If you love to wear rubber boots then this article is going to be very helpful for you. We often get frustrated because these boots get ruined very quickly.
But now there is no need to worry about anything because in this article we are going to discuss how to fix rubber boots properly and everything related to this.
Rubber boots are supposed to protect feet from water, whether you wear them for yard work, puddle jumping, or rain.
Whenever your trusted boots start to leak due to a crack or hole, don’t discard them. Use this guide and try to repair them.
You don’t have to spend a lot of time and energy cleaning your rubber boots. You can save your cash on another new pair of rubber shoes by following our guide and repairing the current ones.
So let’s not waste any further time and see how can you repair these rubber boots properly.
Contents
How To Repair Rubber Boots?
The constant wear and tear of rubber boots may cause some cracks and splits, but they don’t degrade quickly.
Find out how to repair cracked rubber boots before throwing them away or buying a new pair.
1. How To Fix a Crack or Split:
If your rubber boots have any cracks or splits then you can easily repair them and you dont even need any fancy equipment at all.
Your cracks and splits will be fixed very easily using very simple materials.
So let’s take see how you can fix this problem easily.
- Start your procedure by making soap water first. Now start cleaning the exterior part of your boots with this soapy water.
- Now use a piece of dry and clean fabric or towel and dry your boots properly.
- Look for all the cracks and holes. It might be possible that they need patching.
- Use painter’s tape around these holes or cracks.
- By taping them you can protect other areas of the shoes from being smudged.
- If any are requires gluing then make sure to sand it first.
- At the time of sanding be gentle otherwise, the exterior will be ruined.
- Make sure to wear gloves otherwise, it might be possible that some chemicals can ruin your hands.
- Stuff your boots with newspaper or normal paper so that the glue will not stick to the inside of the shoes at all.
- Apply an appropriate amount of glue to the cracks.
- For glue application, it’s better to use a brush.
- Remove the tape that you placed earlier.
- Let your boots completely dry for approx 24 hours.
Important Tip:
When you are applying the glue to the cracks dont apply the glue only on the cracks.
Slightly expand it at least by half an inch. By doing so the bonding becomes stiffer and better also the crack will not spread any further.
2. Repairs On The Go:
Imagine you are traveling and only have one pair of rubber shoes and they get cracks.
What will you do? You need something that is easy to use and works wonderfully and doesn’t require alot of this.
So in this situation using adhesive patches is the best option ever.
These patches keep your feet protected from getting wet and they are quite easy to use also.
Let’s see how can you use these patches easily,
- So where the cracks are present clean that area, repair it and then dry it using a clean dry fabric.
- Now apply the glue to the crack properly and then apply the patch on top of the glue.
- Press the boots all the way to the edge, putting some strong pressure on them.
- Improve your stick ability by repeatedly moving your fingers back and forth around the patch.
- Now wait for at least 5-10 minutes or until the patch is completely dry.
Important Tip:
You can prevent further cracking by expanding the glue beyond the split or crack.
If you see any defect make sure to resolve it as soon as possible.
Make sure the insides are properly dry otherwise the sole of your shoe might get damaged.
3. Professional Repairs:
There are times when you are unable to repair a crack or puncture. The shoes may end up severely damaged if you waste time and effort.
If you want the best bonding, it’s best to have the job done by a shoe cobbler.
Boots can be sized or stretched, cracks can be repaired, and even old shoes can be turned into something new.
I’m sure it’s worth the extra cost to have your shoes repaired by a cobbler.
4. Repairing A Separated Sole:
It is uncommon for your boots’ soles to separate from their uppers, but it will happen.
Luckily, urethane structural adhesives can be used to fix it easily. A flexible adhesive like Gorilla Super Glue Gel is also available, which creates a bond without clamping.
Let’s see how you can do it properly.
- Start the procedure by cleaning your boot thoroughly.
- Make sure your boot is not wet, moist, or damp at all.
- The glue should be applied to the soles and uppers at all the places where they come into contact.
- Now leave the glue for some time and let it dry properly.
Important Tip:
Prior to gluing a crack, sand the areas you need to glue so that the adhesive will bond more securely.
With a C-clamp, put strong pressure on the upper and sole of the shoe.
5. Taking Care Of Rubber Boot:
Rubber boots also need care just like other boots. You can extend their lifetime just by cleaning and conditioning them properly.
Below mention are some of the very useful ways that can help you alot in making your rubber shoes long-lasting.
Boot Cleaning:
After every use, it is extremely important to clean your boots. Make sure to clean the exterior of the boot so that the boot will remain in its tip-top condition for a longer time.
If you want to protect your boot from cracking or wearing then it’s recommended to clean them with the help of a sponge.
Use a good-quality sponge in order to clean all the mud, debris, and dirt from the rubber boot.
It might not be enough to clean your shoes completely with an outdoor hose.
The best results come from using dishwashing liquid and a boot brush scraper or brush.
Conditioning:
For prolonging the boot life it is extremely important to condition your boots properly. For proper conditioning, you can use these written below tips.
- Use a good quality conditioner that is appropriate for rubber boots. Condition your shoes after a couple of months or when there is a need for conditioning.
- Once you applied the conditioner now it’s time to wash the excess.
- After washing the excess conditioner you have to wait until the boot is completely dry.
- Do not use anything artificial or machinery for quick drying.
- Let the shoe soles and inside naturally dry.
- Do not use the boot if it is wet. Completely dry it before wearing.
- Do not expose your rubber boots to direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this may result in cracking or deterioration.
Storage:
Temperature changes will cause the boot to sink or stretch, so don’t let them outside.
Rather than storing them outside, keep them insulated. Hang the boots upside down or upright unless they will crack or split.
The last step in extending the life of your boots is to use a conditioner after frequent use.
6. Caring For The Inside of Your Rubber Boot:
Last but not least, you should pay attention to the inside of your boots. Despite keeping your feet dry, rubber boots can make them sweat and cause them to smell.
However, there is no need to worry! Vinegar can be used to eliminate nasty odors on your boots by spraying them in and allowing them to soak in.
Using a Shoe Odor Eliminator can also help eliminate foot odor.
In the event that the inside of your rubber boots gets wet, they will quickly deteriorate. If this happens, use a boot dryer or sachet of moisture absorber to prevent it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Also Read: Nubuck Vs Suede – What’s the Difference?
Wrapping it All Up!!
So I hope that finally, you understand how to repair rubber boots properly.
If there is anything that we missed then let us know in the comment section.