How to Remove Seeping Glue Along Shoe Seams

When glue seeps out of shoes due to exposure to water, the catch to removing it is that you have to be careful not to let the cleaning solution soak into the glue and cause even more to seep out. Here are some thing you can try to remove only the glue that has seeped out.

• Art gum eraser
• Toothpaste
• Cotton swabs
• A cloth
• Acetone nail polish remover
• Isopropyl alcohol

1. First, try erasing the glue with an art gum eraser. This will work as a gentle abrasive to only remove the glue that has seeped out. This will be easiest to do on the soles, and more difficult on the fabric portions.
2. If the eraser doesn’t work, the next best option is to use a little toothpaste. It is best to use a plain white toothpaste, but a gel might work. Carefully rub the toothpaste along the glue with a damp cotton swab. It may take some elbow grease, but it can work if you keep at it. Switch to a clean cotton swab as needed. Wipe off the area with a damp cloth afterward to remove the toothpaste, then pat the area dry with a towel.
3. Another option is to use either acetone nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol. Wet a cotton swab with the alcohol, then blot the swab on a cloth to remove the bulk of the liquid. Since the glue seeped out so easily, you shouldn’t need much, and you want to try to avoid letting the acetone or alcohol soak under the seams and loosen more of the glue. Rub the cotton swab over a small section of the glue that has seeped out, then wipe a cloth over the area to remove the glue. Turn the cloth to a clean section as the glue is transferred to it. Be sure to test this solution first on a hidden area of the shoe as it could remove some of the dye on colored shoes.

• A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser may also work to remove the glue, or at least to help whiten the rubber sole areas.
• Washing shoes by hand with a toothbrush and some mild detergent will prevent the glue from seeping out.