Fixing flex in plastic soled bike shoes
Posted: 23 Oct 2014, 19:18
by mikesbytes
I've heard a theory that the nylon in plastic soled shoes doesn't actually break down but what happens is that it gets impregnated with water and its this moisture that causes the increased flex. The solution being is to heat them in an oven at 60degC to dry out the moisture.
Does someone want to put this theory to the test with an old pair of shoes they were going to bin anyway
Re: Fixing flex in plastic soled bike shoes
Posted: 24 Oct 2014, 12:18
by weiyun
Suggest better verification of the theory by first principle first.
Re: Fixing flex in plastic soled bike shoes
Posted: 27 Oct 2014, 06:08
by shrubb face
https://techcenter.lanxess.com/scp/amer ... ocId=76987
There might be some science behind the theory/rumor, not exactly sure how it effects a reinforced resins such as a shoe sole. Also you probably want to be careful it doesnt melt the glues which hold the flexible top of the shoe to the sole, as they wouldnt be designed for sustained high temp exposure.
Re: Fixing flex in plastic soled bike shoes
Posted: 27 Oct 2014, 20:30
by mikesbytes
https://techcenter.lanxess.com/scp/amer ... ocId=76987
There might be some science behind the theory/rumor, not exactly sure how it effects a reinforced resins such as a shoe sole. Also you probably want to be careful it doesnt melt the glues which hold the flexible top of the shoe to the sole, as they wouldnt be designed for sustained high temp exposure.
Interesting
We just need someone to donate a dead pair of shoes to the experiment and see if it;
1. makes them stiffer
2. does(n't) damage the uppers or their bonding