Introduction
You just bought a pair of trail gaiters to keep dirt, gravel, and snow out of your shoes and socks. But the Velcro strips that came with them are separate, and you need to glue them onto your Altra shoes. Which side of the Velcro – the soft fuzzy loop side or the grainy hook side – goes on the shoe? And what glue should you use? This guide answers both questions step by step. If you glue the wrong side or use the wrong adhesive, your gaiters will peel off mid-run or won’t hold at all. Here’s how to do it right the first time.
Quick Answer
Glue the grainy hook side (the rough, scratchy part of Velcro) onto the shoe. The soft fuzzy loop side stays on the gaiter. This way the gaiter presses against the shoe and the hooks grab the loops, creating a secure seal. Use a flexible, high-strength glue designed for rubber and fabric. Shoe Goo, Barge All-Purpose Cement, or Aquaseal SR work best. Rough up the shoe surface with sandpaper before gluing, apply a thin layer, press firmly, and let it cure for 24 hours. Avoid super glue or hot glue – they crack under flex.
Why This Happens
Gaiters keep debris out by forming a tight seal around the heel and sides of the shoe. The hook-and-loop (Velcro) system allows you to remove the gaiter when not needed, but the attachment point on the shoe must be permanent. The hook side is rougher and adheres better to the shoe’s rubber or fabric when glued. The loop side is softer and would peel off under tension. Trail running involves constant flexing, mud, and water, so the bond must be both strong and flexible. That’s why you need a specialized adhesive, not just any glue.
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Gather Materials
You’ll need: Velcro strips (hook side for shoe, loop side for gaiter), glue (Shoe Goo, Barge, or Aquaseal), a small brush or applicator, rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, fine-grit sandpaper (120-200 grit), tape, and a weight or clamp.
Step 2: Clean and Roughen the Shoe Surface
Wipe the area where the Velcro will go with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or silicone. Once dry, lightly sand the surface with sandpaper. This creates micro-scratches for the glue to grip. Wipe off dust with a dry cloth.
Step 3: Apply Glue to the Hook Strip
Place the hook strip on a piece of cardboard. Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the back of the Velcro (the side without hooks). Avoid getting glue on the hooks themselves. Let the glue sit for 2-3 minutes if using contact cement (follow product instructions).
Step 4: Attach the Strip to the Shoe
Position the strip on the shoe. Press it firmly using your fingers, then place a weight (like a filled water bottle) on top. Use tape to hold it in place if needed. Let it cure according to glue instructions – typically 24 hours. Do not attach the gaiter during curing.
Step 5: Attach Loop Strip to Gaiter (if not pre-attached)
If your gaiter doesn’t already have the loop side, apply it the same way: sand the gaiter fabric, glue the loop side, press, and cure. Make sure the loop side faces inward (toward the shoe).
Step 6: Test Fit
After full cure, press the gaiter onto the shoe Velcro. It should feel snug. Go for a short run to test. If it slips, reapply with more cure time or a different glue.
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong side on the shoe. If you glue the fuzzy loop side instead of the hook side, the gaiter’s hooks will grab the shoe’s loops weakly, and dirt can sneak in through gaps.
- Skipping surface prep. Glue won’t stick to oily or glossy shoe materials. Always clean and sand first. Skipping this step leads to peeling within a few runs.
- Applying too much glue. Thick glue dries stiff and cracks. A thin, even layer is stronger and more flexible.
- Testing before full cure. Even if the glue feels dry, moisture or pressure can break the bond. Wait the full recommended cure time (check label – often 24 hours).
Checklist or Decision Table: Best Glue Options
| Glue Type | Best For | Cure Time | Flexibility | Water Resistance | Ease of Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoe Goo | Rubber and synthetic uppers | 12-24 hrs | High | Excellent | Easy – comes in tube |
| Barge All-Purpose Cement | Leather, rubber, fabric | 10-15 min (contact bond) | Very high | Good | Requires brush; works quickly |
| Aquaseal SR | Neoprene, rubber, fabric | 24 hrs | Moderate | Excellent | Thick, needs spread |
| Super glue | Not recommended | Seconds | Very low | Poor | Too brittle for flex |
| Hot glue | Not recommended | Instant | Low | Poor | Peels under movement |
Choose Shoe Goo for most trail running shoes, especially Altras with rubberized heel counter. Barge is great if you need instant attachment and have good ventilation.
When This Advice Does Not Apply
This method assumes your trail gaiters use a separate Velcro strip that you must glue yourself. Some gaiters (like Dirty Girl or Kahtoola) come with pre-glued strips or have a different attachment system (e.g., cord loop or plastic clip). If your shoes have a built-in gaiter trap (a small hook or loop at the heel), you don’t need Velcro. Also, if your shoe upper is entirely mesh without a rubber or leather heel counter, glue may not hold well. In that case, consider gaiters that wrap around the entire shoe or use a different attachment. For persistent foot pain or injury while running, consult a healthcare professional – this guide is for gear, not medical advice.
Realistic Example
Mike, a trail runner from Oregon, needed to attach Velcro strips to his new Altra Olympus 5s for a 50K race. He bought Kahtoola gaiters, which came with separate hook-and-loop strips. First, he mistakenly glued the fuzzy loop side to the shoe. On his first training run, the gaiter shifted and let in loose grit. He re-did it with the hook side and used super glue out of impatience. After two more runs, the strip cracked and fell off. Finally, he followed the steps above: sanded the shoe’s rubber heel counter, applied Shoe Goo to the back of the hook strip, clamped it with a heavy book, and waited 24 hours. The bond lasted through mud, creek crossings, and the full race. He now recommends this method to his running club.
Final Takeaway
Always glue the rough hook side of Velcro to the shoe, not the fuzzy loop side. Clean and sand the attachment point, use a flexible shoe-specific glue like Shoe Goo or Barge cement, and allow full cure time. This simple procedure will keep your gaiters snug and your socks debris-free for many miles.
FAQs
Do I need to use glue, or can I sew the Velcro?
You can sew if your shoe has a fabric heel loop, but most trail running shoes have rubber or plastic heel counters that are not sewable. Gluing is the universal method. Sewing into rubber can create holes that weaken the shoe. If your shoe has a fabric gaiter trap, sewing is actually stronger, but for Velcro strips on Altras, glue is the recommended approach.
Can I use double-sided tape instead of glue?
No. Double-sided tape is not designed for the flex, moisture, and heavy load of gaiters. It will peel off within a few miles, especially when wet. Only use adhesive specifically rated for footwear. Some tapes claim high bond, but in practice they fail under trail conditions.
How do I remove old Velcro if I want to replace it?
Use a heat gun or hairdryer on low to soften the glue. Gently pry the strip off with a flat tool like a spudger. Remove residual glue with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone. Sand the area lightly before applying new Velcro. Avoid using solvents that may damage the shoe’s upper.
What if my shoe has a shaped heel pocket – should I cut the Velcro strip?
Yes. Most Velcro strips come in a rectangular shape, but the heel of your shoe is curved. Cut the hook strip into a small rectangle (about 1 x 1.5 inches or the size of the gaiter’s loop patch). Round the corners with scissors to reduce peeling. Test fit on the shoe before gluing.
Do I need to apply glue to both the shoe and the Velcro?
No. Apply glue only to the back of the Velcro strip, not the shoe surface. The adhesive bond works better when the glue is concentrated on one surface and pressed into the roughened shoe. However, for extra strength on very smooth or rubbery shoes, some runners apply a thin coat to the shoe as well – but keep it minimal.
How long will the glued Velcro last before needing replacement?
With proper surface prep and glue, the Velcro can last 300–500 miles or more. Factors like extreme heat, frequent water crossings, or heavy mud can shorten that. Check the bond every few runs. If you see peeling, re-glue immediately to avoid losing your gaiter mid-run.