn out parts. These rubber gems prevent the toe and heel area for wearing out.
Costly but Worth It – If you spend a great deal of time on your feet, then you may want to think about getting plastic heelers. These fit snugly in your heel without damaging them and work nicely to avoid slipping.

Final Word

Whether you’re a fan of Caterpillar work boots or can’t get enough of the American Heritage brand, one thing still remains true. The outsoles and other parts will wear down as you go. That’s why it pays to know which practices will extend the longevity of your boots and which ones will drastically shave some years off.

By observing cleanliness and rotating between your favorite pairs, you should be able to make the most out of your work boots and not have to purchase a new one every now and then. But remember, it’s also very essential to know when to give your work boot the boot. Keeping an old boot for long could also put your job and life in danger as well. So, take care of your most reliable mode of transportation.