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tear in leather—shoe repair thread

FlyingHorker

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Those specific shoes are over 40 years old. After enough flexing and working, I'm sure things start to crack.

But also, the shape of your feet changes over time. Feet tend to get flatter and wider with age. If you're a runner, this happens faster since you put a lot of stress and weight on your feet. Feet can also change as your weight changes.

Just because a pair of shoes have been made bespoke doesn't mean they'll last forever or even fit your feet forever. Same with bespoke clothes.
Wish I knew this at 19. BIFL ******.
 

mr monty

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Can the brass nails used for the initials be removed and possibly replaced?
1632900598991.png
 

DWFII

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Can the brass nails used for the initials be removed and possibly replaced?

Replaced with what? Pegs maybe.

But the brass nails used for initials are usually very short...probably no more than 1/4" long. So they aren't affecting anything in terms of strength. if you remove them you will have holes in the bottom of the sole. Almost certainly, that means water will have access to the interior of the bottom--between the outsole and insole.

So that has to dealt with one way or the other. Iron or steel nails will rust and 'burn' the leather.Brass is a neutral material, in that regard.

I suppose you can try to fill the holes with some sort of putty but considering the way shoes flex, I doubt it would last long.

Bottom line I can't imagine why you would want to pull the brass nails--unless they are not your initials, in which case...I think you're just SO until you get the outsoles replaced.
 
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kd3028

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Thanks for explaining and for making a very good point. I never thought of that concept. I must remember always to give my shoes a good brush clean especially in the creases as part of the maintenance process. It’s an easy thing to overlook.
 
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