Having the right glue is crucial for fixing shoes. Shoe Goo and Super Glue are top choices, with unique benefits. Knowing what each glue does can help you pick the perfect one for any shoe problem.
Shoe Goo uses and Super Glue for shoes are not the same though they might look it. Super Glue dries fast and holds tight for quick fixes. But it’s stiff. Shoe Goo takes longer to dry but stays flexible, which is great for bigger shoe repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Super Glue dries within seconds to minutes, making it suitable for quick, minor repairs.
- Super Glue forms a hard, rigid bond, which may not be suitable for flexible materials.
- Shoe Goo is a rubber-based adhesive that remains flexible after curing.
- Shoe Goo is waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor shoes like hiking boots.
- Choosing the best glue for footwear involves considering the type of shoe and the extent of damage.
What is Shoe Goo?
Shoe Goo is a strong adhesive made for fixing shoes. It’s great because it’s waterproof and flexible, perfect for making shoes last longer. You can find it in two sizes, 1.0 fl oz and 3.7 fl oz. It works well on many materials like rubber, leather, canvas, and vinyl-plastic.
Shoe Goo works best when it’s between 50 to 90 ºF. It begins drying in about 30-60 seconds. For thin coats, let each layer dry for 3 to 4 hours. For the strongest bond, wait 48 to 72 hours. Once it’s fully dry, Shoe Goo can handle temperatures from -40 to 180 ºF.
Shoe Goo is not like other glues because it’s flexible, not stiff. This is why it’s awesome for fixing shoes. It can even fix the bottom of a size 7.5 women’s shoe with just one tube. This means you can wear your shoes longer, often up to six more months.
To clean Shoe Goo before it dries, use a bit of acetone or citrus solvent. If it’s already dry, you might have to cut or scrape it off. Even though it can be messy and leave behind a residue, it’s awesome for more than just shoes. You can fix jewelry or seal cracks in plastic with it.
People really like Shoe Goo, even though there are quicker glues out there. Its strong, waterproof bond is perfect for lots of projects. Compared to Gorilla Glue, Shoe Goo takes longer to dry but gives you a repair that can stretch and move with your shoes.
What is Super Glue?
Super glue, or cyanoacrylate glue, is a must-have in many homes because it bonds things super fast. It sets in seconds to minutes, perfect for quick repairs. Unlike other glues, it forms strong, lasting bonds with what it touches.
It’s often used to fix broken ceramics, plastics, and metal parts. But, remember, super glue can get brittle with time. It’s less useful when you need something flexible or for outdoor use.
In the shoe repair world, Loctite Shoe Glue and Shoe-Fix Glue are top picks. They’re flexible and reliable, unlike regular super glue. For more on shoe glues, check out more info here.
Despite getting brittle, super glue’s quick to set. It’s perfect for sealing cracks or sticking small parts quickly. Yet, for bigger repairs needing more give, other glues might work better.
Here’s a brief look at how different adhesives stack up:
| Adhesive Type | Quick-Drying | Flexibility | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate) | Yes | No, can become brittle | Minor repairs, small components |
| Shoe Goo | No, longer curing time | Yes, remains flexible | Shoe soles, flexible parts |
| Gorilla Glue | No, requires clamping | Moderate, better than super glue | Wood, metal, hard materials |
Choosing the right glue depends on your project’s needs. For rapid fixes, super glue is excellent. But Shoe Goo or Gorilla Glue might be better for flexible or stress-heavy repairs.
Key Ingredients in Shoe Goo and Super Glue
Knowing what makes Shoe Goo and Super Glue work is key to using them right. Shoe Goo uses urethane for strength and flexibility. It’s great for fixing things that get a lot of use. It’s waterproof and can handle both hot and cold, making it perfect for heavy-duty repairs.
Super Glue, or cyanoacrylate, works super fast. It’s a favorite for quick fixes because it dries almost instantly. Brands like Loctite and Gorilla Super Glue Gel dry in just seconds and are fully strong in less than a day.
Shoe Goo takes more time to dry but it’s worth the wait. For example, the Shoe Goo Repair and Protective Coating needs up to three days to cure fully. During this time, it forms a durable and flexible bond, especially good for fixing shoes.
Neoprene cement is another important ingredient in some shoe glues. It creates a strong, waterproof bond and is used by many shoe makers. Products like Gear Aid AquaSeal SR Shoe Repair Adhesive use neoprene and cure in 8 to 12 hours. This makes them a solid choice for fixing different types of shoes.
In the debate of cyanoacrylate vs rubber-based glue, it’s about the job and materials. Cyanoacrylate is fast but rubber-based glues like neoprene offer durability and flexibility. What you choose depends on what you need to fix.
Adhesion Strength: Shoe Goo vs Super Glue
Understanding the adhesive strength of different glues is crucial for shoe repairs. Comparing Shoe Goo and Super Glue shows some important differences that could sway your choice.
Shoe Goo is a flexible, strong adhesive for shoes that bend and flex. It’s great for rubber and leather, resisting impacts and stress well. It also becomes waterproof but takes about 24 hours to fully set, which may be too slow for some.
Super Glue offers a super strong bond quickly for various materials. Its strength is nearly 4,000 psi and it cures in seconds. But, it can become brittle and less durable under stress over time.
Here’s a comparison of their bond strengths:
| Adhesive Type | Tensile Strength (psi) | Materials Bonded | Curing Time | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoe Goo | Effective for footwear applications | Rubber, Leather | Approx. 24 hours | Yes |
| Super Glue | 3,000 – 4,000 | Plastic, Metal, Rubber | Seconds | No |
Each glue has its advantages based on this comparison. Shoe Goo provides lasting flexibility. Super Glue offers a fast fix but may not last as long under stress.
Choose according to your needs, whether you prefer Shoe Goo’s durability or Super Glue’s speed.
Flexibility and Durability: A Comparison
Choosing the right flexible adhesive for shoes is important. It ensures the repair lasts a long time. There are many products with different benefits, especially regarding flexibility and durability.
Shoe Goo is made for fixing shoes and keeps 95% of its flexibility after drying. A review showed it filled a hole well, making a repair last through many walks. Shoe Goo is a top choice for flexible shoe adhesives.
Gorilla Glue is known for resisting water and temperature changes. One person fixed a shoe sole with it, and it held up for a year, even in rain. This makes it great for anyone needing strong, lasting glue.
Ripcare Shoe Glue is for skateboarders and repels water while staying flexible. Shoe-Fix Shoe Glue is quick to dry and waterproof, making it popular among various shoe adhesives.
Gear Aid Shoe Repair is suited for tough repairs, like fixing soles on trail running shoes used in the Alps. La Tim’s Shoe Glue has a precision tip and excellent waterproofness for detailed repairs.
Boot Fix Glue is favored by professionals for many repairs, and Geist Leather Glue dries to a strong, odorless material for fixing split leather.
These adhesives are strong in different ways, depending on how you want to use them:
| Glue Type | Key Feature | User Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Shoe Goo | 95% flexibility retention | High |
| Gorilla Glue | Waterproof & temperature-resistant | High |
| Ripcare Shoe Glue | Water-repellent & elastic | Medium |
| Shoe-Fix Shoe Glue | Quick drying & waterproof | High |
| Gear Aid Shoe Repair | Heavy-duty | Very High |
Your choice depends on what the shoes will go through and the kind of repair needed. Whether you need flexibility, quick-drying, or strength, picking the right glue ensures a durable repair.
Cost-Effectiveness: Which Is Better?
Looking for a cost-effective glue for shoes? It’s important to compare different glues. Shoe Goo, Gorilla Glue, and Loctite Shoe Glue are top picks because they’re cheap and last long.
Shoe Goo and Gorilla Glue cost about $8 each. Loctite Shoe Glue is a bit cheaper at $6.58. New shoes, however, can set you back $50 to $100 or more. So, using affordable shoe repair solutions makes so much sense financially.
NuShoe has fixed over 5 million shoes since 1994. They say fixing shoes can add 50% more life to them. This could save you lots of money, instead of buying new pairs.
Let’s break it down:
- Shoe Goo: Average Amazon rating of 4.5/5, priced at $8
- Gorilla Glue: Average Amazon rating of 4.6/5, priced at $8, dries clear and is 100% waterproof
- Loctite Shoe Glue: Cures in 24 hours, effective on leather and rubber, priced at $6.58
- Shoe-Fix Shoe Glue: Bonds almost instantly and can be handled in 10-45 seconds, priced at $14 (discounted from $20), average Amazon rating of 4.5/5
- Gear Aid Shoe Repair: Average Amazon rating of 4.4/5, priced at $9
Fixing your shoes with these affordable shoe repair solutions is smart. You’ll save money and help the planet by reducing waste.
How to Choose Between Shoe Goo and Super Glue
Choosing the right glue for fixing shoes depends on knowing about each glue’s special features and uses. It’s important to think about what your shoe is made of and how you use it. Shoe Goo and Super Glue are popular, but they’re used differently.
Shoe Goo is made for shoes and is both flexible and strong. It stays bendy after it dries, which is important for parts of the shoe that move, like soles. Shoe Goo also doesn’t let water through, so it’s great for shoes worn outside. Super Glue dries quickly and is best for fast fixes. But, it doesn’t bend well and can break if the shoe needs to flex.
Knowing how to use Shoe Goo and Super Glue can make your repairs last longer. Shoe Goo takes up to 3 days to dry completely, so you have to wait. Super Glues like Gorilla Super Glue Gel or Loctite Super Glue dry in seconds but need a day to cure fully. But, Super Glue’s hardness can be a problem for parts of the shoe that bend.
Think about what your shoe repair needs. For shoes that get a lot of wear or are used outdoors, Shoe Goo is best. For quick fixes on parts of the shoe that don’t need to flex, use Super Glue. Picking the right glue means your shoes will last longer and work better.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!