Can work boots be resoled?

Goodyear welt vs cemented construction

In a Goodyear welt boot, a strip of leather or rubber called the welt is stitched to the upper and insole, and the outsole is then stitched to the welt. A cobbler can cut the outsole stitching, remove the worn sole and stitch on a new one without touching the upper. Stitchdown construction, common on some heritage and logger boots, also allows resoling.

In a cemented boot, the outsole is glued directly to the upper. It is lighter, more flexible out of the box and usually cheaper, but replacing the sole means peeling it off and gluing a new one on. Many cobblers will not do it, and when they do, the result is often less durable. Some boots use direct-attach or injected soles, which are bonded during manufacturing and are generally not resoled.

How to tell if your boots can be resoled

1. 1

   Look at where the upper meets the sole. A visible stitched strip running around the edge often means a welt.

2. 2

   Check the listing or brand page for "Goodyear welt", "stitchdown" or "resoleable".

3. 3

   Look inside under the insole if it is removable. Welted boots often have a stitched insole with cork filler underneath.

4. 4

   Be careful with decorative stitching. Some cemented boots have stitching on the welt for looks only.

5. 5

   When in doubt, ask a cobbler to look at them.

Note.If a listing says "cement construction" or does not mention a welt, assume the boot is not designed to be resoled.

Can Red Wing and Thorogood boots be resoled?

Most Red Wing Heritage boots, such as the Classic Moc, Iron Ranger and Blacksmith, are Goodyear welted and are commonly resoled. Red Wing stores offer repair and resoling services for many of their boots, and independent cobblers resole them too. Some Red Wing work boots use other constructions, so check the specific model. Are Red Wing boots worth it covers the brand in more detail.

Many Thorogood boots, including well-known moc toe and wedge sole models, are Goodyear welted and can be resoled by a cobbler. Wedge soles in particular are a common resole job. Check the specific model's construction, and see Thorogood's own site for any repair options it offers. See how to care for Red Wing and Thorogood boots.

What a resole usually involves

Turnaround time and cost vary a lot by shop, sole type and how much repair is needed, so get a quote first. Compare it to the price of a new pair: resoling makes the most sense on boots with a good upper that would be expensive to replace.

• The cobbler removes the old outsole and, if needed, the midsole and heel.
• Worn welts may be replaced. Cork filler may be topped up.
• A new outsole is stitched or cemented on, depending on the build and the sole chosen.
• Many shops also clean and condition the upper, and replace laces or heel counters on request.
• You can often choose a different sole, for example a wedge instead of a lug, but the cobbler will say what suits your boot and work.

When resoling is not worth it

• The upper is cracked through, torn at the flex point or the leather is dried out and brittle.
• The heel counter has collapsed and the boot no longer holds your heel.
• The safety toe cap has taken a significant impact. Replace the boot rather than resoling it.
• The boot is cemented and the cost of a resole approaches a new pair.
• Waterproof membranes have failed, since resoling usually does not fix a leaking liner. See waterproof work boots leaking.

Where to get work boots resoled

Your options are an independent cobbler or shoe repair shop, the brand's own repair program where one exists, and mail-in boot repair services. A local cobbler lets you discuss the sole and fit in person. Brand programs can return the boot closer to original spec. Before you send boots away, find out how long you will be without them, and keep a second pair for work.

To get the most out of a resole, do not wait until the sole wears through to the midsole or welt. Resoling earlier is often simpler. Good care keeps the upper worth resoling; see how long do work boots last.

See resoleable Red Wing boots →

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to resole work boots? It varies by shop, region, sole and repair needed. Ask for a quote and compare it with the price of a new pair.

Can steel toe boots be resoled? Yes, if they are welted and the cap has not taken a heavy impact. The cap is not affected by a normal resole.

How many times can boots be resoled? As long as the upper and welt hold up. Many well-cared-for welted boots can be resoled more than once.

Can I resole boots myself? Sole replacement on welted boots needs special stitching machines, so most people use a cobbler. Small glue repairs are possible at home. See work boot sole separating.