Return to my Tennis pages
Go
to my home page
© Copyright 2003, Jim Loy
Shoe Goo seems to be the product of choice for repairing running shoes, including building up worn spots on the soles. But playing tennis on a hard court will wear the Shoe Goo right off the sole in two or three matches. Much much better is Freesole, a urethane formula for the shoe sole, from McNett Corporation. Urethane is a much harder substance (once it hardens), and will last much longer. But it is pretty darn slick on ice or on a wet tennis court.
For those of you who have used Shoe Goo, Freesole may seem to apply in a similar manner. But, thick and gooey as it may seem, Freesole will run all over your floor, and there won't be much left on your shoe sole, unless you are careful to make a leak-proof tape dam around the part of the shoe that you are repairing. It will leak through the tiniest of holes. It takes from 24 to 48 hours to dry, and may take longer (drying time may be accelerated chemically; see the product label about this). A thin layer dries much faster than a thick layer. Keep Freesole fresh in your freezer, and let it thaw before using it.
I highly recommend Freesole for shoe sole repair, for tennis.