Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: Lightweight hiking and sport shoes have relatively thin soles and heels of a rubberlike material supported on a structure containing cavities.

In only a few months of modest hiking, the heels wear enough to expose the cavity, suggesting that the shoes would soon need to be replaced. As an experiment, when a hole first appeared in the heel, I used my hot glue gun to fill the exposed cavity. Each exposed cavity required perhaps a stick of hot glue to fill it.

The results have been remarkably successful. The inserted plastic wears as well or better than the original heel material. I have noticed no difference in the walking comfort of the shoes.

Be careful using a glue gun, as you can get a nasty burn. Also, try and keep the tip of the glue gun away from the original heel material - it could possibly soften and damage it. - John, Gilford, N.H.

Your idea is great! It’s certainly worth a try before tossing out those hiking shoes. - Heloise