Park Avenue recrafting options if AE can't do it?

[Troilus]

I sent a pair of Park Avenues to Allen Edmonds for recrafting. Unfortunately, I received a call today from the (very nice, as always) representative saying that AE could not recraft the shoes do to wear and age.

The uppers are fine, so I was wondering if anyone has had any luck taking AE-rejected shoes to a local repair shop. I'm in DC but am also up in NYC 3-4 times a month.

 

[Fred G. Unn]

B. Nelson in NYC
http://www.bnelsonshoes.com/high_grade_shoes.asp

 

[Quadcammer]

2nded

 

[VinnyMac]

...curious to know why they can't recraft them if the uppers are fine

 

[New Shoes1]

...curious to know why they can't recraft them if the uppers are fine

Agreed. I would think hard about whether to pay the money to recraft shoes that were rejected by AE as too old and worn for the service. Even if you find someone willing to do it, the final result may not be worth the money.

 

[random-adam]

I agree that if anybody can do anything good with 'em, it'll be B. Nelson... and from what I've heard I'd also trust Nick to tell you if they aren't worth the money to refurbish.

 

[MyOtherLife]

We need to see photos of the shoes in question. Failing this, the only reason for AE to deem the shoes unworthy of their in-house re-crafting, would be, possibly, that the leather is no longer strong enough to support the re-welting process. As we have not seen the shoes yet, we can only speculate at this time. Also, bear in mind (if applicable at this point) that shoes can only be re-crafted or re-soled so many times before their life is eventually over. Leather integrity can play a major factor in this. Your local friendly cobbler may also be unlikely to replace the welting if he forsees problems.

 

[Troilus]

Thanks, all. I would post photos, but they're still on their way back from Wisconsin.

AE said their concern was about the leather integrity in the footbeds, suggesting that they were worried the bottoms would disintegrate if they removed the sole (or shortly thereafter). They were the ones who suggested that I might want to consider a local option, which was the only reason I inquired here.

If Nordstrom's puts their PA's on sale next week for the summer sale, maybe it's time to get a new pair (would be a sad day, they were my first grown-up shoes). Otherwise, I'll stop by B. Nelson's and see what they have to say.