Which adhesive to use for shoemaking?

Shoe glues are a must for every shoemaker and repair shop. There’s a wide range of shoe adhesives, each with different properties depending on the shoe material.

Which cobbler’s adhesive is right for you? How many types of shoe adhesive are there? What are the characteristics of each type of shoe adhesive?

Know your shoe material

When deciding on the type of adhesive to use, it’s important to consider the material you’ll be working with. For example, if you work with leather, choose a shoe adhesive designed for leather. It’s important to remember that the choice of shoe material will have an impact on the adhesive you use to reattach a sole, for example. Here is a list of shoe materials and their respective characteristics:

• Leather: this includes, for example, suede and nubuck, which are both different types of leather. A good adhesive for leather shoes needs to be flexible and able to resist moisture well.
• Microfibers, which can be classified into different categories according to the way the fibers are woven together, making glue adhesion more difficult than on leather. It’s best to choose an adhesive that bonds well with the microfiber so that your shoes will last over time!
• Shoe soles, most of which are made of rubber, need special attention when gluing. Rubber is a material that tends not to adhere well, so it needs to be treated with a halogen primer and a clear primer to change the polarity of the substrate and enable an adhesive to adhere to the rubber. Once the rubber has been treated, you’ll need an adhesive with a high adhesion capacity to bond the shoe soles.

The different types of shoe adhesive

There are many types of adhesive for repairing shoes. There are special adhesives for leather, while others are designed to be applied to other materials.

Hot-melt adhesives

Initially solid before melting under the effect of temperature (generally above 100°C), hot-melt adhesives are applied to the substrate in a liquid state, then solidify as they cool. The phenomenon is reversible, as the adhesive will become liquid again if it is exposed to high temperatures again. This adhesive is ideal for leather, but can also be used for other materials such as fabrics and plastics, as it ensures an instant bond without damaging the two materials involved in the process.

Contact adhesives

In addition to enabling rapid assembly and high initial bonding performance, contact adhesives are transparent, so they won’t damage shoe finishes. Apply glue with an applicator brush or by pouring it from a container onto the surface to be joined: this is known as “spot gluing”. Spot gluing lets you place a thin layer of glue where you need it, without wasting any product. This type of adhesive works well with leathers, suedes and fabrics because it dries quickly and does not penetrate deeply into these materials.

Polyurethane adhesives

Polyurethane adhesives are strong and flexible. They work well at high temperatures and are particularly recommended for outdoor use, thanks to their high tolerance to humidity. They can be used on rubber or leather, making them ideal for the shoemaking industry.

EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)

This is a synthetic rubber used by shoe manufacturers to bond the upper to the outsole. Generally speaking, the insoles are EVA supports. These adhesives are generally flexible, durable and lightweight, making them ideal for sports shoes. They provide a watertight seal that extends the life of the shoe by preventing moisture from penetrating.

Remember: it’s best to decide in advance what material you’re going to work with, and then choose the best option for you. To find out which adhesive is best suited to your needs, visit the A’Lineo range.