Imagine having to say goodbye to your favorite pair of shoes just because the sole has come off. But not anymore!
I love collecting shoes that are comfortable and last long, and I hate throwing away a pair that provides me with optimum comfort.
However, I had one such expensive pair whose sole came apart only within a few months after purchase. That’s when my husband stepped in and told me to use a shoe glue that could make my footwear last longer. But he didn't help me pick between Shoe Goo and Gorilla Glue, which was indeed a very difficult choice to make.
After all, both work well and provide long-lasting results for your shoes. Hence, I decided to do my research and understand the differences between both.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today, I will share everything I learned about both these options. You will find all the details regarding their similarities and differences in the following sections.
So, do not wait any longer and dive in!
Before I can help you decide whether opting for a Shoe Goo or a Gorilla Glue would be better, it is essential to know what they are. And in this section, I will give you a brief overview of both the products so that you can better understand when I compare them in the upcoming sections.
What Is Shoe Goo?
Lyman Van formulated this particular variant in the late 90s to expand the longevity of shoes. A further study into the history of this item showed me that it was created primarily to mend shoes that were broken.
In some scenarios, it acts as an adhesive, and sometimes it works as a sealant- so you can use it accordingly. Moreover, the utility of Shoe Goo isn’t restricted only to shoes. After purchasing it, I have used it repeatedly to fix broken showpieces and other household objects.
In fact, I have used it for fixing both glass and concrete surfaces, and the adhesion is very strong. Hence, this glue can work wonders on different surfaces and without any doubt, it can be an excellent addition to your workshop stationeries.
What Is Gorilla Glue?
Mark Singer formulated this brand in 1994, and it has been a hit among customers since then. This glue is made of polyurethane and is resistant to water and other fluids. After using it for some time, I was left impressed with its strength and longevity.
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In this section, I will talk about the different factors that separate Shoe Goo from Gorilla Glue. Read on to know all about them, and you would have a clearer understanding.
1. Usage
I found that both Gorilla Glue and Shoe Goo are easy to use, and they can be ordered in tubes. Tubes make it easy to squeeze out just the required amount, making the process less messy. These are also sold in different sizes, so you can purchase them depending on the amount needed.
Now the major difference here is that Shoe Goo can be applied multiple times to form a number of layers. But it is difficult to do that with Gorilla Glue, so it is best to apply only one thick layer with it. Having said that, both these options will last for a long time, and you do not have to worry about the shoe getting torn.
2. Strength
While both of them are strong, Gorilla Glue is known to score high on strength and longevity. However, there are some disadvantages to consider. For example, it can make the sole less flexible if you apply it to the sole.
Sure, the sole will not come apart any time soon, but the shoe will be more rigid, making it an uncomfortable option in the long run.
Shoe Goo, on the other hand, will help the sole move with the shoe to maintain flexibility and comfort. However, it is not made for heels where you have to glue the heel back to the shoe. In this case, you would not want the heel to be flexible, since it has to “sit” firmly. And Gorilla Glue will take care of that.
Furthermore, when it comes to sandals and sports shoes, you will again have to ensure flexibility, and Shoe Goo will help in achieving that. Once dried, it renders a rubbery-like texture that works well for sportspeople and people who skate.
But if you want to fix heavy snow boots or work boots, then you should opt for Gorilla Glue, simply because it provides more stiffness and strength. Besides, the rubbery finish of Shoe Goo might not be enough to hold the parts together. However, make sure you don’t apply too much, as that will invariably cause the shoe to become too rigid, thereby affecting comfort.
As you may have already figured out by now, both these glues have their own set of pros and cons. So, the final choice will depend on the kind of shoes that you want to fix.
To give you a quick recap, Gorilla Glue will give you a stiff fix, while Shoe Goo will provide a flexible rubbery finish. I have been using both now for my different shoes, and I would recommend buying both. That way, you might never have to go to a cobbler to get any of your shoes fixed.
At the same time, it’s important to learn the right way to apply them before you can start fixing the shoes to avoid any problems later on.
With this, I have reached the end of my guide about Shoe Goo vs Gorilla Glue, and it is time for me to say goodbye. However, I will be back soon with more informative reads for you guys.
Till then, bye-bye!