your cobbler is your friend

[jitterbugbaby]

So, you know how over time your shoes get all worn down, especially on the sole and heel? Here's a tip for prolonging their lifespans and taking care of both your shoes and your feet.

When you buy a new pair of shoes, espcially ones with smooth leather soles that tend to get scuffed up very easily, take them to a decent cobbler and get him or her to put heel taps and traction soles on them. These are usually made out of rubber or Vibram (a great, durable material that provides a non-slip surface) and not only give you more traction, they give your shoes an extra layer on which to take all that wear and tear.

This is pretty much a necessity if you're living or walking around in a city on a regular basis. But even if you're not, this will help your shoes live long and prosper (heh).

I know when I buy new shoes, a trip to the cobbler is needed before I'll wear them out and about. Do all of you take advantage of your local cobblers? Any other great cobbler services to recommend?

[shoesense]

I learned this trick from my husband, who never wears his shoes without the "shoe taps." I've done this for a few of my shoes and boots, but honestly, I haven't been too diligent about it. This is a good reminder for me!

And if you ever need a cobbler in Philly, the one in Center City that I recommend is Avila at 15th and Spruce. So that you know.

[Nemtynakht]

I've never done this, basically because I haven't until recently started buying shoes that were worth enough/classic enough that I thought I would be wearing them for more than a year or so. (Plus, there's a perverted part of me that likes wearing shoes out, because then I get to buy new ones as replacement!) However, I've now met one too many people with amazing shoe collections that I would like mine to aspire to, all of whom swear by this practice. I'll have to check out shoesense's cobbler!

I can't imagine it being too expensive, but roughly what should it cost to have taps/soles put on?

[shoesense]

A few bucks. I think it's $2 or $3 per pair, and maybe $4-$6 for a double (if you want to tap both the heel and the tip; most people just go for the heel, which wears out more quickly). My husband likes the "clear" taps as opposed to the black ones--they seem more durable.

For women's shoes, they can't alway do taps, as we have really narrow heels sometimes, especially with the high heels and kitten heels. What they do is they glue a layer of thin, resistant rubber on the heel and cut it to shape. I think that's a tad more expensive, but not by much.

[VANmiracle]

PLS post a pict from the sole! I've never haerd about it in Vienna.

[jitterbugbaby]

PLS post a pict from the sole! I've never haerd about it in Vienna.

Here's a shot of the sole of my green boots that I'm wearing right now.



The textured part on the ball of the foot and the little worn down part on the heel are what the cobbler put on for me.

It's definitely not cheap at New York prices, but it's not outrageous either. This guy (who is one of the cobblers recommended in New York magazine's recent shoe section) will keep the color matching the sole of your shoes and does a great job, and he did my boots for $35 total.

[VANmiracle]

Thank you! I'll print the picture - might help.

[fabae]

Aaaah, I did not know about that. I have a new pair of Michael Kors heels and the sole part was alarmingly worn down after 2 wearings (not cheap shoes either! What's up with that?). I was wondering what I could do about that, so I'm happy to find out that they can put that textured, protective stuff on there! Thanks for the tip!

[r5bales]

OK, I have a cobbler question. Here's the set up:

I have a pair of boots, 4 inch heels, 1/2 inch platform. Cost: in the $300. range. I was walking along minding my own business when all of the sudden a crack in the sidewalk grabbed my heel. It didn't damage the heel's appearance all that much, BUT it did tweak with the way the heel sits. Now, when I stand, the boot wants to lean to the outside. This is a sprained ankle waiting to happen.

Here is my cobbler question. Can my cobbler fix the heel and re-seat it so I will stand straight again?