Restore Boat Shoes: Easy Diy Guide For Shoe Owners

Boat shoes are a great investment for anyone who spends a lot of time on boats, but they can be a little tricky to maintain. One of the most common issues with boat shoes is the hardening of the soles, which can make them slippery and dangerous. While manufacturers often blame UV exposure, this doesn't explain why some shoes harden right out of the box. In fact, durability depends on the rubber formulation, and these formulations are closely guarded by manufacturers. So, what can you do to restore your boat shoes? Well, one method is to use sandpaper to abrade the hardened surface of the soles. Simply sand them with a finish sander and 60-80 grit paper, and you'll find that traction is dramatically improved. Another option is to soak the soles in a mixture of methyl salicylate (Oil of Wintergreen) and isopropyl alcohol to soften the rubber. Additionally, it's important to take care of the leather by cleaning it with a soft cloth dipped in leather cleaner or mild dish soap solution, and applying products like mink oil or leather shoe oil to maintain water resistance.

Clean the shoes with a soft cloth and leather cleaner or mild dish soap solution

To clean your boat shoes, you'll need a soft cloth, leather cleaner or mild dish soap, and water.

Firstly, dip the soft cloth in either leather cleaner or a mild solution of dish soap and water. Be sure to avoid any cleaners that contain acid or detergents as these can damage the leather.

Next, gently wipe the shoes with the damp cloth, taking care to remove all dirt and debris. Once you've done this, give the shoes a quick rinse under water and let them air dry. It's important not to soak the shoes in water, as this could damage the leather.

Finally, you can use a spray attachment on your kitchen sink to give them a quick rinse if needed.

Use mink oil or leather shoe oil to help maintain water resistance

Mink oil is a product made from the fatty layer under a mink's skin. It is used in medical and cosmetic products and is also used to treat, condition, and preserve nearly any type of leather. Botanical alternatives to mink oil include macadamia oil and sea buckthorn oil.

Mink oil is unique among animal-derived fats and oils. The unsaturated fatty acids in mink oil account for more than 75% of its fatty acid content, and it has greater oxidative stability (resistance to rancidity) than other animal or vegetable oils. It easily permeates leather and replenishes internal fibres, working well with full-grain Vachetta leather, which is highly porous. Mink oil can also be used on suede.

Mink oil can be used to help maintain the water resistance of boat shoes. It penetrates and hydrates the fibres of leather, making it smoother and more supple. It can also rejuvenate the physical appearance of leather, glossing over blemishes and scuffs, and injecting colour back into aged leather.

To apply mink oil, start by cleaning the leather with a lightly wetted cloth. Allow the leather to dry for 24 hours, then remove any excess residue. Next, patch test a small area of the leather. Condition the leather using a small amount of mink oil on a microfibre cloth, then allow the leather to rest for an hour. Finally, remove any excess oil and apply a finishing product, such as natural wax or leather protection spray.

It is important to note that while mink oil can be effective for leather treatment, it may not be suitable for all types of leather. Some sources suggest that mink oil can cause bacteria and mould buildup on leather items over time, leading to hardening and deterioration. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a patch test before applying mink oil to your boat shoes.

Sand the soles of the shoes with a finish sander to improve grip

Sanding the soles of boat shoes is an effective way to improve grip and prevent slipping. Here is a detailed guide on how to sand the soles of boat shoes with a finish sander:

First, it is important to understand why boat shoes become slippery. Over time, the soles of boat shoes can harden, leading to a loss of grip and traction. This can be dangerous, especially on a boat deck. The hardening of the soles is due to the rubber formulation used in the manufacturing process, which can degrade over time.

To restore grip, follow these steps:

• Choose the Right Sander: Select a finish sander, also known as an orbital sander, for this task. An ordinary palm sander will work well. Ensure it has a firm grip for control during the sanding process.
• Select the Appropriate Sandpaper Grit: Use sandpaper with a grit range of 60-80. This grit size is suitable for creating a textured surface on the soles without removing too much material.
• Prepare the Shoes: Clean the soles of your boat shoes to remove any dirt or debris. Ensure they are completely dry before starting the sanding process.
• Secure the Shoes: Hold the shoe firmly during the sanding process. You may want to wear gloves for a better grip and to protect your hands from any debris.
• Start Sanding: Gently rub the sandpaper over the sole of the shoe. Apply less pressure on worn areas like the heels and toes, and focus more on the instep, edges, and around the toe cup. Continue sanding until you achieve an even coarse texture across the sole.
• Be Confident: Don't be hesitant with the finish sander. The abrasive paper removes a minimal amount of material, and you are not harming the high-wear areas. The process should take less than a minute.
• Clean the Shoes: Once you have finished sanding, use a brush or cloth to remove any remaining debris from the soles.
• Test the Grip: After sanding, test the grip of your boat shoes on a smooth surface. You should notice a significant improvement in traction.
• Repeat as Needed: Depending on the condition of your boat shoes, you may need to repeat the sanding process periodically to maintain optimal grip.

By following these steps, you can effectively improve the grip of your boat shoes and extend their lifespan. Sanding the soles helps restore traction and prevents slipping, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience on your boat.

Use shoe goo to patch small wear spots on the soles

Shoe Goo is a great way to patch small wear spots on the soles of boat shoes. It is a strong adhesive that can be used to repair and seal soles and heels for a wide variety of footwear. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Shoe Goo to patch small wear spots on the soles of your boat shoes:

Step 1: Clean the Outsole

Use a wet paper towel to clean the outsole of your boat shoe. Make sure to dry it thoroughly with a paper towel before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Roughen the Edges of the Hole

Use 120-grit sandpaper to roughen the edges of the hole on the outsole. This will help the Shoe Goo adhere better to the surface.

Step 3: Apply Duct Tape Inside the Shoe

If the hole goes all the way through the sole and into the inside of the shoe, be sure to cover it with duct tape. This will prevent the Shoe Goo from going through the hole and into the shoe.

Step 4: Apply the Shoe Goo

Apply the Shoe Goo to the hole on the outsole. Make sure to apply enough to cover all areas of the hole. Use an ice cube to spread the Shoe Goo evenly and smoothly. The coldness of the ice cube will also help the Shoe Goo set in place.

Step 5: Let it Dry

Allow the Shoe Goo to dry for 24 hours. During this time, make sure no objects come into contact with the glue.

Step 6: Remove the Duct Tape and Replace the Insole

Once the Shoe Goo is dry, remove the duct tape from the inside of the shoe and replace the insole.

Step 7: Smooth Out the Repaired Area

Use 120-grit sandpaper to rub the surface of the outsole until the Shoe Goo portion is smooth. Now your boat shoes are ready to wear again!

Use leather cement to reattach a new insole

If the insoles of your boat shoes are torn and need replacing, you can use leather cement to attach new ones. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, apply leather cement or shoe glue to the entire surface of the bottom of the new insole. Use the provided spreading tool to spread the glue evenly. Next, apply the leather cement to the footbed of the shoe, again spreading it with the provided tool. Line up the new insole with the footbed and apply heat with a blow dryer for around 30 seconds. Press the insole firmly into place and hold it for about two minutes. Allow the glue to set overnight.

This process should securely attach the new insole to your boat shoe. However, if you are unsure about doing this yourself, you could consider taking your shoes to a professional shoe repair service. They will have access to the correct materials and tools and will be able to ensure a long-lasting repair.

Frequently asked questions