Repairable Shoes (for longer lasting footwear)

Get the best value from your footwear with repairable shoes

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with advertisements telling us to buy the latest and greatest fashion trends, it can be easy to forget that our clothing choices have a major impact on the environment. One way to reduce your fashion footprint is to purchase repairable shoes. Repairable shoes are those that can be easily repaired when they break, rather than being thrown away and replaced. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves you money in the long run.

In this article

• Are shoes repairable?
• Why do people repair shoes?
• Can I repair my own shoes?

Are shoes repairable?

Yes, absolutely! All types of shoes can be repaired. The most common repair that comes to mind is resoling boots that there are no limits. 

You can repair any kind of shoe. Think work boots, heels, sandals, sneakers, dress shoes, uggs, slippers, any footwear you can think of.

Depending on the type and extent of damage to a shoe, it can’t always be repaired however if you want to save the shoe, ask a cobbler what can be done. They are able work wonders and can replace or repair soles, heels, inner linings, insoles, straps, buckles, stitching, eyelets and elastic gussets as well as clean, polish and dye the exterior of shoes to improve their appearance.

You can even mail your shoes to be repaired with services like Sole Heeled. Just answer a few questions online to receive your quote and then drop off at the post office. Once they are carefully repaired, they will be posted back to you.

You may be wondering, can you repair rubber soled shoes as easily as leather or synthetic leather? Rubber soled shoes can be more difficult, particularly on sneakers when the soles may be integrated into the overall design but they still might be able to be repaired so ask around.

Why do people repair shoes?

There are many reasons to repair shoes. 

• If they are favourite shoes, then it’s worth repairing them rather than saying goodbye
• Repairing shoes can save money if it is less expensive than to replace them
• It can be easier than having to choose new shoes and then break them in
• It is far more environmentally friendly to repair shoes and use them for as long as possible than send them to landfill

The first pair of shoes I had repaired had only cost me $10 to buy new on sale but $30 to have the soles replaced. The cobbler tried to tell me it wasn’t worth it but I loved these shoes. They were so comfortable and matched almost any outfit. If I’d had to replace them, the new shoes may have been uncomfortable and probably would have cost more than $30 anyway so I actually thought it was a bargain to be able to continue wearing my tried and tested favourites.

That was well before I was eco conscious. More recently the sole on a boot of mine snapped in half. They were boots I don’t wear that often but I couldn’t stand the thought of putting them in the bin and adding to landfill so I got them resoled. As well as replacing the soles on both boots, they came back polished as well and looked fantastic so I was very pleased with the result.

When it comes to designer footwear, repairable shoes just make financial sense. It is far more cost effective to clean and repair shoes than to replace them.

Melbourne law graduate, Eugene Cheng has capitalised on the growing popularity of designer sneakers by opening The Sneaker Laundry. Check out their journey and purpose in the short video below.

Can I repair my own shoes? 

Thanks to the modern magic of YouTube, you can no doubt find a tutorial on how to do most types of shoe repairs. I’ve added a good one on using Shoe Goo for two different types of shoe repairs below.

Personally I would attempt some minor repairs myself, but many others such as resoling I would take to a cobbler. It is a skilled job and without any practice or the right tools, I’m fairly certain I would just ruin the shoes that I’m trying to save. But if you have confidence in your abilities then go for it and good luck.

How to repair a shoe with Shoe Goo

What has been your experience with repairing shoes? Let me know in the comments.

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• 10 Best Baby and Kids Second Hand Clothing Stores Online
• 8 Easy tips on how to dress your child more sustainably
• 40 Inspirational Sustainable Fashion Quotes
• Where to op shop online