This document provides instructions for repairing leaks in rubber boots using urethane adhesive. It outlines six steps for the repair process: 1) Locate the leak, 2) Roughen the surface with sandpaper, 3) Clean with alcohol, 4) Apply masking tape around the area, 5) Apply urethane adhesive over the leak, extending an inch around it, and 6) Allow the boots to dry for 12 hours. The summary emphasizes that following these steps will allow rubber boots to be repaired inexpensively rather than needing to be replaced, saving money and extending the life of outdoor gear.

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This 5 Minute Webinar™ Sponsored By
How to Repair Rubber Boots
Put an end to leaky boots once and for all.
Presented by Gerald Craft of Gear Aid® by McNett®

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WHAT IS
THE BIG IDEA?
How to Repair
Rubber Boots
Time spent outdoors is much more enjoyable
when you’re dry and comfortable.
Rubber boots are expensive. Don’t let a
small crack or hole ruin your investment.
Keep Your Gear
Around for a While
Keep Your Feet Dry

3. Having trouble locating the leak? Try filling the boots with water. You should see water leaking
outside the boot. Mark this spot with a marker. You can also put rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle
and spray the rubbing alcohol over the boots. The alcohol evaporates faster where there’s a
leak, and that area turns dark. Mark the dark area with a marker.
STEP 1
NUTS &
BOLTS
Find the hole or crack where the
boot is leaking.

4. Poor surface prep is the #1 reason for bond failure. Abrading a surface gets rid of surface films
and also gives a much better area for the adhesive to "grip." We recommend abrading if practical
for the material you are bonding. Use fine grain sand paper (120-200 grit).
STEP 2
NUTS &
BOLTS
Once you’ve located the leak, roughen
the surface of the repair area with fine-
grit sand paper. This will help prep the
surface for the adhesive.

5. Even relatively clean surfaces have oils from fingerprints. Surface oil or grease will get in the way of
almost all adhesives and weaken adhesion. Drip a few drops of water on the surface to see if it is
clean and degreased. If the water spreads to cover the area with a continuous film, the bond area is
clean. If the water beads, that means the surface needs to be degreased further.
STEP 3
NUTS &
BOLTS
Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol to
remove any dirt, body oils or grease which
may prevent a good bond.

6. If the hole is larger than a ½ inch in diameter, we recommend applying a piece of tape on the
opposite side of the repair, which will act as a dam or backing, preventing the adhesive from
leaking through the hole. Once the adhesive cures, you can remove the tape backing.
STEP 4
NUTS &
BOLTS
Use masking tape to mark off the area around the
crack that you will be applying the adhesive to. If the
hole goes all the way through the boot, apply a piece
of tape over the hole on the inside of the boot to
prevent the adhesive from leaking through.

7. Make sure you are using a urethane adhesive like Freesole or Aquaseal. Urethane adhesives
are highly flexible. Many shoe repair adhesives are thermoplastics, which start out flexible but
become hard over time. If the adhesive does not remain flexible like Freesole, it will crack and
eventually peel off the surface.
STEP 5
NUTS &
BOLTS
Apply a permanent, urethane adhesive like
Freesole® over the damaged area on your
rubber boot. Make sure that the crack/hole
is completely covered by the adhesive and
that the adhesive extends at least 1 inch
around the crack or hole.

8. If you have a black pair of rubber boots or prefer a black, Freesole is available with a black Color
Sync™ option. Just add the Color Sync in a mixing cup before you apply your repair.
STEP 6
NUTS &
BOLTS
Allow the rubber boot to dry flat and
untouched for 12 hours.

9. WHY IT
MATTERS?
Yard work, fishing, hunting, exploring, etc. is so much better
when you’re not worrying about staying warm and dry.
Who wants cold, wet feet?
Rubber boots aren’t cheap. Don’t let leaks or holes ruin
your investment.
Outdoor gear is expensive;
keep it around for a while
1
2

10. Thank
You!For more tips on how to
repair or maintain your
outdoor gear and footwear
visit Gear-Aid.com
www.Gear-Aid.com