How Do I Know if My Shoes Are Resoleable?

The question of whether a  shoe can be resoled or not depends entirely on the design and construction of the shoe. Blake stitch shoes, Goodyear welt shoes, most boots, hiker boots, sneakers are usually resolable.

How Do I Know if My Shoes Are Resoleable?

Regardless of whether a shoe can be resoled relies completely upon the design and the construction of the shoe. You might not be able to re-sole lower quality shoes, even if you can it will cost you more than the cost of the shoe. Nowadays retailers produce apparel with a short lifespan. Because of that people have to buy shoes more often or replace them with new ones. 

Most boots are resoleable. Also, you can replace the soles of most dress shoes, hiking boots & shoes, handmade shoes, and sneakers.

Also, it depends on the construction method of the shoe like cup sole, blake stitch, or Goodyear construction.

Goodyear welt shoes

The Goodyear welt shoes are one of the most popular and common methods of construction. In the case of Goodyear construction, a piece of leather is used or applied to the edge of the shoe where the outsole is connected to the upper. Then two separate stitches are used to attach the welt to the outsole, uppers, and insole. So, you can identify the Goodyear welt from its construction. These types of shoes are the easiest to re-sole.

Cup sole shoes

Shoes that utilize a cup sole normally can’t be resoled.  If you try to remove the rubber cup outsole it will destroy the leather, as it is permanently connected to the leather uppers by using cement. Shoes constructed through cup soles are less expensive and easier than blake stitch and Goodyear welt.

Blake stitch shoes

Blake stitch shoes can be re-soled. But it requires a specific Blake stitch machine for the cobbler which makes it costly and hard. The shoe’s uppers are directly stitched to the outsoles in Blake-stitched welt shoes.

How Often Do Shoes Need to Be Re-Soled?

Shoes can be re-soled usually 2 or 3 times at least, according to manufacturers. But if your shoes are still in better condition after that, you can still get them re-soled at a different cobbler. Some shoes may last quite a longer and some might wear out quickly. You might follow some easy indicators so that you know when to re-sole your shoes.

You should know if there is a hole in the sole, uneven sole wearing, water damage, or leather thinning. If you find one of those signs you need to re-sole your shoes.

Is It Worth Getting Shoes Resoled?

Repairing a pair of old shoes is always cheaper than buying new ones. Shoes can wear out in many ways and the way of repairing them might be costly sometimes depending on it. The bottom of the shoes can always be fixed if the uppers are fine. But you find the upper of the shoes cracking or drying out, then it is not worth repairing.

For lower-quality shoes, it might not be wise to get a sole replacement. The cost to replace the sole may be almost the same or even exceed the cost of the shoe, which doesn’t make any sense for the smart consumer. 

Signs of Resoling Shoes

Examine wrinkles/softness, look for holes, check the perimeter of the outsole for any welt exposed stitching. Also, check out water damage or splitting soles. There are some signs by which you can know when you need to re-sole your shoes. If your shoes indicate the signs below, it is time to re-sole your shoes.

Damage in the sole

The outsole which has contact with the ground protects the interior of the shoe. If your shoe has a hole or opening in the sole of your shoes, you need to repair this. Sometimes the damage might be beyond repair.

Sole parting

Sometimes the uppers of your shoes might come off the midsole. It becomes unwearable in such a condition. This is a sign that your shoes need immediate repair. Replacing the sole with a new one is a good way.

Unequal sole wearing

People have different weights and walking styles. This causes the sole of the high-quality shoes to wear out and it wears unevenly. Uneven wear will be a result of an overpronating gait, a supinating, or an under pronating gait. This is also a sign that your shoes need repair.

Leather thinning and water problem

If you feel wearing your shoes that the pavement feels a lot closer to the toes, you might need to get a resole. It means the leathers have become thinner. Water problems don’t quite happen much unless it’s the leather soles. Leather soles are helpless to water damage.

Cost of Resoling Shoes

The cost range of resoling shoes depends on some factors like what kind of material is put into them and the manual labor. The amount you will spend will depend on your cobbler. Though, on average people spend around $80-$150 on boot repair. Resoling Blake stitches constructed shoes are expensive because it needs a special blake stitch machine.

It is better if you call around the reputable cobblers in your area before re-soling so that you know what to expect. As Goodyear welt construction is easier to re-sole, you might have the option to escape the shoemaker with a bill on the lower end of the range. So, it is easier and cheaper when resoling Goodyear welt constructed shoes.

How Does Resoling Work?

First of all, you need to remove the stitches, then you need to remove the outsole from the midsole and insole. Now the area where the stitches were connected to the outsole needs to be cleared and prepared for a new sole. Now, attach the new sole with the same style of stitching. 

Check out this link below for more information and details procedures.

FAQ

Q: Can you re-sole rubber soles?

Ans: There are a few exceptions out there in the case of rubber sole resoling. Molded soles can be repaired such as Ecco, Hotters, K-Shoes, and Clarkes. Usually, some repairs are possible for rubber soles.

Q: What makes a high-quality shoe?

Ans: There is an exception in the high-quality shoes that it is always stitched. The upper and the outsole of the shoes are stitched together. A high-quality shoe is constructed through Goodyear welt, blake stitching, and storm welts. On the opposite, the glue shoes are cheaper and also easier to manufacture.

Conclusion

If you find that your worn-out shoe is resole-able and decide to re-sole it, the best thing you can do is to go out and find a fine-quality cobbler. Resoling your shoes is not just environment friendly, but also you can readjust the height and your custom-sole shoes will stand out from the others. Considering the cost and type of shoes, you should go for them if possible.