barbaral@tekig1.UUCP (Barbara Lee) (03/23/84)
Many of my friends are unaware of a useful product, so I thought I'd tell you on the net about it also. It is Shoe-Patch, or Shoe-Goo (those are brand names, and there may be others). It comes in a tube, and is like thick rubber cement. I wear down my shoes in particular areas, and use the shoe-goo to build the soles back up in those places. So many times, the sole of my shoes on the outer edge of the heel wears down first, and the rest of the shoe is still in great shape. Here are some tips to make the shoe-goo stick well. Roughen up the sole of your shoe where you plan to patch it up. I use a piece of "dragon skin" that dad gave me. It's like a piece of sandpaper made out of metal. Next clean the area with rubbing alcohol to get the grease and dirt off. Spread a thin layer of shoe-goo on, and with a firm stick, work the shoe-goo into the little scratches were where you roughened the sole up. This will help it stick on better. Then go ahead and build up the sole how you want it. The extra little steps above take time, but the shoe-goo sticks on much better if you do it this way. Shoe-goo is available at some shoe repair stores, athletic/sports stores (I think runners use it), and at some department stores in the sporting goods section (people use it to repair other things too). It is about $3.25 for a 5 oz. tube. It has extended the life of many of my shoes... and with the price of good shoes today, this has saved me money. p.s. Dad likes Shoe-Patch brand better, but I can't find it around here. He said the shoe patch isn't quite as runny and is easier to work with.
2141smh@aluxe.UUCP (henning) (03/26/84)
Regarding Shoo-Goo: the first time I used it on my running shoes it worked perfectly. Then I tried to use it a couple years later and it wouldn't adhere even though the surface was prepared the same way. MORAL: Don't buy any more than you need. It degrades after you open it.