Alden restoration vs. JR Rendenbach resole

[kolecho]

Someone please chime in with more facts. Why is it advantageous to have resoling done on the original last? Is doing it on the original last even necessary? What do people mean here by re-lasting?

On a different note, does Alden replace worn out uppers lining and inner sole lining when used shoes are sent back for resoling?

 

[Nick V.]

Someone please chime in with more facts. Why is it advantageous to have resoling done on the original last? Is doing it on the original last even necessary? What do people mean here by re-lasting?

Here's a brief explanation.
http://www.bnelsonshoes.com/order1.asp

 

[JohnnyCrockett]

It would seem to me that if there is no rewelting happening, there is zero advantage to using the "exact" original last vs. one which is the right size with a skilled local cobbler. The recorking and resoling don't change the shape of the shoe, and the welt is already attached. Am I missing something?

 

[Clayslayer]

I vote for the local cobbler. There's a hype floating around on the internet that local cobblers are little more than drooling mouth breathers who will destroy any footwear that goes through their door. The hype is wrong. My local guy has rebuilt, repaired, and recrafted gobs of crap for me ranging from "non-rebuildable" army boots, Corcorans, Allen Edmonds, and even ridiculous leather "projects" that have no place in a cobblers shop. He's awesome. Damned near all of them are. They don't stay in business for decades on end by being idiots.

My Allen Edmonds McAllister's were absolutely worn out, heels falling off, hole in the sole, etc. They were full soled with JR soles and Vibram heels. Cork was replaced. After they came back from his shop I can say beyond shadow of a doubt that they were better than new. Right at $100 total. The fit and comfort were absolutely unchanged. He said he can likely do these shoes 3 or 4 more times. I doubt I'll live long enough for that to happen. I have two other pair of Allen Edmond's shoes. You better believe Chad is going to rebuild them when the time comes.