Today, I share with you another Zero Waste essential for my household: A good cobbler.
Located only a couple of blocks away from my house, Misak, better known as Tony, is key to achieving Zero Waste in my wardrobe. He is not only my partner in extending the useful life of my shoes, but he also meets my needs for a short turn-around, knowing that I only own six pairs of footwear. And, his service always comes with a smile. He is actually more than your regular cobbler, his life is to be featured in a
documentary! Sadly, shoe repair is a disappearing trade, yet this work is part of the grand scheme of the Zero Waste future. Do you have access to one in your town?
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| My heels before handing them out to Tony |
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| Another pair saved! |
Hi Bea, I've recently found your blog and I find it so inspiring in many ways. I think the philosophy behind it is beautiful, and I'm hoping I can start taking small steps to living a less gluttonous and wasteful lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI must say, I love this zero waste essential. I just recently took my pair of boots to my local cobbler--you're right that it's a fading trade, which is sad. But the boots now look better than brand new, and it's such a satisfying experience.
There is an excellent family owned & run cobbler in the city to which I always take my business (rather than the dubious shoe repair/key cutting/dry-cleaning chain closer to home). It's lovely to see three generations of the one family behind the counter and they take great pride in their work. Like you they understand the need for a quick turnaround and shoes are often repaired same day. When I have purchased new shoes (a rare occurrence these days) I take them to the cobbler before wearing to have sole protectors attached which greatly extends their use before needing to be repaired. It's important to develop relationships with these tradespeople when attempting to live a more green and frugal lifestyle. Unfortunately too many people prefer to simply replace an entire shoe with a pair of cheap imports these days and cobblers don't get the same sort of income they used to. Such a shame, I hope we don't lose these people to "progress".
ReplyDelete"Shoes worth wearing are shoes worth repairing". They fix bags and purses too, so we use our cobbler regularly...
ReplyDeleteHa! What a well timed post!
ReplyDeleteThese days I was thinking of the essential services when moving to a new place:
- closest farmer's market with local products, milk in glass bottles etc
- bulk shop (found only tea and coffee for now)
- recycling facilities
- charity shop where I can take my items I no longer need
- shoe repair
- tailor to alter my clothes that otherwise sit unworn in my clsoet (what a waste!)
- mercer shop, where I can buy the textiles for lining skirts or dresses. Clothes these days are made horribly and it is impossible to find a slip in specialised shop.
- online service where I can list my free giveaways (what charity shops would not accept)
- hairdresser, ideally a school with students
It is true, cobbler is a business close to extinction. The few left are priced high. I was actually in the situation where fixing the shoes was more expensive than a new pair! I paid for the repair though. It felt the right thing, but did not make sense in time (had to go twice) or money.
To add just one more thing:
Deletethere are even services for repairing tights. You know, a pair that is ruined by a single thread going down...
Or dressing buttons - that really can update a coat! Or save you from buying a bunch of new buttons because a single one got lost or ruined.
I have paid for a more expensive pair rather than replace the shoes. My feet are funny and a comfortable, broken in pair are worth their weight in gold to me!
DeleteBea, will your "bulk app" include listings for cobblers and the other ZW resources mentioned by Anonymous above? I just found a great shoe repair shop in my area, and I'd love to be able to share my 'find' with the rest of the community.
Deletei have used a shoe cobbler for years, but am surprised to see how the majority of the population throws out shoes the second they need a simple repair. before "good" shoes are worn in our home, i take them to the cobbler for heel guards,... once a year, i take them back to be cleaned and polished. to this day, my "every day dansko's" have been in the service of a cobbler for 11+ years, and they still look great.
ReplyDeleteWe have a local shoe repair shop that I use, but it seems there are some things they don't do. A couple of years ago I had a pair of sandals that had a hole worn in the 'insole', and they said it couldn't be repaired. My husband took them back to Turkey with him on a visit (he's from there) and they sewed in new insoles for about $7. I don't know how long I've had those shoes, but at least 7 years now.
ReplyDeleteWe do! I live in Westerville Ohio. We have double trash
ReplyDeletebins along the sidewalk for trash and recycling, not perfect but a good start. embrace trying to live cleaner here. We have a very good cobbler. He calls himself Dr. Shoe. He does complain that cheap shoes are a sad product today and many are not repairable. I know he longs for the day if well made shoes that are meant to be re-soled and rr-heeled, or would be repairable. Next to his shop
Is the most wonderful seamstress. She replaced a heavy zipper in my husband's favorite leather jacket and you cannot even tell. A perfect job! Such talented people. A shame they are overlooked.
We have a shoe repair about an hour away and he is very slow and not always the best. He does god work on my husbands work boots. We do have a leather repair nearby for purses and such and I have taken in my shoes before. The man does amazing work on all kinds of leather and is very popular among motorcyclists. I've had most of my shoes for over 10 years. Leather lasts forever if taken care of.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring! There's very little good about this extended down-economy we are living through, but if it brings back repair people like cobblers, that would be great! I am actually envious that you can buy shoes *worth* repairing. As a vegan, my options are limited, which makes me look for biodegradable shoes made of hemp, canvas, and rubber. Of course, none of those give me a rock-star look like those beautiful stilettos you feature in this post do.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say I'm loving the Zero waste home essential. Also, this is kind of lame to say, but... I'm not sure I even know how to BUY a pair of shoes that is quality... how to look for something to last, how to tell what will be comfortable in the long run, especially for dress shoes. I've bought several dress shoes over the last several years for weddings and such, and ended up with ONE comfortable pair of shoes. I am all for buying QUALITY (even if it is new) over more, but honestly, I'm not sure if that is something I (and many people) know how or where to look for. Shoes seem like such an important thing for how you feel every day. I have a few pairs that I wear regularly and most of them I've worn for a long time. I've had elastics replaced in a pair of shoes before, but I'm not sure what all else a shoe repair could do for shoes. In short (ish) I'd love more on this subject, I think we don't get this sort of thinking taught to us!
ReplyDeleteAsk the person who would repair them. I bet the cobbler could tell you what to look for in a new pair of shoes, how to tell if they'll last. Definitely utilize the salesperson in the shoe shop when getting a new pair for the right fit - my ex had been wearing shoes that were an entire size too large for ten years! Have shoes fitted at the end of the day when your feet are likely to be tired and swollen.
DeleteAsking a cobbler makes perfect sense. In some ways I feel I'm learning so many basics new! Thanks.
DeleteI love reading your blog! I have to say I find it kind of crazy that repairing shoes is becoming something exceptionnal... we're so lucky in mexico there is a cobbler at every street...
ReplyDeleteYes, we have the exact same thing in our small town north of Chicago. In fact, the man, his store, everything looks identical to our cobbler. Scary! Maybe they are brothers!
ReplyDeleteYou may have just given me a source for something I've been hunting for. My boys have fat feet. There's no two ways about this, they have wide, fat little feet. A normal pair of mass produced soft soled shoes (willing to pay for the softer soles for correct development of feet, and when I'm done with kids, they'll be passed along) are rather slim fitting along the length of the sole, especially across the ball of the foot. Crafty person I like to be, I found patterns to purchase online, printed them out and sewed up some crib shoes and house shoes. Thick fabric is fine for around the house on carpets and tile, but outdoor wear? I need some leather. My toddler is already in regular shoes, and I work the soles for him before he wears new shoes. The 10 month old new walker still needs that super buttery soft leather sole though.
ReplyDeletetl:dr Maybe a cobbler will have some leather I can purchase and turn into baby shoes.
Never knew it seems to be "disappearing" in your area. So far so good here in Paris; at least we have one in the neighborhood (and it is usually the shop that duplicates keys).
ReplyDeletei had a pair of shoes for 15 years (handmade leather sandals from spain - they were delicious!). i would take them in regularly to get the soles and heels repaired/replaced. they always looked sooo goood when they came back. i love having a cobbler nearby - they're definitely under apppreciated!
ReplyDeleteI was very excited to see this blog post because Tony is my cobbler too! His amazing skills have saved several pairs of my family's shoes, purses and even a belt (and his prices can't be beat). It feels like such an old world luxury to have a talented cobbler down the street:-).
ReplyDeleteYou have NO idea how refreshing this piece was to me today. Had just dropped off some Birkenstocks to have resoled, recorked and a pair of heels to be repaired.
ReplyDeleteHave not bought a new pair of shoes since 2006, because I have a French armoire and have room for no more than ten footwear items, like boots, walking shoes, heels, Birks, and sandals.
As a child I was taught how to clean and polish my footwear, so they would look nice and last longer. And the footwear I own fit my feet perfectly, so I want to repair as needed so I can keep them for as long as possible. The Birks I have had since the 80's and 90's. One pair of classic black heels since the 80's.
Audrey Hepburn spoke of only having a select few classic items of clothing, shoes and taking care of them because classic items never go out of style.
there is a cobbler about 2 blocks away from me - he is from the "old country" (Sicily) and considers his trade a serious one.
ReplyDeleteI do really enjoy this post. I never really knew what types of shoes could be taken in for shoe repair. I guess I am still unclear on this topic. I suppose if I had a better idea of what shoes I could have repaired I would know more of what to look for when I am getting shoes.
ReplyDeleteGo find a cobbler and ask - I'm sure they'd be happy to help! I've learned that a really nice pair of shoes that I can have repaired is worth 10 junky ones that have to be chucked after a year of wear.
DeleteGreat post. As a teen my Mom taught me how to clean and polish my shoes. When I started working she told me to go to a cobbler for heel gurards. She also taught me to get things reheeled and resoled. The materials used for shoes today are cheap and can't be replaced due to poor construction. Things are glued and stitched. Pretty sad.
ReplyDeleteOops my comment above should read "NOT" stitched. Love a good cobbler.
ReplyDelete...Such cute shoes too. Glad they were saved. Thanks Tony's!
ReplyDeleteAgree with everyone else here! Can only reiterate that quality lasts. Shoes, belts, clothing, cars, etc. Finding that person who can extend the life of your classics is a joy, and will save tons of money and aggravation.
ReplyDeleteThere are two cobblers in my town. They have repaired my purse when the handle fell off, fixed my boots and resoled my shoes. Alas when my running shoes wear out I still have to buy new ones :)
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to buy new ones, the thrift stores have them, many of them, barely used.
ReplyDelete