how do I remove old sticky foam?

[ginoT]

I've some old (and irreplaceable!) rollerblades. The blade/wheels detach and you can walk in the boots. The foam joining the sole to the boot has degraded over the years and is now soft and sticky. I want to remove it and then fill with some black no-nails CT1. The problem is removing every last bit of the foam so I can ensure the CT1 has enough clean surface area to stick to. I've tried methylated spirit, white spirit, soapy wipes. The only thing I can think of left is to either rub in sand which hopefully will bind with the foam. The texture of the foam (when squashed) is like a sticky putty, like blue tack. Any ideas how best to get rid of it for a clean finish?

 

[footprints]

Maybe try Big Wipes they are good at cleaning lots of things off or perhaps (carefully) silicone remover.
I doubt it will last long I used CT1 to glue the toe that was flapping on some old working trainers but it gave up after a few wears.

 

[foxhole]

Not usually Soluble, remove with sharp blade then sandpaper, contact adhesive is better for footwear .

 

[ginoT]

@footprints and @foxhole thanks, sorry I should have said the sole and boot is held together with a metal plate from underneath the sole (which the blades then attach to) so all I need is something relatively flexible that will fill in the gap and stop the sole flapping about.
Will give the sandpaper approach a go

 

[foxhole]

@footprints and @foxhole thanks, sorry I should have said the sole and boot is held together with a metal plate from underneath the sole (which the blades then attach to) so all I need is something relatively flexible that will fill in the gap and stop the sole flapping about.
Will give the sandpaper approach a go

Fixall is a strong adhesive.

 

[mikeey84]

Have you tried acetone? That's pretty good vs a lot of things

Or as above, a very sharp blade