Lesson 1Adhesives and their properties: contact cement, polyurethane (PU) adhesives, cyanoacrylate, epoxy — selection and cure behaviorExplore main adhesive families used in shoe repair, including contact cement, PU, cyanoacrylate, and epoxy. Learn selection criteria, surface prep, open time, cure behavior, and failure modes for durable, safe bonds.
Contact cement: uses, open time, limitationsPU adhesives: flexibility, moisture resistanceCyanoacrylate: wicking, brittleness, repairsEpoxy systems: mixing ratios and cure stagesAdhesive selection by material combinationLesson 2Leather and leather-composite sole types: thickness, full-leather vs leather-rubber hybrids and selection criteriaStudy leather and leather-composite soles, from thickness and density to flex and wear patterns. Learn when to choose full-leather, hybrids, or layered builds to balance comfort, durability, and style in repairs.
Grading leather quality for solesMeasuring and matching sole thicknessFull-leather soles: pros, cons, usesLeather–rubber hybrids: grip and comfortSelecting soles for dress vs casual shoesLesson 3Personal protective equipment and safe handling of adhesives and dustCover essential personal protective equipment for shoe repair, including gloves, masks, eye protection, and hearing protection. Learn safe handling of solvents, adhesives, and dust, plus ventilation and cleanup routines.
Gloves and skin protection choicesRespirators, masks, and dust controlEye and hearing protection in the shopVentilation for solvent-based productsHousekeeping and safe waste disposalLesson 4Rubber and thermoplastic sole materials used for sneakers and pumps: EVA, TPU, gum rubber, Vibram-style compoundsExamine rubber and thermoplastic materials used in modern soles, including EVA, TPU, gum rubber, and Vibram-style compounds. Learn identification, cutting, bonding, and reshaping methods for sneakers and pumps.
Identifying EVA, TPU, and rubber by feelCutting and shaping EVA midsolesBonding TPU and other difficult plasticsSelecting Vibram-style sheets and treadsHeat forming and avoiding sole warpingLesson 5Finishing materials: dyes, edge paints, creams, waxes, buffing compounds and abrasivesLearn finishing materials that give repaired shoes a professional look, including dyes, edge paints, creams, waxes, buffing compounds, and abrasives. Practice color matching, layering, and controlled shine levels.
Solvent vs water-based leather dyesEdge paints: buildup and burnishingCreams and waxes for color and shineBuffing compounds and wheel selectionAbrasive grits for leveling and prepLesson 6Hand and bench tools: knives, awls, hammers, rasps, sandpaper grits, clamps and safe tool selectionSurvey key hand and bench tools for shoe repair, such as knives, awls, hammers, rasps, sandpaper, and clamps. Learn safe selection, sharpening, maintenance, and correct handling to work efficiently and accurately.
Types of knives and safe cutting gripsAwls, pricking tools, and pilot holesHammers, lasting pincers, and anvilsRasps and sandpaper grits for shapingClamping methods for soles and heelsLesson 7Heel components: stacked leather heels, molded rubber heels, nylon/urethane heel blocks and heel tip typesUnderstand heel components such as stacked leather, molded rubber, and nylon or urethane heel blocks. Learn heel tip types, attachment methods, and how to rebuild or modify heels while preserving balance and safety.
Stacked leather heel constructionMolded rubber heel units and wedgesNylon and urethane heel blocksHeel tip materials and wear patternsRebuilding heels to correct heightLesson 8Fasteners and mechanical attachments: nails, screws, pegs, heel nails and when to use themReview nails, screws, pegs, and heel nails as mechanical attachments in shoe repair. Learn sizing, materials, driving techniques, and when to combine fasteners with adhesives for secure, reversible constructions.
Types of shoe nails and typical gaugesWooden and plastic pegs: when to useScrews for heels and shanksCombining fasteners with adhesivesAvoiding splits and visible fastener marks
