The heels of your shoes will wear down over time and you may need to replace them.If you have a high heel, you don't need a new tip before you can walk in them again.If you want to fix the heel on a dress shoe, you need to replace it.You can easily clean and make repairs to your heels, even if they get dirty, torn, or scuffed.
Step 1: Get a set of replacement tips.
You can put the replacement heel tips in your shoe with the rubber pieces.If you want to buy a multipack that has different sizes in it, you can either measure the height and width of your existing heel tip.If the color of the tip doesn't match the one on your shoe, it will clash.Replacement heel tips can be purchased from a shoe store or online.
Step 2: Use a pair of needlenose pliers to remove the tip of the heel.
Pull the rubber end out of your high heels with a pair of needlenose pliers.Since it will have a tight fit, you may have to shimmy the tip out of place.The tip can be thrown away if you remove it from the shoe.If the rubber on the tip is gone, grab the metal dowel.If you grab above the rubber tip, you could damage your shoe.It is easier to remove the rubber from your high heels if you replace the tips first.
Step 3: The tip needs to be pushed into the hole.
Feed the metal dowel into the hole on the bottom of the heel using the replacement tips.It is easier to make adjustments later on if you line up the tip and heel.You can push the new tip in by hand.You can push the tip in further if the shoe is set on a sturdy surface.Since you could cause it to break off, be careful not to apply too much force to it.
Step 4: The new tip should be put into place with a hammer.
You can hold the shoe with your nondominant hand.Use a hammer to push the bottom of the tip into the heel.The edges of the heel should be flush with one another.You can break the heel or bend the tip of the hammer if you hit it hard.
Step 5: The tip should line up with the rest of the heel.
Slowly turn the heel tip away from the sides with your needlenose pliers.The curves on the back of the heel need to be kept rotating until they line up.You can wear your shoes again once the heel tip is aligned.
Step 6: If you are repairing a shoe, you should buy a replacement heel.
Replacement heels can be found online or in a shoe store.You should compare the width, length, and thickness of the replacement heel to the one on your shoes to make sure they are the right fit.The bottom grip on the heel needs to have enough traction so you don't slip.The price for a pair of replacement heels is around $25USD.If the larger heel block is intact, you don't need to replace the rubber sole.You can trim off the excess by getting the next largest one if you can't find a replacement that matches the size of your shoe.
Step 7: Use a pair of pliers to remove the heel from the shoe.
Pull the rubber on the edge of your foot back.To get better leverage, hold the toe of the shoe down with your nondominant hand.Pull the rubber part of the shoe up until it comes off.The rubber piece on the top lifts is the only thing that needs to be removed.You need to remove the platform the same way if it's damaged.
Step 8: If you want to flatten the bottom of the shoe, use a belt sander.
Before using the belt sander, you should wear safety glasses.Carefully hold the bottom of the shoe against the belt after turning on the sander.To smooth out a level surface for the new heel, make sure the shoe bottom is flat against the sander.You can check the bottom of the shoe to see if it is flat.It will be more difficult to get the heel perfectly level if you use 120-grit sandpaper.The belt sander will cause serious injury if you touch it while it is still running.
Step 9: Let the glue dry for 15 minutes before applying it to the shoe bottom.
The glue sticks to itself and makes a connection.You can spread a thin layer of glue on the back of the shoe with the glue application.Leave the glue to dry for at least 10 minutes so it sticks better.Contact glue can be purchased from your local craft store.The glue needs to be set before pushing the heel onto the bottom of the shoe.Contact glue fumes can cause irritation if you work in a well-ventilated area.
Step 10: The bottom of the shoe is where the heel should be.
After the glue has dried for a while, line up the foot with the bottom of the shoe.Push the heel down onto the shoe when you have it lined up.The heel and shoe should stay in place if continuous pressure is applied to it.You can keep working on your shoe if the glue dries quickly.The contact glue will stick to the bottom of the shoe, so make sure it is lined up perfectly before pressing down.To help it stick to the bottom of the shoe, try hitting it with a hammer.
Step 11: The bottom of the shoe should be flush with the ground.
Place the blade of the utility knife against the side of your shoe.Guide the blade through the rubber around the curves of the heel if it is overhang.The heel should not hang out the side of the shoe if you trim it as close as you can.Work slowly and carefully because your knife can easily slip.
Step 12: Place the shoe in place.
The nails are only 2–8 in (1.3–2.2 cm) long, but they help hold your foot in place.Place a nail on the front corners of the shoe and gently tap them into the bottom.The back curve of the heel needs to be secured with more nails.cobbler nails can be bought at a hardware store.If you don't want to nail down top lifts, it can make them more secure.
Step 13: It's a good idea to clean the leather with toothpaste.
Apply a pea-sized shape of toothpaste to the corner of the cleaning rag.The toothpaste should be rubbed on the sides of the heel.After your first application, use another pea-sized bead of toothpaste and repeat the process again.Continue working until you can no longer see the marks.If you want, you can use petroleum jelly instead of toothpaste.Gel or colored toothpaste can stain light-colored leather.
Step 14: To remove marks, wipe rubber heels with nail polish remover.
wring out any excess from the corner of the cleaning rag with nail polish remover.Rub the heels of your shoes in a circular motion to remove marks from the sides.If the marks don't come out at first, wet the rag and wipe them down.If you use an abrasive rag, you may scratch and damage the rubber.
Step 15: Rub walnuts on a wooden heel.
Unshelled walnuts are easier to break apart and use on shoes.Hold the walnuts against the wood on your foot and apply light pressure.The oil from the nuts will make the shoe appear shiny and clean.Continue rubbing walnuts into the heels until you notice no more marks.Don't eat the walnuts you use to clean your shoes.
Step 16: You can fill in the holes with liquid leather.
It is possible to hide tears or holes with liquid leather.Liquid leather can be spread over a damaged area with the use of a cotton swab or popsicle stick.Press the textured sheet and let it dry for 24 hours.Once the liquid leather is dry, peel the sheet off to wear your shoes again.Liquid leather can be purchased from a craft store.It is important to use liquid leather that matches the color of your heel so that it does not clash with the rest of the shoe.