NoWhammies

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.

indyfabz

Don’t worry what it might do. Try it and see what it does do. Although I might try clear packing tape first.

delbiker1 

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

Chuck M 

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.

Koyote

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?

SalsaShark

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.

_ForceD_

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

Iride01 

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.

pdlamb

I've used moleskin to fix similar problems before. Hadn't thought about duck tape!

cyclezen

I'm a big Duct tape guy, but not in this case.
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
Yuri

Koyote

I'd still like to know of this normal wear and tear has any practical effect on the shoe's functionality.

SalsaShark

It is not that the shoe doesn't function, but the worn area will abrade and prematurely wear holes in the back of the wearer's socks.... and I hate worn out socks!

Koyote

Has that been your actual experience, or are you speculating? Because my socks are all just fine:

gringomojado

If'n you wanna HEAL the HEEL use the Goo not the DUCT tape

gm

seypat

Leather seat repair kit?

pdlamb

Uh, what? Link, please!

seypat

Also found in auto parts stores.

https://www.amazon.com/Car-Upholster...ir+Kit+Leather

pdlamb

Looks like I need to stay up later at night to watch TV.

Does it also work on the fabric heel liner down lower in the shoe?

seypat

I don't know. I haven't tried it there.

NoWhammies

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!

zandoval 

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.

phughes

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.

SalsaShark

I purchase my patches at a local JoAnn fabric store. I imagine if your local Wal Mart has a craft section, they would have a similar product, but any fabric or sewing shop should be able to accommodate.
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.

NoWhammies

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 wouldn't go to a tailor, I would do it myself in about five minutes. I once wanted a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers shoes, but I have two toes on both feet that are webbed. There is a local shoe repair shop I have used for years for new soles on boots, and other shoe repair, they are very good at what they do. I asked them to open the two toes and sew them up so I could use the Vibram Five Fingers. They agreed. About a week or so later they called and shirt they couldn't do it. They recommended buying a pair of water shoes. I took the Vibrams home and did them myself. It took me about and hour. That was probably 15 years ago and I still have them, and the modification held up. People don't generally want to do anything that is outside the norm for their business. The tailor generally hems pants, dresses, and takes in pants, or dresses, sews buttons on, that sort of thing. They are probably clueless when it comes to thinking outside their little world. I grew up with a mom that taught us to sew, because she grew up needing to in order to have clothes. I am thankful she taught me that skill. I'm not great at it, but I can make small repairs when I travel, or repair things like the shoe you have.

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.