How to Remove Glued Insoles from Shoes? Most users have no idea about this. If you’re a regular sneaker user, you should know this.
In terms of sneakers, there are no easy ways to customise them. From adding new laces to painting the sole, sneakerheads are always finding new and creative ways to make their sneakers unique. But one customisation that is often overlooked is removing the sticky insoles.
Removing sticky insoles can be a great way to change your look, and it’s a change that anyone can make on their own. But lots of people don’t know how to remove glued insoles from shoes.
In this article, we’re going to share how you can remove glued insoles from shoes and some other things related to it. So, keep reading this article.
Why You Need to Remove Glued Insoles
Removing glued insoles from your shoes may seem like an unnecessary task, but there are compelling reasons to consider it. Here are some reasons why you might want to remove glued insoles:
Hygiene and Odour Control
Glued insoles can trap moisture and become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors and potential foot infections. By removing glued insoles, you allow better air circulation, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and keeping your shoes fresher and more hygienic.
Customisation and Comfort
Many shoes come with generic insoles that may not provide the support or comfort your feet need. Removing glued insoles allows you to replace them with customised or orthopaedic insoles, catering to your specific foot shape and providing better arch support. This can alleviate discomfort and enhance overall foot comfort during daily activities.
Extended Shoe Lifespan
Over time, insoles can wear out or lose their cushioning properties, affecting the overall comfort and support of your shoes. By removing glued insoles and replacing them with new ones, you can extend the lifespan of your favourite pair of shoes. This is a cost-effective way to rejuvenate footwear without having to invest in a new pair.
Better Performance and Stability
Some activities, such as sports or rigorous physical exercises, demand specialised insoles for improved performance and stability. Removing glued insoles allows athletes and active individuals to replace them with high-performance alternatives, enhancing support, shock absorption, and overall foot function during intense physical activities.
Materials Needed to Remove Glued Insoles
Before having an idea on how to remove glued insoles from shoes, you should know what the elements you need to do it. To remove those glued-in insoles from your shoes, you’ll need a few supplies. Gather the following:
- Goo Gone or a similar adhesive remover. This will help loosen the bond between the insole and the shoe.
- Cotton balls or pads. You’ll need these to apply the adhesive remover.
- A putty knife or other blunt tool. This will help you pry up the insole once the glue is loosened.
- Rubbing alcohol. Use this to remove any remaining residue after the insole is out.
How to Remove Glued Insoles from Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guideline
So it’s time to know how to remove glued insoles from shoes. Removing glued-in insoles from shoes can be tricky, but with some patience and the right techniques, you’ll have them out in no time.
Apply the Solvent
Apply the solvent generously around the edges of the insole, especially in areas where it’s visibly glued down. Let it soak in for several minutes to help loosen the adhesive’s bond.
Pry Up an Edge
Once the solvent has had time to soak in, slide your prying tool under one edge of the insole. Gently pry up and work the tool under the insole, slowly separating it from the shoe interior. Move the tool around the edge of the insole, prying a little at a time. Be very careful not to damage the shoe.
Peel Away Slowly
As you get the insole loosened, you may be able to grip an edge with your fingers and start peeling it away. Do this slowly and carefully. The insole will still be attached in places, so you’ll need to keep working the prying tool under the remaining glued areas. Repeat the steps of applying more solvent, prying, and peeling until the entire insole is removed.
Clean Up Any Remaining Adhesive
Use the rags and solvent to clean up any remaining adhesive residue inside the shoe. Wipe away as much as possible. Let the shoes air out until there is no solvent smell before wearing them. Once the smell is gone, you can replace the insoles if desired.
How to Carefully Prying Up the Insoles
Taking proper care of your footwear not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures a comfortable and supportive experience for your feet. One essential aspect of footwear maintenance is removing and replacing insoles. Now we’ll try to know the steps to carefully pry up insoles without damaging your shoes.
Select the Right Tool
Choose a flat-headed screwdriver or a thin, sturdy tool that can fit comfortably between the insole and the shoe’s lining. The tool should be wide enough to provide leverage without being too thick, preventing potential damage to the insole of the shoe.
Loosen the Insole Edges
Start by gently lifting the edges of the insole at the heel or toe area. Be cautious not to force the tool too deep initially, as this might cause damage to the insole or the shoe.
Work Gradually
Progress gradually along the edges, applying slight pressure to lift the insole.If you face any resistance, take a break and try to reevaluate your approach. Forcing the tool may cause tearing or distortion of the insole.
Rotate the Tool
As you work around the insole, occasionally rotate the tool to ensure even pressure distribution. This minimizes the risk of concentrated force in one area, reducing the likelihood of damage.
Repeat the Process
Continue this process around the entire perimeter of the insole until it is fully detached. Take your time and exercise patience, especially if the insole is adhered firmly to the shoe.
Inspect for Adhesive
Some insoles may have adhesive underneath for better stability. If you encounter resistance, it might be due to the adhesive. Use the tool to gently break the bond by wiggling it back and forth.
Clean and Assess
Once the insole is removed, inspect both the insole and the shoe for any damage. Clean any adhesive residue from the shoe’s interior, ensuring it’s free of debris before replacing or inserting new insoles.
Replace or Insert New Insoles
If you removed the insoles for replacement or to insert specialized inserts, carefully position the new insoles in the shoes. Ensure they sit flat and snugly within the shoe for optimal comfort and support.
Cleaning Off Remaining Adhesive Residue
So you got an idea on how to remove glued insoles from shoes, now you’ll want to clean up any remaining adhesive residue left behind. It will ensure your shoes are ready for new insoles or can be worn comfortably without them.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
One of the best ways to dissolve shoe adhesive is with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Apply the alcohol directly to any sticky areas using a cotton ball or cloth and let it sit for several minutes.
The alcohol will help loosen the bonds of the glue from the shoe surface. Gently scrape away as much of the adhesive as possible with your fingernail or a blunt knife.
Scrub With an Abrasive Sponge
For stubborn glue that won’t come off with alcohol alone, use an abrasive sponge or scrubber. Something like fine-grit sandpaper, steel wool, or a scrubbing sponge will work well.
Gently scrub the area using small circular motions, taking care not to damage the shoe surface. Wipe away debris with a damp cloth as you go. You may need to repeat the alcohol and scrubbing steps a few times to fully remove all traces of glue.
Commercial Goo Remover
For a heavy-duty glue removal option, use a commercial adhesive remover or “goo gone” product. Apply it as directed and let it soak in for several minutes to dissolve the shoe glue. These products contain strong solvents to break down tough adhesives. Wipe clean with a rag and rinse the area with water when done.
Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the sticky areas. Let the paste sit until dry, then scrub off with an abrasive sponge. The baking soda is a natural degreaser and abrasive that helps lift glue and other sticky substances from surfaces. You may need to reapply it a few times to fully remove the adhesive. Rinse well with water when scrubbing.
With some patience and the proper solvents and tools, you can thoroughly remove even the most stubborn shoe glue and adhesive residue.
Final Thought
Whether you want to replace the insoles with a more supportive alternative or just give your shoes some breathing room, removing the glued-in soles is well worth the minimal effort involved. In this article, we tried to share how to remove glued insoles from shoes. Thank you all for reading this article.
Hello everyone! I’m Eric C Davis, a former shoe enthusiast who is now a fashion writer. I go deeply into the history of fashionable footwear, offering style and comfort advice. Come talk about anything shoe-related with me on Twitter.
