Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix the inside of wading boots? My problem is the thin felt lining on the sole has worn and exposed the hard rubber inner sole. Sand sticks to it, wearing out the neoprene boots of my waders.
Steve
Wading Shoes / Boots problem
Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix the inside of wading boots? My problem is the thin felt lining on the sole has worn and exposed the hard rubber inner sole. Sand sticks to it, wearing out the neoprene boots of my waders.
Steve
Dear Steve,
If you have the room to fit one in there without cramping your feet, you may be able to one of the commercially available insoles in there. Check your local phamarcies and shoe stores. You could also try a thin neoprene sock worn over the neoprene booty on your waders. If neither of those ideas work you are probably looking at needing to get new wading boots.
Best Wishes,
Avalon
Find the biggest wool sock you can and wear it over top the wader bootie.
Steve:
Moleskin which is an adhesive, felt-like bandage material might be a fix for the factory in-sole. Small sizes are available in drug stores, large sizes are available at medical supply stores. While it won't be the easiest thing to do; you can cut it to size and stick it to the exposed plastic in-sole.
After that I'd go with Avalon's in-sole suggestion. The Odor Eater type of insole is about the thinnest you'll find. The orthotic or cushioning type of insoles can be pretty thick. Or you could make 1/8" thick insoles out of craft foam that is available at places like Jo-Ann's.
It comes in large sheets that SHOULD be large enough for insoles...
...unless of course your nick name is Sasquatch.
Most full service shoe repair shops can replace an insole. You can do it yourself if you prefer. Check to see if the inner is glued or sewn in place. If it's sewn it is too dificult to remove and some kind of patch would be the answer.
High density closed cell foam is a good material, get at the shoe shop or recycle an old pair of insoles. This material cuts easily with a scissors and can be shaped on a bench sander with 80 grit belts. It looks like really stiff neoprene. Sheet cork (craft store) also works, but is harder to shape and prone to crumbling when it gets too thin. Avoid the fiber or leather types, they don't hold up well in water.
If the inner is glued in place you can remove it with heat from a heat gun or hair dryer. Cut the replacement or patch to size and use the sander to taper the edges as needed for a perfect fit. You might consider a 2 stage repair, a shaped to fit patch that fills in the worn area and a thin full length insole for comfort and fit. If the wear is only in the toe area you can cut 1/2 or 3/4 length insole and taper the cut edge for a smooth transition to the existing.
Regular rubber cement works well, or heavy duty contact adhesive such as 'Barge Cement'. Spread a thin layer on both surfaces let it dry until it's no longer tacky and press together for an instant bond. Full length insoles don't need to be glued, they can float.
I a pinch I have repaired insoles with layers of duct tape cut to size and pressed into place. There is a new type of tape on the U.S. market, 'Gorilla Tape' it has exceptional holding power even when wet.
Buy new boots, those are shot.
The man who coined the phrase "Money can't buy happiness", never bought himself a good fly rod!
This is the first season for these boots, brand new in the spring.
There's always SierraTradingPost.com. If they have your size they always seem to have good deals on wading boots. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/349_ ... Shoes.htmlOriginally Posted by Ray
Dear Steve,
If you can talk with the manufacturer, or the folks you purchased the boots from first that would be a good idea. Less than a year old with a worn out insole sounds like it might be covered under warranty.
Best Wishes,
Avalon
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