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Glues, Adhesives, Solvents and Lubricants

Glues, Adhesives, Solvents and Lubricants Adhesive being applied to Shoes

Algeos offers a comprehensive range of glues, bonding agents, adhesive tapes, removers and solvents.

With options for fast-drying, flexible and high-tensile bonds, our solutions support everything from detailed precision work to high-volume production environments.

Our adhesives are trusted across footwear repair, orthotics, podiatry and industrial applications, delivering consistent performance on materials such as rubber, EVA, leather, cork and foams.

We ship same day on stocked items and handle large-volume deliveries through our specialist courier network.

Reliable Bonding for Repair, Fabrication, Craft and Workshop Use

Specialist Bonding Solutions 

Choosing the right glue or adhesive makes a big difference to bond strength, finish quality and long-term performance.

Whether you are repairing footwear, laminating orthotic layers, bonding foam and cork, working with leather and fabrics, assembling props, carrying out workshop repairs or building with plastics and sheet materials, the correct adhesive helps improve durability, handling and consistency.

This guide explains the main types of glues and adhesives, where they are most useful, which materials they work best with and how to choose the right option for your job.

Read Usage Guide
Glues and adhesives for repair, fabrication and workshop use

Who is this page for? This guide is designed for podiatrists, orthotic technicians, footwear repair professionals, makers, prop builders, costume departments, engineers, workshop users and crafters working with specialist materials.


What are glues and adhesives used for?

Specialist glues and adhesives are used to bond materials such as EVA, rubber, cork, leather, foams, fabrics, top covers, plastics and other technical surfaces. 

In orthotic, repair and workshop applications, a contact adhesive is often the go-to choice because it provides a strong, flexible bond that can cope with movement, compression and repeated use.

Spray adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, primers and other bonding systems also play an important role depending on the materials involved, the finish required and whether the bond needs to be temporary, structural or permanent.


Why specialist glues and adhesives matter

Designed for Demanding Materials

Foams, rubber, leather, cork, fabrics and plastics often need better bonding performance than standard household glues can provide.

Built for Movement and Wear

Many bonded materials flex, compress or take repeated impact. 

Specialist adhesives are designed to stay reliable under real working conditions.

Cleaner, More Consistent Results

The right product helps improve finish quality, reduce bond failures and support a smoother workflow in clinics, workshops, studios and repair environments.


Types of glues and adhesives

Contact Adhesives

Contact adhesives are among the most widely used options across footwear repair, orthotic fabrication, leatherwork and general workshop bonding. They are usually applied to both surfaces, allowed to become tacky, then pressed together to form a strong bond.

Best for: EVA, rubber, cork, leather, fabrics, insole layers and general fabrication work.

Spray Adhesives

Spray adhesives are useful when quick coverage or lighter bonding is needed. They are often used for temporary positioning, top covers, padding layers, fabric applications and jobs where speed matters.

Best for: top covers, foam layers, fabrics, lining work and light assembly.

Cyanoacrylate Adhesives

Often known as super glue, cyanoacrylate adhesives are fast-setting and useful for small repairs, precise bonds and quick fixes. They are generally less suitable where flexibility over time is essential.

Best for: small-area repairs, detail work and quick bonding tasks.

Primers and Surface Preparation Products

Some plastics, coated materials and low-energy surfaces can be difficult to bond without surface preparation. A suitable primer may improve adhesion and reduce the risk of failure.

Best for: difficult soles, synthetics, plastics and challenging repair surfaces.

Heat-Activated Adhesives

These are used in more specialist fabrication processes where heat forms part of the bonding method. They can help deliver controlled and repeatable results in advanced workshop settings.

Best for: specialist manufacturing, layering and technical assembly processes.


Best adhesive by material

Material Recommended Adhesive Type Why It Works Notes
EVA Contact adhesive Provides strong, flexible bonding for layers and modifications Common choice for orthotic build-ups, footwear work and layered fabrication
Rubber High-strength contact adhesive Offers durability and flexibility under repeated movement Surface roughening may improve bond performance
Leather Contact adhesive Reliable for shoe repairs, patching, uppers and leatherwork Clean surfaces thoroughly before application
Cork Contact adhesive Suitable for footbeds, layered components and shaped fabrication Apply evenly to avoid weak spots
Foam top covers and linings Spray adhesive or light contact adhesive Useful where lighter bonding or quicker placement is needed Choose based on whether the bond is temporary or permanent
Plastics and synthetic surfaces Contact adhesive with primer where needed Helps improve adhesion on difficult surfaces Some plastics are naturally hard to bond without preparation
Fabrics Spray adhesive or suitable contact adhesive Supports positioning, coverage and clean lamination Choose product based on fabric weight and flexibility needs


Common uses across adjacent markets

Use Case How Adhesives Help Suggested Approach
Orthotic modifications Bonding layers such as EVA, Poron or top covers Use a contact adhesive for strong, durable bonding
Shoe repairs Reattaching soles, reinforcing worn areas or securing components Use a flexible, high-strength adhesive suitable for movement
Insole adjustments Securing pads, wedges, heel lifts or cushioning materials Use spray adhesive for lighter tasks or contact adhesive for longer-term hold
Leathercraft and footwear making Joining uppers, linings, reinforcements and layered materials Use a dependable contact adhesive suited to leather and flexible components
Props and costume work Bonding foams, fabrics, plastics and shaped decorative elements Use spray or contact adhesive depending on weight, finish and flexibility needed
Workshop and DIY repairs Fixing or assembling mixed materials in practical workspaces Choose adhesive based on the material type, surface condition and bond strength required
Difficult surface bonding Improving adhesion on plastics or low-energy substrates Consider primer plus adhesive for better performance


How to choose the right glue or adhesive

  1. Identify the materials. Check whether you are bonding EVA, leather, rubber, cork, foam, fabric or plastic. Different surfaces behave very differently.
  2. Think about movement. Many bonded items flex, compress or take impact, so the adhesive usually needs to remain flexible rather than turning brittle.
  3. Decide how permanent the bond needs to be. Some jobs need long-term structural strength, while others only need light hold or temporary positioning.
  4. Consider curing and working time. Fast jobs may need quick handling, while more detailed work may benefit from longer open time.
  5. Look at the application method. Brush-on, spray-on and specialist systems each suit different materials, finishes and working styles.
  6. Check whether a primer is needed. Difficult surfaces may need preparation for the most reliable result.


Common bonding problems and how to avoid them

Poor Surface Preparation

Dust, oils, coatings and smooth finishes can all reduce adhesion. Clean and prepare surfaces properly before applying adhesive.

Using the Wrong Product

Not every glue is suitable for flexible, technical or layered materials. Match the adhesive to the job rather than guessing.

Bonding Too Early

With contact adhesives, surfaces often need to become tacky before joining. Pressing together too soon can weaken the bond.

Skipping Primer on Difficult Materials

Some plastics and synthetic surfaces are hard to bond. A suitable primer may improve reliability and help the adhesive grip properly.

Insufficient Pressure

Even a good adhesive may perform poorly if surfaces are not pressed together firmly and evenly during bonding.

Ignoring Safety Guidance

Some adhesives require good ventilation and careful handling. Always follow the product instructions and workshop safety procedures.


Helpful guides and advice

Understanding the Uses and Benefits of Contact Glue

Learn how contact adhesive works, where it performs best and why it remains a popular choice across repair, footwear and fabrication work.

Read more

Contact Adhesives - Algeos How to Use Guide

A practical guide to getting better, more consistent results when using contact adhesives in professional and workshop settings.

Read more

Transparent Bonding with Renia Adhesives

Find out when a clear adhesive finish matters and how transparent bonding can improve presentation and repair quality.

Explore

Renia Primers for Difficult Shoe Repairs

Helpful advice on bonding challenging materials and improving repair outcomes where standard application alone may not be enough.

Explore

How to Remove Contact Adhesive

Practical removal advice for different surfaces, helping reduce mess and minimise damage during repair or reworking.

Explore

The Ultimate Guide to Super Glue Uses

Understand where fast-setting cyanoacrylate adhesives are useful and where a more flexible bonding solution may be the better choice.

View guide


Frequently asked questions

What is the best adhesive for EVA, cork and foam?

For many applications, contact adhesive is the preferred option because it provides a strong, flexible bond across materials such as EVA, cork, rubber and many foams. The best choice still depends on the exact surfaces involved and whether the bond needs to be temporary or permanent.

Can I use standard glue for repair work?

General-purpose glues are often not suitable for demanding repair or fabrication work. Specialist adhesives are usually designed to cope better with movement, stress, layered materials and long-term wear.

What is the difference between contact adhesive and spray adhesive?

Contact adhesive is usually chosen when a stronger, more permanent bond is needed. Spray adhesive is often better for lighter bonding, temporary positioning, fabric work or top-cover applications where speed and coverage matter more than maximum strength.

Do I need a primer for plastics or synthetic materials?

Not always, but some plastics and low-energy surfaces can be difficult to bond without surface preparation. In those cases, a primer may help improve adhesion and reduce the risk of failure.

How long do glues and adhesives take to cure?

This varies by product. Cyanoacrylate adhesives can set very quickly, while contact adhesives often require tack-off time before bonding and additional time to reach full strength. Always follow the manufacturer instructions for best results.

Are specialist adhesives safe for workshop and clinical use?

Yes, when used correctly. Always follow the product guidance, ensure good ventilation where required and use suitable protective measures during application.

Do glues and adhesives work on all materials?

Category Manager

Marc Cameron

Materials and product development specialist with over 25 years of experience in health-related materials, orthotic therapy and medical product innovation. Deep knowledge of foams, polymers, composites, adhesives and functional materials used across orthotic, rehabilitation, footwear, repair and workshop applications. Writes for clinicians, technicians, makers and informed buyers looking for clear, practical guidance without the fluff.


Interesting Reads

  • Orthaboand glue

    March 29, 2026

    UK’s Most Popular Contact Adhesive now available in 0.5L tins

    Orthabond has built a strong reputation with cobblers, repairers and workshop users because it delivers the kind of flexible permanent bond that footwear repairs actually need. Now, with the arrival of the new 500ml tin, the product becomes easier to justify for smaller jobs, lighter usage and home repairs where a full litre can feel excessive.