Gluing Things To Leather

[cavx]

Over the past few months, I have been doing a NIKE MAG build. Initially the project started out as an "enhancement" of an existing shoe and over time, grew into a complete scratch build.

This is where I am up to now.

There is no sole as yet. They are made, I just have not worked out how to attach them to the uppers, and the reason for this thread.

The uppers are leather (kangaroo skin), the trim, tongue and strap is leatherette and the other parts are heat formed plastic (ABS and PVC).

I have used Shoe Goo to attach the Heel Cup to the heel. Whilst it seems that it has adhered well, it is not stuck down as well as I would like and may work loose over time. Part of this is due to not enough glue under the part and I think the only way I will get the glue in there without mess is to use a syringe.

Q: What I am really wanting to know is when I go to glue these uppers to the soles, will the Shoe Goo work or will I need something else? If I need something else, what do you guys recommend?

Yes I want to be able to wear these and not just display them.

 

[Deelite]

The best way, is traditional, actually sewing the leather to the sole. You can use the Shoe goo to do the initial adhering, but sew the leather to the sole. You can do this from inside the shoe (if you don't want the thread to be seen).


here are some resources:
http://www.marywalesloomis.com/page05.html
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=242.0
http://www.simpleshoemaking.com/

 

[third3ye]

They make glue designed specifically for leather shoes, you can try those. The problem with using most cement adhesives is that they don't flex as much and when wearing shoes, it's going to move around a bit.

I've actually used Gorilla Glue on 2 pairs of workout shoes to do minor repairs on outer soles that were starting to come loose, works great, you can try that. And GG works fine on leather, from my experience with it.

 

[Frantic Hedgehog]

Today I've been using some spray on carpet adhesive to stick some fabric to some leather. Worked a dream.

 

[cavx]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I might even ask Mr Minute (local shoe repair guy) today and see what they suggest.

 

[Grave]

you need to find something all purpose that will stick to smooth surfaces. i have 2 pairs of leather boots that i tried gluing to. i lucked out one time with hotglue for foam. but the other time i got some sort of epoxy that was a pain to use and smelled really bad.
my suggestion is email glue companies and ask them.
ive been told it my entire working career, but now that im costuming i know better.
always consult the manufacturer and follow directions, they know their product.

 

[moviebuff5]

I think the shoe shop used Barge cement to glue my shoes back together when the sole started separating. It worked much better than the contact cement I tried, but from what I remember from a discussion at Tandy Leather, Barge is a restricted sale item (requires a business license). They make a version for consumers, but I don't know if it is as good.

 

[cavx]

I have a pair of Jordan 8s (that I really like) which began separating from their sole at the toe. I tried a heap of different glues and none worked. Last night I used that horrid brown liquid nails and today it seems to have bonded and is not letting go. Thoughts?

 

[cavx]

OK Soles are done so this is where I am now.

I noticed today when removing the original PVC uppers that the centre of the stitched soles are cut out. I have made my leather sole as one full piece. Do I simply cut a slot out to allow me to reach in and push the sole to the inside edges of the molded rubber soles?