Cobblers in Canada (Toronto or major Canadian cities) - goodyear welt and JR Rendenbach

[suitforcourt]

Have you found anyone that will do a closed channel resole?

I was re-reading this thread. Martin Sugg, at Timeless Shoe Repair in Thunder Bay, says he can do closed channel.

 

[suitforcourt]

Some recent work by Corey Hiltz at Fix em up in Barrie Ontario. All pics in the separate thread I created.

The boots were completely rebuilt with new insoles, welts, midsoles, and Vibram soles.

The others are sole protectors and new heels. The Florsheim shell cordovan pair got toe taps and grommets as well.

 

[NickInTO]

Great work by Dan. I'm sending him a box of shoes tomorrow.

Dropped off a pair of Vass to Dan yesterday to replace the dovetail heels (including brass nails) and add triumph toe plates.

 

[galaxy]

Has anyone had experience with ShoeMedic in Oakville? I'd love to get a second opinion on them.

I've had a pair of shoes resoled their once before with JR soles and they did an overall okay job, but rather on the expensive side (~$220) and I am not sure if its worth it to do again or to send off to another cobbler.

Wish I took before photos at the time..

 

[suitforcourt]

Has anyone had experience with ShoeMedic in Oakville? I'd love to get a second opinion on them.

I've had a pair of shoes resoled their once before with JR soles and they did an overall okay job, but rather on the expensive side (~$220) and I am not sure if its worth it to do again or to send off to another cobbler.

Wish I took before photos at the time..

I've never used them. Years ago I was at their Mapleview Mall location. After a few questions, I decided to go elsewhere. Their cobbler at that location had zero clue about the most basic things like whether he would remove the old cork, whether he could replace the welt, pick old stitches etc.

I live in Mississauga and ship all of my footwear repair elsewhere. No one in the Toronto area that I will use, or recommend.

Closest ones I recommend are Fix em up in Barrie, and Dimar in Guelph. I've posted pics of their work here and in separate threads.

 

[suitforcourt]

Has anyone had experience with ShoeMedic in Oakville? I'd love to get a second opinion on them.

I've had a pair of shoes resoled their once before with JR soles and they did an overall okay job, but rather on the expensive side (~$220) and I am not sure if its worth it to do again or to send off to another cobbler.

Wish I took before photos at the time..

$220 is on the higher side but not outrageous.

 

[galaxy]

I've never used them. Years ago I was at their Mapleview Mall location. After a few questions, I decided to go elsewhere. Their cobbler at that location had zero clue about the most basic things like whether he would remove the old cork, whether he could replace the welt, pick old stitches etc.

I live in Mississauga and ship all of my footwear repair elsewhere. No one in the Toronto area that I will use, or recommend.

Closest ones I recommend are Fix em up in Barrie, and Dimar in Guelph. I've posted pics of their work here and in separate threads.

Thanks suitforcourt, appreciate the guidance. Ya I might give Dimar a try, these shoes aren't quite worth the effort to go out of the way and ship out (and old pair of Fryes), but Guelph is not too far!

I should mention the ~$220 is from a few years ago, I imagine prices have gone up with the pandemic sadly, which makes sense. I'll take a few pics from the shoes though and post them here so others can get an idea of the quality.

 

[suitforcourt]

Thanks suitforcourt, appreciate the guidance. Ya I might give Dimar a try, these shoes aren't quite worth the effort to go out of the way and ship out (and old pair of Fryes), but Guelph is not too far!

I should mention the ~$220 is from a few years ago, I imagine prices have gone up with the pandemic sadly, which makes sense. I'll take a few pics from the shoes though and post them here so others can get an idea of the quality.

I am going to bring some stuff out to Dimar in future. If you're not in a rush, drop off with me, and I can take it for you. Of course you must discuss price with Pablo and arrange payment. I will also pick up.

I live in Mississauga.

 

[suitforcourt]

I just found out that Alphonse, who ran Bay Bloor Shoe Repairs for decades, passed away in the summer. Another cobbler bought the shop.

 

[suitforcourt]

Some rebuilds by Dan Frappier.

1. Florsheim 92604s that got stacked leather wedge soles. Unconventional but I find them very comfortable as my WFH shoes, and also they're different;

2. Florsheim NSTs that got the full monty. JR midsoles, outsoles, Florsheim stamping inside and out, cat paw heels, toe taps, new welts, and new french binding;

3. Boulet boots that got speed hooks and a Vibram outsole for the winter;

4. Chippewa Ellisons that got new outsoles;

5. House flip flops that got new outsoles. They definitely grip much better now.

 

[ojaw]

Some rebuilds by Dan Frappier.

1. Florsheim 92604s that got stacked leather wedge soles. Unconventional but I find them very comfortable as my WFH shoes, and also they're different;

2. Florsheim NSTs that got the full monty. JR midsoles, outsoles, Florsheim stamping inside and out, cat paw heels, toe taps, new welts, and new french binding;

3. Boulet boots that got speed hooks and a Vibram outsole for the winter;

4. Chippewa Ellisons that got new outsoles;

5. House flip flops that got new outsoles. They definitely grip much better now.

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I see you’ve been very active over here, I should have looked around before I posted in the other threads!

 

[goatamous II]

Not to bump an old thread
Canada Post free ship Tuesdays returns in October for those with a small biz account (which I believe anybody can open)
Good way to save some cost shipping out to a cobbler

 

[goatamous II]

I've never used them. Years ago I was at their Mapleview Mall location. After a few questions, I decided to go elsewhere. Their cobbler at that location had zero clue about the most basic things like whether he would remove the old cork, whether he could replace the welt, pick old stitches etc.

I live in Mississauga and ship all of my footwear repair elsewhere. No one in the Toronto area that I will use, or recommend.

Closest ones I recommend are Fix em up in Barrie, and Dimar in Guelph. I've posted pics of their work here and in separate threads.

i know it's an old post, but i'll reply that ShoeMedic is a great source for supplies (they carry pretty much every Saphir item you could need), but given that when I went there the guy didn't even know what he had in stock or what the products were, I wouldn't feel comfortable taking my shoes there

(he had to call another person when I asked if they had Pate de Luxe)

 

[qtip.416]

Adding another data point for Canadians looking for a good local cobbler. I tried out Pablo at www.Dimarshoerepair.com in Guelph, Ontario.

Very pleased with the work.

Replaced my old white wedge sole for Dainite Rubber soles. He added new cork filler, new leather mid soles, and made a new leather heel base. We kept the old welt as it was in good condition. 2 week turn around time. I mailed the boots in as I couldn’t find the time to drive to Guelph from Toronto . Pablo was really good at communication and easy to work with.
Before:

After:

Also added Triumph Toe Taps to my leather sole boots. He sealed the cut threads with glue before installing taps to reinforce the leather sole. Clean work.

 

[suitforcourt]

Adding another data point for Canadians looking for a good local cobbler. I tried out Pablo at www.Dimarshoerepair.com in Guelph, Ontario.

Very pleased with the work.

Replaced my old white wedge sole for Dainite Rubber soles. He added new cork filler, new leather mid soles, and made a new leather heel base. We kept the old welt as it was in good condition. 2 week turn around time. I mailed the boots in as I couldn’t find the time to drive to Guelph from Toronto . Pablo was really good at communication and easy to work with.
Before:
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After:
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Also added Triumph Toe Taps to my leather sole boots. He sealed the cut threads with glue before installing taps to reinforce the leather sole. Clean work.

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I also send stuff to Pablo at Dimar. Very skilled cobbler and a great guy.