Good leather glue for vintage shoes?

[Atterbury Dodd]

Hi,

I got some vintage shoes recently and the little leather piece that your heal rests on on the inside is loose on both shoes. What kind of glue would be appropriate for this? Preferably something similar to what was used in vintage shoes, but doesn't have to be.

 

[Tomasso]

I would recommend taking them to a cobbler bit if you want to DIY this is the stuff to use.

 

[Corky]

The only type of glue to use on vintage shoes is BARGE CEMENT.

Barge Cement was probably the type of glue used when the shoe was being manufactured and it is definitely the type of glue to use when making a repair.

It has the property of retaining flexibility while maintaining a nearly permanent bond between two pieces of leather or leather and rubber, etc.

The package probably has the instructions for use, but here are the general directions:

Have a clean work area and be sure the surfaces to be cemented are clean. Also, be sure you are working in a well ventilated area.

Apply and spread the barge cement with a disposable brush or a disposable plastic knife or spoon. Apply the cement liberally to both of the surfaces to be bonded.

Let both glued surfaces stand for 15-20 minutes or so and then place together firmly and clamp the items into position.

If a clamp is impractical, apply a weight. If you are gluing heel pads into a pair of shoes or boots, a brick in each shoe will provide enough weight to insure the bond.

Let the project stand overnight.

* * * * *

Sources of Barge Cement:

Amazon

Filmtools

 

[Atterbury Dodd]

And how am I going to get a brick in the shoe?!!! I guess some kind of brick extension would be in order. I think I'll try that Barge cement. There are lots of ACE stores in driving range.

 

[Corky]

No problem. You remove the shoe laces, open up the shoe, glue the item, place it somewhere where it won't be disturbed overnight.

Then place a clean brick upright in the shoe or boot and balance the brick on it's small end standing up over the heel pad. You might want to place a rolled up newspaper or something under the front of each shoe to be sure that the weight of the brick stays back on the heel pad.

Also, you might want to consider replacing the heel pad with a new one so that the rubber pad beneath the leather has some life to it.

 

[Atterbury Dodd]

Thanks!!!