10 Best Glues for Shoes | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide

Thus, if a shoe becomes worn out or its sole detaches, fixing it the right way is what we can do. But running to a nearby cobbler every time your shoes start showing problems can be quite a hassle. Isn’t it? 

Instead, what if you had good-quality shoe glue at home to fix the problem? You will just have to take out the leather glue every time a repair is needed, apply it as per the instructions on the pack, and you’re good to go! Hence, purchasing shoe glue is always a better alternative. 

But we understand that there’s an overwhelming number of options available, which makes the task of choosing a truly efficient glue quite difficult. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the ten best options you can find on the market. 

So, let’s get started!

Best Glues for Shoes

Here is the list of the 10 best glues for shoes that can be used to repair your shoes, reattach soles, and keep your favorite shoes looking their best.

1. Gorilla ‎7700104 - Best for Heavy-Duty Footwear

Finding it difficult to deal with a tear in your favorite office shoes? You can trust this super-strong Gorilla Super Glue gel to get the job done. Be it thick leather shoes or boots, the formula is equally effective for all heavy-duty footwear, which is why it’s among our top recommendations. 

Why Did We Like It?

The best thing about using this glue is its controlled gel formula, which ensures you are able to apply just the desired amount on a particular spot. So, you can very well forget about any messes or inconsistent applications! 

The anti-clog cap adds to its efficiency, as it prevents the glue from drying out. Furthermore, its strong formulation resists any impact to facilitate a long-lasting hold. That’s why you can rest assured that the shoe, once fixed, won’t give in easily. 

Another wonderful addition to its features is its fast-setting property, as it dries to the touch in just about 10 to 45 seconds. Also, you don’t need to clamp the joined part after applying the glue.

Last but not least, the glue is super-easy to use as you just need to shake the tube once, hold it above the part to be repaired, and tap it for release.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

We only wished the glue came in a larger-sized tube, as this one might not last for more than a month if used regularly. But as far as its performance is concerned, we have no complaints since it does a great job. 

2. Boot-Fix Shoe Glue - Best for Professional Shoe Repair

If you prefer using a specialized product for shoe repairs, look no further than this Shoe Glue from Boot-Fix. Coming with one of the best formulations on the market, it’s completely safe for use on any footwear material you can think of. So, bringing this home will rule out the need for any other shoe-repairing glue. 

Why Did We Like It?

This professional-standard glue is mainly composed of cyanoacrylate, known to be among the strongest adhesives in the world. Its extremely fast-bonding property and colossal strength set it apart from other compounds used in glues. 

Another noteworthy feature is its specially formulated viscosity that can bond with different kinds of footwear materials. As such, this shoe is the best bet when you have to work on a range of shoe repair projects. 

And if you’re wondering about the drying time, let us tell you that it ranks high in this regard, too, as the repaired shoe becomes ready for use within minutes. Plus, you won’t require clamping the bonded part for this product as well. 

We also loved how the bonds are entirely waterproof and equally efficient in withstanding icy cold winters and blistering hot summers.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

You’ve got to watch out for the packaging of this glue, as the plastic bottle and even the cap might arrive damaged sometimes. This is most probably due to wear and tear during delivery, and it’s best to report such issues to the manufacturer and request a replacement. But performance-wise, this one gets a perfect score from us.  

3. Loctite ‎1363589 - Best for Ultra-Flexible Bonds

Our next pick is another top performer among shoe glues, thanks to its unique formulation that has been praised by many. Packed with a slew of beneficial features, it offers the ideal strength and durability that you need for any of your shoe repairs. So, let’s move on and learn more about this incredible glue. 

Why Did We Like It?

With this glue at your disposal, you can be confident of getting ultra-flexible, water and impact-resistant bonds in any type of shoe. And what does the trick is its unique rubber-toughened formulation that you’ll find in only a few brands. 

So, after your favorite pair of scandals is fixed with this glue, the bond will remain intact no matter how frequently you’re wearing them. 

Another feature that really appealed to us was the patented side-squeeze design of the bottle which facilitates absolute accuracy and precise dispensation. Plus, the screw-on cap with a self-piercing opening ensures the nozzle is always clog-free and retains the freshness of the glue. 

Not to forget its super-gel formula, which sets fast and is transparent, thereby maintaining the look of the bonded area perfectly.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

In case you have to work on several shoes, the amount of glue in one tube might not be sufficient as it’s just 0.14 fl oz. So, it’s best to buy quite a few tubes during each purchase. We felt the manufacturer needs to look into this aspect as it might lead a section of the customers to adopt another option instead. 

4. Krazy Glue KG94548R - Best Brush-On Applicator

Dealing with the toughest of shoe repairs is not a problem with this Super Glue from Krazy Glue by your side. Its versatile formula can help fix your shoe anytime and anywhere, just that you need to tuck it along with other essentials during any trip. 

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, its brush-on applicator seemed to us to be the most beneficial feature. This applicator provides a sufficiently wide coverage that can also be controlled on both hard-to-reach spots and larger surfaces. So, the Krazy Glue makes it easy to tackle all bonds, big and small. 

You also don’t need to worry about the freshness of the brush over time as the anti-clog bottle ensures it stays intact, with the bristles staying loose. In addition, the bonds are formed “Krazy fast,” with the shoe becoming ready for use within a few minutes. 

But you must be wondering about the durability of the bonds at this point. Well, even that’s spot on since the fixed spots remain super-strong for the years to come.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

Packaging can be an issue with this glue, as the package might arrive torn in several places due to wear and tear during delivery. More importantly, this might sometimes affect the glue bottle as it may become exposed. That’s why it’s essential to report such issues to the manufacturer as soon as possible. 

5. Gorilla 8040001 - Best for Hiking Shoes

Halfway through our list, we’ve included this highly versatile glue that’s a pro in handling any shoe repair job. Also from Gorilla, this product is especially popular for its ability to bond separated shoe soles strongly and permanently. Many customers have even testified of its ability to fix hiking shoes most efficiently. 

Why Did We Like It?

When it’s about repairing a fault on the front portion of a shoe, we often think twice before using glue and prefer to get it done by a professional. But this product won’t land you in that dilemma since it comes in a crystal-clear form. So, rest assured that your shoes won’t look different after they’re fixed. 

We were also impressed by the flexibility that this glue offered, as the bonded part never felt stiff, and the shoe wasn’t uncomfortable to wear. Plus, its strong formulation gives it the ability to create bonds with ultimate strength.  

And the icing on the cake is its completely waterproof property which rules out concerns of the bond getting weaker on coming in contact with rainwater.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

Perhaps the only drawback of this glue is that it takes more time to dry than several other products. You’ll have to wait for at least 24 hours to let it cure completely. So, if you’re looking for a quick fix that would make the shoe suitable for use within minutes, this wouldn’t be your best bet. 

6. Barge ‎DA081

Offering great bonding power, this glue has been a favorite of all cobblers for decades. So you can count on this product to bring back any shoe to its old form. You can even order the glue in bulk or a gallon-full of it; just contact the Barge customer support, and they’ll make sure it’s delivered to your place. 

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, the TF Cement is effective on a range of shoe materials, including cotton, neoprene, and leather. This is a property you’ll rarely find in any other glue on the market, as most of them are too tough for relatively softer materials such as cotton. 

Furthermore, the product is totally waterproof and free from the harmful and pungent chemical, Toluene, commonly used in many adhesives. It even takes as little as 20 minutes to dry completely, and in the next two minutes, you can put the shoe on and start your journey!

Another big advantage is its bigger size compared to other shoe glues, as it comes in a 2-fl oz bottle that’s enough to last for around six months.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

We felt the design of the glue tube could be better, as it may sometimes lead to inaccurate dispensing on smaller spots. So, you must be careful while using glue to repair a minor fault in any shoe.  

7. GEAR AID Shoe Repair Glue

Another specialized glue to look out for, the Gear Aid Shoe Repair Glue can make all your shoe repair jobs smooth and efficient. It’s the perfect choice for any biker, mountaineer, or sportsperson as they might often be faced with tears or other such faults in their shoes while in action. 

Why Did We Like It?

The highlight of this glue is the double-urethane formulation that provides absolute strength to any bond and ensures it stays intact over time. Thus, it dries as a flexible, tear-proof, and rubbery joint, and your shoes remain in good shape despite years of use. 

Another great benefit is the clear formula, which prevents any transformation in the appearance of a shoe after its application. 

Added on to this is the exceptional abrasion resistance, which is rare to be found in shoe glues. It makes the product ideal for specialized shoe repair jobs such as rebuilding worn-out heels or creating work boot protectors. 

Moreover, its waterproof property shields the bond from weakening due to sudden contact with rainwater or moisture. As for the size of this glue, that’s also bigger than many other products on the market, which is why it can easily last for at least six months.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

The longer drying time taken is a factor that puts it behind other glues with similar features. This product takes at least 8 hours to cure totally, so you’ll have to wait till then to wear your favorite pair after it has been fixed. 

8. Tuff Toe Boot Protector Guard Cover Dip

Are you a boot lover seeking a super-effective adhesive meant for boot repairs? Then this is surely one of the best products you’ll find out there. This Boot Protector Guard has been praised by lots of boot lovers across the country as it works like magic each time, keeping your boots in the perfect shape. 

Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, this glue creates bonds offering excellent heat and abrasion resistance so that your boots never weaken despite repeated use in a tough work environment. What makes this possible is the use of ballistic-grade technology in the manufacturing process, which provides great intrinsic strength to the adhesive. 

Speaking of the formulation, its two-part polyurethane content is highly versatile and suitable for a variety of boots and other shoe types as well. So, be it fixing a pair of gorgeous stilettos, rugged hiking shoes, or even combat shoes, this glue will get the job done. 

Even the flexibility of the bonds is commendable as your boots feel just as cozy and flexible as they were before the application. Lastly, the brand takes pride in sourcing all the raw materials and manufacturing the product entirely in the US.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

We found its application procedure to be a bit complicated and lengthy, though the steps are mentioned in detail in a manual provided in the package. So, you need to be very careful with each of the steps and see to it that the application is accurate. 

9. Amazing GOOP II Max 142100

The Amazing Goop II Max is great at establishing firm and extremely long-lasting bonds on a range of shoe materials. Thus, keeping this adhesive at home will suffice for all the shoe repairs you might need from time to time. To know more about all its features, move on to the next few sections. 

Why Did We Like It?

The most significant feature of this glue is undoubtedly the presence of UV inhibitors which help prevent the yellowing or cracking of the bonded part during all weather conditions. Plus, the bond remains equally flexible throughout and doesn’t turn brittle even if it’s exposed to cold weather. 

And if you wish to polish or paint the shoe after it’s fixed, you can easily do it without having to worry about its impact on the bond strength. The bond will be as strong as ever, and the shoe will look as good as ever! 

Also, the glue is perfectly waterproof, implying that the bond won’t be affected by moisture or rainwater at all. And like a few of our other recommendations, it comes in a 2-oz bottle that’s enough for completing several shoe repairs for six long months.  

What Could’ve Been Better?

This glue includes certain harsh chemicals in its formulation, which makes it a bit riskier to handle than many other adhesives. So, it’s best to wear gloves while you’re working on this product. Apart from that, we were quite satisfied with its performance. 

10. Shoe GOO 110400

Towards the end of our list, we’ve included the Shoe GOO, another reliable option specially meant for shoe repair jobs. It delivers a pretty decent performance in fixing all kinds of problems in shoes ranging from damaged heels to detached soles. Coming with a variety of effective features, there’s a lot you can do with this simple product.

Why Did We Like It?

Straight off the bat, its strong formulation bonds really fast to create a permanent joint that remains intact for years. It also provides resistance to abrasion and ensures better adhesion than most other products out there. 

What’s more, it acts as the perfect sealant to patch the smallest of holes in your shoes accurately. And the bond is entirely waterproof and stays secure even through rough weather conditions. 

Furthermore, this glue can be used on gloves and skateboards as well. Note that the latter requires an adhesive that offers extra traction, and this product fits the bill perfectly. 

Last, but not least, it’s made entirely in the US, which makes it the ideal option for users who always prefer indigenous products for all purposes. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

The much smaller size of this glue tube is its only downside, owing to which it may not last for more than a month if used frequently. So, purchasing several tubes at once will be the best way out in this regard. 

Buying Guide For The Best Glue For Shoes

Making the right choice is of paramount importance when you’re looking for shoe glue. That’s why it’s important to consider some key factors that impact the performance of these products. Making a hasty decision might lead you to derive only partial results from the product. So, here are the points that you need to keep in mind while choosing a suitable shoe glue. 

Drying Time

This is a crucial consideration to make while picking the right shoe glue. While some products require you to wait for hours before they dry, it’s just a matter of seconds for others. So, your choice would depend upon whether you want the shoe to be fixed within a short duration or not. 

Note that larger shoe repairs like re-attaching the sole will need glue that’s more flexible, which may take much longer to dry. Likewise, smaller shoe repairs can be fixed easily using super glues that dry quickly. 

Shoe Material

The shoe glue must, of course, be suitable for the material of the shoe that you plan to use it for. So, while going through the details of a product, make sure it’s suitable for the types of shoes that you have at home. And in case you are looking to repair a specialized shoe, take extra care to ensure that you’re going for the right glue. 

Versatility

You should also remember to refer to the instructions from the manufacturer about whether it can be used for multiple shoe materials or not. Also, a versatile glue should be effective for small as well as large shoe repair projects. That’s why you should check the customer reviews to ensure the product can handle both types. 

Impact Resistance

You would always want the repaired shoe to remain intact throughout its use. Thus, the bond created by the glue should offer enough impact resistance to ensure that the shoe stays in good shape. For ascertaining this, you will need to refer to the customer reviews again to find out what customers have to say regarding the resistance offered. 

Glue Color

Ideally, shoe glue should come in a transparent and clear form so that the repair isn’t visible. That way, the look of a shoe will be retained. Or you can opt for colorful glue products if your shoes are embellished or vibrant.

Glues for Shoes FAQs

What types of shoes can I repair with shoe glue?

Shoe glues can generally repair various types of shoes, including athletic, casual, dress, and work shoes. Performance may vary based on material and quality.

Can I use shoe glue on both leather and synthetic shoe materials?

Yes, there are many shoe glues available that work effectively on both leather and synthetic materials. Always check the glue label for recommended materials.

Can shoe glue be used to fix tears in the shoe fabric?

Shoe glues can often repair small tears in shoe fabric. However, the effectiveness will depend on the fabric type, location, and extent of the damage.

Can shoe glue repair sole separation?

Yes, shoe glue is particularly effective at repairing sole separation. Apply the glue evenly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a long-lasting bond.

Can I use shoe glue to attach shoe accessories?

Shoe glue is suitable for attaching a variety of shoe accessories, such as patches, studs, spikes, and ornaments. Ensure proper adhesion by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do I apply shoe glue to my shoes?

Thoroughly clean the area to be glued, apply a thin layer of glue according to the manufacturer’s instructions, press the pieces together, and clamp if necessary. Allow the glue to dry for the recommended time.

How do I remove excess glue from my shoes?

To remove excess glue, gently use a fabric or a brush moistened with a compatible solvent. Depending on the glue, this may be rubbing alcohol or acetone. Always test a small area first to ensure no damage.

Conclusion

With this, we have reached the end of our guide. 

We hope you’ve been able to zero in on the most suitable shoe glue by now. But in case you’re still hesitant, we’d suggest recapitulating your needs and going through the buyer’s guide once more. This will surely help clear all your doubts. 

Before we wrap up, we’d like to share with you our favorites from the list. If you are searching for a product that’s specially made for handling shoe repairs, the Boot-Fix Shoe Glue will be an ideal choice. 

However, if you have no such preferences and are searching for a truly effective glue suitable for a variety of shoe repairs, it will be best to go for the Gorilla ‎7700104. 

Let us know whether you agree with our verdict in the comments section below. See you soon with more interesting guides. Till then, take care!

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