Glueing shoe soles.

[ShaolinWood]

Hi all.
I've been glueing rubber back onto climbing shoes and approach shoes for decades and I think it's time to admit that I don't know what I'm doing LOL

I've always used Genkem Contact adhesive after spending hours cleaning the soles (I recently started using benzine to try and get all the residue off) then sanding everything and then coating each side with a thin layer of the sticky shit... then waiting for it to dry... then applying pressure.

Every time it sticks nicely and I think "Wow this time I got it good" but after one or 2 sessions or a hike with the approach shoes it just comes apart again.

One time I even tried Sika Flex. Also didn't hold.
All the DIY articles I can find online refers to glues and stuff you don't get in SA. Mostly US brand stuff...

I have 2 pairs of Guide Tennies here that are still good but the soles come off. 2 pairs of climbing shoes that can do a bunch of routes still... but I'm getting sick and tired of glueing after EVERY session.

If anyone has some solid experience or can point me to a better product than flipping Genkem I would much appreciate it.

[The Jimmy]

You would have probably seen a bunch of websites mentioning Gorilla Glue for shoe repair, it's a US product. Builders now stocks Gorilla Glue, so have a look there. Otherwise ask Durasole or Rocksole what they use, they've given me some product names many years ago which you could only buy in bulk back then, but maybe things have changed.

[ShaolinWood]

Thanks Niel! Yea I've heard of Gorilla glue! Will definitely go get some.

I've asked the guys at Rocksole in the past but they weren't too keen to give me info. I can't remember what they said but it might have been something like they get industrial stuff on order... to be honest I can't remember. I've had shoes repaired by Durasole too. They were good. just expensive...

[Russell Warren]

I have used conveyor belt glue for similar applications. It's a big tin with a small bottle of hardener. It was called belt weld, but don't see that particular brand available anymore, but a quick google search shows many similar alternatives. If you are going to buy this stuff, store the hardener in your fridge.

[ShaolinWood]

Thanks Russel. I'll look into that.
I can't find any Conveyer Belt glue specifically listed for sale locally online...

Although I did find this on Sika's website:
https://zaf.sika.com/en/solutions-for-p ... epair.html
Maybe I can ask Mica to source me some of that stuff. The SikaBond® R&B-200/210 actually looks like the perfect stuff!

[Russell Warren]

SikaBond R&B-210 looks like the business

[Garron]

I tried Gorilla glue on my approach shoes and this did not work.

[raphaeltube]

Woodheads (the leather place) in Town have some industrial looking glue for making shoes, but I haven't tried it myself.

[Delapeyrew]

Howzit
Woodheads in CT city centre are leather suppliers, they sell tools etc to folks doing leather work.
they have glues available that I have used which are industrial grade adhesives for shoes etc, this product has never failed me.
Its not expensive, I reckon that would be a good option.
The sales staff are very knowledgable and should have something for you. P.S the amount of pressure applied after glueing is important, using a small hammer to hammer the surface on the sole with the shoe over a support system ensures good adhesion.
Hope this helps
regards
Wayne