Barge Cement vs Shoe Goo – Which One is Good for Shoe Repair?
Barge cement and shoe goo are both great options for repairing your shoes, but they have some pros and cons that you should weigh before buying them.
Barge cement is better for repairing shoes that need to be durable and long-lasting, while shoe goo is better for repairing shoes that need to be flexible and comfortable.
In this article, I will compare Barge Cement vs Shoe Goo and help you decide which one is best for your shoe repair needs.
Read More: E6000 vs Shoe Goo
What is Barge Cement?
Barge cement is a contact cement that is made by Barge Adhesives. This professional grade adhesive can be used for various projects such as shoe repairs, leatherwork, cosplay, and puppet making.
Barge cement can bond various materials such as leather, rubber, wood, foam, glass, vinyl, and polyvinyl chloride.
Barge cement comes in a metal can with a brush applicator attached to the lid. It is available in different sizes ranging from 2 ounces to 32 ounces.
Barge cement has a fast dry time ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. Furthermore, it has an open time of 4 hours so you can safely work with it.
Barge cement creates a strong and permanent bond that is resistant to heat, water, and chemicals. It is ideal for repairing shoes that need to be durable and long-lasting, such as soles and heels.
However, barge cement can be difficult to work with, as it needs to be applied to both surfaces and allowed to dry completely before the two pieces can be joined together.
Barge cement also has a strong odor and is toxic and flammable, so it should be used in a well-ventilated area or preferably outdoors.
What is Shoe Goo?
Shoe goo is a rubberized adhesive that is made by Eclectic Products. This adhesive is designed for repairing shoes and also serves as an excellent sealant. Shoe goo can bond materials such as rubber, leather, canvas, and vinyl.
Shoe goo comes in a plastic tube with a nozzle tip. It is available in clear color and four different tube servings of – 0.18 fl oz, one fl oz, and three fl oz.
Shoe goo takes around 24 to 48 hours to cure fully, so it’s recommended to leave your shoes undisturbed for a day once you’ve applied the glue.
Shoe goo creates a flexible and comfortable bond that can bend and move with your shoes. It is ideal for repairing shoes that need to be able to adapt to different terrains and activities, such as hiking boots or running shoes.
However, shoe goo is not as waterproof as barge cement, so it may not be the best choice for repairing shoes that will be exposed to water or moisture.
Shoe goo also has a strong odor and contains solvents that can irritate your skin and eyes.
Barge Cement vs Shoe Goo Comparison Table
| Feature | Barge Cement | Shoe Goo |
| Type of adhesive | Contact cement | Rubberized adhesive |
| Application | Both surfaces | One surface |
| Drying Time | 10 to 15 minutes | 24 to 48 hours |
| Open time | 4 hours | N/A |
| Bond strength | Strong and permanent | Flexible and comfortable |
| Odor and fumes | Strong and harmful | Mild and tolerable |
| Toxicity and flammability | High | Low |
| Uses | Shoe repair, leatherwork, cosplay, puppet making, etc. | Shoe repair, sealant |
| Suitable materials | Leather, rubber, plastic, vinyl, wood, glass, polyvinyl chloride | Vinyl, leather, rubber, canvas |
Differences Between Barge Cement and Shoe Goo
Barge cement and shoe goo are both effective adhesives that can help you repair your shoes, but they have some differences that you should consider before choosing one.
Here are some of the main factors to compare:
Durability
Barge cement creates a stronger and more durable bond than shoe goo. It can withstand more wear and tear and resist water and chemicals better.
Shoe goo creates a more flexible and comfortable bond than barge cement but may not last as long or protect your shoes from water and moisture as well.
Ease of use
Shoe goo is easier to use than barge cement. It only needs to be applied to one surface and does not require any clamping or pressure.
Barge cement needs to be applied to both surfaces and allowed to dry completely before joining them together. It also requires more preparation and cleanup.
Versatility
Barge cement is more versatile than shoe goo. It can bond more materials than shoe goo and can also be used for other projects besides shoe repair.
Shoe goo is mainly designed for shoe repair and works best with materials such as vinyl, leather, rubber, and canvas.
Price
Shoe goo is cheaper than barge cement. You can get a tube of shoe goo for around $7-$15, while a can of barge cement can cost around $25-$35, depending on the size.
Barge Cement vs Shoe Goo: Which One to Choose?
The choice between Barge Cement and Shoe Goo depends on your shoe repair needs and preferences.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing between them:
The Type of Damage
If your shoe has loose or detached soles or heels, Barge Cement might be a better choice, as it creates a stronger and more durable bond.
If your shoe has holes, tears, or cracks in the upper or lower parts, Shoe Goo might be a better choice, as it creates a more flexible and sealant bond.
The Type of Material
Both Barge Cement and Shoe Goo work well on various materials such as leather, rubber, plastic, vinyl, and canvas.
However, Barge Cement might have an edge over Shoe Goo when it comes to wood, glass, and polyvinyl chloride.
The Type of Shoe
If your shoe is rigid and sturdy, such as a dress shoe or a work boot, Barge Cement might be a better choice, as it can handle more weight and pressure.
If your shoe is soft and flexible, such as a hiking boot or a running shoe, Shoe Goo might be a better choice, as it can bend and move with the shoe.
The Type of User
If you are experienced and confident with using adhesives, Barge Cement might be a better choice, as it requires more precision and skill.
If you are new or casual with using adhesives, Shoe Goo might be a better choice, as it requires less preparation and alignment.
Read More: Rubber Cement vs Contact Cement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Barge Cement Work on Shoes?
Yes, barge cement works on shoes. It is especially good for repairing shoes that need to be durable and long-lasting, such as soles and heels.
Is Barge Cement Waterproof?
Yes, barge cement is waterproof when it is completely cured. It can resist water and chemicals better than other adhesives, such as shoe goo or rubber cement. Barge cement is ideal for repairing shoes or other items that will be exposed to wet conditions, such as rubber boots or leather jackets.
Is Shoe Goo the Same as Rubber Cement?
You might think shoe goo and rubber cement are the same, but they’re actually not. Shoe goo is a distinct variety of rubber cement that incorporates a solvent for cleaning and degreasing purposes and a synthetic rubber that resists abrasion, unlike rubber cement.
Shoe Goo is designed for repairing shoes and creating a strong and permanent bond between different materials such as vinyl, leather, rubber, and canvas.
Rubber cement is a general-purpose adhesive that contains elastic polymers and a solvent such as acetone, hexane, toluene, or heptane. It is mainly used for arts and crafts projects and for creating repositionable bonds between paper, fabric, or plastic.
Is Shoe Goo Waterproof?
Yes, shoe goo is waterproof once fully cured. It can be used to repair waterproof fabrics and footwear, such as hiking boots or raincoats. It can also be used as a sealant to fill small holes and gaps in shoes.
Final Thoughts
Barge Cement and Shoe Goo are both effective and reliable adhesives that can help you repair your shoes. However, they have different features and advantages that make them suitable for different situations.
Barge cement is more versatile than shoe goo but harder to use, while shoe goo is cheaper than barge cement but less waterproof.
Hopefully, the comparison between barge cement vs shoe goo has helped you to choose between them, depending on your personal preference and the type of shoes you want to repair.
