The Reality of Resoling Cycling Shoes

I’ve seen better-looking roadkill than some of the cycling shoes I’ve owned. Torn-up soles, cleats barely hanging on, and the smell—oh, the smell. But hey, they still worked. The question is: can you stretch their life a little longer by resoling them, or are you just delaying the inevitable?

Before you drop $200+ on a pair of Shimano SH-XC702s thinking you’ll outsmart wear and tear, let’s get real. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Most Cycling Shoes Aren’t Made to Be Resoled

Unlike leather dress shoes or fancy hiking boots, cycling shoes aren’t built with resoling in mind.

Most have glued-on outsoles that aren’t meant to be separated and replaced. If you do try, you might end up with a Frankenstein job that’ll haunt your feet with every pedal stroke.

2. Some Brands Do Offer Replaceable Soles

If you’re lucky, you’ll find models like the Sidi Jarin or other Sidi shoes with replaceable sole treads. But here’s the kicker: they aren’t cheap. You’ll pay almost as much as a new pair just to extend the life of your old ones.

3. Shoe Goo Is Your Budget Friend

Want a poor man’s resole? Shoe Goo. It’s basically liquid plastic that you smear onto the worn-out treads and let dry. It’s not pretty, and it’s not perfect, but it buys you time. If you can handle the DIY mess, this might be your best bet.

4. Walking in Them Kills Them Faster

SPD shoes are walkable, but that doesn’t mean you should be stomping around town in them. Every step you take wears down the sole, and once the tread is gone, good luck keeping traction on any slippery surface. Stick to pedaling and avoid the coffee shop strolls.

5. Cleats Take Most of the Beating

Your soles might wear down, but your metal cleats will likely go first. Fortunately, cleats are replaceable. Swap them out every couple of years, and you’ll keep your setup feeling fresh—even if the shoes look like they’ve been through a war.

6. Some Shoes Just Refuse to Die

One guy online claimed his Shimano SPD shoes lasted 15 years with a little glue and a lot of stubbornness. Another said he handed his down after three seasons, and they were still in great shape. So maybe the best strategy isn’t resoling—it’s just buying durable shoes in the first place.

7. A Shoemaker Might Help, But Don’t Count On It

Could a skilled cobbler hack together a new sole for your cycling shoes? Maybe. But it’s not common, and most cobblers will look at you like you’ve lost your mind when you ask. Plus, the cost might not be worth it. If you’re that desperate, maybe it’s time for new shoes.

Summary Table:

Option	Feasibility	Cost	Worth It?
Buying replaceable soles (Sidi, etc.)	Possible but rare	High	Only if you love your shoes
Using Shoe Goo	Easy DIY fix	Cheap	Temporary solution
Avoiding walking in them	Smart prevention	Free	Yes
Replacing cleats	Easy and necessary	Low	Absolutely
Finding a cobbler	Unlikely	Expensive	Not worth the hassle
Just buying durable shoes	Best long-term strategy	Varies	Yes
Stubbornly gluing them back together	Possible	Cheap	If you can stand the look

The Brutal Truth

So, can you resole your cycling shoes? Technically, maybe. But in reality? It’s a pain, it’s expensive, and it’s rarely worth it.

If you’re dead set on keeping a pair alive, grab some Shoe Goo and embrace the chaos. Otherwise, accept the cycle of life—shoes wear out, you get new ones, and the world keeps spinning.

And if you’re still not convinced? Well, I’ve got an old pair of rotting, half-glued SPDs I can sell you.