When you purchase a pair of leather sandals, you’re making an investment. Traditionally, leather sandals last longer than sandals made of cheaper synthetic materials because they are more durable and better-made. Good leather also tends to get more comfortable and better looking with time. This give and take makes up for the upfront cost of leather sandals. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and while your leather sandals may still be wearable, rips and tears in the leather can make them unsightly and unsuitable.. And who wants to throw away a beautiful pair of broken-in and dearly loved sandals or shoes? Not us! Luckily, ripped leather sandals can often be fixed from the comfort of your own home. However, if your sandals are beyond repair, consider shopping for a new pair of leather sandals.

Learn how to repair ripped leather sandals

The first step to fixing your ripped leather sandals is to determine the cause of the rip. Typically, the two causes are either the leather actually ripping, or the glue that holds the leather in place has worn away, giving it the appearance of ripping. When looking to repair your leather sandals at home, it may be wise to invest in a leather repair kit that includes useful tools like leather adhesive and allows you to color match your leather. It is also advisable to seek the advice of a professional shoe repair when fixing torn leather shoes. To keep your leather shoes lasting longer, consider getting the proper leather shoe care accessories.

Reattaching a Leather Strap

Leather sandals can be made in a number of ways, but a common method of adhesive takes the form of leather glue. For example, if your strap has torn off your sandals, but the leather appears intact, the cause of the rip is worn-out glue.

Straps are normally connected to the base of the sandal by being glued in place under the sole. To reattach the strap, simply peel back the sole of the sandal and use a small piece of sandpaper to rough up the areas of the original attachment. This will create a rougher surface that will help the glue adhere. After this, simply apply the glue and replace the strap and sole. For best results, you should clamp the sandal while drying to provide pressure which will strengthen the adhesive.

Fixing a Broken Sandal Strap

The first step to repairing your ripped strap is to clean the area of the tear. Any spare or loose leather fibers or threads should be trimmed to create a clean working surface. After the two ends of the rip have been trimmed down, the next step is rough up with sandpaper the places where the strap will connect to provide better glue traction. Lastly, apply glue to both ends and clamp in place to ensure strong bonding. If the rip proves too severe for gluing, the ripped leather sandals should be taken to a professional.

Fixing the Body of a Ripped Leather Sandal

For repairs of the sandal sole or upper, a leather repair kit is recommended. Like the strap, the area of the rip should be trimmed to provide a clean working surface. If the rip is small, simply attaching each side of the rip with adhesive should be adequate. If the rip requires a patch, the repair process gets a bit more complicated.

Using the material provided by the leather repair kit, cut a small patch slightly larger than the rip and apply it to the leather. The patch should be attached to the underside of the rip to provide a seamless repair. After the adhesive has cured and the patch is glued in place, use the leather repair kit’s color match to slowly alter the patch color to match the leather. Leave the patch to cure for several days and then enjoy your fixed sandals.

Conditioning your leather sandals prevents damage

To maintain your leather sandals and to prevent future damage, consider investing in a leather conditioner or leather cleaning spray. Keeping your leather supple and hydrated is the number one way to prevent rips and tears. Additionally, conditioning your leather sandals after repairing a tear can help make the rip less noticeable or invisible altogether. We sell our recommended leather conditioner on our site.

Shop beek for high-quality leather sandals

Repairing ripped leather sandals is not just about salvaging a pair of shoes; it's about preserving an investment in quality craftsmanship and style. By understanding the causes of the damage and employing simple repair techniques, you can breathe new life into your beloved sandals from the comfort of your home.

And for those instances where repairs seem insurmountable, there's always the option of indulging in a fresh pair of high-quality leather sandals from beek. Because when it comes to footwear, every step should be taken in style and comfort.