Mending a walking boot

[Murmansk]

A friend has asked me to mend her walking boots - see photo

They're Berghaus but at the lower end of the quality range I think. I've approached a company who repair boots but they say they can't re-sole them due to their design.

As you can probably see from the photo I've peeled the heel off as rather than being solid rubber it's got a core of foam. The foam core has started to disintegrate. If you put it all back in place it looks great but of course is not wearable.

I've said I think it's hopeless but have offered to have one last go at a repair.

I'm thinking of trying to solidify the disintegrating foam core with a generous application of Gorilla Glue then glue the rubber edge back to the upper with some high viscosity superglue.

Any other ideas?

[GB]

You should have stopped after saying it's hopeless. I hope she's a very, very good friend. ;)

I don't think that will last. Are you doing the same to both boots?

[Tim+]

Gorilla glue sounds good. You might also consider ?Shoe Goo?.

If there?s enough ?meat? left on the soles I?d say it was definitely worth a go, especially if the Goretex lining is still doing its job.

I would also try contacting Berghaus/Blacks with pictures (or just take them into a Blacks store) if they?re not too old. A sole really shouldn?t become detached like that.

Tim

[newshound]

Another +1 for shoe goo rather than gorilla glue.

[Brian Gaff]

Cannot see it of course but is it one of those where the inside sole shows the other side of the foam? If so then what about that foam all the double glazers use to fill nasty holes, OK it expands but then cut it with a sharp knife then reattach the sole? On the other hand get some new boots! Brian

[Richard]

A glove is more suitable.

[rick]

There are a few companies that specialise in walking boots. I had new Vibram soles pyt on my boots ... great service - picked up leaflet on service in local branch of Millets

[Murmansk]

Yes, but as I said further up the thread, the design of these cheapo ones is such that they can't mend them

[ARW]

I don't know how much they cost but I only expect 8 to 10 months out of a pair of £50 work boots.

[Andrew]

I am lucky to get 6 months out of a pair of modern 'trainers' because I walk a lot, on and off pavements, even if I select Vibram soles.

The latest pair, which have lasted longer than normal were £35 cheapies in Milletts, which is a surprise.

Brasher used to repair their shoes/boots and they had that spongy interlayer between boot and sole.

Apparently, safety *boots* have no VAT, but safety shoes do have VAT. I have bought the latter in the past and they have been quite good for general use, but when I try to get a replacement the design has changed, or Scats has stopped selling them, or whatever.

[Jim K..]

Buy her a new pair.

Even if it "works" they'll feel & behave differently, it'll be (literally) like wearing odd shoes...