In short: the fabric lining inside the heel is the first thing to fail on sports shoes, while the sole and upper are still in good shape. Caught early, relining the heel is enough; left until the stiff heel counter shows through, it rubs your foot and is harder to repair.
Plenty of people throw away nearly new sneakers just because the inside heel has worn through. This article helps you see how far along your pair is and whether it is worth repairing. For all repair services see shoe repair.
- Why heel linings tear
- How torn is too torn
- A temporary fix at home
- Relining the heel at the shop
- Keeping the heel from tearing again
- Pricing
- Frequently asked questions
Why heel linings tear
With every step your heel lifts and drops and rubs the same small patch of fabric. The lining there is usually thin to keep the shoe light and breathable, so it takes friction far worse than the sole does.
- Pulling shoes on without undoing the laces: the heel scrapes hard against the lining every time.
- Shoes slightly too big: the heel slides up and down with every step.
- Low socks or bare feet: skin and sweat rub directly on the fabric.
- Running shoes and mesh shoes: the thinnest lining, and the first to tear.
How torn is too torn
- Worn thin or fuzzy fabric: no repair needed yet, but this is the moment to change how you put your shoes on.
- A small hole showing the foam: the best time to reline, while the padding underneath is still intact.
- A wide tear with the foam shredding: it can still be relined, but the heel will hold your foot less snugly than before.
- The stiff heel counter showing: hard plastic rubs directly on your foot and causes blisters. Repair it now or stop wearing them.
A temporary fix at home
Ready-made heel grip patches cover a small hole for a few weeks and reduce rubbing. For them to stay put, clean the heel area and let it dry completely before sticking one on.
Avoid hand-stitching a patch over the tear: the stitches and raised edges rub even worse than the hole. All-purpose glue is also a bad idea, as it dries into a hard rough patch exactly where your heel rests.
Relining the heel at the shop
The technician removes the torn lining around the inside heel, fits new fabric following the original heel shape, then stitches or bonds it along the old seam. The sole and upper stay as they are. If the foam underneath is badly torn, you are told beforehand how well the heel will hold your foot.
This is worth doing when the sole and upper are still good. If the sole is worn smooth too, look at both jobs together; see also worn soles: patch or resole.
Keeping the heel from tearing again
- Loosen the laces before putting your foot in, or use a shoehorn.
- Wear socks that come up to the ankle rather than low cut ones.
- If the shoes are slightly big, lace through the last eyelet to lock the heel so it slips less.
- Wipe and dry the lining after rain or a sweaty day; damp fabric rots faster.
Pricing
| Service | Price | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Heel lining fabric repair | 450,000d | Replacing the fabric inside the heel of sports shoes |
| Cosmetic restitching | 200,000d | Burst stitching on the collar or upper |
| Basic cleaning | 90,000d | Cleaning the whole pair if you want it done at the same time |
Guide prices, confirmed once the technician has seen the actual pair or the photos you send on Zalo. See the full list at shoe repair pricing or book online.
Frequently asked questions
How much does relining the heel cost?
450,000d for a pair of sports shoes, confirmed once the technician has seen how torn it actually is.
Can just one heel be repaired?
Yes, but it is usually better to do both shoes together, because the other one is nearly as worn. The technician looks and tells you plainly.
Will the new lining be a different colour from the old one?
The technician picks the fabric closest to the remaining lining. The old lining has faded over time so there may be a slight difference, but it sits inside the heel and is rarely noticeable when worn.
Where do I send shoes for repair?
Bring them to the shop at 1/56 Nguyen The Truyen, Tan Son Nhi, Tan Phu, open 8:00 to 18:00 every day, or book a slot and we collect them anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. The technician gives the turnaround together with the quote.