Just about all our English made shoes, whether Trickers, Sanders or Loake shoes are made using the goodyear welted method of construction. Except for the introduction of stitching and sewing machines during the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries this method of shoe construction hasn’t altered for hundreds of years. No other method betters it as it enables the shoe to be re-soled without interfering with the upper leather. However it is a fairly skilled process and should not be undertaken by the amateur.
These days there are no end of establishments offering to resole your shoes, but their staff are invariably given fairly limited training as a cobbler. There is no certificate of competence issued in the shoe repair industry. Shoe repairing is actually a very skilled occupation and it takes some considerable training and experience to carry out a good shoe repair. It can prove costly to hand over your expensive shoes to someone who is not much more than a heel bar and key cutting attendant. The shoes can easily be put out of alignment and the welts, not to mention the uppers, damaged.
If you are concerned about the competence of your local shoe repairer or have had an unfortunate experience you may be interested in our Bradshaw and Lloyd shoe repair service. Our cobbler has been repairing quality shoes for thirty years and takes great pride in his workmanship. We charge £44 for what in the trade is described as a half sole and re-heel and only the very best materials are used. The half sole and re-heel replaces only those materials which wear through contact with the ground and doesn’t run the risk of putting the shoe out of shape. If you are fortunate enough to live or work in central London we provide a free collection and return service and will normally return your shoes to you within seven days. Outside of London you will need to post us your shoes but we do not charge for returning them to you once repaired via courier.
So if any of your existing Sanders, Trickers or Loake shoes could do with an overhaul do contact repairs@bradshawandlloyd.com and we shall forward you further details.
