Shoe goo for repair when soles separate? MOC3s

scedastic

Barefooters
Oct 7, 2011
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My moc3s (soft star) are beginning to separate, upper from sole, also, the main seam in the leather near the toe.
I can't blame them, for they have accumulated many a (dry and) wet and snowy mile.

Any advice?
Will shoe goo stay on if I continue to let them get wet?
Anyone else done this?
 
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I haven't had much luck with shoe goo for reattaching soles. Even professional grade barge cement can be tricky to use.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1898464/Rock-Shoe-Repair-Shoe-Goo-or-Barge-Cement

I would take them to a cobbler. They will use professional adhesives, and also clamp the sole on tight until it dries. They may be able to fix the seam, too.

Alternatively, ask SoftStar for a quote for repairs.
https://www.softstarshoes.com/index.php/quickfaq#what-is-your-repair-policy

Good luck!
 
Look like Soft Star uses Barge Cement, most likely the original version, since they have ventilation to remove the toxic toluene fumes.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/teen/2012/06/corvallis_small_business_makes.html
Barging is a process of hand-painting extra-strong glue to the bottom of the shoe. A worker then adheres the rubber sole. This is done to ensure that the product is durable and will not fall apart during use. With such a strong glue comes a strong smell -- so strong that an exhaust system is needed to suck up the fumes that rise as the shoes are being barged.
 
The cobbler will most likely want to replace the Vibram sole, rather than reattach it. Just make sure that they use whatever thickness Vibram that you want, and cut it in the same pattern as the original.

I suspect that Soft Star recommended Shoe Goo bacause it's easier to obtain, and less toxic than Barge.

Which reminds me, that I have a container of Barge thinner under the bathroom sink. That's right, exactly where one does not want dangerous chemicals. Thanks for helping to remind me that I need to move it asap. :D
 
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