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Ercolino Resole of a pair of Lobbs (Paris).

TCN

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I have a pair of chocolate brown suede Lobb Lopez loafers that for some reason I bought with a rubber sole. At first I liked it with jeans, but then it started bugging me.

So I decided I'd get it resoled with decent leather soles, but where to go? I wanted closed channels, J. R. soles, zero change in fit, etc. I contacted Lobb . . . again and again and again, with zero response. Finally I happened to be in London and stopped by the Lobb store (sans shoes) and inquired about resoling. $400+, not including shipping. So essentially I was looking at $500 (the pound was at $1.95 when I was there).

So I thought and thought, and looked around on some threads here, and was reminded of the bespoke shoemaker Perry Ercolino just outside Philadelphia. I remember reading about Perry since I was a kid, so I figured I'd call him and ask if he'd do a resole on these.

Perry was a joy to talk to, very realistic about what could and couldn't be done with the shoes, and what his pricing might be. Once he received the shoes, his knowledge became even more apparent. Is it sick to say that I genuinely enjoyed talking resoling with him? I suppose here it's okay. I can't emphasize enough how nice it is to talk to a craftsman that understands exactly what you want.

At any rate, below are my typical poor digital photos of the finished product. Keep in mind that Perry had a substantial challenge since the rubber soles that were on these shoes were rather bulky. I won't publicly talk prices, since I believe his prices vary based on what's called for and what materials he uses, but I'll let you know that it cost me more than an Alden resole and less than the quoted Lobb resole.

If Perry's around and would like to comment on the process, he's obviously free to. I'll also disclose that I'm just a lawyer in Detroit and receive no remuneration or discount from Perry (and have the credit card bill to prove it); I'm also a first time client.




p1020070zn0.jpg


p1020073pd5.jpg


p1020074cl0.jpg


p1020076ku5.jpg
 

TCN

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By the way, further examination of my camera lens leads me to believe that two suspects (ages six and two) got their dirty little mitts all over the lens. My apologies, just pretend it's artsy "soft focus" ;-)
 

luk-cha

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looks like he's done a great job, heels flat
wink.gif
enjoy!

BTW nice shoe also
 

Shirtmaven

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Perry Ercolino is quite knowledgable about his trade.
He has met one of his customers at my shop. we have discussed having him take a small space in my new location to meet customers. If you would like to see Perry in NYC, please contact him to arrange an appointment.

http://www.perryercolino.com/index.php

I have not had Perry make me shoes yet. I have seen his work. Our shared customer has had shoes made by numerous shoemakers. He enjoys working with Perry over the other shoemakers he has used.

Carl
 

maxnharry

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He did a beautiful job on those! THanks for sharing.
 

fritzl

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Originally Posted by luk-cha
looks like he's done a good job, heels flat
wink.gif
enjoy!


Heel stand is correct.
 

johnny_flapjack

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Fantastic. I'd be so bummed to have to walk on those. I think it would bother me more to scuff those up than a brand new pair. I guess it's becuase I've set my standards a bit lower for resole work. Frank's in B-ham does a great job on standard stuff, but this is just in a completely different league. I'm glad to know they will consider this type of work.
 

TCN

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Originally Posted by johnny_flapjack
Fantastic. I'd be so bummed to have to walk on those. I think it would bother me more to scuff those up than a brand new pair. I guess it's becuase I've set my standards a bit lower for resole work. Frank's in B-ham does a great job on standard stuff, but this is just in a completely different league. I'm glad to know they will consider this type of work.

I'm in Birmingham, and do drop off my wife's stuff at Frank's. I hate to say it, but I really don't think there's anyone who does a great job on welted shoes in Detroit. Now there is a guy in Southfield (12 Mile area) that has J.R. soles, but he seems to talk a better game than he plays.

If you encounter anyone else in Detroit for standard stuff, I'd be interested to compare notes. I've never used that Tiger place in B'ham, but I've used a guy at Maple and Telegraph for new heels. He was just okay.
 

gdl203

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You mention the price of resoling at Lobb but you won't publicly talk prices when it comes to the alternative you chose vs. Lobb?
confused.gif
 

gdl203

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kaxixi

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Why is restoring others' shoes half the price? He trying to attract switchers?
 

TCN

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Originally Posted by gdl203
You mention the price of resoling at Lobb but you won't publicly talk prices when it comes to the alternative you chose vs. Lobb?
confused.gif


On the phone, Perry mentioned that prices differed based on the construction of the shoe, while Lobb intimated a flat fee charge. I didn't want to say it cost X, then have someone complain that it cost them more or less. Any other questions?
 

lee_44106

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That's an absolutely beautiful job he did. I've gotta give this guy a try.
 

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