How to Repair Alligator Shoes Like A Pro
Alligator shoes are the epitome of sophistication, class, and luxury and are praised for their durability and longevity. Even though these shoes are designed to last for years, like other durable leather products, they can get affected by daily wear and tear with time. But with smart maintenance and timely repair, you can protect your shoes from damage and enjoy flaunting your elegant alligator shoes for years to come. In this guide, I will share useful techniques to repair your alligator shoes like a pro.
Why Repairing Alligator Shoes Is Important
There are several reasons which are the basis for this emphasis on repairing alligator shoes. Major reasons highlighting the importance of repairing shoes on your own include:
Pocket-friendly: Repairing your shoes yourself has 2 fold benefits when it comes to being pocket friendly. It not only saves your cost to buy a new pair of alligator shoes but also saves the money that you will pay to any professional for shoe repair.
Enjoy shoes for a long time: Alligator shoes cost a fortune so you might want to enjoy these for many years. Knowing how to repair shoes will help you get rid of daily wear and tear without any hustle and allow you to wear and flaunt shoes for a long time.
Save your precious time: Being self-sufficient to repair your pair of shoes saves you time that you would instead spend on finding a good shoe professional and commuting to take and bring back the shoes.
To maintain the elegance of shoes: Alligator shoes are bought because of their unique texture and elegance and you surely won’t appreciate wearing dull and damaged shoes. So, better learn some repairing tactics and enjoy your flawless shoes.
Understanding The Anatomy of Alligator Shoes
To start with let’s first analyze the anatomy of alligator shoes. Understanding the anatomy and shoe structure is important before diving into learning the repair techniques.
Upper Part: The upper exterior part that covers the sides and top of the shoe is designed with genuine alligator leather.
Lining: It is the lining laid inside of the shoe to offer you comfort and support while walking. Most often this is made with soft fabric or leather.
Heel: It is the raised portion at the rear side of shoe that offers additional support and height to your shoes. It is commonly made with synthetic material, rubber, or leather.
Insole: It is the soft foamy layer inside the shoe that offers additional comfort and ease to your foot. It is designed with leather, foam, or any other sort of cushion material.
Midsole: It is the layer beneath the insole and upper outsole and works as a shock absorber.
Outsole: It is the bottom layer that coincides with the ground while walking and offers grip while walking. It can be made with rubber, synthetic material, or leather.
Common Types of Alligator Shoes Damage
Alligator shoes can experience various kinds of damage with time. Getting acquainted with possible damages helps you identify probable damage and take timely action to prevent the shoe from irreversible damage.
Cracks: Water exposure can dry out alligator leather leaving visible cracks.
Scratches and Scuffs: Daily wear and tear can result in scratches and scuffs making the shoe lose its charm.
Loosed stitch: Daily wear and tear can loosen the stitches that keep the shoe intact and graceful. It needs to be repaired to prevent the shoe from looking all smudgy and untidy.
Discoloration: Exposure to an excess of moisture, direct sunlight, or chemicals can result in discolored patches all over the shoe. It surely affects the overall appearance and elegance of the shoe.
Worn-out heels or outsoles: Heels and outsoles that come into direct contact with the ground can wear out with excessive use, causing problems when walking and compromising the shoes’ luxurious appeal.”
Tools And Materials Needed to Repair Alligator Shoes
Repairing the alligator shoes and enhancing their life and appeal requires the following materials and tools:
A soft piece of cloth: A soft and tidy cloth helps to clean the shoe gently and apply conditioner comfortably.
Leather cleaner and conditioner: Leather-specific products help to clean reconditioned shoes with a professional touch.
Leather glue: It helps to repair loose stitches, cracks, and splits by offering a flexible yet strong bond.
Toothpick/needle: These are required to delicately put glue on cracks or splits.
Fine sandpaper: This is required to buff off scratches or scuffs to professionally repair them.
Small-sized paintbrush: To apply leather dye delicately on the desired portion.
Alligator leather dye: Dye is required to restore the discolored portion of the shoe. It also merges the repaired portion of the shoe seamlessly.
Wax thread with a needle: This is required to tie up loose stitches in the shoe.
Leather/rubber sole: You may require additional soles for resoling worn-out heels and outsoles.
Shoe tree: It helps to maintain the shoe’s shape while repairing and offers suitable storage.
Step-by-step Guide to Repairing Alligator Shoes
To repair your alligator shoes, follow these steps:
Cleaning: start by gently cleaning your shoes with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and debris. Dry the shoes completely and then proceed further.
Repair Scratches and Scuffs: Smoothen the scuffs and scratches by buffing them with fine sandpaper. Apply a small quantity of alligator leather dye with the help of a small paintbrush on the buffed area with care and precision. When the dye is dry apply some leather conditioner to revive the suppleness of alligator leather.
Repair Cracks: With a toothpick/needle, apply some leather glue to crack edges, press, and hold them together until the applied glue completely dries. Fill the left-out cracks with a little dye, let it dry, and then apply leather conditioner for a fine look.
Fix loosed stitches: Get rid of damaged stitches and sew the area with a wax thread of matching color by opting for the technique of saddle stitch. Trim off the excess thread and strengthen the knot by applying a little glue.
Resoling: Pry away the damaged outsole or heel, clean the bottom with a soft cloth, and gently apply leather glue. Now put the new sole or heel and press it firmly to align it properly. Let it rest until the glue dries.
Restore discolored area: Apply leather dye to restore the discolored area. You can apply the dye with a paintbrush by making the strokes in the natural flow of leather. Let it dry and apply the conditioner afterward.
Tips for Maintaining And Preventing Alligator Shoes Damage
These tips come in handy to maintain your alligator shoes from any probable damage:
Proper Storage: Store shoes on a shoe tree or stuff crumbled newspaper while storing them. Store shoes in a dry, cool place away from exposure to direct sunlight to save from cracking or discoloration.
Regular cleaning and conditioning: Clean the shoes after a few weeks gently with a soft cloth and leather cleaner. Also, apply conditioner to keep them hydrated and supple.
Avoid daily use: Try to rotate shoes to save them from daily wear and tear, and exposure to dirt and dust.
Protection from moisture: Avoid contact with moisture, and in case they get wet then dry them as soon as you can with newspaper or a clean dry cloth.
Use Shoehorn: It can help to easily put on the shoe without damaging the heels.
Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals: Only apply the products specifically made for alligator leather as exposure to harsh chemicals can result in discoloration and shoe damage
Frequently Asked Questions About Alligator Shoe Repair
Q: How frequently should I apply conditioner on alligator shoes?
A: You can apply conditioner every 3 to 6 months. It also depends on the climate and your wearing frequency.
Q: Can I apply regular leather dye?
A: It is recommended to buy an alligator-specific dye to make sure the color completely matches and halt probable adverse reactions with alligator skin.
Q: What glue is best to repair alligator shoes?
A: Any glue that is waterproof and flexible is perfect to repair alligator shoes. Such glue offers a strong bond and does not cause hindrance in the natural movement of leather.
Where to Find Professional Alligator Shoe Repair Services
After reading the guide, if you are unsure that you can repair alligator shoes on your own then don’t worry. You can always head back to professional help. If you want to find an authentic and reliable professional repairing service then BRUCEGAO is the most competent and ideal company for you. It specializes in leather products and their repair. You can also do an online search and find other reliable and competent professional repairers in your area.
Conclusion
The simple techniques and maintenance tactics mentioned above can help you save big bucks and prolong the useful life of your pricey alligator shoes. So, try these now and enjoy your alligator shoes for the years to come.
