What To Know
- If you want to allow water to drain from the soles, use a leather punch to create small holes in the sole.
- Using a brush or a small roller, apply a thin, even layer of contact cement to the bottom of the moccasins and the top of the rubber soles.
- Use a heavy object, like a book or a weight, to press the soles down and ensure a strong bond.
Moccasins, with their soft leather uppers and comfortable fit, are a timeless classic. However, their lack of durable soles can limit their practicality, especially when venturing outdoors. This is where the art of adding rubber soles comes in. This guide will walk you through the process of how to put rubber soles on moccasins, transforming your cherished footwear from indoor-only companions to adventure-ready shoes.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you embark on your moccasin makeover, ensure you have the following materials:
- Moccasins: Choose your favorite pair of moccasins that need a sole upgrade.
- Rubber soles: Select soles designed for moccasins or other soft footwear. You can find pre-cut soles or cut your own from rubber sheets.
- Contact cement: This strong adhesive bonds the rubber soles to the moccasins.
- Scissors or a utility knife: These are necessary for trimming and shaping the soles.
- Measuring tape: Used to accurately measure the sole area.
- Pencil: For marking the sole outlines.
- Heavy object: This will be used to press the soles onto the moccasins while the adhesive dries.
- Optional: Leather punch: This is useful for creating drainage holes in the soles.
Prepare the Moccasins
1. Clean the soles: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the existing soles. Allow the moccasins to dry completely before proceeding.
2. Remove existing soles (if applicable): If your moccasins have old soles, carefully remove them using a utility knife or a pry tool. Be cautious not to damage the leather uppers.
3. Measure the sole area: Using a measuring tape, carefully measure the length and width of the sole area of your moccasins. This will help you determine the size and shape of the rubber soles you need.
Prepare the Rubber Soles
1. Cut the soles: If you are using pre-cut soles, ensure they fit your moccasins. If you are using rubber sheets, use the measurements you took to cut the soles to the desired size and shape.
2. Punch drainage holes (optional): If you want to allow water to drain from the soles, use a leather punch to create small holes in the sole. This is especially helpful if you plan to wear the moccasins in wet conditions.
Applying the Contact Cement
1. Apply a thin layer of contact cement: Using a brush or a small roller, apply a thin, even layer of contact cement to the bottom of the moccasins and the top of the rubber soles.
2. Allow the cement to dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time. This usually takes around 15-30 minutes. The cement should become tacky to the touch.
Bonding the Soles
1. Align the soles: Carefully align the rubber soles with the bottom of the moccasins, ensuring the edges are flush.
2. Press firmly: Once the soles are in place, apply pressure to the entire surface. Use a heavy object, like a book or a weight, to press the soles down and ensure a strong bond.
3. Hold in place: Leave the moccasins undisturbed for at least 24 hours to allow the contact cement to fully cure.
Finishing Touches
1. Trim excess rubber: Once the cement has dried, use scissors or a utility knife to trim any excess rubber around the edges of the soles.
2. Sand the edges (optional): For a smoother finish, you can sand the edges of the rubber soles with sandpaper.
3. Enjoy your new moccasins: Your moccasins are now ready to take on any adventure, with their newly added durable rubber soles.
Beyond the Basics: Adding Style and Functionality
While the basic process of attaching rubber soles is straightforward, you can customize your moccasins further to enhance their style and functionality.
- Adding a heel: For added height and support, consider attaching a small heel to the back of the rubber soles.
- Decorative stitching: Enhance the look of your moccasins by adding decorative stitching around the edges of the soles.
- Customizing the soles: You can add colorful rubber accents, patterns, or even personalized designs to the soles.
Your Moccasins, Your Way
Adding rubber soles to your moccasins is a simple yet rewarding project that allows you to customize your footwear and extend their lifespan. With a little creativity and these step-by-step instructions, you can transform your beloved moccasins into versatile, durable companions for any occasion.
Questions You May Have
Q: What type of contact cement should I use?
A: Use a strong contact cement specifically designed for bonding rubber to leather. Avoid using general-purpose adhesives as they may not provide a durable bond.
Q: Can I use a different type of adhesive?
A: While contact cement is the most recommended adhesive for this project, you can explore other options like shoe repair glue or epoxy. However, these may not be as strong or durable as contact cement.
Q: How do I clean the rubber soles?
A: Use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean the rubber soles. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the rubber.
Q: Can I add rubber soles to other types of footwear?
A: Yes, you can use the same technique to add rubber soles to other soft footwear, such as slippers, ballet flats, or even canvas shoes.
Q: What if the soles come loose?
A: If the soles start to come loose, you can try re-applying contact cement to the affected areas. If the bond is weak, you may need to replace the soles entirely.
