I Tried Using Shoe Goo to Prevent Heel Wear: Comparing It with Heel Protectors

When wearing shoes, you may find that only the heel has worn down at an angle without you noticing. In my case, it tends to wear down from the outer edge of the heel.

Even when the rest of the shoe is still clean, only the heel part of the sole wears out. This is a concern for sneakers like Converse or VANS, as well as for commuting shoes.

That is why I have recently started protecting my heels before I begin wearing new shoes. I tried the adhesive type heel protector and the shoe sole repair material, **SHOE GOO**.

In conclusion, Shoe Goo was more practical for me.

Heel protectors are easy because you just stick them on, but in my case, they peeled off on a rainy day. On the other hand, while Shoe Goo takes a little more effort, it can be used both to prevent wear on new shoes and to repair shoes that have already worn down.

In this article, I will summarize the differences I felt after actually using both.

You want to take measures for shoe heels 'before they wear out' rather than 'after they wear out'

The heel of a shoe is a place where your walking habits easily show. It might wear down only on the outside, or the wear might differ between the left and right sides.

I also tend to wear down the outer edge of my heels, and there have been times when I noticed the sole had become slanted.

Of course, if you want to fix a shoe that has worn down significantly, taking it to a shoe repair shop is the most reliable method. However, it is a bit of a hassle to take everyday sneakers to a repair shop every time, and it also costs money.

So now, I make sure to protect the areas that are prone to wear immediately after buying shoes.

What is Shoe Goo?

Shoe Goo is a shoe repair material used to fix worn-out parts of shoe soles and heels.

Generally, it is a product for repairing soles that have already worn down, but I also use it to prevent wear on new shoes.

The idea is to apply a thin layer to the outer edge of the heel, which is prone to wear, so that the Shoe Goo layer wears down first instead of the actual shoe sole.

In terms of smartphones, I think it is similar to the feeling of applying a protective film at the beginning rather than repairing the screen after it cracks.

The benefits of Shoe Goo I felt after actually using it

Can be applied to match the shape of the shoe

The most convenient thing is that you can decide for yourself where you want to reinforce.

In my case, only the outer edge of the heel is prone to wear, so I apply it mainly to that area.

Adhesive-type protectors sometimes don't match the shape of the shoe sole, but with Shoe Goo, you can adjust the application position and area for each shoe.

Can also be used to prevent wear on new shoes

Personally, this is my favorite way to use it.

If you apply a thin layer of Shoe Goo while the shoes are new, the actual sole of the shoe will be less likely to wear down directly when you walk.

Of course, it cannot completely prevent wear, and the Shoe Goo itself will gradually wear away.

However, since you can just reapply it to that area, it is easy to use when you want to wear your favorite shoes for as long as possible.

Can also be used on shoes that are already worn down

It can be used not only for prevention but also for its original purpose: repair.

You can add Shoe Goo to the heel area that has worn down a bit and shape it to compensate for the worn-away part.

It is convenient to be able to handle both prevention for new shoes and repair after wear with just one tube.

Can be used on various shoes

One tube can be used for multiple pairs of shoes.

Since you don't need to prepare a dedicated protector every time you buy sneakers, I think it's a great fit for people like me whose shoe heels always wear down in the same spot.

Disadvantages of Shoe Goo

Needs to be dried after application

The biggest disadvantage is the effort involved.

You can't wear them immediately after applying it; you need to let it dry thoroughly. Therefore, it is not suitable for uses like 'applying it tonight to shoes I want to wear tomorrow.'

When I buy new shoes, I make sure to apply it when I have time before I start wearing them.

It is a bit difficult to apply it neatly from the start

Since you have to spread the liquid and shape it yourself, it requires more practice than using stick-on protectors.

Applying it too thickly can easily make it look unnatural.

I make sure to apply only the necessary amount to the areas that wear down easily. Rather than aiming for a perfect finish, it is easier to start by trying a thin layer in an inconspicuous area.

Periodic reapplication is necessary

Just because you apply Shoe Goo doesn't mean it will last forever.

Naturally, the Shoe Goo itself will wear down as you walk.

However, I personally feel more at ease knowing the Shoe Goo wears down before the actual sole of the shoe. I use it by adding more whenever it starts to thin out.

I also tried heel protectors

Besides Shoe Goo, I also tried adhesive-type heel protectors.

The advantage of these is that they are overwhelmingly convenient. You just stick them onto the heel, so there is no application process or drying time.

It is very easy if you buy a new pair of shoes and want to wear them right away.

However, in my case, they peeled off on a rainy day.

Of course, the results may vary depending on the product, how you apply it, and the material of the shoe sole. However, because I have had the experience of them peeling off once, I felt a bit uneasy about using them as a long-term heel protection solution.

Comparing Shoe Goo and heel protectors

Having actually used both, here are the differences I felt.

For me, I categorize them as Shoe Goo = primary heel wear prevention, heel protectors = for those who want to get started as easily as possible. position.

I apply Shoe Goo to new shoes

So far, the method that works best for me is applying Shoe Goo before I start wearing a new pair of shoes.

Since my heels always wear down from the outside, I protect just that area in advance.

The applied Shoe Goo wears down little by little as I use it, but I can just add more when it gets low.

For my favorite shoes, I found that the mindset of "preventing the sole from wearing down as much as possible" suits me better than "how to fix them after they've worn down."

Who Shoe Goo is for

After actually using it, I think it is particularly suitable for the following people:

• Those whose shoe heels always wear down in the same spot

• Those who want to wear their favorite sneakers for a long time

• Those who want to prevent wear and tear from when the shoes are brand new

• Those who want to repair shoes that have already worn down a little by themselves

• Those who want a repair product that can be used on multiple pairs of shoes

In particular, I think it is easy to try for people whose shoe heels only wear down on the outer edge as well.

Conversely, who heel protectors are for

On the other hand, if you prioritize ease of application, heel protectors are more suitable.

Since you just stick them on, there is no need to shape or dry them like with Shoe Goo.

If your goal is "I just want to protect them easily for now," they are definitely a viable option.

However, since there are cases where they peel off on rainy days, like in my experience, it is safer to check their condition periodically.

Summary: It takes effort, but Shoe Goo suited me better

I tried both Shoe Goo and heel protectors as measures against shoe heel wear.

Heel protectors are easy because you just stick them on, but in my case, they peeled off on a rainy day.

Shoe Goo takes the effort of applying and drying, but it is convenient because it can be used both to prevent wear on new shoes and to repair them after they have worn down.

Especially for people like me whose heels always wear down in the same spot, you can reinforce just that specific area.

I want to wear my favorite shoes for as long as possible, so now, whenever I buy a new pair, I apply Shoe Goo before I start wearing them.

While it doesn't perfectly prevent shoe wear, it is quite easy to use as a small, daily measure to extend their lifespan.

If you are interested, please check the product page for details on capacity, colors, and current pricing.

*This article contains Amazon Associate links.

Last updated: 2026/08/19