How To Fix Running Shoes With Achilles Heal Worn Out Easily

Can I fix my running shoes with a worn-out Achilles heel area? Yes, you can often fix or reinforce the heel of your running shoes to extend their lifespan. This blog post will explore various methods for achilles heel running shoe repair, worn heel counter fix options, and strategies for running shoe heel cup repair, helping you save money and continue enjoying your favorite running shoes.

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Why Does the Achilles Heel Area Wear Out So Quickly?

The area around the Achilles heel in running shoes experiences a lot of stress. Several factors contribute to its rapid wear and tear:

• Friction: The constant rubbing of your heel against the shoe’s heel counter during each stride causes friction. This is a primary driver of wear.
• Moisture: Sweat and moisture buildup inside the shoe can weaken the materials in the heel counter over time.
• Poor Fit: Shoes that are too loose allow excessive heel movement, exacerbating friction. Shoes that are too tight can also put excessive stress on the heel counter.
• Running Style: Certain running styles, such as those with a pronounced heel strike, can place more stress on the heel area.
• Material Quality: Lower-quality materials used in the heel counter are more prone to wear and tear.

Assessing the Damage: Is Your Shoe Salvageable?

Before diving into repair methods, carefully assess the extent of the damage. Consider these factors:

• Heel Counter Integrity: Is the heel counter (the rigid structure that wraps around your heel) simply worn, or is it completely broken down? Minor wear is easier to fix than a complete collapse.
• Material Condition: Is the fabric lining torn, or is the underlying structure also damaged? Large tears may be more challenging to repair effectively.
• Midsole and Outsole Condition: If the midsole (cushioning layer) or outsole (bottom of the shoe) are also heavily worn, it might be more cost-effective to replace the shoes altogether.
• Overall Shoe Age: Consider how old your shoes are. Even with repairs, older shoes may not provide adequate support or cushioning.

Methods for Running Shoe Heel Repair

Here are several methods you can use for DIY running shoe heel repair and how to reinforce heel of running shoe.

1. Heel Grips or Liners

• What they are: Self-adhesive pads or liners that stick to the inside of the heel counter.
• When to use: Ideal for minor wear, heel slippage, or improving fit. Also an excellent running shoe heel slippage solution.
• How to apply: Clean the inside of the heel counter. Peel off the backing and carefully stick the heel grip or liner in place. Press firmly to ensure adhesion.
• Pros: Inexpensive, easy to apply, improves comfort and fit.
• Cons: May not be durable for severe damage, may need to be replaced periodically.

2. Fabric Patches and Glue

• What you need: Durable fabric (e.g., canvas, nylon), strong adhesive (e.g., Shoe Goo, Barge Cement), scissors, sandpaper (optional).
• When to use: For repairing torn fabric lining or reinforcing worn areas.
• How to apply:
  1. Clean the area around the tear or wear with a damp cloth.
  2. Lightly sand the area to be glued (optional, but improves adhesion).
  3. Cut a fabric patch slightly larger than the damaged area.
  4. Apply adhesive to both the shoe and the patch.
  5. Let the adhesive become tacky (follow the glue manufacturer’s instructions).
  6. Carefully apply the patch to the shoe, pressing firmly.
  7. Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing.
• Pros: Relatively inexpensive, can provide a durable repair, customizable appearance.
• Cons: Requires some skill, can be messy, may not look perfect.

3. Heel Counter Replacement (Advanced)

• What it is: Replacing the entire heel counter with a new one.
• When to use: Only for shoes where the original heel counter is severely damaged or broken. This is definitely a worn heel counter fix.
• How to do it: This is a complex repair that requires sewing skills and access to a suitable replacement heel counter (which may be difficult to find). It involves carefully removing the old heel counter and stitching in the new one.
• Pros: Can restore the original structure of the shoe.
• Cons: Difficult, time-consuming, requires specialized skills and materials, may not be cost-effective.

4. External Heel Reinforcement

• What it is: Adding a supportive structure to the outside of the heel.
• When to use: When the internal heel counter is weak or collapsing, but the outer material is still intact.
• How to do it: This can involve using materials like thick leather, plastic, or even a custom-molded piece to provide external support. The reinforcement is glued and/or stitched to the outside of the shoe around the heel area.
• Pros: Can provide significant support and stability, potentially extending the shoe’s lifespan considerably.
• Cons: Can be bulky or aesthetically unappealing, requires specialized materials and skills.

5. Shoe Repair Shops

• What it is: Taking your shoes to a professional shoe repair shop.
• When to use: For complex repairs, when you lack the skills or tools to do it yourself, or for valuable shoes that you want to preserve. Also a reliable running shoe heel cup repair.
• What to expect: A skilled cobbler can often perform a wide range of repairs, including heel counter replacement, patching, and reinforcement.
• Pros: Professional-quality repair, saves time and effort, can extend the life of your shoes significantly.
• Cons: More expensive than DIY repairs.

Summary of Repair Methods

Repair Method	Best For	Difficulty	Cost	Durability
Heel Grips/Liners	Minor wear, heel slippage	Easy	\$	Low
Fabric Patches & Glue	Torn lining, reinforcing worn areas	Medium	\$\$	Medium
Heel Counter Replacement	Severely damaged/broken heel counter	Hard	\$\$\$	High
External Heel Reinforcement	Weak/collapsing internal heel counter	Medium/Hard	\$\$\$	High
Shoe Repair Shops	Complex repairs, valuable shoes	N/A	\$\$\$-\$\$\$\$	High

\$ = Low, \$\$ = Medium, \$\$\$ = High, \$\$\$\$ = Very High

Preventing Achilles Heel Wear in Running Shoes: Extending Running Shoe Lifespan Achilles

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to minimize wear and tear in the Achilles heel area of your running shoes:

• Proper Fit: Ensure your shoes fit properly. Your heel should be snug in the heel counter, with minimal slippage.
• Lace Correctly: Use the heel-lock lacing technique (also known as runner’s loop) to secure your heel in place.
  1. When lacing, go through the top eyelet on each side.
  2. Thread each lace through the loop created on the opposite side.
  3. Pull the laces tight and tie as usual.
• Use Shoe Horn: Using a shoe horn when putting on your shoes prevents excessive stress on the heel counter.
• Rotate Shoes: Rotating between two or more pairs of running shoes allows each pair to dry out completely between runs, reducing moisture damage.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your shoes regularly to remove dirt and sweat.
• Choose Quality Shoes: Invest in running shoes made with durable materials and well-constructed heel counters.
• Address Pronation: Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) can contribute to heel wear. Consider using orthotics or shoes with stability features to correct pronation.
• Running Form: Work on your running form to minimize heel strike and reduce stress on the heel area. A midfoot strike can help.

Achilles Tendonitis and Shoe Modification: achilles tendonitis shoe modification

If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis, modifying your shoes can help alleviate pain and prevent further injury.

• Heel Lifts: Inserting heel lifts into your shoes can reduce strain on the Achilles tendon by elevating your heel.
• Stretching: Always stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon before and after running.
• Orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter orthotics can provide support and correct biomechanical issues that contribute to Achilles tendonitis.
• Consult a Professional: If you experience persistent Achilles pain, consult a podiatrist or physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Best Way to Fix Torn Running Shoe Heel

The best way to fix a torn running shoe heel depends on the severity of the tear. For small tears, a fabric patch and glue may suffice. For larger tears, you may need to consider a more robust repair method, such as heel counter replacement or taking your shoes to a professional shoe repair shop.

Material Considerations for Repair

When choosing materials for your running shoe heel repair, consider the following:

• Adhesive: Choose a strong, flexible adhesive specifically designed for shoe repair (e.g., Shoe Goo, Barge Cement).
• Fabric: Select durable, abrasion-resistant fabric (e.g., canvas, nylon, leather).
• Heel Grips/Liners: Look for options made with high-quality materials that won’t easily peel off or wear out.

When to Replace Your Running Shoes

Even with repairs, running shoes eventually need to be replaced. Here are some signs that it’s time for a new pair:

• Worn Outsole: The tread on the bottom of the shoe is worn down, providing poor traction.
• Compressed Midsole: The midsole feels hard and provides little cushioning.
• Visible Damage: Excessive tears, cracks, or deformation of the shoe’s structure.
• Increased Pain or Discomfort: You experience new or worsening pain or discomfort while running, even after repairs.
• Mileage: As a general guideline, replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles.

FAQ

Q: How do I stop my heel from slipping in my running shoes?

A: Use the heel-lock lacing technique, add heel grips or liners, or ensure you are wearing the correct size shoe.

Q: Can I use super glue to repair my running shoes?

A: While super glue can provide a quick fix, it is not ideal for shoe repair. Super glue can become brittle and inflexible, potentially causing further damage. Use a flexible adhesive like Shoe Goo instead.

Q: How much does it cost to repair running shoes at a shoe repair shop?

A: The cost varies depending on the type of repair and the shop. Simple repairs like patching may cost \$20-\$40, while more complex repairs like heel counter replacement could cost \$50-\$100 or more.

Q: Is it worth repairing running shoes, or should I just buy new ones?

A: It depends on the cost of the repair, the age and condition of the shoes, and your budget. If the repair is relatively inexpensive and the shoes are otherwise in good condition, it may be worth it. However, if the shoes are old or heavily worn, it may be more cost-effective to replace them.

Q: What is the best way to clean my running shoes?

A: Remove the laces and insoles. Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean the shoes. Rinse with clean water and air dry away from direct sunlight.