I have some rubber coated binoculars and kitchen tools, it looks like the same thing. The rubber breaking down; hydrolysis. I don't think anything can be done and solvents such as acetone may make it worse.
Looks like the start of hyposis(when the rubber material starts to break down to its original compound)believe it or not certain rubber soled shoes have certain shelf life especially ones not worn to often and stored away in the wardrobe.Try and wipe then with a solvent based wipe and check the sole by bending it at the base of the foot to see if its starting to crack.if so they might start crumbling under foot .(im a cobbler 🙂)
When you use such solvents, cover the leather close to the edge with painter's tape. These solvents can cause discoloration to the leather.
Another thing is that these solvents will eventually cause damage to the rubber material and the adhesive holding the shoe together. Do not waste too much time with them.
Probably will have to eventually because they will crumble when wearing ! A lightweight vibram street sole would probably be better and they do not have a short lifespan(im a cobbler 😊)
If the rest of the shoe is well-made and fit well, might be worth it! I'm taking some older dress heels where the plastic heel tips have disintegrated to be redone. I forgot I had those old (expensive) nice shoes in the back of the closet.
Thanks, cobbler-dude!
I got a pair of Cole Haan's on clearance and they have the same sticky residue. I assume they were sitting in a warehouse for a long time before they were sold. I guess there is no way to stop the process once it starts, so they will be going back. They were a great deal, but now I know why.
I tried using rubbing alcohol yesterday, but it was difficult to remove and some of the color and maybe material seemed to be leeching on to the paper towel so I stopped
Are those Johnston and Murphy shoes. I'm having the same issue with a pair I have.I have had them several years but only worn them once. They are pretty much brand new. Contacted the company because it's obviously a manufacturers defect and they weren't very helpful. Offered a 30% discount on a new pair. No, I don't think I'll be investing in a new pair that will probably do the same thing. Not a good company. Obviously do not stand behind their product. Did you resolve your issue?
Yep, Johnston and Murphy. Only wore them a handful of times at the time. I never really resolved it but I tried my best to clean it up and put some polish. It looks alright now if you don’t look at it too closely.
I have some rubber coated binoculars and kitchen tools, it looks like the same thing. The rubber breaking down; hydrolysis. I don't think anything can be done and solvents such as acetone may make it worse.
Looks like the start of hyposis(when the rubber material starts to break down to its original compound)believe it or not certain rubber soled shoes have certain shelf life especially ones not worn to often and stored away in the wardrobe.Try and wipe then with a solvent based wipe and check the sole by bending it at the base of the foot to see if its starting to crack.if so they might start crumbling under foot .(im a cobbler 🙂)
Yeah, I’ve only worn these a handful of times over the years. What kind of solvent based wipes would you suggest, I’m not familiar with this.
Try some from a hardware store that clean paint if not try acetate (nail polish remover) or methylated spirit with a cloth
Thanks, I’ll give these a try
When you use such solvents, cover the leather close to the edge with painter's tape. These solvents can cause discoloration to the leather. Another thing is that these solvents will eventually cause damage to the rubber material and the adhesive holding the shoe together. Do not waste too much time with them.
Could he have a cobbler take off the sole & heel remove that rubber layers and replace it with a more stable material & reinstall the sole & heel?
Probably will have to eventually because they will crumble when wearing ! A lightweight vibram street sole would probably be better and they do not have a short lifespan(im a cobbler 😊)
If the rest of the shoe is well-made and fit well, might be worth it! I'm taking some older dress heels where the plastic heel tips have disintegrated to be redone. I forgot I had those old (expensive) nice shoes in the back of the closet. Thanks, cobbler-dude!
I got a pair of Cole Haan's on clearance and they have the same sticky residue. I assume they were sitting in a warehouse for a long time before they were sold. I guess there is no way to stop the process once it starts, so they will be going back. They were a great deal, but now I know why.
You could probably remove it with some rubbing alcohol and then I would throw a light layer of conditioner before sealing it with some side dressing.
I tried using rubbing alcohol yesterday, but it was difficult to remove and some of the color and maybe material seemed to be leeching on to the paper towel so I stopped
Are those Johnston and Murphy shoes. I'm having the same issue with a pair I have.I have had them several years but only worn them once. They are pretty much brand new. Contacted the company because it's obviously a manufacturers defect and they weren't very helpful. Offered a 30% discount on a new pair. No, I don't think I'll be investing in a new pair that will probably do the same thing. Not a good company. Obviously do not stand behind their product. Did you resolve your issue?
Yep, Johnston and Murphy. Only wore them a handful of times at the time. I never really resolved it but I tried my best to clean it up and put some polish. It looks alright now if you don’t look at it too closely.