I made their belts part of my company uniforms and I gave them the kit as a bonus......I really didn't have a grand to drop on belts for my guys. .but they love them look better and they are a family owned business in this country employing American neighbors❤
Impressive as always...and I do have to say I totally agree with your point: buying quality pays off long term. I guess I sort of knew that all along, but hearing it from experts like you and Heath really makes a difference.
I could watch these guys all day and not consider it to be wasted time! I often think of the difference between a cobbler now and a cobbler in the 1800's, a world of difference but I recognize these Masters in their profession! I think the World will always need cobblers!❤❤❤🤜🤛👌👍🇺🇸🎯
Had a very old pair of Justin's resoled. They were my dad's and I had them redone to give to my brother. I'm so grateful that the shop(only shop local to us) was kind enough to sand off almost the ENTIRE WELT!
Check out a few of our oldest videos. We do a deeper dive into your questions. In short, don’t wear into the welt, if the soles get soft and spongy in an area…replace them. If you wear the heel pads up to the point that you’re about to wear into the heel blocks, go replace the heel pads at that point.
watching that cork get spread out is like watching guys pave a driveway with blacktop...just something about it that is so calming or the smell or whatever....thanks for saturday morning relaxer!!!
Youre right. When I was a kid I had the opportunity to watch the crew turn my gravel road to blacktop. Loved it. I know the guys have said there's no difference between sheet cork and the hot cork but I'm not convinced, especially for footbeds that are molded to the foot already, the hot cork must conform to this better.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate how you've both entertained and educated all of us in this group. Very satisfying to witness your success over the past few years. Wish you both continued success. Now the shoe repair question... I purchased a $350 pair of Asolo hiking boots 3 years ago. Absolutely love them, but after wearing them only a handful of times the mid-sole is now decomposing and turning to dust. Since it is glue construction, is there any way to replace the sole using a stitched method?
I still have and will wear the pair of Allen Edmonds McAllister bought in 1988. Resoled many times and worn at most three times a week. Only wear them once a month now but with a nice polish job that still look nice. I’ve been to the factory outlet in Wisconsin and have bought many others.
Some questions: have you ever resoled the "Nettleton" brand? When you put in a new insole, do you add a "heel pad??; Have you ever used the "Biltrite," "Cat's Paw," or "O'Sullivan" brand rubber heels?", do you ever do "half soles" instead of full soles?; These are questions from a former cobbler who admires and appreciates your craftmanship.
So many videos I have watched, so many shoe repairs/rebuilds. So many different machines, only some of which I definitely know/understand just exactly what it is that they do. Could you do a video in which you introduce them and explain what it is they do/how they work?
Great job, Trent. Fantastic save on the heel blocks. I guess my old saying, “flexibility is the key to airpower” paid off. 😂 Due to the ease of resole, AE is the perfect shoe, especially if you want to keep it for a long time!
I own three pairs of Allen Edmonds, purchased on eBay that I completely refinished, but they definitely need soles. Someday, when I have money, I will be sending them to you!
Shoe repair question: I've seen many leather-soled shoes with the Italian phrase "Vero Cuoio" (i.e. "real leather") on the outsoles, and while many of these shoes are made in Italy, not all of them are. (Stuart Weitzman, for example, has the phrase on the soles of some of their Spanish-made shoes.) When I've inquired about this, I've gotten conflicting answers. UNIC (the Italian tanners' association) told me that "Vero Cuoio" guarantees that at least the wet finishing of the sole leather was done in Italy, regardless of where the sole or the shoe was made. However, one of the Cuoio di Toscana tanneries (a group of seven sole leather tanneries in Tuscany) told me that the only phrases that guarantee the Italian origin of sole leather are "Vero Cuoio Italiano" or the Cuoio di Toscana logo, neither of which I've seen on an actual outsole. Do you know anything about this, so you can clear up the confusion for me?
I have a pair of GH Bass loafers that I love (I know the materials aren’t the highest quality) the shape and feel. My question is would you guys be willing to rebuild these from the ground up.. basically replacing everything but the uppers with high quality materials.
I worked in a family owned shoe store where we actually fitted and sold many brands of shoes. We have a niche of selling and filling prescriptions for children's corrective shoes. Our cobbler was very good at making these new shoes with the corrective soles, etc. I wonder if you all do corrective shoes, and if you do, I LOVE to see you get the prescription and make the correction. Obviously, we had to start with welted shoes of decent quality.
At what point of wear/tear should someone consider getting them resoled before it gets bad and causes damage that would lead to a more expensive repair? What are some signs or general things to look out for? Thanks, love the channel!
Shoe Repair Question: Have you ever repaired a very old pair of shoes (a pair that had been repaired before) and discovered older methods of shoe repair - methods different enough so that made you say, "Oh, so THAT'S how cobblers did that back then!"
Honestly, I don’t think so. Other than a few of the old shoes we’ve shown on here, most shoes we’ve worked on have been no older than 30-40 years old. Most shoe repairs are still done the same way they were done for the past half century or longer. Now, we HAVE seen quite a number of shoe repairs come in that made us ask “what in the world were they thinking??!!”. 😁
Another Shoe Repair Question: Can you guys do a step by step video of stitching a welt to the foot bed / gemming. I have been watching other cobblers but none show how its done from start to finish.
Watched several of your videos. Never knew shoe repair could be so interesting. Loved the tool tour. I really like Oneida air dust collectors. They seemed to have better suction and capacity than the jet style.
What's the distinction between cream and conditioner. I don't know if it's country thing, here we have conditioner, polish and wax. I have seen cream on one product but ingredients was almost identical to their conditioner (Oakwood).
With all the work that you complete, how extensive is the machine and shop maintenance that is required. I would like to see a video of shop/machine maintenance. Appreciate the videos!
Surprisingly very little. Most of these machines are 40+ years old and still work perfectly. Other than the occasional tweaking, we usually have someone come and fine tune them every 1 or 2 years.
If you just running the shoe through the machine to resole will the machine punch new holes in existing upper leather. If the shoes are to be resoled several times, will that eventually destroy the leather upper so you will not be able to resole the shoes “over and over”? Thank you.
As usual, excellent video, Trent. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Now, my Shoe Repair Question(s): 1) When you reuse a welt, like in this pair, how do you align the existing holes when you stitch it again? Or there is no such slignment and the welt just keep getting more punctured each time? 2) Which method do you think is better (i.e. longer lasting) for the sole: carving a trench or close channel stitching? I've seen you using both, but I wonder if one is superior to the other in any way. Keep up the excellent work!
Hey, great job as usual! Quick question : how do you make sure the stitches won’t be out of the welt. Does the machine have some sort of guide? Thank you
I have a pair of brown Allen Edmonds oxfords. No detailing in the upper, just plain. What can I do to treat the toe creases where my foot bends. I know I can’t prevent it but just wondering if I should pay special attention to it.
Another excellent video Trent! I just shipped off a pair of my AEs to be resoled so it was great to see what y'all will be doing to them! I have a question around Blake stitched shoes. How many times can those realistically be resoled? Thanks for the great content!
What is the biggest mistake that you have ever made as a cobbler? What is your favorite and most challenging repair? Do you have pictures/videos of both? Thanks for the RUclips channel!
Probably the biggest mistake has been accidentally slicing into a customers shoe. We’ve also accidentally stitched into the upper of a shoe. Accidents happen in this biz. We always make it right though, and in these cases, we bought them new shoes or reimbursed them for new pairs.
@@TrentonHeath Like late Bob Ross said, we don't make mistakes, only happy accidents. People who never make mistakes often never do much in life. Making mistakes we all do till we die, just try not to worry about it and try to solve them if possible.
I have a pair of Hoka boots that I love and wonder if the soles on these types of rubber soled boots are ever repairable.......i have used rubber cement and heat to repair after layers separated but since they are a total rubber sole, it's probably a lost cause
How do I evaluate the work of my local cobblers to determine whether they will do as nice a job as you and Trent? I’m on the west coast and have no idea how to choose between my 3 local cobblers.
Hey Guys, I really enjoy your videos. I appreciate seeing the hand work and craftsmanship. Just one thing I would ask: Please wear safety eye glasses or shields. It takes very little time to become accustomed to, protects you and sets a good example for your viewers. Thanks!
Hi Trent . Thanks for the tip on how to polish shoes that have different color stitching on them . I have a few pairs of shoes like that and I was never sure how to tackle that . BTW which style of AE shoes do you see come through the shop most frequently ie. Strands , Park Avenue etc.? Also thanks for the update on flip flops as I check the website frequently. Too bad they won't be out before Christmas though .No flips in the stocking this year either. Wishing Heath and everyone else a speedy recovery.🤒
Can you add a welt and then sewn on sole to a pair of shoes that were made with a glue on sole (geox brand)? The sole actually started to peel off and only then did I see they were glued with no welt.
Hello guys! Thanks for the videos! Question, I have a pair of boots that need resoling, how can I tell if it's a true welt or fake with a threaded appearance?
@TrentonHeath What was the single most difficult thing about shoe repair that took you the longest to master/perfect? Love your work and would love to buy you a coffee sometime when in Nashville. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
How do you update shoes for a new owner (assuming the size is correct)? My cobbler says only the cork needs to be replaced, but I’ve heard others say the footbed needs to be replaced and others say you wet the footbed. What’s the best practice?
I have redwing weekender Chelsea’s and was wondering what is a good way to condition the leather? Not opposed to the idea of the leather getting darker if mink oil is the way to go
May be a bit late, but here goes. How much extra work is it to repair stiches in the uppers along with a resole? I have two pairs of brogues with just a couple of loose stitches along the sides of the wing tips. I imagine it might be a big deal, having to remove the insoles an lining (not wanting to sew the lining to the uppers, and needing access to both sides). Or might there be some trick? Even something I could do myself between resoles?
I have a pair of blue AE Neumoks that I ADORE and someday hope to give this treatment. The sole is still rock solid and I don’t use them enough, but damn they’re my favorite dress shoes. ❤
Question: Is the rapid-blake stitch the most durable stitch available? From my understanding, it's using the entire midsole as the "Welt" which is then goodyear stitched. It seems to be the best of both worlds, including a double thick sole which provide some heft. Solid, durable, easily resolable, and water-resistant. If I may be greedy, another quick question: is using a JR sole as a midsole a waste?
Shoe repair questions(?): (1) How would you recommended starting to repair shoes yourself? I bought a pair of shoes from a thrift store cheap to learn on, but I don't really know how to get started. Obviously for most of us a specialized sewing machine to stitch the soles on is out of the budget, and I don't exactly know how to do it by hand. (2) Would you be willing to make a how-to video (or even better a series) for beginners like me? Especially that focuses on using cheaper, more general leatherworking tools. (3) What about running classes for beginners in your shop? This would still likely be out of the question for me as I live in NY, but I think it is a great service you could provide and the more people doing it the more resoleable shoes there will be out there.
Can you repair a pair of AE’s that are out of balance? And I mean that each shoe of the pair is balanced significantly differently. The back of the left heel sits 1/2” off of a flat surface and the right less than a 1/4”.
maybe you have answered this before and im sorry to ask this again, but why are there two types of corked used? what is the difference and is one better than the other, when it comes to comfort?
My Allen Edmonds are starting to get a "soft-spot" on the sole in the center of my foot. When should I have these re-soled: Do I wait for a hole to eventually occur? How do I determine the best time to get these repaired?
Is there a set of standard polish colors you would use for redying chromexcel leather colors(natural, brown, color 8, etc)? If not, where might be a good place to start?
I have a pair of 1954 brown combat boots with Plymouth soles and heels. My chances of finding replacements for those are probably pretty slim to none I assume?
Man, hate I missed the Q and A. I'll ask anyways. What's better for the foot bed of a shoe? Cork filling where you use the heated element to spread it or a cork pad that's glued in place?
They turned out great! This got me thinking about cork, sometimes the filler looks ok, does it lose springiness over time? Then for dress shoes, what would shoes be like with a midsole from sheet cork, of the correct thickness? And also how about with cork heel blocks?
Repair question. If I’m out and about and my sole starts to come off of my red wing boots, what’s the best temp fix (glue) readily available that’s not going to drive my cobbler crazy
Question: I have a pair of Alden tassel loafers with 270 degree welts. The heels and welts are in good condition. Will it be eligible for the AE recrafting package from you guys?
I purchased boots, the boots were purchase several years ago and never worn, but the heels were incorrect for my uses now. How difficult to redo the heels from after given basically "bull dogger heels" to replace them to a simi-walking heel?
Great job running solo! As questions go, first thing that comes to mind is what different types of string goes into a shoe and are they all the same or preference ? Whats the evolution of string ? Love your videos and been watching for a wile now and i think you turned me into a shoe cobbler nerd, i have learned allot. Keep up the good work!! Cheers !!
Special Anson Belt offer here: ansonbelt.com/trent Get 6 POSSIBLE belt combos for under $100. Thanks Anson Belt for sponsoring this video
Thanks for the heads up, I have one it’s a great product and just ordered 2 of the gift boxes for my brothers
What does hot cork smell like?
I made their belts part of my company uniforms and I gave them the kit as a bonus......I really didn't have a grand to drop on belts for my guys. .but they love them look better and they are a family owned business in this country employing American neighbors❤
Impressive as always...and I do have to say I totally agree with your point: buying quality pays off long term. I guess I sort of knew that all along, but hearing it from experts like you and Heath really makes a difference.
I could watch these guys all day and not consider it to be wasted time! I often think of the difference between a cobbler now and a cobbler in the 1800's, a world of difference but I recognize these Masters in their profession! I think the World will always need cobblers!❤❤❤🤜🤛👌👍🇺🇸🎯
Had a very old pair of Justin's resoled. They were my dad's and I had them redone to give to my brother. I'm so grateful that the shop(only shop local to us) was kind enough to sand off almost the ENTIRE WELT!
...wait what?
@@Olyfrun I didn't stutter.
Check out a few of our oldest videos. We do a deeper dive into your questions. In short, don’t wear into the welt, if the soles get soft and spongy in an area…replace them. If you wear the heel pads up to the point that you’re about to wear into the heel blocks, go replace the heel pads at that point.
watching that cork get spread out is like watching guys pave a driveway with blacktop...just something about it that is so calming or the smell or whatever....thanks for saturday morning relaxer!!!
Great comparison! I love watching asphalt being poured and smoothed out as well. 😁
Youre right. When I was a kid I had the opportunity to watch the crew turn my gravel road to blacktop. Loved it.
I know the guys have said there's no difference between sheet cork and the hot cork but I'm not convinced, especially for footbeds that are molded to the foot already, the hot cork must conform to this better.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate how you've both entertained and educated all of us in this group. Very satisfying to witness your success over the past few years. Wish you both continued success.
Now the shoe repair question... I purchased a $350 pair of Asolo hiking boots 3 years ago. Absolutely love them, but after wearing them only a handful of times the mid-sole is now decomposing and turning to dust. Since it is glue construction, is there any way to replace the sole using a stitched method?
Since I started watching this channel I bought two pairs of Allen Edmonds and shoe polish from Potter & Sons. All good quality products.
Loved the new direction, with the Machine close ups and the louder machine sounds
I still have and will wear the pair of Allen Edmonds McAllister bought in 1988. Resoled many times and worn at most three times a week. Only wear them once a month now but with a nice polish job that still look nice. I’ve been to the factory outlet in Wisconsin and have bought many others.
Nice! They’ll last forever if taken care of, as you have.
Actually found this video more enjoyable than usual, and I love all your videos. Good job, mate!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
@@TrentonHeath How do you feel about that comment, Heath?😃🤔
Some questions: have you ever resoled the "Nettleton" brand? When you put in a new insole, do you add a "heel pad??; Have you ever used the "Biltrite," "Cat's Paw," or "O'Sullivan" brand rubber heels?", do you ever do "half soles" instead of full soles?; These are questions from a former cobbler who admires and appreciates your craftmanship.
MAN, you surely delivered on the oddly satisfying hot cork footage! 😆
So many videos I have watched, so many shoe repairs/rebuilds. So many different machines, only some of which I definitely know/understand just exactly what it is that they do. Could you do a video in which you introduce them and explain what it is they do/how they work?
Great job, Trent. Fantastic save on the heel blocks. I guess my old saying, “flexibility is the key to airpower” paid off. 😂 Due to the ease of resole, AE is the perfect shoe, especially if you want to keep it for a long time!
Great Solo Flight ! The shoes, filming, editing, all Excellent !!
Love all of your videos guys. Hoping everyone is healthy soon. Take care.
Nice tip about the white stitches
Great job. I wish you would have mentioned the Model Name of the shoe. Were they the McCallisters?
They might be Jeffersons from their Independence line. If not, then my guess would be the McCallisters.
Gotta say, I'm a sucker for the hot cork too. Thought I was the only one!
I own three pairs of Allen Edmonds, purchased on eBay that I completely refinished, but they definitely need soles. Someday, when I have money, I will be sending them to you!
Extremely beautiful shoes these Allen Edmonds.
Amazing work as usual guys!
Thank you!
Shoe repair question: I've seen many leather-soled shoes with the Italian phrase "Vero Cuoio" (i.e. "real leather") on the outsoles, and while many of these shoes are made in Italy, not all of them are. (Stuart Weitzman, for example, has the phrase on the soles of some of their Spanish-made shoes.) When I've inquired about this, I've gotten conflicting answers. UNIC (the Italian tanners' association) told me that "Vero Cuoio" guarantees that at least the wet finishing of the sole leather was done in Italy, regardless of where the sole or the shoe was made. However, one of the Cuoio di Toscana tanneries (a group of seven sole leather tanneries in Tuscany) told me that the only phrases that guarantee the Italian origin of sole leather are "Vero Cuoio Italiano" or the Cuoio di Toscana logo, neither of which I've seen on an actual outsole. Do you know anything about this, so you can clear up the confusion for me?
I have a pair of GH Bass loafers that I love (I know the materials aren’t the highest quality) the shape and feel.
My question is would you guys be willing to rebuild these from the ground up.. basically replacing everything but the uppers with high quality materials.
I worked in a family owned shoe store where we actually fitted and sold many brands of shoes. We have a niche of selling and filling prescriptions for children's corrective shoes. Our cobbler was very good at making these new shoes with the corrective soles, etc. I wonder if you all do corrective shoes, and if you do, I LOVE to see you get the prescription and make the correction. Obviously, we had to start with welted shoes of decent quality.
Repair question: can you resole a pair of Cole Haans (new heel stacks too) and widen them just a bit with the new soles?
At what point of wear/tear should someone consider getting them resoled before it gets bad and causes damage that would lead to a more expensive repair? What are some signs or general things to look out for? Thanks, love the channel!
Before you wear into the welt at any spot, before wearing into the heel block, or the sole breaks through under the ball of the foot.
Shoe Repair Question: Have you ever repaired a very old pair of shoes (a pair that had been repaired before) and discovered older methods of shoe repair - methods different enough so that made you say, "Oh, so THAT'S how cobblers did that back then!"
Yes, this question!
Honestly, I don’t think so. Other than a few of the old shoes we’ve shown on here, most shoes we’ve worked on have been no older than 30-40 years old. Most shoe repairs are still done the same way they were done for the past half century or longer. Now, we HAVE seen quite a number of shoe repairs come in that made us ask “what in the world were they thinking??!!”. 😁
@@TrentonHeath love the videos
@@TrentonHeath THANKS FOR THE ANSWER!!!
@@emmanuelawosusi2365 Me too!!!
Appreciate such good quality re-crafting!!! Awesome! Be Safe
Another Shoe Repair Question: Can you guys do a step by step video of stitching a welt to the foot bed / gemming. I have been watching other cobblers but none show how its done from start to finish.
YAYYY TRENT AND HEATH, GEE YOU ARNT COMING UP ON MY FEED ??? WAY BEHIND... BUGER!!! 😀😀😀
I don't know why, but the hot corking is so satisfying to watch!
Watched several of your videos. Never knew shoe repair could be so interesting. Loved the tool tour. I really like Oneida air dust collectors. They seemed to have better suction and capacity than the jet style.
What's the distinction between cream and conditioner. I don't know if it's country thing, here we have conditioner, polish and wax. I have seen cream on one product but ingredients was almost identical to their conditioner (Oakwood).
Totally agree about AE shoes ,when I was a part time cobbler I liked working on them .
like always a joy to watch, thank you Trenton and Heath 👍👍
Oooh, giving us that goooooood cork footage
Great job! Love your Videos. I just bought a resole on your site can’t wait to get it them back!
I got recently a pair of Allen Edmonds manchester that needs a resole
With all the work that you complete, how extensive is the machine and shop maintenance that is required. I would like to see a video of shop/machine maintenance. Appreciate the videos!
Surprisingly very little. Most of these machines are 40+ years old and still work perfectly. Other than the occasional tweaking, we usually have someone come and fine tune them every 1 or 2 years.
If you just running the shoe through the machine to resole will the machine punch new holes in existing upper leather. If the shoes are to be resoled several times, will that eventually destroy the leather upper so you will not be able to resole the shoes “over and over”? Thank you.
Awesome channel! Increases my appreciation of the art. Thanks!
Nice video… I’m really enjoying the questions and responses. Thanks 🙏
As usual, excellent video, Trent. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Now, my Shoe Repair Question(s):
1) When you reuse a welt, like in this pair, how do you align the existing holes when you stitch it again? Or there is no such slignment and the welt just keep getting more punctured each time?
2) Which method do you think is better (i.e. longer lasting) for the sole: carving a trench or close channel stitching? I've seen you using both, but I wonder if one is superior to the other in any way.
Keep up the excellent work!
Hey, great job as usual! Quick question : how do you make sure the stitches won’t be out of the welt. Does the machine have some sort of guide? Thank you
Proud of Trent for not burning the shop down in his brothers absence! 😛 Nice job on these.
Curious, why are 'lemon' wood pegs traditionally used when making cowboy boots?
I have a pair of brown Allen Edmonds oxfords. No detailing in the upper, just plain. What can I do to treat the toe creases where my foot bends. I know I can’t prevent it but just wondering if I should pay special attention to it.
Another excellent video Trent! I just shipped off a pair of my AEs to be resoled so it was great to see what y'all will be doing to them! I have a question around Blake stitched shoes. How many times can those realistically be resoled? Thanks for the great content!
What is the biggest mistake that you have ever made as a cobbler? What is your favorite and most challenging repair? Do you have pictures/videos of both? Thanks for the RUclips channel!
Probably the biggest mistake has been accidentally slicing into a customers shoe. We’ve also accidentally stitched into the upper of a shoe. Accidents happen in this biz. We always make it right though, and in these cases, we bought them new shoes or reimbursed them for new pairs.
@@TrentonHeath Like late Bob Ross said, we don't make mistakes, only happy accidents. People who never make mistakes often never do much in life. Making mistakes we all do till we die, just try not to worry about it and try to solve them if possible.
Its likely been in one of your previous videos but I would like to see a re-sole of a pair of shoes that you had previously done.
Goodyear Welt or Blake Stitch; which do you prefer as a cobbler and why?
Repair question, are Keen Portland boots or any other boots that have the soles glued on repairable if the tread wear out?
I have a pair of Hoka boots that I love and wonder if the soles on these types of rubber soled boots are ever repairable.......i have used rubber cement and heat to repair after layers separated but since they are a total rubber sole, it's probably a lost cause
How do I evaluate the work of my local cobblers to determine whether they will do as nice a job as you and Trent? I’m on the west coast and have no idea how to choose between my 3 local cobblers.
I can't even imagine what kind of patient your other half must be! ✨🤣🤦🤣✨
Thanks for doing the vid even though you were on your own. I appreciate it as I’m sure lots do.
Hey Guys, I really enjoy your videos. I appreciate seeing the hand work and craftsmanship. Just one thing I would ask: Please wear safety eye glasses or shields. It takes very little time to become accustomed to, protects you and sets a good example for your viewers. Thanks!
Hi Trent . Thanks for the tip on how to polish shoes that have different color stitching on them . I have a few pairs of shoes like that and I was never sure how to tackle that . BTW which style of AE shoes do you see come through the shop most frequently ie. Strands , Park Avenue etc.? Also thanks for the update on flip flops as I check the website frequently. Too bad they won't be out before Christmas though .No flips in the stocking this year either. Wishing Heath and everyone else a speedy recovery.🤒
you use clear polish on those
Great video as usual. Do ever put danite soles on Allen Edmonds? Miss the metal v cleats on leather heels . Jimmy
Can you add a welt and then sewn on sole to a pair of shoes that were made with a glue on sole (geox brand)? The sole actually started to peel off and only then did I see they were glued with no welt.
Hello guys! Thanks for the videos! Question, I have a pair of boots that need resoling, how can I tell if it's a true welt or fake with a threaded appearance?
when do you know when its time to recork? Thank you
@TrentonHeath What was the single most difficult thing about shoe repair that took you the longest to master/perfect? Love your work and would love to buy you a coffee sometime when in Nashville. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Shoe repair question. I have a pair of roper western boots with a leather sole full welt made by Justin boots. Can a lug sole be put on the boots?
How do you update shoes for a new owner (assuming the size is correct)? My cobbler says only the cork needs to be replaced, but I’ve heard others say the footbed needs to be replaced and others say you wet the footbed. What’s the best practice?
They look great 👍 hope everyone feels better soon
I'd like to know how you get the black spots off a redwing iron ranger boot?
I have redwing weekender Chelsea’s and was wondering what is a good way to condition the leather? Not opposed to the idea of the leather getting darker if mink oil is the way to go
Why do you let the glue dry before bonding the sole to the footbeds? What happens when you do it while the glue is still wet ?
May be a bit late, but here goes. How much extra work is it to repair stiches in the uppers along with a resole? I have two pairs of brogues with just a couple of loose stitches along the sides of the wing tips. I imagine it might be a big deal, having to remove the insoles an lining (not wanting to sew the lining to the uppers, and needing access to both sides). Or might there be some trick? Even something I could do myself between resoles?
I have a pair of blue AE Neumoks that I ADORE and someday hope to give this treatment. The sole is still rock solid and I don’t use them enough, but damn they’re my favorite dress shoes. ❤
I am a sucker for a nice pair of wingtips and Allen Edmonds. My “go to” shoe for sure. Is that called a “Storm Welt”.
Never go cheap on shoes or toilet paper. In both cases, if you do go cheap, you will just end up with a big mess on your hands.
Question:
Is the rapid-blake stitch the most durable stitch available? From my understanding, it's using the entire midsole as the "Welt" which is then goodyear stitched. It seems to be the best of both worlds, including a double thick sole which provide some heft. Solid, durable, easily resolable, and water-resistant.
If I may be greedy, another quick question: is using a JR sole as a midsole a waste?
Shoe repair questions(?):
(1) How would you recommended starting to repair shoes yourself? I bought a pair of shoes from a thrift store cheap to learn on, but I don't really know how to get started. Obviously for most of us a specialized sewing machine to stitch the soles on is out of the budget, and I don't exactly know how to do it by hand.
(2) Would you be willing to make a how-to video (or even better a series) for beginners like me? Especially that focuses on using cheaper, more general leatherworking tools.
(3) What about running classes for beginners in your shop? This would still likely be out of the question for me as I live in NY, but I think it is a great service you could provide and the more people doing it the more resoleable shoes there will be out there.
Perhaps a premium version with the Trent bells and whistles. Everyone is used to the extraordinary job you do restoring the uppers.
Can you repair a pair of AE’s that are out of balance? And I mean that each shoe of the pair is balanced significantly differently. The back of the left heel sits 1/2” off of a flat surface and the right less than a 1/4”.
maybe you have answered this before and im sorry to ask this again, but why are there two types of corked used? what is the difference and is one better than the other, when it comes to comfort?
What's in the cork mixture? Is there resin or glue? Is it just wet?
The cork looking stuff, is it cork? Does the heat set a bonding agent?
My Allen Edmonds are starting to get a "soft-spot" on the sole in the center of my foot. When should I have these re-soled: Do I wait for a hole to eventually occur? How do I determine the best time to get these repaired?
Is channel stitching the welt to the insole that much more expensive than canvas gemming? Is it a better method as some people say?
During the repair process, can you change the fit/size of the shoe? (Make one size larger/smaller, make a narrow to wide) Thanks!
@ 9:21. What kind of coffee elicits that response? I want a cup of that!
Question, how to you repair a textured finish on a shoe. I know there are not to many
Feel better Heath.
Is there a set of standard polish colors you would use for redying chromexcel leather colors(natural, brown, color 8, etc)? If not, where might be a good place to start?
Hi there... can you explain, why you use hot cork for the shoes? Is there a difference between hot and cold / wet cork?
Thanks
I have a pair of 1954 brown combat boots with Plymouth soles and heels.
My chances of finding replacements for those are probably pretty slim to none I assume?
Man, hate I missed the Q and A. I'll ask anyways. What's better for the foot bed of a shoe? Cork filling where you use the heated element to spread it or a cork pad that's glued in place?
Hey what’s your guys’s opinion on anthony veer shoes? Specifically kennedy model.
They turned out great!
This got me thinking about cork, sometimes the filler looks ok, does it lose springiness over time?
Then for dress shoes, what would shoes be like with a midsole from sheet cork, of the correct thickness?
And also how about with cork heel blocks?
Repair question. If I’m out and about and my sole starts to come off of my red wing boots, what’s the best temp fix (glue) readily available that’s not going to drive my cobbler crazy
Question: I have a pair of Alden tassel loafers with 270 degree welts. The heels and welts are in good condition. Will it be eligible for the AE recrafting package from you guys?
I purchased boots, the boots were purchase several years ago and never worn, but the heels were incorrect for my uses now. How difficult to redo the heels from after given basically "bull dogger heels" to replace them to a simi-walking heel?
Do you need a stitch down machine to resole stitch down boots, or can the same machine do both wet/Goodyear wel and stitch down?
great video with outstanding info thanks
Question: if/when do you use a waterproofing spray? Is it a topcoat after shining the shoes? Thanks!
Great job running solo! As questions go, first thing that comes to mind is what different types of string goes into a shoe and are they all the same or preference ? Whats the evolution of string ? Love your videos and been watching for a wile now and i think you turned me into a shoe cobbler nerd, i have learned allot. Keep up the good work!! Cheers !!
What does the steamed cork do that improves the quality of the resoled shoes?