Rubber boots are necessary items for everyone, especially manual workers such as farmers, construction workers, gardeners, etc. If they are only cracked a little bit, we can fix them easily instead of throwing them away. 

Today Workwear Magazine will show you some ways to repair the cracked rubber boots, as well as how to care for your boots to lengthen their lifespan. Besides, there are some interesting and useful tips to recycle your old rubber boots. 

How to fix cracked rubber boots?

Rubber boots protect our feet and legs from the effect of external forces or dangerous substances. Moreover, because they are water-proof, they can prevent the mud and other liquid from dirtying your feet. Since their job is protection, damages are inevitable. 

Of course, no one wants to throw away a pair of boots because of a little crack. This not only wastes money but also pollutes the environment. But there is no repair shop that accepts to fix rubber work boots, so you need to repair them yourself. Let’s check out the following useful tips to make your cracked boots reusable:

• Using special glue for rubber boots
• Mending the crack by a patch
• Using adhesive sealant
• Using the “hot” method

Using special glue for rubber boots

This method is suitable for the rubber boots that are cracked at the joint lines, such as between the upper part and the sole. 

There are some types of glues specialized for rubber boots, so remember to choose the right glue. You can easily find and buy them at the hunting and fishing stores. 

Following the below step to fix the rubber boots with glue:

• First of all, wash and dry the boots. Make sure that both sides of the bonding site are clean and dry. This is very important because the glue will not work properly if there is any dirt or water in the gluing place. 
• Next, apply the glue on both sides of the crack. You will need to read the instructions for use of the glue to know how much glue should be used. Using too much or too little glue can cause failure for this method.
• After applying the glue, press both sides of the crack firmly and hold about 10-15 seconds, or according to the instructions.
• Finally, put the rubber boots in a dry place until the glue is completely dry and the crack is fixed before using them.

Mending the crack by a patch

You can use this method to fix the cracks or little holes on rubber boots. You need to prepare a repair kit with some patches, which can be taken from tyres or old rubber boots, etc., some pieces of sandpaper and glue. So how to use a patch to repair the boots? The following instruction will help you. 

To begin with, use the sandpaper in the repair kit and rub it on the crack or hole, and degrease the place you need to fix. We also recommend washing and drying the boots before doing this step.

After that, apply glue to the patch and press it on the crack. Hold on for some second so that the patch can be thoroughly stuck on the boots.

To ensure the crack is completely fixed, after gluing the patch, wait for about 12 hours before using the boots again.

This method is effective with the crack on the bootleg or any flat places of the boots. However, after fixing, your rubber boots may not maintain their aesthetic appearance. Try to find the patches that are the same color as the boots to make them look better.

Using adhesive sealant

With the rubber boots with many folds or patterns that make the surface rough or women’s rubber boots, mending the crack by a patch is difficult and makes the boots not look good. In this case, the adhesive sealant is the best choice. You can purchase adhesive sealant in any store for motorists. 

Similar to other fixing methods with glue, at first you must degrease the bonding site, make it clean and dry. Then, spread the adhesive on the torn edges and press them together firmly. Wait until the glue is completely dry before using the boots.

“Hot” method

This method is a bit more complicated than the others mentioned above, but it is not too difficult. You can try it if the other methods do not work. Then what you have to prepare and how this method works?

The most important thing you need for this method is a vulcanizer. Soak a piece of rubber in gasoline and use it as a patch. Put this patch on the crack or the hole of the boot and clamp it with the vulcanizer in 20-30 minutes. 

After that, turn off the device and let it cool completely before removing the press. Then wait for some hours before walking in the boots again. 

Actually, using a vulcanizer just to fix a pair of boots sounds a bit weird, so if you have bought a vulcanizer, you can think about opening a rubber boots repair shop!

How to care for your rubber boots properly?

We have learned about how to repair the cracked rubber boots, now let’s move on with some tips in caring for your rubber boots so that they can always be in good condition.

No matter how high quality your boots are, they need proper care to last for decades and you do not have to fix them often. 

After using rubber boots, remember to clean them carefully. Wash the boots with the right detergent and water, and do not use any sharp thing to rub or puncture them.

Do not use the hairdryer to dry rubber boots, because the high temperature can cause damage to them. Just hang them upside down in a shady and ventilated place and let them dry naturally

Store your rubber boots in a dry and cool place, away from sunlight

Regularly check the boots and fix the cracks or leaks (if any)

What you can do with old rubber boots

If your rubber boots are too old or they are seriously damaged and cannot be fixed anymore, do not rush to throw them away. There are many useful things you can remake from those old boots.

Making planters from old rubber boots

The old rubber boots can be transformed into beautiful planters with your skillful hands.  

For drainage, puncture some holes in the bottom of the boot. Then, put some pebble in the boot as the base, and fill it with soil. Add your favorite plant or flower, and put this unique pot in the right place. Hanging it on the wall or fence to decorate your house is also a good idea.

Reusing rubber boots as umbrella holders or tool storage

Another interesting way to reuse rubber boots is to make them umbrella holders. Decorate your old boots with paint or stickers, and display them at the front door to store umbrellas. You can also put some old boots in the garage or garden to hold tools such as hammers or spanners.

Making rubber boots birdhouses

Old boots can be new houses for birds, and this only takes you some time. 

Use a sharp knife to cut a hole in the middle of the boot. Then add a stand for the bird by attaching a screw and bolt under the hole. 

After that, use some wood to make a roof on the top of the boot. Place the birdhouse in the garden and wait for the new visitors.

Final Words

We hope that you have learned some useful methods to fix cracked rubber boots and how to keep them in good condition, as well as some interesting things you can recycle from old rubber boots. Apply now on your boots to save money and save our environment!