Timeless Shoe Repair - Thunder Bay Ontario

[suitforcourt]

This is the last of the award winning Canadian cobblers that I am trying out: Martin Sugg of Timeless Shoe Repair in Thunder Bay Ontario.

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4638836

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4272886

I have communicated with Martin a few times. He is very knowledgeable, patient, and really seems to enjoy his craft.

I am going to try a recraft with Vibram soles, and future projects include a full JR recraft. Pics to follow.

 

[suitforcourt]

Shoes I am sending are a pair of made in England Hawkins. Same style and factory as Dr. Martens.

Bought these when I was 16 and used them as my uniform shoes. So 21 years old.

No damage to any part of the shoe. Soles and heels are in relatively great shape, all considered. These are calf skin. I did not know how to care for them until the last few years, so the durability really shows.

I am asking for Vibram soles.

 

[suitforcourt]

The results - phenomenal from a true professional craftsman who was also very honest.

Originally, I wanted new soles and heels on the Hawkins. But upon inspection, Martin said the soles still have a lot of life. So just new heels. He also suggested an interior heel patch as holes had developed over 21 years of wear.

A less honest person would have gone ahead with full sole recraft to bag the extra cash.

But judge for yourself. Vibram heels and they are lined up to original sole.

I look forward to sending a full leather recraft!

 

[suitforcourt]

@Timeless-guy

 

[Timeless-guy]

The results - phenomenal from a true professional craftsman who was also very honest.

Originally, I wanted new soles and heels on the Hawkins. But upon inspection, Martin said the soles still have a lot of life. So just new heels. He also suggested an interior heel patch as holes had developed over 21 years of wear.

A less honest person would have gone ahead with full sole recraft to bag the extra cash.

But judge for yourself. Vibram heels and they are lined up to original sole.

I look forward to sending a full leather recraft!

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Thanks Kenneth. Looking forward to the next job...

 

[suitforcourt]

 

[suitforcourt]

Sending these 2 pairs of vintage Florsheim for full recrafts.

The Golden Harvest will get JR soles.

The PTBs will get some kind of rubber sole.

 

[suitforcourt]

Update on the PTBs. Caved in toe box is fixed! New leather heel block had to be made. The last cobbler cut too deep for v-cleats.

 

[suitforcourt]

Update on the Golden Harvest. The toe plates are nicely installed!

 

[suitforcourt]

Pics from Martin himself. I should be receiving the shoes this week. Can't wait!

 

[suitforcourt]

Some more process pictures. The Golden Harvest needed a splice in the welt, while the PTBs needed a new heel block altogether. Lots of work done.

 

[suitforcourt]

Maiden voyage of the Golden Harvest.

 

[Paul902]

Those toe taps are very nicely integrated, and I love the nails in the waist of the sole in a nod to the original constructions. Nice work, @Timeless-guy!

Enjoy your killer shoes, Suit, and thanks for bringing us these reviews of top notch cobblers. It is a great resource for us vintage shoe fans on SF!

 

[suitforcourt]

Those toe taps are very nicely integrated, and I love the nails in the waist of the sole in a nod to the original constructions. Nice work, @Timeless-guy!

Enjoy your killer shoes, Suit, and thanks for bringing us these reviews of top notch cobblers. It is a great resource for us vintage shoe fans on SF!

Thanks! It's important to highlight the amazing Canadian cobblers that we have.

 

[suitforcourt]

Debut of my recrafted 93603s by @Timeless-guy. The double v-cleats were... fun. Soles were coming apart.

Given the already casual look and style, I opted for rubber soles. Martin gave me a few options and I selected the Vibram Western. Martin skillfully integrated the rubber with the leather midsole making it look seamless and almost invisible.

The perfect rain shoes, or to chase my kids around at the mall, and still look stylish.

Don’t shy away from rubber soles, they can still look great with your shoes!