replacing elastic side/gore on Chelsea boots

[makewayhomer]

is this something a cobbler can do? a normal cobbler will be able to do?

I know some places like RM Williams have a recrafting service, but would rather not paying $100 just for shipping to and fro.

so, question for RM, C&J, etc owners...how do you replace your elastics after they go limp?

 

[makewayhomer]

aaaaaand I found my own answer, partially anyways. B Nelson in New York told me he does this. I don't know if he wants me to post prices here, so I won't. suffice to say it's a cheaper and faster option than sending back to Australia or England.

 

[upnorth]

i am curious how this is done on a finished shoe. Wouldn't it involve the time consuming task of taking apart the shoe so the upper and elastics can be stitched flat?

 

[Wes Bourne]

Originally Posted by upnorth

i am curious how this is done on a finished shoe. Wouldn't it involve the time consuming task of taking apart the shoe so the upper and elastics can be stitched flat?

Curious about this as well.

 

[tattersall]

I was told by Edward Green that they can't repair the side elastics on their shoes (e.g. kibworths). Their helpful suggestion (which I followed) was to have multiple pairs so you won't wear them out.

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by upnorth

i am curious how this is done on a finished shoe. Wouldn't it involve the time consuming task of taking apart the shoe so the upper and elastics can be stitched flat?

my guess is that it is pretty time consuming, yeah. more time than it would take to resole. however, the materials are cheaper...so it ends up costing a similar amount

 

[cptjeff]

And this is why I am of the opinion elastic hsould not be used on shoes that are supposed to last years. It wears out, and can wear out without a whole lot of wear, even changes in tempurautre can wear it out. And it's very difficult to properly replace.

 

[Nick V.]

Originally Posted by upnorth

i am curious how this is done on a finished shoe. Wouldn't it involve the time consuming task of taking apart the shoe so the upper and elastics can be stitched flat?

No, the shoe/boot does not need to be taken apart. Rather, the worn gore/elastic is carefully seperated from the liner and upper. A new piece is fitted then cemented and stitched into place.

FYI......This process is not done on a flat stitching machine. It's done on a horn stitcher which reaches in, allowing you to stitch inside at various angles and curves.

 

[slappy]

Hey Nick, I just ordered some Edward green shoes from ebay. They are pretty well trashed at the moment, meaning the soles are mostly gone and part of the heel is chipped off. Also there are some stains on the leather. I know I dont have pictures at the moment so its hard to visualize, but is something you think you could fix? Ill get pictures up when I receive them sometime next week.

 

[mr monty]

Originally Posted by cptjeff

And this is why I am of the opinion elastic hsould not be used on shoes that are supposed to last years. It wears out, and can wear out without a whole lot of wear, even changes in tempurautre can wear it out. And it's very difficult to properly replace.

Not so fast, I have a pair of Chelsea boots (Church's) that are at least 20 years old . The elastic is still in good shape. I'll post pics later.

 

[Nick V.]

Originally Posted by slappy

Hey Nick, I just ordered some Edward green shoes from ebay. They are pretty well trashed at the moment, meaning the soles are mostly gone and part of the heel is chipped off. Also there are some stains on the leather. I know I dont have pictures at the moment so its hard to visualize, but is something you think you could fix? Ill get pictures up when I receive them sometime next week.

Most likely we can. But, it's best to see pics.

 

[upnorth]

Originally Posted by mr monty

Not so fast, I have a pair of Chelsea boots (Church's) that are at least 20 years old . The elastic is still in good shape. I'll post pics later.

I am guessing you wear them infrequently. I just bought a pair of grenson chelsea brogue and would be happy to get 5 years out of them before replacing the gore.

Nick, thanks for your explanation.

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by upnorth

I am guessing you wear them infrequently. I just bought a pair of grenson chelsea brogue and would be happy to get 5 years out of them before replacing the gore. Nick, thanks for your explanation.
well, consensus on RM Williams boots is they should last at least 10 years. the only post I remember reading about elastic lifespan said they should last around 8 years. so, I think you should expect to get the elastic replaced once during the shoes life, but I don't think you would need to do it more than that. considering the initial cost of the shoe, plus resoling cost every few years, getting the elastic replaced once isn't a huge expense. fwiw, I have a pair of Grenson chelseas as well. the elastic appears to be in MUCH worse shape than the sole or the upper. it doesn't need resoling at all but does need new elastic. perhaps Grenson doesn't use long lasting elastic

 

[Andy P]

I have a pair of very Elderly Chelsea boots so where in New York is the supplier of elastic sides so that I can take apart my boots and have the new elastic sewn in?