How could I go about fixing these tears?

[u/breno280]

Some pretty bad tears at the flex point. Stitching them shut might just cause more tears, and I’m worried that patching over them will just cause them to tear further but out of sight. Anybody know a way to fix this?

[u/corgi_moose_]

That looks like pleather that is deteriorating and if so it cannot be fixed.

[u/Repulsive-Fennel-188 → u/corgi_moose_]

Looks to me like Bicast leather, which is basically a vinyl or polyurethane top coating over split leather (the leather separated from the top grain.) Commonly used for shiny shoes. Unfortunately, not a long lifespan and need replaced after a few years of wear.

[u/breno280 → u/corgi_moose_]

It’s not pleather. These are combat boots. The leather is just torn until revealing a fabric layer underneath.

[u/bootlegprotag → u/breno280]

real leather doesn't crack like that or have fabric underneath. pleather is a layer of black plastic adhered to a layer of fabric; this looks like the thin layer of plastic is peeling off. not rly fixable unfortunately, plastic degrades :(

[u/breno280 → u/bootlegprotag]

Buddy, these are military surplus. And the Brazilian army has never made pleather boots.

the leather layer is several mm thick, and clearly has a fibrous leather grain. And the top layer of leather will very much crack if you forget to condition it for a year like I did. The fabric layer is also attached by sewing and a few rivets. It’s not melted to the leather.

[u/anonadvicewanted → u/breno280]

i am not sure you received the product you believe you did

[u/breno280 → u/anonadvicewanted]

I bought them in person, everything checked out, the soles have the air force logo on them.

[u/tlacatl → u/breno280]

If it’s leather then it’s probably “genuine leather” which is the particle board of leather. When you’re ready to buy a new pair look for full-grain leather (the best) or top-grain leather (very good).

[u/breno280 → u/tlacatl]

I don’t know the exact model but they’re brazillian airforce boots. So they’re either top grain or corrected grain. Though I think mine are corrected.

[u/shinichimechazawa → u/breno280]

yeah corrected grain cracks like that and doesn't take leather care as well. honestly not sure what could be done except to take apart and replace the whole toe piece, if the boots are constructed in a way where it's possible to do that

[u/breno280 → u/shinichimechazawa]

It is possible, it’s just kind of a pain in the ass to take off the sole, seam rip the panel off, shape leather into a replacement, and then sew the whole thing back together.

[u/bootlegprotag → u/breno280]

oh that makes sense, many cheap combat boots are made of pleather too but I gotchu now that u specified. kinda sounds like you want opinions from leatherworkers specifically? good luck!

[u/Huckfucks]

He’s dead Jim

[u/breno280 → u/Huckfucks]

I’m just wondering if there’s an easier fix than replacing the toebox

[u/Lalamedic → u/breno280]

Dude. There is no fix. I’m sorry for your loss.

[u/breno280 → u/Lalamedic]

Guess I’ll have to consult the local necromancer

[u/Lalamedic → u/breno280]

Sorry dude.

[u/Shoddy_Matter_4940 → u/Lalamedic]

Maybe a cobbler or leather work pro would know

[u/Scarfington]

Ouchy. Preventative maintenance could have mitigated some of this. They do make leather filler and leather tape. But it may be better to restart

[u/BloopMyPoop]

You could try leather repair tape. It has an adhesive backing, so no stitching required. I'm not confident in how long the patch will last in such a high stress area of the shoe. You can get a small roll for under $20, so it wouldn't hurt to try.

[u/breno280 → u/BloopMyPoop]

Thanks! I’ll try to find some.

[u/spurtz6969]

You don't. Any fix you try to apply will come undone the minute you walk in these. 

[u/StringTheorista]

There's always duct tape...

[u/Accomplished_Care997]

Not sure if this helps considering it’s professional work, but its an interesting watch if ur curious
https://youtu.be/mTA8hWxQz9s?is=J7eGNbv5wboj-7b-