Anyone ever had the soles replaced on the Gaerne boots? Apparently replacement soles are available, yet I am wondering about what adhesive should be used.

I did speak to a shoe repairman and he was a bit standoffish about the prospect?

If Gaerne is anything like Alpine Star they should sell or include a glue compound either with the new soles or sell it separately that is specially made for resoling boots

I got mine resoled by my local cobbler. To my knowledge they were sewn on, possibly also glued. They didn't last long however, and I ended up getting new boots shortly after. I've heard there isn't much use in resoling boots because they just don't stay on, I believe the leather just tears at the seams from old age.

Check out Barge cement. Widely used by Cobblers. The OEM Glue on the Gaernes is pretty weak.

I've had the same experience as Lumpylion. The cobbler said he'd never do it again because he had to grind the old sole off. He did a good job, but the new soles started coming away at the front and I gave up and got new boots soon after.

Mark, sniff around at the specialist hiking stores (don't mention you're on off-road motorcyclist of they'll lynch you) but find out who they recommend.

I used to use a place in Cape Town that was brilliant (not much used to you) but hiking boots were their bread and butter.

Edited February 28, 201115 yr by TooFastTim

Anybody had any good experience in the UK - Gaerne Balance boots need a re-tread.

Is it best to get original soles or are aftermarket ones ok.

Have had mixed experince in the past so looking for a bit of background info

If you can find a sole it is easy to do.

1. Pull off old sole carefully.

2. Sand down bed/boot sole bed.

3. Clean with contact cleaner well - do not use a cloth as this stops the glue sticking!!!!! Just contact cleaner and lots of it.

4. Let them dry throughly.

5. Smear Evo stik (others are available) impact adhesive on the boot sole and onto the new sole it self and let each on dry for 10 mins.

6. Press sections firmly together and use a wallpaper roller to fully press hard all over the sole.

7. Once the glue is fully set cut/sand any sole edges that are not flush.

8. You now have re soled boots!

You may find though all this is a waste of time though as you end up with knackered uppers but good soles and replace the boots anyway.