Shoe Repair

NHorween · Sep 11, 2009

I have a pair of shoes that are in need of some skilled hands. The shoes are (very) old, and cordovan. I'd like to get it done in the Chicago area, but I'm realistic and want the job done right.

Can anyone suggest someone that might be able to do the work? Photo seen here.

Thanks,

rebel222 · Sep 11, 2009

Those are pretty interesting shoes.

srivats · Sep 11, 2009

Contact member Nick on the forum (B Nelson shoes). Are you talking about the small tear that is visible near the lacing area?

Originally Posted by rebel222

Those are pretty interesting shoes.

+1

The shoe trees look great too.

imatlas · Sep 11, 2009

Very interesting...what's the story on those?

Wes Bourne · Sep 11, 2009

Wait, Nick Horween of the famed Horween Leather Co is turning to the forum for a good cobbler recommendation? How is that even possible? I would've thought that a number of makers who get their shell from Horween could do the job for you, provided they have a refurbishment service.

JayJay · Sep 11, 2009

Originally Posted by NHorween

I have a pair of shoes that are in need of some skilled hands. The shoes are (very) old, and cordovan. I'd like to get it done in the Chicago area, but I'm realistic and want the job done right.

Can anyone suggest someone that might be able to do the work? Photo seen here.

Thanks,
Those shoes look really nice. I would love to have a pair.

NHorween · Sep 11, 2009

It's a tricky job, and I thought I would at least ask... They were my great grandfather's and basically all the stitching (anything not leather) has completely fallen away or disintegrated.

The shoes are pretty unique - the pattern is punched through and then woven entirely with cordovan laces. The tear is the least of the problems, the shoe trees are practically holding them together!

fritzl · Sep 11, 2009

Originally Posted by NHorween

It's a tricky job, and I thought I would at least ask... They were my great grandfather's and basically all the stitching (anything not leather) has completely fallen away or disintegrated.

The shoes are pretty unique - the pattern is punched through and then woven entirely with cordovan laces. The tear is the least of the problems, the shoe trees are practically holding them together!

great shoes and a great story.

ld111134 · Sep 11, 2009

Nick,

I've taken my shoes to the "Shoe Hospital" in the Monadnock Building (318 South Dearborn Street at Jackson Street; (312) 922-7518‎), and I've been very satisfied but I can't vouch for them if the shoes are in need of extra special attention but you might want to give them a call.

Good luck and (hopefully) see you soon,
Lou

voxsartoria · Sep 11, 2009

Since these shoes are so special from a sentimental standpoint, you might consider sending them to a real shoemaker.

Perry Ercolino used to recraft outside shoes...I do not know if he still does so.

- B

Francisco D'Anconia · Sep 11, 2009

I've taken many fine shoes to the Beehive Shoe Works on Wells between Madison and Washington in Chicago. Of the many excellent shoe repair stores in Chicago, I think they do the best work and I use them frequently.

Ask for Sam or his sister Marilyn

Mild Mannered · Sep 12, 2009

Something that old, I would be terrified to toy with. They can't still be wearable.
I mean they would probably turn to dust if worn or over-handled, no?
Your great grandfather had great taste in shoes. Those are unique.
Why not have a glass case made to store them in and display proudly.
Really nice design on them I must agree. I wonder what it would cost to have a shoemaker replicate a pair like that in today's $$.

johnny_flapjack · Sep 12, 2009

Vox beat me to it, but I immediately thought of Perry as well. I know he's not in Chicago, but what you're looking for sounds like it goes well past standard cobbler service. I'd personally go where I know the skilled hands are, even if it means going out of town.

fritzl · Sep 12, 2009

Originally Posted by Mild Mannered

Something that old, I would be terrified to toy with. They can't still be wearable. I mean they would probably turn to dust if worn or over-handled, no? Your great grandfather had great taste in shoes. Those are unique. Why not have a glass case made to store them in and display proudly. Really nice design on them I must agree. I wonder what it would cost to have a shoemaker replicate a pair like that in today's $$.
you know, this is poor advice... today the range will go fro from 1k to 7k $$ , depending "where" you place your order.

Mild Mannered · Sep 12, 2009

Originally Posted by fritzl

you know, this is poor advice...

today the range will go fro from 1k to 7k $$ , depending "where" you place your order.

What is poor advice? What are you referring to? What advice are you yourself offering?
I only stated what I myself would do with something so old to preserve it and that is not wear it,
but have it on display as homage to a respected senior member of a family.
Museums put things under glass, so why couldn't anyone else?
The OP stated that these are his great-grandfathers' shoes. That would make them 80 years old or more. How many people do you know that are wearing an 80 year old pair of shoes, and the leather on those shoes is still soft & pliable and strong?
Thank you for the estimate.

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