Ambros' Shoe Repair - Andrew Morden - Saskatoon Saskatchewan

[suitforcourt]

In my ongoing journey of trying out Canadian cobblers and promoting their work, I've come across a cobbler in Saskatoon Saskatchewan.

Andrew Morden runs the shop and was at one time, colleagues with Martin Sugg in Thunder Bay (Timeless Shoe Repair). Andrew was also recommended by other reputable Canadian cobblers.

Ambros' Shoe Repair

Ambros' Shoe Repair, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 1,104 likes · 2 talking about this · 48 were here. Ambros' Shoe Repair. Restore your favourite pair of shoes! Custom leather work and repairs on a wide...

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I will be sending two pairs to Andrew:

1. Blundstones that need new soles. They're not in horrible condition, but I find the original sole and heel to be slippery. I will be asking for a tougher gripping Vibram sole. I will ask Andrew to add a midsole and shanks as well;

2. Vintage NST Florsheims - needs full rebuild. The last owner had another cobbler do a half sole job using a rubber half sole. The work isn't bad, but I want my shoes to look great. Plus I'm not sure the old cork was replaced. I will be asking for JR soles (new stitches, cork, shank etc), cat paw heels, and maybe lulu taps. Not sure about the latter yet.

We've chatted on facebook a few times, and Andrew definitely knows what he's talking about. The pics on his facebook page tell me he is both skilled and detailed. I will post the pre-build pics, and of course post the results once I receive them. Can't wait.

 

[Nick V.]

In my ongoing journey of trying out Canadian cobblers and promoting their work, I've come across a cobbler in Saskatoon Saskatchewan.

Andrew Morden runs the shop and was at one time, colleagues with Martin Sugg in Thunder Bay (Timeless Shoe Repair). Andrew was also recommended by other reputable Canadian cobblers.

Ambros' Shoe Repair

Ambros' Shoe Repair, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 1,104 likes · 2 talking about this · 48 were here. Ambros' Shoe Repair. Restore your favourite pair of shoes! Custom leather work and repairs on a wide...

www.facebook.com

I will be sending two pairs to Andrew:

1. Blundstones that need new soles. They're not in horrible condition, but I find the original sole and heel to be slippery. I will be asking for a tougher gripping Vibram sole. I will ask Andrew to add a midsole and shanks as well;

2. Vintage NST Florsheims - needs full rebuild. The last owner had another cobbler do a half sole job using a rubber half sole. The work isn't bad, but I want my shoes to look great. Plus I'm not sure the old cork was replaced. I will be asking for JR soles (new stitches, cork, shank etc), cat paw heels, and maybe lulu taps. Not sure about the latter yet.

We've chatted on facebook a few times, and Andrew definitely knows what he's talking about. The pics on his facebook page tell me he is both skilled and detailed. I will post the pre-build pics, and of course post the results once I receive them. Can't wait.

That picture of the Singer sewing machine/car on his FB page is one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time!!!!

 

[suitforcourt]

Shipping the shoes this week. Here is how they look.

 

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[suitforcourt]

Just got off the phone with Andrew. Very knowledgeable about his craft, but not much for small talk. And that's fine, as he clearly knows how to fix shoes.

Florsheims - wow, what a project. JR soles, new JR midsoles, cat paw heels, new welt (current one is severely damaged from grinding and the last cobbler did not remove old stitches before attaching new ones), the ribbing, and lulu tips. Oh yeah, the heel is off kilter, so new leather heel stack required. This pair alone will add up to $550 in repairs. Yikes. This is a rare pair, so I will spend the money to revive them.

Blundstones - thankfully this pair isn't in horrible shape. They will get blue Vibram lug soles, new midsoles, and shanks. 125-140 depending on costs of materials.

 

[suitforcourt]

Update: Andrew was waiting on the cat paw heels, lulu toe taps, and the Vibram sole for the Blundstones. He has started on the Florsheim.

The cracked ribbing has been replaced. New leather midsoles, cork, and shank have been put in. JR outsoles also attached.

 

[suitforcourt]

Shoes are coming back this week.

Here are Andrew's own pics of the Blundstones. New Vibram soles. Mid sole and shanks added for extra support.

 

[suitforcourt]

Canada Post says my shoes are out for delivery! Should get them some time today!

 

[suitforcourt]

Shoes are back. Andrew did a fantastic job on both pairs.

Florsheim:
The toe plates are flush and invisible from all angles. The new ribbing is not noticeable. Stitching is also pretty good. Edges are nice and smooth. New welt as well.

For a cobbler who has never done toe plates or replace ribbing before - I'd say this was a great first try.

Blundstones:
New midsoles and soles are smooth and lined up.

 

[suitforcourt]

 

[FlyingHorker]

The apron derbies turned out amazing, congrats man.

 

[suitforcourt]

Heavy but comfortable and feels sturdy. First wear and they feel like brand new boots!

 

[suitforcourt]

Maiden voyage and the shoes felt like new. Very comfortable during a walk.

 

[Viral]

looks like what any competent cobbler would do.........what differentiates him?