If you love skateboarding, you know how important it is to take care of your gear. Shoe Goo has become a favorite for skateboarders everywhere. It helps make skate shoes last longer, even with tough skateboarding. People are choosing Shoe Goo for skateboarding more and more. It’s key to know how well it works and how to use it right.
Key Takeaways
- Shoe Goo is widely used for skate shoe repair and can be effective in extending the shoe’s lifespan.
- It offers a flexible, durable, and water-resistant coating suitable for various shoe materials like leather, canvas, suede, and rubber.
- The application process is straightforward but requires patience for curing, which could take up to three days for maximum bond strength.
- While generally effective, Shoe Goo may have limitations, such as reduced adhesion on damp surfaces or materials like acrylic and vinyl.
- The product has received high ratings for quality and shipping reliability from users, indicating general satisfaction with its performance.
What is Shoe Goo and How Does It Work?
In 1972, Lyman Van Vliet introduced Shoe Goo adhesive. It quickly became essential for making shoes last longer. Originally for tennis players, skateboarders soon loved it for its strength. But what makes Shoe Goo special, and how does it work?
Shoe Goo uses solvent evaporation to dry into a flexible rubber coat. It sticks to materials like leather and canvas, forming a tough bond. A full bond forms in 48 to 72 hours, handling rough conditions well.
Another big plus of Shoe Goo properties is its resistance to different temperatures. It works best between 50 to 90 ºF. Once dry, it resists water and temperatures from -40 to 180 ºF at times. This is great for skate shoes that often get damaged.
It’s made of synthetic rubber and chemicals like toluene. But, toluene can be harmful, causing birth defects as California warns.
Knowing how Shoe Goo works helps you fix and keep skate shoes longer. It’s sold in 1.0 fl oz and 3.7 fl oz sizes. Even a thin layer of Shoe Goo dries in hours, protecting shoes from water and damage.
Here’s a summary of Shoe Goo properties:
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ideal Application Temperature | 50 to 90 ºF (10 to 32 ºC) |
| Temperature Resistance | -40 to 180 ºF (-40 to 82 ºC) |
| Curing Time | 24 hours for initial bond, 48 to 72 hours for maximum strength |
| Water Resistance | Immediate upon curing |
| Available Sizes | 1.0 fl oz and 3.7 fl oz |
| Primary Components | Styrene-butadiene, toluene, solvent naphtha, and other solvents |
Shoe Goo in your toolkit not only makes skate shoes last but also saves money. Now you see why skaters and athletes highly prefer Shoe Goo adhesive.
Benefits of Using Shoe Goo for Skateboarding
Shoe Goo is great for skateboarders, helping make your skate shoes last longer. It creates a protective layer that keeps water and wear away. This is super useful since skate shoes often get damaged in areas like the toe and sole.
Skateboarders love how tough Shoe Goo is. It can fix tears and strengthen areas that might rip first. The top part of skate shoes gets hit hard during knee slides. Applying Shoe Goo there can keep your shoes from getting damaged.
Using Shoe Goo on the shoe’s top toe edge works better than duct tape. Duct tape needs changing often. Since good skate shoes cost about $80 and bad ones rip quickly, Shoe Goo saves money.
Shoe Goo keeps your shoes flexible but protected, which doesn’t mess with your skating. Being flexible helps with tricks and stunts. Also, it keeps laces from breaking, which happens a lot to skaters.
Use Shoe Goo on new shoes to stop damage before it happens. This makes them last longer. About 70% of skateboarders use it, especially on the toe part for fixes.
If you want to learn more about skateboarding shoes and if they’re good for walking, check out this resource.
How to Apply Shoe Goo Correctly
Applying Shoe Goo the right way can make your skateboarding shoes last longer. Start by making sure the area is clean and dry. This helps the Shoe Goo stick better and last longer.
Put a thin layer of Shoe Goo on the area you need to fix. You can use a wet finger or an ice cube to make the Goo smooth. This stops it from sticking to your skin. Keep adding layers until the repair is strong enough.
Letting the Shoe Goo dry properly is key. Wait at least 24 hours before you wear the shoes again. This waiting time ensures the repair is durable. Keep the area clean to avoid getting dirt in the Shoe Goo.
Here’s a tip: apply a little petroleum jelly on the Goo tube’s threads. This keeps the cap from getting stuck. Doing this makes it easier to use Shoe Goo next time.
By using these steps, you create a strong bond for your skateboarding shoes. This method works well for fixing both small and large damages. It helps you get the most out of Shoe Goo, a versatile adhesive.
Common Concerns About Shoe Goo
Many users have expressed concerns about Shoe Goo. One big worry is its safety due to toluene, a harmful chemical. To stay safe, use Shoe Goo in places with lots of fresh air and avoid touching it for too long.
People also wonder if Shoe Goo really works well. The truth is, how long it lasts depends on the item. Birkenstocks might only need fixing after many years, while kids’ shoes can last a bit longer with it. However, not every fix with Shoe Goo is permanent.
Sometimes, repairs only hold for a little while, making its reliability uncertain. Even so, investing around $7 for a tube of Shoe Goo could still save your favorite shoes.
Cleaning up after using Shoe Goo is another concern. You can use acetone or citrus solvents for wet glue, but dried glue has to be cut away. Being careful during use can prevent some of these cleanup issues.
Alternatives to Shoe Goo for Skateboarding
Shoe Goo is a top pick for fixing skate shoes, but many other options exist. Finding the right fix or adhesive depends on your skate style. Let’s look at some effective other skate shoe repair options.
Specially made skateboarding shoe glues are a great choice. Brands like Freesole and Seam Grip make strong, flexible adhesives. They can hold up as well as Shoe Goo during skateboarding.
Silicone-based products offer a different kind of fix. They’re good for small repairs because they make a flexible seal. Rubber cement is another option, but it’s not as strong or easy to use.
Choosing durable skate shoes is a smart move to avoid constant repairs. Brands like Nike, Adidas, FP Footwear, and Vans make shoes that last longer. They use strong stitching and thick soles, combining style with toughness.
Duct tape can also help in a pinch. It’s good for covering weak spots until you can find a better fix or get new shoes. This is a quick way to keep your shoes going a little longer.
Exploring alternatives to Shoe Goo and keeping up with shoe care will keep your skate shoes in great shape. This means better performance and protection for your feet.
Final Thoughts: Is Shoe Goo Right for You?
Is Shoe Goo good for your skate shoes? You need to think about its pros and cons. It makes your shoes last longer and is cheap, costing about $8. This is less than Tuff Toe, which is around $30 and is for tough use.
Bear in mind how you’ll apply Shoe Goo and what it’ll go through. It’s easy to use and fights off water. But, it’s not that great against chemicals and heat. Tuff Toe is stronger but needs special tools to apply. Still, many pick Shoe Goo for its ease and you can find it in stores like Walmart.
Shoe Goo is great for fixing skate shoes with issues like torn toe caps. Use it on spots that get a lot of wear to make shoes last longer. But, fix shoes in a spot with lots of air, and make sure the area you’re fixing is clean. If DIY projects are your thing, Shoe Goo might be perfect. To see how it works on different shoes, check out more opinions and advice here.
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!