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Neglected Shoes - worth repair?

NYliGuy

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I have a pair of Cole Haan shoes that I like very much, but neglected them with not polishing and cleaning often, as well as not using shoetrees. The heels are worn where the rubber is down and some of the wood is now being worn down.

Would it be worth using Cole Hanns shoe restoration to get cleaned, new heels and soles as well as start using shoetrees? The cost would be $85-115 as opposed to purchasing a brand new pair.

If I knew the end result of the restoration service and how well it can revive a shoe I would make a decision. I just don't know if it would just be putting lipstick on a pig, and not really making them much better.

Any thoughts?
 

ns7

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If you truly enjoy wearing them, I would get them restored. Others will probably tell you not to due to the shoes being CHs, but I say do what makes you happy.

The only thing I'd worry about is whether they are of high enough quality to last after they are restored.
 

distinctive

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Originally Posted by NYliGuy

Would it be worth using Cole Hanns shoe restoration to get cleaned, new heels and soles as well as start using shoetrees? The cost would be $85-115 as opposed to purchasing a brand new pair.


Most certainly not. You should use that money to re-invest in a shoe that is made of quality materials and construction that can be restored. If you have a CH made in England or vintage, perhaps but even then I would just take it to a cobbler.
 

NYliGuy

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I purchased a pair of Burgundy wingtip Allen Edwards on eBay for a very good price. I feel I got lucky on the price and the shape the shoes were in when they arrived.

I will look for similar bargains.

I understand everyone on this forums negativity towards CH, yet I feel they were great quality and enjoyed wearing them. First 'nice' shoe I purchased when graduating and getting my first job.

I had worn my CH shoes every workday for over the last two years and they held up very nicely considering my neglect on upkeep and lack of using shoetrees. I will admit that I have no comparison as all my other shoe experience are from my broke college days of Kenneth Cole shoes that would get worn out very quickly.

If I got these CH restored I wonder if they would look 'new' and last me a longtime with proper care. For $85 I see it as a good investment.
 

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