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Ask your shoe repair questions here:

joshuagb

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I think it depends on how the person walks and wears down toes.

Yeah, generally I think a toe plate would be advisable from a toe wearing-down perspective. But it's actually more a question of whether it's technically possible given the slightly thinner sole on a women's shoe.
 

classicalthunde

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what is the rough average length of time it should take for a single leather sole to need to be repaired? lets say regular use, suburban car commute, 2 wears per week.

I just discovered a dime size hole on the bottom of my AE McCallisters that leads through to the cork, and have only had the shoes for 2 years.
 
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EZB

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what is the rough average length of time it should take for a single leather sole to need to be repaired? lets say regular use, suburban car commute, 2 wears per week.

I just discovered a dime size hole on the bottom of my AE McCallisters that leads through to the cork, and have only had the shoes for 2 years.
I am no expert, and I have not stayed at a Holiday Inn in years, but I think 52 wears is probably sufficient to result in a need for recraft. Do you walk on concrete? How about wet surfaces?
 

joshuagb

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yea, primarily concrete/pavement/sidewalks etc.

I wore out a leather sole in one year wearing two to three times a week and walking on concrete on average about three-quarters of a mile per day. Sometimes in rain. This was an Allen Edmonds sole, not one of the harder-wearing Rendenbachs, which are supposed to last a little longer.
 

Nick V.

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Nick, here's another separate but related question: What's your recommendation on whether to put a metal toe plate on this pair of goodyear welted women's shoes? Take a look at these photos. The calf skin is a Carmina men's shoe with a toe plate installed. The suede is a new women's shoe, also from Carmina. The women's sole is a bit thinner. Toe plate or sole guard the whole thing?

View attachment 1224370
View attachment 1224371

The toe plates are not a problem. However, the screws used to attach them may be. It all depends on the thickness of the ladies soles. If the soles are to thin the screws may go through the sole and penetrate the insole. Based on the pictures the thickness on the ladies sole appears to be sufficient enough to attach the toe plates without damaging the insole. For optimum preventative maintenance do the sole guards and toe plates. You'll spend a little bit more up front but, in the long run you'll be saving money while getting more wear.
 

EZB

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yea, primarily concrete/pavement/sidewalks etc.
I wore out a leather sole in one year wearing two to three times a week and walking on concrete on average about three-quarters of a mile per day. Sometimes in rain. This was an Allen Edmonds sole, not one of the harder-wearing Rendenbachs, which are supposed to last a little longer.

This is consistent with my expectations on a sole based on what I have heard. I walk 2+ miles a day on concrete and needed to install metal toe taps after just a few wears. I don't have this issue with v tread or Dainite though so far and very little issue with butyl.
 

classicalthunde

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This is consistent with my expectations on a sole based on what I have heard. I walk 2+ miles a day on concrete and needed to install metal toe taps after just a few wears. I don't have this issue with v tread or Dainite though so far and very little issue with butyl.

yea, the 3 out of my 5 shoes have dainite soles, which have lasted 4+ years without needed a resole

what do toe taps do? do they alter your step so your soles don't wear as fast? mine wear out fastest right on the ball of my foot
 

EZB

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yea, the 3 out of my 5 shoes have dainite soles, which have lasted 4+ years without needed a resole

what do toe taps do? do they alter your step so your soles don't wear as fast? mine wear out fastest right on the ball of my foot
Soleguards would work best for you then. I wear the toes much quicker than any other part. It's just how I walk. The rest of the sole is fine, but the toes are half-gone with 10 wears. The metal toe taps don't wear down really, so It removes that issue.
 

joshuagb

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yea, the 3 out of my 5 shoes have dainite soles, which have lasted 4+ years without needed a resole

what do toe taps do? do they alter your step so your soles don't wear as fast? mine wear out fastest right on the ball of my foot

I've migrated to dainite soles for my daily beaters and I save leather soles for more occasional wear, or for days when I'm going to be spending less time pounding pavement. In reference to the toe taps, take a look at the picture I posted a page or so ago. You can see that on the calf leather shoes, the toe taps are already installed and are inset into the leather there, so they don't affect your walk.
 

Nick V.

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what is the rough average length of time it should take for a single leather sole to need to be repaired? lets say regular use, suburban car commute, 2 wears per week.

I just discovered a dime size hole on the bottom of my AE McCallisters that leads through to the cork, and have only had the shoes for 2 years.

After nearly 45 years in the business I find it impossible to answer that question. There are just to many variables.
How thick is the sole, what grade leather is it, weather conditions, how much do you walk on an average day, walking surfaces are a few. Then add in a persons gait. I've seen customers that weigh all of 150 lbs and wear out their soles in 6 months. I've also seen customers that weigh north of 250 lbs that get two years out of a pair of soles. It's an imperfect world with regards to the answer to your question. You may be able to get an average from YOUR OWN experience but that average is pretty much unique to you.
 

BDowns_m8r

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It was suggested that I start a separate thread regarding shoe repair.
Feel free if you have any questions -or- may be seeking advice on shoe/boot repairs.
I'm happy to assist....

I just acquired a pair of what I think must be snake skin boots. Pics attached.

Def need restoration.. they were found abandoned and dried out in a property I just recently acquired.

I plan to attempt to give the boots a good thoughrough cleaning and then move to soften the scales with special reptile oils..

How would I best move to identify if these boots are authentic snakeskin or if they are faux?

If they are authentic.. Then how would I identify which type of snake the skin came from?

If I manage to get the skin restored and even the worn leather.. Then how would go about properly valuing the boots? I'm not even sure how to identify the creator oiii

If I get a fair value on them.. Where are some of the best places to sell?

Appreciate your time and I'm sure your responses will help others too.
 

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BDowns_m8r

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Another pic of them together

My bad.. Awful with a camera
 

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Nick V.

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I just acquired a pair of what I think must be snake skin boots. Pics attached.

Def need restoration.. they were found abandoned and dried out in a property I just recently acquired.

I plan to attempt to give the boots a good thoughrough cleaning and then move to soften the scales with special reptile oils..

How would I best move to identify if these boots are authentic snakeskin or if they are faux?

If they are authentic.. Then how would I identify which type of snake the skin came from?

If I manage to get the skin restored and even the worn leather.. Then how would go about properly valuing the boots? I'm not even sure how to identify the creator oiii

If I get a fair value on them.. Where are some of the best places to sell?

Appreciate your time and I'm sure your responses will help others too.

Hello Sir--

I can't tell for certain unless I have them in my hands. However in all likelihood they are genuine Python.
Your questions about determining the value and where to sell are beyond my realm. There is no formula, chart or, guide that I'm aware of, to determine the value of used footwear. I suppose listing them on Ebay would be your best bet. However, I'll caution you before you list them.
Here's why......Exotic skins by nature are very dry. Even with consistent and proper maintenance, over time, they will dry out, crack, split etc. If you manage to get these in good condition to the naked eye and feel chances are they won't last long before the above will occur. You'll have an angry purchaser on your hands. It's just not worth it.
Now, if you are interested in undergoing the project just for the experience, here are some tips.
As mentioned, by nature exotic leathers tend to be very dry. Compare restoring/moisturizing the skin to moisturizing a potted plant that dried out. If you just dump a pail of water on the plant the water would seep out of the pot before the roots have a chance to absorb it. So, you have to build up a moisture base. A little water, give the soil a chance to hold it. Give the roots a chance to absorb. Repeat over and over until the soil is moist and holding it's moisture. This way you know the roots have a chance to absorb the moisture in the soil. Same concept with dried leather. Several light coats of conditioner (allowing the skin to slowly adsorb) will result in building up a base making the leather more supple. In this case, the fiber of the skin has been damaged/weakened to a point that you won't get a lot more wear. But, if you are willing to continue maintenance you can prolong the life of the boot vs. selling them to somebody that is unaware or not willing to do the regiment.

J.M. Weston sells a product specific for this use. I have had some great results using it:
 

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