C
crgrbrts
Guest
How to get more seasons from seasoned boots.
A couple of years ago, I got a pair of Hein Gericke boots at a ridiculously low closeout bargain price. They aren't Aerostich Combats or Red Wings (which I also have), but are very lightweight, luxuriously lined , equipped with rubber shift pads and safety padding, completely waterproof and much more comfortable than my other footwear. Consequently, I wore them almost every single day for two years. Of course, because of this constant wear and light construction, they were pretty much trashed by then. The soles were worn through completely in places and stitching along the sides was gone. The uppers were very scuffed and scruffy.
I was about to toss them in the dumpster but, out of curiosity, took them to a local shoe repair shop instead to see if they could be salvaged. "Is there any way these can be fixed?", I asked, expecting a dismissive laugh.
The cobbler, a stereotypically charming Italian immigrant, replied, "Anything is possible."
Five days and $75.00 later I was presented with my old Hein Gerickes in perfect condition. They are, quite literally, better than new. The very thin, synthetic soles had been replaced by iron-tough Vibrams. The loose seams had been glued and restitched for many more years of wear. The badly scuffed uppers had been completely refinished.
Sure, with the restoration and upgrading costs, these medium-grade "bargain" boots have now cost me about $150 -- but that's still significantly less than a pair of comparable new boots that might not be as comfortable and well-fitting.
By the way, I've learned about a couple of useful products for minor do-it-yourself boot repair, thanks to my cobbler friend. One is Barge contact cement for reattaching bits and repairing split seams. The other is Shu-Magic. It's a foam substance that refinishes leather to like-new condition. Many shoe repair shops sell both.
Anyway, if you're looking for a fairly economical way to restore some old, favorite boots, try a local shoe repair shop. You might be surprised at what these skilled craftsmen can do. I was.
I wish I had taken a "before" photo -- but here are my restored boots...
Craig
happily shod in Merry-Land
A couple of years ago, I got a pair of Hein Gericke boots at a ridiculously low closeout bargain price. They aren't Aerostich Combats or Red Wings (which I also have), but are very lightweight, luxuriously lined , equipped with rubber shift pads and safety padding, completely waterproof and much more comfortable than my other footwear. Consequently, I wore them almost every single day for two years. Of course, because of this constant wear and light construction, they were pretty much trashed by then. The soles were worn through completely in places and stitching along the sides was gone. The uppers were very scuffed and scruffy.
I was about to toss them in the dumpster but, out of curiosity, took them to a local shoe repair shop instead to see if they could be salvaged. "Is there any way these can be fixed?", I asked, expecting a dismissive laugh.
The cobbler, a stereotypically charming Italian immigrant, replied, "Anything is possible."
Five days and $75.00 later I was presented with my old Hein Gerickes in perfect condition. They are, quite literally, better than new. The very thin, synthetic soles had been replaced by iron-tough Vibrams. The loose seams had been glued and restitched for many more years of wear. The badly scuffed uppers had been completely refinished.
Sure, with the restoration and upgrading costs, these medium-grade "bargain" boots have now cost me about $150 -- but that's still significantly less than a pair of comparable new boots that might not be as comfortable and well-fitting.
By the way, I've learned about a couple of useful products for minor do-it-yourself boot repair, thanks to my cobbler friend. One is Barge contact cement for reattaching bits and repairing split seams. The other is Shu-Magic. It's a foam substance that refinishes leather to like-new condition. Many shoe repair shops sell both.
Anyway, if you're looking for a fairly economical way to restore some old, favorite boots, try a local shoe repair shop. You might be surprised at what these skilled craftsmen can do. I was.
I wish I had taken a "before" photo -- but here are my restored boots...
Craig
happily shod in Merry-Land
