How to Fix Climbing Shoes With Glue

Rock-climbing shoes scrape and twist against hard, rough surfaces, so patching any holes or tears in the rubber offers only a temporary fix. If you’re handy with tools, you can replace damaged or worn soles yourself. The task isn’t easy, but you’ll get the satisfaction of seeing and feeling your work whenever you climb on a wall.

Things You'll Need

  • Resoling kit containing sole rubber and shoe glue or cement
  • Utility knife
  • Rubber gloves
  • Duct tape
  • Electric stove or heat lamp
  • Belt sander
  • Pliers
  • Mallet
  • Wire brush
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Instructions

  1. Removal

    • 1

      Slice a line across the midpoint on the sole, using a utility knife. Most wear and tear occurs on the front part of the sole. That is what you’ll replace.

    • 2

      Hold the bottom of the shoe three to five inches over an electric stove for at least 30 seconds to melt the existing glue. If you don't have an electric stove, use a heat lamp to melt the glue.

    • 3

      Pinch the damaged section of the sole with pliers and remove it.

    Replacement

    • 4

      Trace a pattern of your shoe’s front half on a piece of rubber from the kit. Cut a piece that’s at least 1/4 inch larger than the outline.

    • 5

      Clean the shoe rubber where the new sole will be attached to aid in bonding.

    • 6

      Stuff newspaper or a rag in the shoe’s toe area.

    • 7

      Don gloves. Dab glue onto the new sole and on the shoe rubber where it will attach. Use your fingers to spread the glue evenly.

    • 8

      Remove the gloves, attach the new sole to the shoe, and press down on the shoe for a minute or two, working your way around the edges.

    Finishing

    • 9

      Pound the shoe with a mallet for a few minutes to increase bonding.

    • 10

      Tightly wrap the shoe in duct tape and let it dry overnight.

    • 11

      Trim the excess rubber from the new sole. Secure the shoes in a vice or clamp and smooth the edges with a belt sander.

    • 12

      Scrape a wire brush across the bottom of the new sole to enhance the traction.