Cool down and dig some of that crazy cat Charlie Mingus while you contemplate my interrogative, won't you, Daddy-O?




I recently got these NOS Italian cycling shoes. They were stupid cheap and look great; feel pretty good too. They're going to be my clips-n-straps shoes for vintage events and group rides where we're playing dress-up, now that I own a vintage looking wool jersey and vintage shorts, etc.

First off: I have ZERO interest in nailing, bolting or screwing proper cleats onto these things. But I want to beef up the sole to protect them from pedal wear, and just make them feel a little more solid. Although quite stiff (fresh out of the box) the sole leather is really thin and already slightly dinged up after a single 15-miler. Our one and only cobbler in town shut down and retired a year ago, so I don't have a pro to take these to. I was thinking of gluing on either a thick piece of leather or a lightly textured rubber sole repair patch, each of which are available easily enough online. Not planning on adding a heel, yet, but I may if the other part works out fine. Soooo...

Horsehide glue?

Shoe Goo?

Tubular glue?

Plain old contact cement?

I'm leaning toward the last the one at this point because I've used it on a lot of things and I know If it comes undone, I can redo quickly enough. Anyone here do this sort of thing before?

Dings:


Pedals:
(Probably won't use these much, but quills would do similar damage in different areas)