Suggestions needed to fix heal of cycling shoe
#1
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Suggestions needed to fix heal of cycling shoe
After just under 40,000km my cycling shoes have developed holes where the back of my achilles tendon hits the shoe. I suspect I have some funny movement in my foot b/c my running shoes all wear out in pretty much the same location. As this is the only part that is wearing out on my shoes, I am look for suggestions on how to repair my shoes. I went to my tailor who is jack of all trades. She suggested just putting duct tape on there. Not a terrible idea, but I am worried that a) the rubbing of my foot - which has caused the hole in the first place - will just rub on the tape causing the tape to slide sideways leaving b) a gummy and gooey residue. Especially during the heat when combined with sweat.
Any suggestions? Here is what the problem is. Thank you.
Any suggestions? Here is what the problem is. Thank you.
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Don’t worry what it might do. Try it and see what it does do. Although I might try clear packing tape first.
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A thin layer of Shoe Goo or a similar epoxy will seal the damage and help prevent further deterioration. That same thing happens to my shoes, occasionally. I used Shoe Goo for many things, it works.
https://www.amazon.com/Repair-Adhesi.../dp/B002L9AL84
https://www.amazon.com/Repair-Adhesi.../dp/B002L9AL84
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I had to convert km to miles, but IMHO you got pretty good life out of those. But if you are going to try to mitigate any more wear, I would use something that will wear easier than your socks to avoid potential blisters and such. Perhaps a cloth tape.
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I don’t think there’s anything unusual about that type of wear… My MTB shoes are wearing in that manner after about the same mileage. I notice it when I look at them, but they still work just fine. One of my pairs of road shoes is far more worn in that area, but still works just fine.
So here is my question for you: is this causing you any actual problem?
So here is my question for you: is this causing you any actual problem?
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My Shimano touring shoes have similar but more extensive damage. I used denim-type iron on patches to bridge the gaps. It has held up well for a couple years so far and is not noticable in feel.
I have also had to sew the tongues back together and used plastidip on the outside of the toes, but they still function fine after countless miles on (and off) the bike.
I have also had to sew the tongues back together and used plastidip on the outside of the toes, but they still function fine after countless miles on (and off) the bike.
#7
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I concur with the Shoo Goo suggestion above. But…just wondering if that’s your sock rubbing there, or your bare skin? If it’s bare skin, depending on how smooth/rough the Goo is applied…it might cause skin irritation. You might consider a sock that covers the area if it is bare.
Dan
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In the spirit of Red Green up in Possum Lake, Canada, the correct fix should be duct tape.
Not sure about that location though. Might make your heel slip. But I've used it inside the upper part of the toe box to keep my big toe from poking through.
Not sure about that location though. Might make your heel slip. But I've used it inside the upper part of the toe box to keep my big toe from poking through.
Last edited by Iride01; 05-17-22 at 09:28 AM.
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I've used moleskin to fix similar problems before. Hadn't thought about duck tape!
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too slippery - creates more 'movement' which is the opposite of what is preferred. and it will certainly 'crease' when you tried to bend into a curve.
moleskin would be my preferred repair - used same on a particularly favored pair of hiking boots.
But did have to replace every 15-20 hrs of hiking... moleskin adhesive is not intensed to be permanent.
maybe some other adhesive fabric with soft surface - cordura would be to rough/abrasive for me. Denim as someone suggested - worth a shot, as what 'feels' and works without creating irritation is likely a very personal thing.
Ride On
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I'd still like to know of this normal wear and tear has any practical effect on the shoe's functionality.
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Leather seat repair kit?
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Last edited by seypat; 05-18-22 at 08:57 AM.
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Does it also work on the fabric heel liner down lower in the shoe?
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#20
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Great suggestions everyone. Thank you!
Leading _ForceD_ The rubbing is a sock. Not bare skin.
SalsaShark where did you get your iron on patches?
The shoe goo suggestion is a simple solution too. I'll have to see about picking some up.
Thanks!
Leading _ForceD_ The rubbing is a sock. Not bare skin.
SalsaShark where did you get your iron on patches?
The shoe goo suggestion is a simple solution too. I'll have to see about picking some up.
Thanks!
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I rub in plain white glue to saturate the foam and shape it a little before it dries. After drying I cover the area with smooth tape so its not rough on my socks. Thing is to catch it as soon as possible. After repairing you can also place an inverted heel cup to cover the rough edge of the shoe.
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Does no one sew anymore? It's fabric, sew a piece in, or stretch what is remaining and sew it closed. Five minute job. If you want to get fancy, learn how to darn and darn it like you do socks.
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SalsaShark where did you get your iron on patches?
Thanks!
Thanks!
I used an iron and hair drier to install. Now that I think about it, heating up a piece of iron pipe or something similar might have made installation a bit easier in an area not conducive to using a flat iron.
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SalsaShark Thank you. I will check out Walmart. Although I am going to give the Shoe Goo a go first.
phughes I did try that option first. I went to my tailor - who is a master of all things fabric - and her suggestion was to use duct tape.
I think I am going to give the Shoe Goo a go first. Now here is my second question...
How does the Shoe Goo work? I have a bit of stuffing protruding from the whole on each side of my shoe. Do I just stuff that back in and then apply the Goo? Do I shave that foam off and then apply the Goo? Other?
Thank you.
phughes I did try that option first. I went to my tailor - who is a master of all things fabric - and her suggestion was to use duct tape.
I think I am going to give the Shoe Goo a go first. Now here is my second question...
How does the Shoe Goo work? I have a bit of stuffing protruding from the whole on each side of my shoe. Do I just stuff that back in and then apply the Goo? Do I shave that foam off and then apply the Goo? Other?
Thank you.
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SalsaShark Thank you. I will check out Walmart. Although I am going to give the Shoe Goo a go first.
phughes I did try that option first. I went to my tailor - who is a master of all things fabric - and her suggestion was to use duct tape.
I think I am going to give the Shoe Goo a go first. Now here is my second question...
How does the Shoe Goo work? I have a bit of stuffing protruding from the whole on each side of my shoe. Do I just stuff that back in and then apply the Goo? Do I shave that foam off and then apply the Goo? Other?
Thank you.
phughes I did try that option first. I went to my tailor - who is a master of all things fabric - and her suggestion was to use duct tape.
I think I am going to give the Shoe Goo a go first. Now here is my second question...
How does the Shoe Goo work? I have a bit of stuffing protruding from the whole on each side of my shoe. Do I just stuff that back in and then apply the Goo? Do I shave that foam off and then apply the Goo? Other?
Thank you.
Duct tape would be a really poor way to repair them. I love Shoe Goo, and use it for repairing soles, but I wouldn't use it on that. Good luck whatever you try. If you can eek out more miles from the shoe whatever you do will be worth it.
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