The winter season is here, and you’ve probably been wondering about how to fix cracked rubber boots. I’ve had a pair of boots a few years now, and they’ve cracked due to the cold weather. So I had to throw them away because I didn’t want to wear them and possibly get my feet wet.That’s because I was told years ago that you can’t fix cracked rubber boots. I’ve always wondered if that’s true because I’ve never tried it.
But I’ve found a few ways to fix cracked rubber boots, and the results are amazing. So, before you throw them out, here are a few simple fixes that might just work.
Why do rubber boots crack in the first place?
Temperature fluctuations could cause cracks in rubber boots. This is because the rubber tends to shrink and grow with the temperature, leading to cracks.
Walking down a sidewalk and walking on the rock could also wear down your rubber boots. This happens all the time, especially with cheap rubber boots.
Folding your boots over can also result in cracking. So, ensure to leave them upright or hang them upside down on a boot rack to avoid cracking or splitting.
Prepping boots for repair
Clean your boots
Use a soft brush to get off any dirt, mold, or mildew. Also, use a damp cloth to wipe as much grime as possible from your boots. You can use a microfiber cloth or cotton cloth.
Apply rubber boot treatment
Apply rubber treatment to rejuvenate your rubber boots. A good example is the Revivex Rubber Boot Treatment. It conditions your boots as well as provides UV protection.
Heat your boots to smoothen them and make the crack even
Heat your boots up as much as you can without burning yourself. They don’t have to be heated up all the way, just until they are dry and supple enough for treatment.
You can heat up your boots by using a blow dryer or a hairdryer. I don’t have a blowdryer, so I use a hairdryer.
How to fix a cracked rubber boot: 6 DIY fixes that work well
1.Use silicone on your boots
Silicone does a good job of fixing cracks on rubber boots. Here’s what to do:
- Try rubbing a little bit of silicone on the cracks and leaving it overnight.
- Next, go to your local garage and have them sand it off.
2.Fixing with beeswax
Beeswax is a mineral wax used to make candles and incense. It’s also great for sealing small cracks in a boot.
When melting beeswax on a coal or gas burner, you just need enough heat to melt it. You can also do the heating in your oven on low heat, on the stove, or even in your microwave.
Once it’s melted, you just squeeze it into the cracks and give it a few minutes to set. Then you can polish it off to remove any leftover wax that may be around it.
3.Fixing with gelatin
If you’re wearing two different types of rubber boots, one that is thick and strong and the other that is thinner and softer, then you can try adding the perfect amount of gelatin to them.
4.Use wood filler
After you sand the boot down with a sanding pad, fill the holes with wood filler or wood putty. A wood filler will work better, but if you’re really unlucky, you could end up with wood putty on your feet, too.
Smooth it out once you fill in the holes and call it a day. And that’s it! Just be careful not to end up with wood putty on your feet.
5.Fixing with glue
Ensure you use glue specially designed for rubber shoes. It will help keep your rubber boots intact.
Scrap the surface of the boot where the crack has occurred. This is because glue tends to adhere better to roughened surfaces.
Squeeze the glue into the area to completely fill in the cracks. However, avoid using too much glue to keep it from running down to the rest of your boots. Spread the glue uniformly on the outside of the crack and give it time to cure. Most glue will cure fully in 48 hours.
The idea is also great for the soles of your rubber boot. But in this case, you’ll have to use a clamp to firmly press the two sections together. Well, I choose a C-clap as the best tool for the task.
6.Use adhesive patches
Well, adhesive patches are a good recommendation for repairs on the go. This is because they’re fast and don’t need additional tools to accomplish. Also, adhesive patches are readily available in most stores.
To use it, clean and dry the area with a cloth. Then, peel and stick the patch to the split location and put on some pressure.
For your attention, adhesive patches are difficult to remove once stuck in place. Also, once removed, it loses its stickiness. Hence, ensure you align it well before placing it over the cracked section.
FAQs
What’s the best glue for rubber boots?
There’s a couple of high-quality glues I recommend.
You can use Loctite Shoe Glue, a flexible formulation that bonds a variety of materials. It seals, bonds, and repairs fast, saving you time and money. In fact, it’s the go-to choice for many repair shops.
Gorilla Glue is another top option for repairing all types of rubber footwear. It’s fast-drying, versatile, and impact-resistant.
How best do I store my rubber boots to keep them from cracking?
Leave your boots upright or hanging upside down, preferably on a boot rack. Additionally, use a rubber conditioner before storing your boots. It will help boost the life of your footwear.
Why do I have to roughen up the repair area using sandpaper?
Roughening up with sandpaper is part of the prepping procedures. It ensures a good bond between the two sections.
Conclusion
Cracked rubber boots are notoriously difficult to fix, especially those of soft rubber. They’re prone to moisture, and cracks can easily turn into holes. However, I recommend these 6 DIY fixes to you since I’ve seen such amazing results from them. It’s so simple and affordable, and it will work in multiple places, including your soles, decks, and even the heels.
Leave a Reply