I know there’s a place for a great pair of boots. They aren’t just outfit pieces; they are a partner on your daily trips, a protector against the climate, and a reflection of your own particular style. It was no surprise then when the soles of my summer Danner boots nearly peeled off completely.
Understanding the Problems and the Solution
Why does the insole separate? This is a fancy word for when the sole of the shoe has detached itself from the rest of the boot for what can be a variety of reasons. If it was, maybe too close to a campfire where the heat has melted the glue that held it together. It may be due to heavy usage (the glue and materials wore out). It could be just a manufacturing flaw, perhaps. Whatever the cause, it is a problem that needs solving if you want to keep your boots in action.
It seems to be more like, ‘Couldn’t I just slap some rubber cement on it and call it a day? Or, you could have, but if you’re looking for something that’ll last, you want something a little sturdier. Put in GEAR AID Aquaseal SR Shoe Repair Adhesive. This isn’t traditional glue; this is a flexible rubber glue specifically designed to repair footwear. This stuff is waterproof, clear, and abrasion resistant, as well as permanent, and it won’t crack or peel over time. So that means one fix of your boots in life and no weeping over them giving out again.
Essential Supplies for Repairing Your Danner Boots
Let’s first talk about what you need to do to repair the boot before we get into the weeds. Here’s your shopping list:
- GEAR AID Aquaseal SR Shoe Repair Adhesive
- Isopropyl alcohol (max 70%)
- Cleaning cloth or brush
- Application brush
- Duct tape
- Sandpaper (for sole repairs)
Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Danner Boots
With these supplies in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle the four basic types of shoe repair: Usually, you’ll be repairing delaminating soles, sealing leaks, rebuilding worn soles and heels, and rands and boot panels.
As we’ve come to realize the need to properly care for your boots and ignore the misleading promise of a quick rubber cement fix, let’s dive into a step-by-step guide for fixing your Danner boots. It’s important to remember, however, that the end goal is to offer a permanent solution to your delaminating soles rather than just a temporary patch-up. So, let’s take that, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
How to Repair Delaminating Soles on Danner Boots
You’ll want to assess the damage. If you have soles that flapping in the breeze are like a flag on the Fourth of July, it’s time to take action. Give your boots a good clean to start. Try and use a stiff brush to wipe the dirt off and then use isopropyl alcohol. This will make it clean so the adhesive can do its magic.
We’re ready to use GEAR AID Aquaseal SR Shoe Repair Adhesive. Spread the adhesive across your sole, to guarantee a great connection. Don’t skimp on this step, you’re putting the foundation in place and it’s like the base of a house. You want it strong and even.
Once the adhesive is applied, it is imperative to keep the sole and upper boot tightly together while the glue cures. If you have a clamp, you can use one, but if you don’t, duct tape will work. Wrap it around the boot like you’re wrapping a baby—tight enough not to wriggle inside but not so tight that circulation is cut off. Then, let it sit overnight.
Let’s talk about leaks. If your boots are ‘water-friendly’ and not waterproof, it’s time to seal up those leaks. Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol, put the Aquaseal SR over the cracks, and fill in all the nooks and crannies of that broken skin. To set the sole, put it on a level area and let it dry. Patience is a virtue here, as a full 8–12 hours will give the unit time to seal in place.
If your heels are nubs, you haven’t lived yet. Wear the bottom off the heel? Sand down the worn area and clean it with alcohol, wrap the whole thing in duct tape, and make a mold. The adhesive inside will form your new heel. Apply the Aquaseal SR, turn the boot upside down set it on a flat surface, and cure.
The process is similar for you guys who have peeling rands or torn boot panels. Clean the area, apply the adhesive, and put tape on it to hold everything in place while it cures. It’s like surgery on your boots, just with a tube of Aquaseal SR as your scalpel.
While with this process, do not forget to move your boots off the maximum hotness sources. That campfire might be singing to you, but it’s also the sole delamination siren song. Keep your boots at a safe distance, and those babies will provide you with many more miles of loyal service.
Fixing your Danner boots is more than just saving money; it’s recognizing the adventure you’ve had, side by side. It’s being responsible enough to look after something that looks after you. Therefore, when you put on your newly repaired boots, lace them up; it is worth taking it in. You’ve not only restored your boots, but you’ve also reclaimed a piece of your adventurous spirit. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Related posts:
Boots fall apart?
Boot glue?
Everything That Goes Into Making a Danner Boot
