Shoe experts: Can this shoe be saved?

[jmatt]

This is an Allen Edmunds Colton. I've probably worn it 300 times, but it doesn't even need a re-sole yet, as I walk very little except on carpet at work.

See the two creases. The leather does not have a hole all the way through - yet.

1) Can these uppers be fixed?
2) How do I avoid this in the future? Is there something I can apply to the leather to keep this from happening?

 

[JeffC]

..

 

[josepidal]

How were these shoes maintained?

 

[jmatt]

Originally Posted by josepidal

How were these shoes maintained?
They weren't. Worn every day (5 of 7 anyway). No shoe trees. Shoe polish only. No other treatment. Before anyone scolds me, this was before I found the forum. I now use shoe trees nightly, and am buying a variety of shoes in order to drop to 1-2 wearings weekly. I do polish fairly regularly, but don't use any other cream or leather preservative, etc.

Back on topic: Can the shoes be saved. Can I avoid this in the future, and if so, how?

 

[16520Man]

I used to have the same problem...until I fixed it by buying the correct width shoe. I now wear AE 10.5Es and the toe no longer displaces the upper. As far as their repair, your best answer may come from AE themselves.

 

[josepidal]

Come to think of it, my first pair of dress shoes exhibited worse but similar cracks. Reason: I bought them when I was 14 and wore them as my feet eventually grew too wide for them.

Otherwise, might they have unduly dried out?

 

[16520Man]

Then again, I see the "EEE" markings in your pic.

 

[jmatt]

No shoe experts on a Sunday, eh? Surely someone will log in Monday who knows if uppers in such a sad condition can be repaired?

 

[well-kept]

The best way to prevent such cracking is to use shoe trees, alternate shoes to let them rest and keep them moisturized. Best way to AVOID the problem is to wear shell cordovan rather than calf. As far as your present shoes, accept the cracks as a sign of the life they've had and go on enjoying them. I have a very old pair of Lobb loafers, cracked in every possible way except at the toe and heel where inner reinforcements keep the leather from bending. I still wear them and love them more all the time.

 

[alflauren]

I just looked at the AE website. Since you don't need new soles, you could try their refinishing service for $40. Short of that, I'd suggest an overhaul on your own, with something similar to what I do to my shoes about every six months. Apply and remove AE conditioner, followed by applying and removing a colored cream polish, followed by applying and removing a top coat of colored wax. It seems to keep things hydrated for me.

 

[16520Man]

Originally Posted by jmatt

No shoe experts on a Sunday, eh? Surely someone will log in Monday who knows if uppers in such a sad condition can be repaired?

Or even better, jmatt, you have a nearby shoe shop just full of shoe experts, some of whom will give you a prognosis upon examining your shoes in person, rather than a jpg. Support your local economy and all that...

 

[Teacher]

Once damage has occurred, it cannot be properly undone. I'd love to tell you otherwise, but I can't. Now you know better so scolding you will serve no purpose whatsoever. Just take care of them and wear them as long as you feel comfortable, and then chuck them. Since they're black, this should take a longer time than brown and burgundy shoes.

 

[jmatt]

For future shoes, is there a consensus as to the best product to apply to shoes to keep the leather moist and pliable? Meltonian?

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by jmatt

For future shoes, is there a consensus as to the best product to apply to shoes to keep the leather moist and pliable? Meltonian?

No consensus. Meltonian sounds fine.

 

[Drinkwaters]

I think that they can be fixed. It does not appear from the pics that the cut has gone through to the inside. A good cobler can fill those cracks in and they can be servicable for your rainy day shoes. I think the problem is three things. 1) Your shoe size needs to redetermined by a shoe fitter using a Brannock Device, it apparent that your feet are stuffed into these shoes and causing undue pressure on the outside area affected. 2) I notice a pronation of your foot which has worn down the sole at that point and the outside edge of the heel and is causing the pushing out of the leather which has not helped with your circumstance. I would suggest seeing a foot specialist about correcting your stance, they will make shoe inserts to correct this you will find some correction to your stance that will remedy some issues you might have with back pain or other skeletle (sp) issues. I would only buy new shoes after you have obtained these insert and have them fitted with them in the shoes. 3) As other have noted, shoe trees, conditioning, polishing and proper drying when they get wet. Should you get salt stains, remove them with a mixture of 50% white vinegar to 50% water with a clean cloth, do this before you condition and polish. I've seen worse shoes repaired with this occurance and often need a patch on the inside. Don't let it go that far. Please post pics after you have fixed them. Best Regards, Gary "VOTE" www.cbs4boston.com/alist Please! With your vote, we will be #1 in Boston.