You probably haven’t heard this one before. Who knows? Maybe you have.
My boots are falling apart. The uppers are in great shape, and the treads are hardly worn at all, but the foam that is sandwiched between the treads and the leather uppers is beginning to deteriorate along the edges. The foam looks a lot like neoprene.
I tried using “Shoe Goo” to seal the edge of the foam to keep it from deteriorating more, but the “Shoe Goo” is not flexible. It is so rigid, when the foam in the sole compresses as I take a step, the “Goo” doesn’t flex. The two dis-similar parts then separate. The “Shoe Goo” is now peeling off and looks horrible.
So I thought a caulk might do the trick. I need something that will flex a little bit when I take a step, will stick to rubber, and will be water proof. The caulk will need to bridge the gap between the hard rubber treads and the hard rubber that is attached to the leather upper. It will cover over the foam (neoprene?)that is the middle of this sandwich.
Any ideas?
I know this isn’t a construction question, but I thought somebody here might know the answer, and save a pair of otherwise nice boots.
Thanks!
Replies
Elastomeric caulk. Sonneborne is one. Also PL urethane caulk. It's like working with a combination of peanut butter and honey. You will probably have to not wear the shoes for about 48 hrs to let the stuff fully cure, otherwise it is a little sticky.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I've used construction adhesive on those last-legs ready to be tossed after one more concrete job type shoes. A couple wraps of duct tape will hold them together on your feet, too. Come to think of it, I have a lot of those about ready to be tossed shoes.
-- J.S.
another vote for PL Premium.
glued the last "old pair" and they're still good for mud work.
That ... or any good "siliconized" caulk should work.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Wide crown staples. Bend over the legs.
Take your feet out first.
blue
Thanks, guys!
Sometimes you can get your boots resoled, but I think you need to have your laces rebooted.