How To Replace Boot (And Shoe) Buttons

Shoe buttons are generally pretty strong and don't usually break, but more commonly fall off due to damage to the button's wire loops, or the thread attaching the button to the boot breaking. The most appropriate fix will depend on the root cause behind your button loss or the damage to your buttons.

Replace a lost button due to wire loop damage

This is quite a common problem for new buttonhook users. When the buttonhook's hook pulls from inside a button with a wire loop then this may cause the button's loop to open up, allowing the button to fall off while the boot flexes when being worn. If you find that your buttons are going missing while wearing button boots then a quick check of the button's wire loops would be prudent. Replacement buttons are supplied in the shoebox with all of our button-up footwear - be sure to save these when you first open your shoes!

  1. Check that the thread loop used to hold the buttons in place is not frayed or snapped. If the thread is damaged then cut it free and see the instructions for re-sewing buttons below.
  2. Push an awl, (hair pin, or similar pointy tool) through the loop and moisten the thread to enable it to hold a useful, open shape.
  3. Remove the awl to expose a lovely neat loop of thread.
  4. Take a replacement button and using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, open the wire loop.
  5. Slide the end of the button's wire loop through the loop of thread.
  6. Close the button's wire loop using the needle-nosed pliers.
  7. Take the opportunity to re-check each wire loop is closed, buttons are free of cracks, and the thread is free from fraying.

Replace a damaged button

  1. Moisten the thread to enable it to hold a useful, open shape.
  2. Using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, twist open the button's wire loop.
  3. Remove button from the thread loop.
  4. Take a replacement button and using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, open its wire loop.
  5. Slide the end of the button's wire loop through the loop of thread.
  6. Close the button's wire loop using the needle-nosed pliers.
  7. Take the opportunity to re-check each button for cracks, open wire loops, and frayed thread.

Re-sewing buttons back onto boots after thread has snapped

If the thread is damaged and the button is still attached:

  1. Using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, twist open the button's wire loop.
  2. Remove button from the thread loop.

Otherwise:

  1. Carefully remove the old thread.
  2. Ensuring that the wire loop is closed, stitch the button back onto the boot with strong (upholstery) thread.
  3. If you use the original thread holes then you won't require a leather needle.