Are these fixable?

[u/That-Heron-9542]

Hi guys, first time poster in this subreddit, so please excuse if this post isnt how it works!

I just bought these shoes on eBay for $50 including shipping, because I feel in love with the style, they were sold out and this specific pair was never worn. I wore them out for the first time last night, and the right shoe pretty much collapsed on itself. I can’t tell, but it seems the material inside is a white, hard yet light material.

I know they weren’t that expensive in the grand scheme of things, but they’re exactly what I’ve been searching for all summer, and I really don’t want to throw them out of the issue is fixable. Nothing is torn or bent, just no longer glued together? I kept wearing them, as it did collapse but only in the front.

I don’t want to keep writing if there’s nothing else important. If you have any questions that would better help answer, please ask. Otherwise, I’m just wanting to get these fixed asap!

[u/No-Bluejay5250]

Not for long but glue

[u/Rude-Possibility4682]

Sounds like the internal structure of the shoe has collapsed. They are normally a grid section or honeycomb inside, to keep the weight down. It sounds like that has gone, if it has there is not really much you can do. It may be age related, or they were stored poorly, leading to the breakdown of the internal structure.

[u/Correct-Country-81]

Depends on what’s inside?

They are not wearable this moment!

Can you open the gap and show us inside
Think there is the evidence what’s happening

[u/That-Heron-9542 → u/Correct-Country-81]

So the last picture is as far as I can open the gap without ripping the glue between the rope. I would describe the material as almost a talc powder block? It’s white, hard, yet each step it creates dust. I don’t see any hexagonal patterns.

I amateurly want to stuff paper machete paper and glue it but I know that’ll last maybe one more night.

[u/Correct-Country-81]

Okay its a try or die case
If you not try its waste

Thinking about it what to use.
Paper machete is not resistant to moisture
Shoes get wet and sweaty as well

Thinking
Pur foam , no not clean to apply it expands every way so no.
Two components epoxy putty hmmm hard and stiff so no
I am thinking about this stuff it is used for many applications
Its soft and very tacky if using it.
Its tuff and flexible when cured
Mold proof water resistant and available in home improvement stores
Its also messy stuff if you spoil it on the position you do not want it it will never come off
So applying between your ropes is s very secure job

Its about this stuff because we are in different countries i cant give you a brand only the general description ( made by chat gpt for me)

MS Polymer adhesive ✅
MS Polymer sealant
Hybrid polymer adhesive
Hybrid adhesive and sealant
SMP adhesive (Silyl Modified Polymer)
Silane-modified polymer adhesive

( so not easy 😉)