DIY Shoe Goo Sole Protection Tips for Sneakers

Hi, this is Ijjingne. Today I brought some Shoe Goo-style tips. If a pair of shoes is not meant to be worn roughly, I usually protect the soles. The old layer had peeled off quite a bit, so I removed it and planned to apply a new one. When I use this method, it lasts about a year for me and the outsole stays in good shape.

The product I used is Shoe-V. I have tried original Shoe Goo, Shoe-V, and a Daiso silicone-type product. The Daiso product was not for me. I settled on Shoe-V because, to me, it did not feel very different from original Shoe Goo and was cheaper. The Daiso product did serve a similar purpose, but it did not last well, tore apart like crumbs when removed, and left residue, so removing it was difficult. If you want a budget option, I recommend investing around 10,000 won in Shoe-V rather than using the Daiso product.

I bought it on Coupang, and it was in the 10,000 won range. The 110g size gives a generous amount and includes two sticks. I do not coat the entire shoe sole; I only apply it in separated sections at the top and bottom. With one tube, I can do about five or six applications. Even without covering the whole sole, it is enough for protection, so applying only selected sections is more cost-efficient.

Even with new shoes, wipe the soles once and let them dry because dust or residue can be there. This helps adhesion. The instructions say to wet the wooden stick, but I used it dry because shaping was easier that way. Apply it well, dry it on a flat surface, and open a door before starting because the glue smell is strong.

I started with my Dior sneakers. Looking at them now, I have worn them for about two years, and I wore them fairly casually. Still, because I protected the soles from the start, they look clean. Dior sneakers are known for wearing down like an eraser, so sole protection is a must. As shown in the photos, I only apply it to the white sections at the top and bottom.

The center can get dirty, but the outsole itself has not worn down. You can still see all the diagonal patterning.

Squeeze out a moderate amount and spread it with the wooden stick. If you go too close to the edge, it can flow over, so spread it lightly near the ends and adjust the amount little by little. If the layer is too thick, it can feel uncomfortable when walking. My preferred method is to apply a thin layer, wear it for about a year, remove it when it has worn down, and reapply. Even if it looks uneven, it flattens somewhat as it dries, so do not worry too much.

Next was Golden Goose. These are also famous for soles that wear down quickly. I applied it the same way, only to the top and bottom. I have two pairs of Golden Goose shoes, and comparing them showed that the upper section was slightly lifted from the start, so coating that area worked well. I also emphasize not applying too much because it becomes uncomfortable.

If you wear them without sole protection, the outsole can wear down badly. The example was my mother’s shoe, whose heel rubber had almost worn away.

After applying it well, dry it for 24 hours before wearing, according to the instructions. I personally let it harden for 2 to 3 days. Longer curing improves durability, though it already gets hard after one day. My drying tip is to use a laundry drying rack: turn the shoes over and lightly place the ankle and instep parts on the rack so the angle can be adjusted and the sole dries flat. Drying on a balcony is recommended, with the door slightly open.

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