Changing sole edge color

[Northampton Novice]

Hi Everyone,

I am curious to find out if I can change the sole edge color on a pair of shoes.

The shoes in question just aren't featuring in my rotation because they are a little bland looking. They are welted and have a stacked heel with the sole edging in black. I think it would look more interesting if the shoes in question had a brown sole edge as per most C&Js.

I've considered two possibilities:-

1. Lightly sand down the existing sole edge finish and then re-color with Fiebings brown sole edging

Or 2) Bleach the existing sole edge and then color with the aforementioned brown sole edging

What do you think?

I'll be grateful for your guidance!

 

[Harold falcon]

Originally Posted by Northampton Novice

1. Lightly sand down the existing sole edge finish and then re-color with Fiebings brown sole edging
I don't see why this wouldn't work, although I must admit I've never done anything like this before. I would avoid the bleach option if possible, I'm not sure what other deleterious effects the bleach would have on shoe leather. EDIT - I'd start with very fine sandpaper. Don't use too coarse stuff if you don't have too.

 

[Achilles_]

Originally Posted by harvey_birdman

I don't see why this wouldn't work, although I must admit I've never done anything like this before. I would avoid the bleach option if possible, I'm not sure what other deleterious effects the bleach would have on shoe leather.

x2

To be honest though, unless you are a professional who works with shoes, I see this ending in disaster.

 

[Keyboard Warrior]

Better yet, go to your nearest cobbler and let him do the hard work.

 

[rebel222]

Not going to work. There are two things, the welt and the sole. The sole edge won't be a problem, but the welt will. There are too many grooves in the top of the welt to sand the color out. Also, I would be worried than any chemicals would compromise the adhesive that holds the sole on.

 

[TRA8324]

Originally Posted by rebel222

Not going to work. There are two things, the welt and the sole. The sole edge won't be a problem, but the welt will. There are too many grooves in the top of the welt to sand the color out. Also, I would be worried than any chemicals would compromise the adhesive that holds the sole on.

This is what I was thinking. It seems like it would be very difficult.

 

[Northampton Novice]

I'm beginning to appreciate the gravity of what appears to be a relatively simple task...


I'd love to take them to a decent cobbler if there were such a creature within 100 miles of my location. (No, I don't reside in Northampton as my nick might suggest).

 

[patrickBOOTH]

You can get them re-welted and re-soled, but that is costly. Unless of course you are so sold on the idea that it doesn't matter. I am sure Nick V. could do it. You can ship them to B. Nelson.