At Shoe Goo® Adhesive, Glue, our mission is simple: to provide the highest-quality shoe repair adhesives and glues to keep your shoes going and going. For over 4 decades, Shoe Goo® has been the go-to shoe glue for do-it-yourselfers, crafters, professionals, and anyone who wants to extend the life of their favorite footwear.
Our Humble Beginnings
Shoe Goo® was created in 1972 by shoe repairman Harry Howland. Harry was determined to develop a waterproof shoe repair adhesive that could bond leather, rubber, vinyl and canvas better than anything on the market. After months of experimentation in his basement workshop, he finalized the formula for the first Shoe Goo®.
This revolutionary shoe glue was unlike anything before it. Harry started selling Shoe Goo® locally and it quickly gained a cult following amongst shoemakers and cobblers who were amazed by its superior adhesion and flexibility compared to traditional rigid cements.
Word spread, demand grew, and soon Harry could no longer keep up with orders in his small workshop. In 1977, he partnered with Bob Smith to launch Eclectic Products, the company behind Shoe Goo® today.
Growth and Innovation
Under Bob’s leadership, Eclectic Products continued improving the original Shoe Goo® formula while expanding the product line to include a black version and larger sizes. As the brand grew nationally, Shoe Goo® cemented its status as the go-to shoe repair adhesive for professional cobblers and everyday DIYers alike.
Over the years, our expert chemists have continued innovating to enhance Shoe Goo®‘s flexibility, waterproofing, abrasion resistance and durability. While the original formula remains virtually unchanged, we’ve introduced next-generation products like Shoe Goo® II which dries clearer and faster than the original.
Beyond shoe repair, we’ve adapted the powerful Shoe Goo® formula into E6000, our all-purpose industrial-strength adhesive, and Sugru, our moldable glue that turns into silicone rubber overnight. Our commitment to innovation has allowed Eclectic Products to grow into a leading brand with solutions for projects and repairs both large and small.
What Makes Shoe Goo® the Best?
So what makes Shoe Goo® the #1 shoe glue in the world? Here are just a few of its stand-out features:
- Incredible adhesion – Bonds virtually anything including leather, rubber, canvas, vinyl, plastic and more. The flexible formula moves with shoes instead of cracking or peeling.
- 100% waterproof seal – Perfect for sealing small holes and patching worn soles. Repairs remain bonded even when exposed to water.
- Abrasion resistant – Its thick consistency and durable formula create long-lasting repairs that resist wear and abrasion.
- Easy to apply – Goes on smooth with the included applicator tip. Formula dries transparent for discreet repairs.
- Dries flexible – Repairs stay bonded and bendable instead of becoming rigid or brittle over time.
- Versatile uses – Many crafters and DIYers use Shoe Goo® for fixing holes in backpacks, sealing crafts and even creating extra traction on skateboards!
We aim to strike the perfect balance between industrial-strength adhesion and flexibility to keep your shoes going strong. And with over 40 years of proven results, you can trust Shoe Goo® to get the job done right.
Our Values: Quality, Integrity, Community
At Shoe Goo®, we believe that values matter. Three principles guide every decision we make:
Quality
We aim to provide the highest-quality adhesives, epoxies and sealants in the world. Our chemists meticulously formulate each product to meet rigorous performance standards for adhesion, flexibility, abrasion resistance and durability. We only use premium industrial-grade ingredients proven to outlast and outperform competitors.
Integrity
We stand behind every product we make 100%. Our reputation is staked on providing reliable solutions that work as promised. We’ll never exaggerate claims or mislead customers just to make a sale. When you choose a Shoe Goo® product, you can feel confident it’s been thoroughly tested to perform to strict specifications.
Community
Our customers are the heart of our community. We greatly value feedback and suggestions. Our helpful customer service team is always happy to answer any adhesive or repair-related question. We take pride in sharing knowledge and empowering people to take repairs into their own hands.
Giving Back
At Shoe Goo®, we believe in using business as a force for good. That’s why we donate a portion of profits each year to support community organizations.
Some causes we’ve contributed to include:
- Local food banks and shelters
- Youth education programs
- Environmental conservation groups
- Animal welfare charities
- Resources for at-risk communities
We also match employee donations and encourage staff to volunteer for causes they care about. Because when our community thrives, we all thrive.
Made in the USA
Shoe Goo® and all Eclectic Products adhesives are proudly made in the USA at our manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon. We source high-quality raw materials from American suppliers to formulate each product.
By keeping manufacturing local, we can closely monitor all aspects of production – from sourcing ingredients to quality control. Our chemists fine-tune formulas on-site to achieve superior performance. We also provide steady employment right here at home.
So when you choose Shoe Goo®, you’re supporting American jobs and the US manufacturing industry.
Join Our Community
We invite you to become part of the Shoe Goo® community! Subscribe to our newsletter for product updates and repair tips. Follow us on social media to share your repairs and see creative project ideas. Check our DIY blog for tutorials and inspiration.
Have an adhesive or shoe repair question? Contact our friendly customer service team for advice. We look forward to helping you keep your favorite shoes going strong with Shoe Goo® – the world’s best shoe glue!
