The sole is the problem, it is probably a version of nylon. On some of these plastics the fastest way to test is a burn test, actually you melt a wee bit and smell the smoke, obviously don't inhale the stuff.
Bonding to nylon is a chore, 3M 5200 (polyurethane) may not even do it. Boatlife polysulfide might work.

I have a pair of cheap Shimano touring shoes that the soft pliable sole had debonded from the rest, nothing I have found works so far, kind of bummed, they were closeout and did the job for short jaunts to the coffee house. On those the sole is who knows what, it is not silicone, but presents a waxy feel. Unglutanium.

Well, the Shoe Goo seems to have done the trick! I tried the shoes on before work this morning and even pulled at the soles to try and separate them. Nothing budged

I'm going to send the money back to the Ebayer - fair enough, right? The Goo was only a little over $4 and I have found a new, invaluable tool!

Thanks to all for the suggestions and advice; this turned out better than I hoped. Andycapp: if you're reading this, give this stuff a try on the Lottos!

DD

Cobblers generally charge shockingly low rates. I wish I had more occasion to use their services. I really respect their trade.

Mine is a master. I am going to ask him if he can retrofit SPD soles to shoes or sandals. He may say no, but I figure I'll ask.

I have to share a great C/V cobbler story!

A couple of years ago I went into a small shoe repair/cobbler to ask about having some cycling shoes repaired and also ask about having some retro cycling shoes made.

This shop has been in Vancouver since the late 50's or early 60's and I remember it from going in with my Father when I was little, it also had a moment of fame during the glam-rock seventies when the cobbler's son started making platform boots for local and international rockers and then, later wrestling boots for WWF "wrestlers".

I thought that this might be a great place to get retro shoes made and then offered to CR and C/V members.

I couldn't have been more off course! The conversation between the cobbler and his "old school" cronies stopped the moment that I pulled out my cycling shoes. SILENCE. I asked about my repair and was told that he didn't repair "plastic" and when I inquired about all leather cycling shoes, and kissed his ass about his skills etc. he told me that he could make me a pair. For $1,100. wtf!

I sheepishly slid out of the shop under the stares of the "bacci boys" and decided to drop by my sponsors shop (racing at that time) which was nearby. I told the shop owner my story and he laughed and laughed, "don't you know HIS story?" he asked. He proceeded to tell me that in the late 50's, back in Italy, this cobbler had been approached by his best and closest friend ( and also a cobbler) to leave everything behind and seek their fortune in Canada! It took some convincing, but eventually the cobbler decided to join his friend and pack up his business, say good by to his family and leave Italy. On the departure day, the "friend" said that he would come a "little" later because he had some "business" to still look after before he could leave for Canada. This was a set-back to their plans but what could the cobbler do? He left in good faith and hoped his friend, the brains behind their plan, could join him soon.

My "friendly" cobbler has been here in Vancouver over 60 years, and I am sure has had a nice comfortable life but his friend never did make it to Vancouver. His friend "Signori Dino" stayed in Italy and started making cycling shoes under the name SIgnori DIno, yes "SIDI" and made a fortune!! The little cobbler in Vancouver never forgave him his success (and betrayal, in his mind) and has carried a hatred of cycling (shoes) ever since.

^ Wow - now that's a great story

You should pass along the address of this shop; Vancouver's only about 2 miles up the road and I could take in a pair of leather/leather Sidi's for restoration

Thanks for sharing!

DD

Vancouver, B.C. in the land of Our Queen, not Van. Wa.

I looked around for some cobblers to repair my rock clibming shoes. Dave Page came up first, but I know people who have come to him and were treated like an ass. He knows what he is doing and does a good job when he does the work (rather than his apprentice). I went with Ramuta in Montana and they do awesome work. I think they cover all specialties.

Just an FYI for the future.

That's where I thought you meant (Canada, of course) - I confused the issue by stating 2 miles vice 2 hours

DD

I'm always confused!

I read up about Diego Garcia, really interesting place, do you dive?

Same here Tom, but, alas, they don't make shoes like they used to. The cobbler-friendly type.
I still need my old leather hiking boots re-soled now and again, but I won't keep any cobblers in business
at that rate.

I do, but won't be able to on DG - no decompression chamber

Snorkeling, however, is almost as good as diving there. You guys will love the pics I'll be posting starting in February (well, except those living in cold climates - they're gonna hate me ).

DD

I went into a cobbler, but he couldn't/wouldn't repair my shoes, so I left.

Nice job, DD. Glad the goo worked for you.... post a ride report once you've done the deed.

I put them on this again this afternoon and jumped up and down in them on the concrete floor of the garage - does that count?



You know, these are a little tight, though. I jumped on them because I had a pair of 44s in the same design a couple years ago that were too loose! I guess Vittoria doesn't actually make a shoe I can be 100% comfy in

Looks like these $9.99 specials are going to end up hanging on one of the bikes for show...

...not that that's a bad thing, of course.

DD

I've already fixed the Lottos. Used this stuff as recommended by my wife.



Stuff worked great so far. I wish I had read about the clamp trick beforehand, but I'll keep in mind for the the next time I need to repair some shoes

-Andy

I used to do the paper towels and masking tape clamp thing a lot. Every couple of seasons, to replace worn out felt soles on wading boots. Now, though, I'm brainstorming some custom clamping cauls in order to try to mount some leather cleats to some old Dettos that have a steel shank. I might be over-thinking this.

I had a pair of those Vittorias once D. Dude. I didn't like the way they fit either. Sold 'em.