resoling shoes & worn out buckles

[Gwaihir]

Hi peregrinos,

After (mas o menos!) 800-900 km my HanWags are a bit worn. HanWag have a sold replacement program, but you'd have to send them the shoes... it takes way too much time! Anybody know if a local shoemaker can do the job?

The waist buckle on my Osprey pack is also starting to wear... maybe take that to the shoemaker as well?

These questions may seem irrelevant... I will be glad to have 100% functional gear for the remaider though. I will also ask a local shoemaker.

 

[MinaKamina]

You are funny, Gwaihir! Where are you now, somewhere in the middle of France? Find that chausseur there and show them your shoes and the buckle. If they stock VIBRAM soles, they can do it. If not, it may take time too.

You might also contact HanWag and ask them how long it would take for an emergency since you are on your way. And plan your break around it.

 

[dougfitz]

An alternative is to find a product like 'Shoe Goo'. While it is sold as an adhesive, it can be applied in thin layers to build up worn sole areas. I have used this to build up high wear areas of my work shoes. It might not have the same wear characteristics as the originals, but I have found it reasonably durable. There is a downside, and that is that each layer needs to set for 3-4 hours, and it is recommended to leave any repair 24 hours to set.

 

[t2andreo]

I have seen MANY field-expedient repairs using duck tape wrapped around a toe box... just sayin...

Dougfitz's Shoe Goo idea is also very good, if you can find it. It also helps if you have the time and ability to do this sort of repair properly. Not everyone can use these adhesives properly.

Absent that, look in a hardware or DIY store for waterproof contact cement / glue. This sort of adhesive requires a clean, dry surface to work properly.

Basically, you apply to both parts to be joined, then clamp, tape, wrap, tie them securely against one another. A 24-hour bond time is ideal, but 12-hours should work for more porous materials. Follow the package directions...

This said, once you get home, you can research vendors who do this sort of work. In my experience, most any hiking shoe or boot can be resoled.

Do an online search for hiking boot resoling. Here in the US, and in the UK as well, I know there are specialists who do this, even for the vulcanized sort of glued on soles that so many modern shoes and boots come with.

FYI, my first pair of Keen boots were resoled twice, before the upper finally started wearing through.

In addition to the above, a local shoe repair person, MIGHT be able to do a temporary repair that will hold you until you get home. The iffy thing here, is whether the temporary repair will ruin the shoe / boot for further and perhaps more appropriate repair or resoling.

Hope this helps.

 

[Gwaihir]

Thanks both! I hope I'm funny by nature and not due to oblivious-question-asking

I've managed in France gesturing with my hands and terrible French, but it's better to be a bit informed...

Good to know about the soles and the goo. Let's see if I can strategize a holiday for my shoes