RedWing resole using the Traction Tred Sole

The Red Wing Heritage boot is a customer favourite. We do it justice by going back to the welt when re-soling using the original Red Wing Traction Tred sole. 

Our Process

1. Our first step was to fit a last into the boot. Even though there is no way we can change the shape of the boot or the footbed. In this case, we feel this is the best practice and helps us hold onto the boot.
2. We fitted our blade into the gap between the midsole and welt. We went right around the boot cutting off the midsole and old Traction Tred sole. Pulling this gently away we then exposed the worn cork and we scooped all the old cork out.
3. We then unpicked the old welt stitching from the welt. Importantly, we did this so can restitch into the existing welt holes.
4. We then put the new spreadable cork into the void where the old cork was. We use spreadable cork so we don’t hammer the footbed and it follows the existing contours of the footbed.
5. While the cork dried, we applied two coats of glue to the midsole. It was on the side we were going to bond to the cork and welt edge.
6. We waited for the cork to dry before applying two coats to the cork and welt edge. Again, we then set aside to dry.
7. Once both had dried we then heat activated them and pushed them together by hand and set aside to cure.
8. We roughly sanded the bonding surface on the Red Wing Traction Tred sole. To remove any dust, we washed it with acetone. We set them set aside to dry.
9. We trimmed the midsole edge to the welt edge. Furthermore, we roughly sanded the exposed midsole surface and cleaned with acetone.
10. We then welt stitched the midsole to the welt, matching the stitches per inch so we stitch into the existing welt stitch holes. Along with this, we use waxed right twist linen thread which sits perfectly in place in the welt holes.
11. We applied two layers of glue with special emphasis on even coverage of glue along the edges.
12. Once dry, we heat activated the glued surface of the Red Wing Traction Tred sole and the midsole. We hand-pressed them together and left them to cure.
13. Once cured, we trimmed the Traction Tred sole to the welt edge. Then finely sanded the edges. We applied sealing waxes and conditioning agents to the welt edge. This ensures a good seal and a crisp looking edge.
14. Finally, we used Saphir Crème 1925 Shoe Polish to give a good going over. With new laces fitted the come out looking like a fist full of dollars.