St. Paul Minnesota cobbler - Gene Harstock - Hartland shoe repair

[suitforcourt]

My only pair of Hanover LB Sheppards need to be rebuilt. The soles and heel are shot. Even the welt area is crumbling. Trusting Gene to take care of these.

 

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Update from Gene: This pair does not have cork filling in the mid-sole area. Interesting. It was some kind of foam filling jimmies. Gene will replace with an orthopedic rubber, but did offer cork. He recommended the former. The storm welt has to be completely removed and replaced - you can see in the original pics that they've deteriorated over time.

 

[suitforcourt]

The soles are on. Decided to go with GR, another German brand rather than JR. Saved a few bucks but was advised JR not necessary if putting on a Topy.

 

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Cat paw heels and topy added on.

 

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Ready to ship!

 

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Final polishing.

 

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More pics from the process.

 

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Final pics before being boxed. Gene had to dye the leather to get the colour even.

 

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Finally got my shoes back.

Heels and soles nicely lined up. Stitching on the outsole could be better. New welt and welt stitching nicely done. Vibram topy flush to soles.

Gene is a great guy to deal with. He's a one man operation, but knows his craft.

 

[hamercha]

what is the cost for this work?

 

[suitforcourt]

what is the cost for this work?

$185 USD.

GR soles. Vibram Topy. New welt. Cat paw heels. I got some upgrades and premium parts.

 

[hamercha]

Much lower than bedos for sure. It cost 120 for vibram toppy and remove original v-cleat and replaced it with rubber.

 

[suitforcourt]

Much lower than bedos for sure. It cost 120 for vibram toppy and remove original v-cleat and replaced it with rubber.

Steve at Bedos does amazing work. Full stop. But he knows how to market himself, and up sell his services. Will I eventually use him? Absolutely.

Will he be my regular cobbler? Nope. Given that there are many other talented cobblers who can produce excellent results, no need.

 

[suitforcourt]

Bought this pair of Red Wing mocs for super cheap. As you can see, the soles are totally shot. But body and welt are still good.

Will discuss with Gene about what I want done. Either original Vibram Christy soles in a different colour like black. Or stick with the original white.

Or maybe go with Gene’s recommendation of the Vibram Arctic. Turn these into winter boots.

 

[suitforcourt]

Update from Gene. Insoles shifted and need to be replaced. Welt is loose on one shoe. Cork and insoles definitely have to be replaced.