How to Repair Peeling Shoes (Faux Leather & Cracked Leather)

Co-authored by Marc Sigal

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

You’re all dressed up and ready to head out and then you see it—your shoes are peeling. Don’t worry! There are actually a few simple tricks you can use to fix the problem. No matter the material or the location, most peeling shoes can be repaired. To make it a little easier, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions about what you can do to get your shoes back to their original glory.

Question 1 of 5:

Can you repair real leather shoes if they’re peeling?

Real leather doesn’t peel, but you can fix cracked leather shoes. Real leather doesn’t peel, chip, or flake, so if your shoes are peeling, it’s likely they’re actually made of faux leather.^{[1]
X
Research source} Real leather can dry out and crack, though, and you can easily repair that. Clean the surface with a shoe cleaner and stuff your shoes with newspaper or rags so they hold their shape. Rub mink oil over the surface to rehydrate the leather. Then, apply a leather filler with a pallet knife, smooth it over the cracks, and allow it to dry for 6 hours.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- You can follow up with fine sandpaper, such as 220-grit sandpaper, to gently buff the leather filler smooth if you like.

Question 2 of 5:

How do you fix peeling faux or patent leather?

Use sandpaper, a permanent marker, and shoe polish. Start by sanding off all of the peeling bits of faux leather with 180-grit sandpaper so you’re left with a smooth surface. Fill in the cracks with a permanent marker that closely matches the color of your shoes. Then rub shoe polish that matches the color of your shoes over the peeling area and let it dry.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Question 3 of 5:

How do you fix peeling shoe soles?

Apply shoe glue and let it dry for 24 hours. Shoe glue is a type of glue known ad E6000, which is commonly used for crafts and for, well, repairing shoes! Peel back the sole to expose as much of the surface as you can and spread a thin layer of the glue all over the inside of the sole. Put your hand in the shoe and push against the sole to form a tight seal. Then, clamp the shoe and sole together with a spring clamp and leave it to dry for a full day before you wear them.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Question 4 of 5:

Can the inside lining of shoes be repaired?

1
Tape it down with duct tape for a simple fix. Cut a strip of duct tape and attach it sticky-side down over the peeling area. Smooth out the surface of the tape and your lining should stay held down until the tape wears out.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Cut a denim patch and attach it with fabric glue to replace the lining. If the fabric on the inside part of the heel is flaking or coming loose, you can replace it with a patch. Cut a patch of fabric from some denim or cloth. Hold the patch against the inside of the heel and mark the edges with a marker. Cut the patch to fit neatly inside your shoe with a pair of scissors. Then, apply fabric glue to the inside of your shoe and place the patch on top. Smooth out the surface and allow the glue to fully dry before you wear the shoe.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Check the packaging on the glue for specific drying times.

Question 5 of 5:

How do I stop my shoes from peeling?

1
Place your shoes on a shoe tree when you aren’t wearing them. A shoe tree is a wooden stand that’s designed to hold your shoes in a way that helps prevent creases and cracks from forming. Instead of storing your shoes on the floor or in a closet, slide them onto a shoe tree until you’re ready to wear them.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you have pets, keep your shoes out of reach!
2
Store your shoes away from light and heat. Heat and light can warp your shoes and over time can cause them to peel. Keep them stored in a location away from direct sunlight or a heat source. Somewhere like your closet or a corner in your room should work fine.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Allow your shoes to fully dry before you store them. The moisture can cause them to crack.
3
Polish and clean your shoes regularly. Take care of your shoes by cleaning any dirt or grime that collects on the surface. Use a shoe cleaner and gently wipe the surface with a clean cloth. At least once a month, polish up your shoes with quality shoe polishing items such as wax polish, cream polish, or leather conditioner for leather shoes.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Choose a shoe polish that matches the color of your shoes.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How do you stop leather from cracking?

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Marc Sigal

Shoe Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Leather is a finicky material, and if it's not treated correctly, it will start to dry and crack. Conditioning is very important—apply the leather conditioner over the shoe with a soft brush or clean cloth, let it dry, and then brush off any excess conditioner. Just make sure you choose a conditioner that matches the color of the shoe.
Question

What does leather conditioner do?

Marc Sigal
Shoe Care Specialist
Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Marc Sigal

Shoe Care Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Leather conditioner is a softening agent. It not only keeps the leather from cracking, but also helps make the leather softer and more pliable, so it helps break the shoes in more easily.