Mail in Cobblers for Soles, Taps and Refurbishment: Potter and Sons vs. Sunny Cobler (Metro) vs. Hanger Project vs. Others

[Girardian]

About to invest in shoe refurbishment and mail off several pair of shoes for soles, heels and metal toe taps.

Looking for feedback form anyone who has compared end product between any of the following coblers (or others who do great work):
- Trent @ Potter & Sons
- Sunny @ Metro Cobler
- Hanger Project
- Others

I've seen photos of work, just curious for real-world testimonials.

 

[ellsbebc]

I recently received five pairs of shoes back from Potter & Sons. Four were toe plate installation and the fifth was JR sole and toe plate. Satisfied enough that I sent another two pairs in for some work.

No personal experience with the others.

 

[Girardian]

Thanks. I have pairs out to more than one shop to compare quality. Gets expensive with shipping but I will post results.

 

[manowar]

Subbed

 

[Girardian]

I did not send shoes to Kirby (did not hear back from them to answer some questions I have), so others who have done a restoration or resole with the Hanger Project can post photos and comments here. Interestingly, it seems like other cobblers break down prices into components (sole, double sole, invisible channel, Saphir shine is extra, etc.), where as HP simply quotes restoration to original specs -- and they include new Soverign laces. This means that there may be little to no cost difference between a HP restoration and other cobblers, depending on the shoe and on the details. I probably should have send one pair to HP but I didn't have the need for a full restoration / refurbishment -- just soles and toe taps.

 

[Girardian]

Looks like Potter & Sons is closing up their shop for a month to catch up on back orders. Could be a while before I get my shoes back. Not sure if that's a good sign or one that risks work being rushed. TBD when the shoes return.

 

[ellsbebc]

I think they are also relocating to Columbia, TN (about an hour south of Nashville). They told me 8-10 week wait when I dropped two pairs off a couple weeks ago.

 

[dluce76]

I've used myshoehospital out of Austin. Did some resoles with vibram rubber soles (a little more flexible than dainite - holding up well too). Quality of the work is good - nothing to fawn over, but also no clear glaring issues. These aren't artisans like Bedo - but I also wasn't looking for that sort of resoling for these relatively cheap shoes (Meermin, AE seconds). On my most recent pairs the sole channel for instance could have been cut deeper and it wasn't a uniform distance from the edge all the way around, but nothing that compromises the integrity of the shoe.

I also had them redo the tassels on one of my loafers which they executed flawlessly, and had them install steel shanks which was a slight upcharge but worth it.

 

[heldentenor]

I had a flawless experience with Potter & Sons and a not-as-good experience with Hanger Project. Both were for identical projects (toe plates on Sons of Henrey oxfords/adelaides). The Potter & Sons finished shoes came back absolutely flush to the sole and with the sole edges refinished to match the original color. Can't say either of those for Hanger Project.

 

[DL120]

I did not send shoes to Kirby (did not hear back from them to answer some questions I have), so others who have done a restoration or resole with the Hanger Project can post photos and comments here. Interestingly, it seems like other cobblers break down prices into components (sole, double sole, invisible channel, Saphir shine is extra, etc.), where as HP simply quotes restoration to original specs -- and they include new Soverign laces. This means that there may be little to no cost difference between a HP restoration and other cobblers, depending on the shoe and on the details. I probably should have send one pair to HP but I didn't have the need for a full restoration / refurbishment -- just soles and toe taps.

I’ve used Jim a number of times who does the HP work. But I go directly to him. He’s done a full jr resole with blind and triumph toe plates and 4-5 sets of toe plates for me. Nothing but excellent work. Much different pricing than going through HP. That’s my suggestion is going direct but just me.

 

[Jimthecobbler]

I had a flawless experience with Potter & Sons and a not-as-good experience with Hanger Project. Both were for identical projects (toe plates on Sons of Henrey oxfords/adelaides). The Potter & Sons finished shoes came back absolutely flush to the sole and with the sole edges refinished to match the original color. Can't say either of those for Hanger Project.

I'm sorry you weren't happy with your experience. most people when putting on the toe plates do not put the edge dressing on the metal because it chips off fairly fast they like it nice and clean with the metal showing. If it was not flush to your satisfaction I truly apologize You're always welcome to private message me and I would be happy to take care of your next pair.

 

[Aquafortis]

Willie's Shoe Service down in LA was recommended to me by @dieworkwear specifically for excellent installation of metal toe plates, however it appears they also specialize in refinishing, resoling, and recrafting.

 

[Girardian]

Willie's Shoe Service down in LA was recommended to me by @dieworkwear specifically for excellent installation of metal toe plates, however it appears they also specialize in refinishing, resoling, and recrafting.

That would have been a good option to put on the list for me (given the proximity to Northern CA, where I am based), but I am not sending out shoes to any new mail in cobblers for this thread. I invite anyone else who has used them to post photos.

My first pair of shoes from Metro has arrived back - but I think I will wait to post photos until I (eventually) get back my shoes from Potter & Sons so that I can provide a comparison. Unfortunately, I didn't take photos of all of the shoes before sending them in but this should not be important for the purposes of this thread.

 

[Iadbound]

I’ve got a pair of shoes at Bedo’s Leatherworks now. I’ll advise when they are returned. They are local for me, but they also take mail-in work. Much like Potter, Bedo’s closed for a chunk of January to catch up on volume.

 

[clee1982]

slight not sit flush is probably ok, you walk for a week and it's as flat as it needs to be (at least for me, though I walk everywhere, we don't drive in Manhattan...)