Logger boot repair

Thought maybe some of you might want to try this. With the quality of logging boots going down I've had a lot of delaming of the soles. Even with Vibram whose quality has gone in the tank anymore. The vulcanizing splits and then you are relying on the threads to hold till they rot or break. You're then left with a "flapper". LOL I've tried glues and such but they have failed and take too much time and money to do. Taking them to a "professional" costs too much as well. Here's a method that has worked really well for me.



I get out the safety wire pliers and some stainless wire. This wire was free as it came from a roadside ditch. When cable companies used to attach their lines to existing overhead lines they wrapped the wire with this. You'll see them pull a drum and it sprial wraps them together using this wire. Small diameter but lasts forever. You can buy cheap copies of the pliers from Horrible Freight as well. All the tool trucks have them too if you want quality. the ones pictures are from Snap-On but honestly, others are basically spot on anymore for low use.



Just get a drill bit a little larger than the diameter of the wire you are using and drill a hole through as pictured. You want to drill into the thinnest part of the lug. this keeps you from scuffing floors and wearing the wire out from abrasion. feed the wire through and leave about a 1 inch tail on both sides facing up. Lock the pliers on both wires and twist it up. Repeat it till you are done. I've found basically just the front needs to be done.



Once they are all done I snip the ends off but leave what you see here. I then use the pliers to push the tails back and try to get the ends as shown. this keeps them from catching and snagging stuff.



I sweep the other side back the same way so walking through brush and such is problem free.



Don't think it will last? this is the other boot that was done 2 years ago. You can see front edge ones are broke/gone but it's still holding from the others. I have not rebent the tails and they have stayed in place. I'll put some new wires in this one as well so I be all set again. Cheap fix that will get some more time out of your broke in boots.

 

That looks really creative. I've been really disappointed in the quality of my last couple of pairs of red wings. I remember when I would wear the soles off and the boots would still be good. Now they just fall apart before the soles are worn out.

 

Nice fix, I have a pair of red wings that I've been fighting the soles since I bought them.
They aren't lugs so I don't think this would work for them.
You're right about the glue, I bought real shoe glue and it lasts 2 weeks and than the sole starts to separate again.
Been thinking about taking them to a shoe store but you hit it on that as well. half the cost of the boot.

 

I had 2 pairs of loggers that had Vibram soles that completely split in the middle of the boot, ALL THE WAY ACROSS where the boot flexes. One pair was in use for less than a year and only wore them to work where they were exposed to weather other than walking from the parking lot. Vibram wouldn't cover them as I had bought 3 years prior and "stored" them in the box. Shoes looked brand new with full lugs. I'm assuming they have started making them off shore as it was a night and day difference. Sad as always to see them sell out like that.

 

Where did you get your Safety Wire Pliers? I was an Aircraft Mechanic for Chrysler for 30 years, and we used them daily. Great job on your Boots!!

 

Those were made for Snap On and I got them new about 30 years ago.

 

Nuthin worse than a flapper when you're trying to get stuff done. This one is banked for future use, Thanks for sharing.