We’re so glad you asked!
“Can you repair my shoes?” is something we get asked day in and day out as cobblers. Usually, it comes right after someone realizes how much they loved a certain pair of shoes that are now in a state of disrepair.
These shoe repair requests can range from straightforward fixes, like heel or sole damage, to total destruction of their favorite shoes because their (once beloved) dog decided they would be better enjoyed as chew toys!
The good news is that – the overwhelming majority of the time - the answer to “Can you fix my shoes?” will be a resoundingly confident, “Yes, we can repair your shoes!”.
Time to forgive your dog.
So, how do we evaluate shoe repair projects in the first place?
The goal of shoe repair is first to focus on the preservation of the shoe structure so that we can ensure the longevity of your shoes. Next, we focus on the aesthetic to make sure your shoes look as fantastic after repair as they did when you first slipped them on.
To check if we can fix your shoes, we focus on 5 different areas of the shoe:
1. The shoe upper. This is the part above the sole that blankets your foot in lovely materials such as leathers, suede, and fabrics. This is the part that comes in a million different patterns, colors and designs. This is probably what made you fall in love with your shoes at first glance!
2. The shoe insole. This is the part of the shoe your foot actually sits on.
3. The shoe heel base. This is the part of the shoe that is attached to the sole and serves as the foundation for the heel cap to connect to. This can range from tall, such as high heel or stiletto bases, to nearly non-existent for other styles of flat shoes, sneakers, or sandals.
4. The shoe sole. This is the part of the shoe that makes contact with the ground. Your sole provides grip and traction, bounce and flexibility, and can specialize your shoe for a certain activity, like running, climbing, driving, golf, or rock climbing.
5. The heel cap. Similar to the shoe sole, a heel cap is attached either directly to the sole, or to the heel base. The heel cap provides the same traction and comfort as the sole.
Now that you’ve had a shoe anatomy lesson, how about some simple answers?
Can we fix high heels that have been worn down the metal pin? YES!
Can we fix the broken buckle on your oxfords? YES!
Can we fix a shoe heel that has been destroyed by a puppy? YES!
Can we fix badly damaged shoe soles on your loafers? YES!
9.9 times out of 10 we can fix your shoes.
Most often, damage to the soles and heel caps of shoes can easily be fixed. The main exception being if the sole has been worn all the way down (or up!) into the insole. In this case, the structure may be too far gone to be repaired. This said, before giving up on your shoe, be sure to Zoom or chat with our cobblers to inquire about your special “repair challenge”!
There are, of course, some cases where the shoe damage is far too much for even the most experienced of cobblers. Oftentimes, we can still fix the damage and get the shoes as-close-to-fixed as possible. This may be a fine option for many people who can’t bear to lose their beloved shoes, and the fix may ultimately not even be very noticeable after all, such as a stitched tear in the leather. The positive? Your shoes will forever tell a story of whatever adventure caused that tear in the first place. We’d say they were worth keeping for posterity!
If you have a specific shoe repair question, you can check out these Frequently Asked Shoe Repair Questions answered by our cobblers.
If you don’t see your question, ask away at support@cobblersdirect.com or through live chat, and we’ll get back to you straight away!
I'm an experienced cobbler with a deep understanding of shoe repair, having dedicated years to perfecting the craft. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've been actively involved in repairing a wide range of shoes, from simple fixes to intricate projects. I've encountered various materials, styles, and damages, allowing me to confidently assert that I possess a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in restoring footwear.
Now, delving into the article about shoe repair, the cobblers in question are well-versed in addressing a variety of issues that patrons bring to them. The article outlines a structured approach to evaluating and addressing shoe repair projects.
The central aim of shoe repair, as emphasized, is the preservation of the shoe structure to ensure longevity, coupled with a focus on restoring the aesthetic appeal of the footwear. The evaluation process encompasses five key areas of the shoe:
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Shoe Upper: This refers to the part above the sole that encompasses materials such as leathers, suede, and fabrics, known for their diverse patterns, colors, and designs.
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Shoe Insole: The part of the shoe where the foot rests.
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Shoe Heel Base: The foundation for the heel cap, varying in height for different shoe styles.
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Shoe Sole: The part that makes contact with the ground, providing grip and traction, tailored for specific activities.
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Heel Cap: Similar to the sole, attached to either the sole or the heel base, providing traction and comfort.
The article then proceeds to answer common repair queries:
- Can high heels worn down on the metal pin be fixed? Yes.
- Can a broken buckle on oxfords be repaired? Yes.
- Can a shoe heel destroyed by a puppy be fixed? Yes.
- Can badly damaged shoe soles on loafers be fixed? Yes, in most cases.
The success rate is highlighted at 9.9 times out of 10, underlining the proficiency of the cobblers in handling diverse repair challenges. The exceptions are discussed, noting that irreversible damage may occur if the sole has been worn entirely into the insole.
The article encourages customers not to give up on their shoes without consulting the cobblers, providing a platform for communication through Zoom or live chat to address specific repair challenges.
Furthermore, the cobblers acknowledge cases where damage may be too extensive, but even in such instances, efforts are made to bring the shoes as close to their original state as possible. The article suggests that even noticeable repairs can add character and tell a story of the shoe's history.
In conclusion, the cobblers offer additional support through Frequently Asked Shoe Repair Questions on their website and prompt responses to inquiries via email or live chat, reinforcing their commitment to customer satisfaction and comprehensive expertise in the field of shoe repair.
