L’Atelier de l’Égide - Laurent Halimi - shoe cobbler/cordwainer in Montreal Quebec

[suitforcourt]

Hi everyone,

Background:

I've been looking for a cobbler/cordwainer who can do the Joh Rendenbach soles
(http://www.lederfabrik-rendenbach.de/1/benefits-of-jr-leather/)

After extensive searching and asking around on Styleforum, I came to two conclusions:

1. No one in Toronto (maybe even Ontario!) uses JR soles. Most of the "better" cobblers have never even heard of it. Strange, because a lot of the finer shoe companies such as Allen Edmonds will use it on their premium cordovan collection;
2. NYC has a few reputable shops: B Nelson and Cesar's Shoe Repair.

The cobbler I chose:

However, a fellow SF friend recommended L’Atelier de l’Égide - Laurent Halimi, who is based in Montreal.
http://egide.ca/home.html

Here are some of his youtube videos:
http://egide.ca/repair.html

I communicated with Laurent via e-mail. A little slow initially, but now responds within a business day. The price for the JR package: $250, which includes the return postage. I will have to pay my own post to send to him.

The price seems steep, but is relative to sending them to B Nelson or Cesar Shoe Repair in NYC, once you factor in exchange rate and postage.

Laurent hand stitches everything, and seems to be passionate about his craft. My SF friend highly recommends him.

The shoes:

I'm sending a pair of Florsheim Kenmoors to Laurent for recrafting. Bought them on Ebay for $10! (plus shipping and tax).

Here are some "pre-pics." As everyone can see, the body is still intact, no major scuffs, tears or other damage visible to the eye. The soles definitely need to be replaced. Even the interior is in great condition. These are made in India, and likely the JR package is "too expensive", but what the hell, I want to keep these shoes, so might as well invest.

I will put up the "post-pics" when Laurent returns the finished product. Cost will be $250 for the JR package (includes return postage) but I will have to pay to send to him. So total is likely $280ish, which is about the same price point as B Nelson or Cesar's Shoe Repair in NYC (factoring in exchange rate and postage).

Pre-pics:



























Once the shoes are returned, I will put up the "post pics." Can't wait!

 

[suitforcourt]

The final product:

1. Took 10 days (as Laurent promised);

2. Soles are stiff and needs some wearing in;

3. Body was definitely pulled over a last again as it feels tighter and stiffer;

4. Soles look beautiful. Will walk in them tomorrow;

5. Total costs was about $265. Happy to keep a fellow Canadian in business!

 

[suitforcourt]

Spent all day on my feet with the new shoes. They feel really comfortable. I wear orthotics so require a shoe with a strong sole (hence I prefer goodyear welts) and support. Laurent lived up to the hype. I highly recommend this fine artisan.

 

[Vinilo1969]

Though I am late to see this, great review! By the way, would you know in which country were vintage Florsheim shoes such as these made?

 

[suitforcourt]

Though I am late to see this, great review! By the way, would you know in which country were vintage Florsheim shoes such as these made?

This pair was made in India. I have other pairs made in USA and Canada. The latter 2 are of much higher quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship.

 

[Vinilo1969]

I also bought India-made Florsheims a while ago. Leather seemed a bit thinner than western-made shoes. Wish I knew more about the evolution of Florsheim shoe manufacturing.

 

[CloudLi]

I still do not understand why spend $250 for recraft on a $50 shoes. Just my 5 cents, I wont spend more than half of the shoe value for any repair, otherwise I can just buy a new one

 

[suitforcourt]

I also bought India-made Florsheims a while ago. Leather seemed a bit thinner than western-made shoes. Wish I knew more about the evolution of Florsheim shoe manufacturing.

Check out v-cleats.com

 

[suitforcourt]

I still do not understand why spend $250 for recraft on a $50 shoes. Just my 5 cents, I wont spend more than half of the shoe value for any repair, otherwise I can just buy a new one

I wanted to try different Cobblers and their recraft work. So I used cheaper shoes. But all have been renewed for another round.

There are many threads talking about we recraft shoes, rather than just buying new ones. I will let other people convince you, or not.

 

[Vinilo1969]

Restoring old shoes to like new condition gives me a sense of pleasure that is quite different than buying new.

 

[Vinilo1969]

Check out v-cleats.com

Thanks. Great site for Florsheim vintage! Also no hyphen in the URL.

 

[suitforcourt]

I also bought India-made Florsheims a while ago. Leather seemed a bit thinner than western-made shoes. Wish I knew more about the evolution of Florsheim shoe manufacturing.

I will only buy Florsheim made in USA or Canada. So only vintage pairs.

 

[Encore]

Thanks for sharing your experience on both cobblers. Does any of their service including renew the insole?

 

[suitforcourt]

Thanks for sharing your experience on both cobblers. Does any of their service including renew the insole?

You'd have to ask. My original was reused. But it was still in great shape.

 

[Encore]

You'd have to ask. My original was reused. But it was still in great shape.

Would you mind share the contact info?