What about a polyvinyl acetate white glue and clamps? Some of those are formulated to dry with a flexible bond--brand names like Leather Weld and Leathercraft Cement--and you don't need a respirator with them. I guess it depends on what the shoe alteration is that you're doing.

I would say, on a case by case basis, consult http://www.thistothat.com/ and see what brands/types they suggest!