Dryer,

I've been playing with the ice cube trick which works amazingly well. It's certainly worth a try. I'm also considering taping areas to make patches on the top more professional looking.

I generally toss my shoes in the wash before using Shoo Goo on the top. So far, I've never had a pair of shoes come apart after washing them.

I don't know how to protect heel cups. They always wear out for me, too. But they never bother me.