Back in the 80's, Pony provided dealers with sample size 9's with a hole punched out of the middle of the sole.

We would fill the holes with Shoe Goo (which is still available today.....amazing product!) and hardens perfectly.

See photo #5.

Found this pair in the back of my closet.  Some very slight surface blemishes and a little age stain on one of the chevrons

(see last photo).