Shoes

[ALRATIBA]

I was getting some shoes out to take to be re-heeled and it occurred to me that I haven't heard any shoe vendors talk about repair in years. 

I don't recall the brand - but just the last few days they showed a cut-away of the bottom of the show and it was all open cells.  Doesn't appear that you can replace the soles and heels.

Last QVC vendor I heard who mentioned ability to repair was Birkenstocks - years ago.

In NYC, we walk a lot and frequently have to replace the heels.

[Mz iMac]

There are still shoemakers in my neck of the woods.  City sidewalks can wreck high heels.

[Kachina624]

Seems like I mostly just get things like straps resewn.  I don't walk enough to wear out soles or heels.

[ValuSkr]

I like when things can be repaired for a reasonable price.  In the throwaway society, many people don't bother; they just buy new.  The mall has a show repair place that I've used to re-sole.  But I don't know if it's still there - haven't been to that mall in a few years.

[I am still oxox]

Like so many things these day shoes seem to be replaced rather than repaired

[jlkz]

Take a look at how what used to be called the shoe’s sole is attached to the upper portion.  Chances are high that it is molded and made to look like it is attached:  can’t be replaced.

DH complains that a lot of men’s shoes 👞 are now being made this way.  As for my Easy Spirit clogs, they aren’t repairable either.

If you locate a shoe repair person, treat them well....they are disappearing !

[Peaches McPhee]

My husband gets his shoes re-soled now and then.  I've used shoe repair shops for handbags.  

[ALRATIBA]

Here in NYC - not a problem finding a shoe repair shop.  I have two in walking distanct.  I guess we keep them in business because of all the foot traffic!

The one pair of Skechers that I bought - the soles started to crumble and fall off in chunks and those shoes had NEVER been worn outside - only indoors.  Same issue with a pair of Clark sandals.

The point of my OP ... the ability to repair the shoes isn't mentioned at all.  So, I guess we have to assume that none are repairable.  

Some them are quite expensive - too expensive to be "wear and toss" footwear.

[BirkiLady]

I still love a good leather sole on shoes! Expensive? Yes. But when I find them, I'll buy them because they are so comfortable. And, yes, they do require a cobbler to repair or replace the heels and/or soles periodically. Worth every cent! 

Probably why most men continue to wear dress shoes to the office. They are comfortable and last for years when rotated. We have several shoe repair shops in downtown Lincoln and additional shops around the community. It's not difficult to find one, but I also wonder about the longevity of them. What will the public do for leather-goods repairs if cobblers are no longer trained and in business? 

[CelticCrafter]

We have a few and far between shoemakers around.