I never thought watching a craftsman bring new life into a pair of shoes could be so very pleasurable to watch. This is what RU-vid was created for. Thank you Sir you are an artist.
So much so that I want him to teach me that trade ! But I'm a bit too far gone myself but then again if he can fix them there shoes then maybe there hope for me ! Yet ! LOL
Wow that was awesome. My great-grandfather was a shoe cobbler back in the late 19th and early 20th century. He kept his family (10 kids!) fed and housed through the turn of the century and the Great Depression. Thank you for keeping this craftsmanship alive!
this guy's narration and craftsmanship are awesome. Restoration of an artisan shoe helps a lot and also surprisingly therapeutic. I'm inspired by this cobbler.
Bedo's Leatherworks LLC many years ago my grandfather passed. Going through his belongings, I found a tool box full of many odd hammers, pliers & nails. Yes he repaired his shoes. You didn't throw them away. Alas I didn't learn. But I saved them. Never to late to try....
This popped up on my feed and I was very intrigued. I have to say it was mesmerizing to see a true artisan take a broken sculpture and make it like new again. Beautiful work, thank you so much for sharing.
Want to compliment you on such fine craftsmanship. It is rare in this day and age. I enjoyed watching you work and know you are a artist. We have a shoe repair shop that I know is in the 4th ownership with the last 2 is 2nd generation. This shoe repair shop has been there as long as I can remember and I am 66 years old. I remember as a young kid and going with my father to take his shoes to get resoled or heels. I have always loved the smell of the shop with leather and the polish and oils. I still go to this shop myself and they have folks ship them shoes to be repaired from other towns and cities . Thank you for posting I could smell the leather.
Michael Godin best invest in a decent pair and pay £30-40 to have them resolved & last many years. I got a pair of Gucci 15 years ago & had repaired a few times. Still good as new. Same with loake & churches.
Considering Allen Edmonds might be going down in quality used ones on eBay aren't a bad option. Make sure they have the goodyear welt and someone like Bedo could resole them. Park Avenues are a good choice in general.
Michael Godin, I used to think the same way until I bought a pair of these shoes. Once you wear them it is very difficult to go back to wearing other brands. Might I suggest you wait until they have a sale (usually twice a year) or buy a pair of seconds. In each case, you will get a discounted price, and although still somewhat pricey, a lot easier to digest. I have a number of pairs and some are 15 years old and still look great.
Actually, this craftsman is also an excellent teacher/videographer. His mellow voice explains clearly and precisely only what is necessary, no blah blah here. For me the best of all is that he does not use ANY music. The sound of the bench and tools and him makes for a very pleasing video. I have subscribed.
Thanks for your craftsmanship. I have a 16yro pair of Allen Edmonds that have been restored twice. Each time they come back better than before with no break-in time and so comfortable. People need to APPRECIATE this. It's an art.
Unreal! A fantastic job! This reminds me of Harry Crowe who was ‘old school’ on the Woodstock Road in Belfast. And I worked with a lady whose father was a shoemaker. He was honoured by having his shop turned into a museum after he passed. Such was the quality of his work.
A while ago my mother took 3 pairs of my shoes to a shoe repair, and at first I was mad at her for doing it, but after seeing what he did I realized I basically have 3 new pairs of shoes that I can wear for more years to come! Amazing job, Shoemacher! :)
Who else felt like they were transported through a time machine while watching this video? I used to take my shoes to a cobbler to have the heel protectors replaced back in Brooklyn. He had a tiny shop wedged between a grocery store and a bank. Very nice Jamaican guy, and very reasonably priced. I didn't think these craftsmen existed anymore. Thanks for posting!
Great video! I happen to work for for Allen Edmonds at the manufacturing facility in Port Washington Wisconsin. It is great to see a cobbler in action. I really like how you finished the soles as well. Thank you for keeping shoe repair alive.
I worked in a family friends cobblers back in the late 60’s ( after school ) I only got to polish the shoes on this massive green in colour machine 😂. I also delivered the shoes back to our customers homes. Anyway. Back then watching Pat ( owner of shop) doing his stuff with the shoes and that addictive smell in his shop was a memory I’ll always have. And this Sir 😉 brought the memories flooding back😃. You are a craftsman of the highest order and a joy to watch. Thank you for bringing my early years back to me. 👍🏼
My home city had an amazing shop much like yours. It opened in the 1880 and closed in the 2020 pandemic. That was a tragic loss. Really miss this art form. Amazing work!
Very impressive! I wanted to learn a trade like leather or woodworking after school, but people talked me out of it. Still pining 20 years later. Living vicariously through RU-vidrs like you 😄
Same here. When I was in high school a million years ago, I told everyone that I did not want to go to college, but instead, buy a 68 convertible camaro, hit the road, travel and work as a cook in greasy spoon diners along the way. Like you everyone talked me out of it...and it has been one of my biggest regrets in life. The moral follow your heart...you never know where it will lead you.
Considering how many people would've thrown those out without a second thought, what a pleasure to see them restored to a "better than new" standard by a master craftsman. And what a fabulous result ...to boot! 😂👍
Some years ago I bought a pair of Cheney shoes they would cost over £300 today, they were a perfect fit. Several years later I decided they needed a repair and sent them away to Cheney at their Desborough, Northants factory where they renovated them for £110. When the shoes arrived back they were a good as any new pair and still fitted me perfectly. Shoes like these will last for decades!
What craftsmanship and expertise. I thought this was a dying trade in today’s throw away mindset. And I can’t imagine what that job must cost today. I suspect most people would simply discard worn out shoes and purchase new footwear. Most enjoyable to watch your skills. Thanks for posting!!
You sound American. I'm French born and raised, lived in U.S since '84, and have found only 1 shoe repair shop in 34 yrs living in the States. You are a craftsman on the endangered species list my good man. Those shoes are a work of art too. Nice job restoring them.
I must be lucky, living in vegas there are tons of repair shops! I haven't had much personal experience with most of them, but at least two near me are really good! I have like 4 shops in just a few mile radius around my apartment, and there are like 15 more all around the city when I look it up on google. Though i've been across the entire country from Pennsylvania to San Francisco, never really knew if they were that rare.
CY: when you first came to the states did you think a "peach cobbler" was a gay shoemaker? ; ) Glad you are here buddy and I hope that it has been a good experience.
Wow that brought back memories. My dad was a boot repairer. He passed away about 40 years ago. He was a craftsman just like you...a dying trade. I hate those cheap shoe repairers in the shopping centres called here "Mister Minit." Mister Minit means they got 1 minutes training.
a terrific craftsman-I had the gentleman rehabilitate a pair of Allen Edmonds molded sole shoes that I had no hope of finding again. I was totally pleased and appreciative. The gentleman is a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend the workmanship. Artisan
What a talent. I have a pair of Cole Haan's given to me by my now deceased uncle that are very special to me. I've saved these shoes for a restoration but could never find a craftsman. My uncle was Dr Richard Burrus. I promised myself I would restore these shoes in memory of him. Everything about him was "First Class". I really hope you're near me because you sir are the best I've ever seen.
I have a pair of Allen Edmonds wingtips that my mother gave me for my 40th birthday. I am soon to be 68. I keep these shoes in cedar shoe trees and they look as good as they did the first year that I wore them. I keep the leather conditioned and of course polished and use sole edging. At this rate these shoes, which cost $175.00 at the time will last until I am over 100. Great shoe, great craftsmenship
Wow! That's impressive. I wouldn't have believed that those shoes could be saved. They looked a total bin job. Nice work. I bet the owner was well pleased.
One word... WOW!!! You definately have a gift. You need to be teaching others to keep the trade thriving. Its becoming a lost art. Great video. Thanks for posting!
I find it fascinating watching people who excel at what they do, because nowadays, so many people don't. Most lack the necessary pride, patience, and attention to detail. This is one more video proving that anyone who has mastered what they do can make their job interesting.
this video ladies and gentlemen is called SKILL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! brilliant craftsmen like in this video are the unsung heroes of society !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have an old pare of shoes pretty much identical to this pare that are falling apart. They've been collecting dust for some years. There is a shoes repair in a town next to me. I think I'll bring them there and give them new life. Thank you for inspiring me. You are an artisan.
I wish I could go back in time and become an apprentice for someone like you. This is a true craft and one that can be improved with love of what you do (and you clearly show that). I could watch your videos for days!
It's been almost 30 years since I last wore my Allen Edmonds shoes - I've been retired for 15 of those years. I still have the 6 pairs which I religiously wore one once a week, a different pair each of my 6 working days a week - yes, 6 days a week! They were always "treed" and regularly polished by a great shoeshine guy that has since passed - there is no one to shine anymore, too bad! My son will sometimes take a pair of my Edmonds and wear them on his special occasions. He knows to tree them when finished and never wear them twice in a row! When he graduated from High School, he asked for a pair of Edmonds as a present - it was a pleasure to go to the shoe store with him to choose his first pair - a father son thing. Allen Edmonds were for me, workhorses! I was fortunate to have just the right shaped foot that a new pair of Edmonds always fit perfectly and never needed breaking in to feel right. Great video, thanks for the post.
I worked in a shoe shop in the late 60's and early 70's. from last pulling to side lasting and heal trimming, I think I've done it all. Very nice to see this done and not just throw away the shoe. Great Job.
I'm stunned to see there are still cobblers existing and doing incredible work. Hats off to you. A good pair of shoes are a joy to own, though I prefer boots.
Incredible work. You resuscitated these shoes and made them look brand new. This gives me comfort to know that my Allen Edmond could be restored after so many years of wear. My respect to you sir.
Nowadays we buy junk all the time and throw it away, creating giant landfills. It is good to see some people are still skilled craftsmen. This deserves a lot of thumbs up.
This man is a true master of his craft! Very impressive. You can tell someone who loves his craft by there attention to detail and always doing his or her best work.
I own 4 pairs of Allen Edmonds shoes. Love them, but what I most appreciate is the re-crafting service. One of my favorite pair is currently going through their second re-crafting. The shoes return looking and wear like new! This is the ultimate demostration of SERVICE! Thank you Allen Edmonds!
I am a baby boomer and when I was growing up we have on many occasions had our shoes resoled in India. In those days it was cheaper to resole/repair, but now a days it is more cost effective to just buy new. Having said that, because of people most buying new shoes instead of repairing them, the cobbler trade has died out. It is refreshing to see you bringing to life a worn out pair of shoes. Great job and nice video.
A TRUE CRAFTSMAN. IT BLESS' ME TO SEE SUCH TALENT. I SOLD ALLEN EDMONDS SHOES FOR YEARS NOT KNOWING REPAIR / RESTORATION WAS OFFERED. EXPENSIVE SHOES,,,,, BUT A VERY HIGH QUALITY SHOE IN NARROW SIZES. THIS WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO WATCH, AND LEARN. THANK YOU.
Excellent video that shows why expert shoe repair is worth the money. You are basically getting a new pair of shoes that removes the weaknesses (glue vs stitching) the manufacturer included in the original shoe so that they could cut manufacturing costs. These shoes must have some strong sentimentality to the owner. These are truly everyday, all weather shoes for the owner. I will say, though, that there is a time when you have to let your shoes go to heaven. Shoes are hot, wet, and abusive environments and often make promises they can't keep. You do great work!!
Amazing craftsmanship! Truly a lost art. Thank you for taking the time to repair shoes that have a long life left in them, so people don't have to throw away. We need more artisans like you Sir!
Bedo's Leatherworks LLC . Sir, may I congratulate you on your skills. At the beginning of the video 0:17, when I saw the manner in which your gentle hands were feeling and studying the shoes, reminded me of my own uncle who was a boat builder, he too used to run his hand over the finished planking to check for the smoothness and the texture of the wood. The manner in which you handle those shoes in the early stages is almost like a doctor facing a patient who requires tender assistance. From that alone, I knew that you are a very experienced gentleman in your work. You should also be proud of the fact that when you asked your customer when he would like on the sole, he said, " do what you like". I would have trust you too and many others would, as you have an eye for " quality and class". Again, Sir, my congratulations.
Wow, doesn't even look like the same pair of shoes! Now I know why they charge so much to do this kind of work. There is a lot involved in the process. You do beautiful work. Obviously you have never done this before, LOL. Thanks I really enjoyed the video and best of all no annoying music.
Steve, I get a real calming effect watching you restore shoes. I was a carpenter but you as a cobbler are an artist. My amazement is also watching you do the various methods of attachments including nailing heels. It's all so precise even watching you ply the razor knife. All of this may as well be magic when I see the end result.👍🏼
great precision craftmanship on the spot; and incredible journey of a special art that brought me old memories - when i was a little kid i used to visit my uncles' shoe factory there he had all kind of huge automated manufacturing machines, polishing machines, sewing machines and all kind of chemicals he needed for the manufacturing process of his shoes but the area that most interested me was in the center of the factory, where about a dozen shoemakers sat on special squared benches made w/ suede and in front of them was a huge squared table filled with several compartments where they have their supplies such as nails of all shapes and different sizes, ornamental figures they used on the aestethics of the finished product, and of course the yellow glue/ cement to seal the process and the "inks" they used to give color to their creations the suede they used for fabrication was hanging in rolls next to them that they used to cut w/ these extra sharp knives; and my uncle was sewing shoes on the automated machines on the other side that panorama for me was super fantastic! it was like being outer space really i used to sat on one of the squared benches next to the shoemakers just to watch them how they created those incredible shoes and also i learned how to make shoes as early 6 every time i went back home, i remember taking lots of nails and put them in my pockets (that was my pay for the day) my mother and i used to fight a lot for that reason, but one day she caught me fixing her shoes in the bathroom and the arguments stopped 😉 today im not a shoemaker, im an industrial mechanic, welder, body and fender tech, auto tech, computer programmer, photographer, filmmaker and theater tech thanks to that inspiration from the past i guess ⌛
Wow I remember taking shoes to have them repaired as a kid. I still remember the smell of the repair shop. I remember the old shoe smith lamenting the passing of the are of shoe repair as shoes were now being made so cheaply that folks were replacing rather than repairing. Glad to see some keeping this craft alive.
this is bloody awesome craftsmanship....i used to love taking my school shoes to the boot maker down the road for him to repair.....the smell of the leather and glues was something ill always remember as part of my childhood...
Hi, very wel, done! i am a shoemaker from the netherlands. Fixing those shoes (Italian Dutch or English brands) is my daily job. I am proud of my job and it’s nice to read that people sometimes see it as an art.
Watching you work really is a pleasure. There aren’t many craftsmen like you around any more. There used to be an old style cobbler not too far where we lived when I was young. He could repair anything and even used to make surgical shoes that were prescribed. I must have been about 21 when he retired and shut shop. Now all that’s available are heel bars and trying to find an old style cobbler is like a needle in a haystack. Maybe in the USA it’s different. Kudos to you Sir.
That's one pair of absolutely beautiful shoes now. I'm in awe at your skill and admire your craftsmanship to have brought them back from their virtual demise. Thanks for taking the time to make this video to show us.
I'm impressed. Many would have discarded those shoes, as many issues as they had. When my J&M shell cordovan oxfords need rejuvenation, I know where they will go, now. Thanks for posting the videos!
Amazing, how you instinctively identify the details of each individual maker. I am not into shoes, but this video was very entertaining and informative. Great job.
You should show the stitching being sewed. All of the steps are of interest. Do appreciate the work of a craftsman (woman), so much time and effort that's often not appreciated except by the discriminating customer. The shoemaker was a godsend for my mom when we were kids back in the day. Shoe replacement (new) was expensive so she had them resoled and heeled. Good craftsmanship show. Looks and feels and is good as new. Up until I (so-called) retired I purchased quality and had a quality shoemaker like you keep them up, less expensive in the long run. Beautiful workman sir.
One of the great upsides of the net and RU-vid? The 'arts' get to live forever. WHY?? HOW??...in gods name would you ever thumb this down? The guy is repairing someones shoes.
Thank you for saying what I wanted to say. I come across a lot of videos where there are, what I feel, unwanted / unnecessary dislikes. I just don't know why.
For sure Bernard. Look, if you are doing a selfe-rant about politics or a video on nuclear vs. wind power, OK, I get it, plenty of room for opinion there. But seriously? Your gonna dump on a craftsman like this practicing an ART likely handed down in his family; and making something beautiful out of junk? These jokers need to get a hobby other than RU-vid... Maybe something positive like repairing expensive dress shoes.
Very cool! Wish we could've seen the stitching and glueing as well as when you put on that final heel with the beautiful brass nails. Either way. Well done sir!
Excellent work. Better than an Alen Edmonds factory rebuild. I wore Allen Edmonds my entire career. Worth every cent I ever spent buying them. I always sent them back for reworking when they wore out. My only disappointment was once when they returned a pair saying they were beyond rebuilding. I think they were in better condition than the ones you repaired in this video. My guess is they were beyond what they thought they cost of the factory rebuild was worth. Broke my heart. I loved that pair of shoes. Shoes make a difference, especially if you're in them 15 hours a day. Also, I could just look at the feet of a job applicant and tell if he was material for the executive suite or not. A great resume wasn't all it took: you have to look the part.
How nice to see a real artisan in action ; a man that takes pride in his excellent work. For those who are looking for real economic value creation, this is an excellent example. Here we see the meaning of the phrase "money" creation. This is a picture of the real bearing upon which the whole economy should rotate : human labor.
Great to see this! Grandfather came over from Sicily and was a cobbler in Boston for his lifetime. Had I known what this world was coming to, I would have taken it over. Good job!
I have a pair of Allen Edmund shoes. I bought them in 1988 for about $175.00 which at the time was the most I had ever spent on a pair of shoes. They are still in great shape. I only wear them for special occasions but as long as I keep them clean and stored with a good shoe horn, they will continue to give me pleasure every time I wear them. It's good to see a full restoration of these...maybe my son will take them and use them after I'm gone....
@@BedosLeatherworksLLC yes, please do that, the sole part is very interesting but most of us on here dont own a pair of $500 shoes lol so please show us how you bring the leather back to life because that is something useful and what we can definitely can use IRL
@@whotelakecity2001 Yeah I agree....lol I was lookin forward to watching The Upper get done. However, You tell he is a master at what He Does. I still was impressed.
