Ferragamo Water Damage - UNBELIEVABLE TRANSFORMATION! 

I’m 56 and when I first started school my Dad had me a pair of shoes made by our local cobbler and I was amazed at those shoes. He would take them along with my brother and sisters shoes to have them repaired. To me it was special, and today I think it’s a privilege to have a cobbler repair my shoes.

a very dear friend was a shoe maker many many years ago, he passed away over 35 years ago, but his handiwork always amazed me and as I watch you repair shoes it makes me remember him in his shop toiling away and making old shoes new again. thank you for the videos you do it brings back such happy memories for me. and yes I learn a thing or two to boot!

I have always liked Steve's appreciation of small things like birds waking up. It must beat the hell out of bombs and gun fire in Beirut he experienced in his youth. That was a phenomenal restoration. I wondered if the cross hatch leather would be too heavily coated to accept the various conditioners and color. I guess not. Great job! I have to say though, remarkable knife skills and all that is used is a utility knife. Wow!

As someone who’s a beginning, apprenticing cobbler, I LOVE your videos. We’re CRUSHED with work just like you are, and I feel guilty there’s not more I can do because I’m only learning. Lots of lady’s heels and polishing for me currently, but watching your videos gives me knowledge and perspective that is similar and/or additional to what my cobbler mentor is teaching me. I went to six different cobblers who all said no to teaching me before I found this current place. I think there is a section of older, cranky guys who don’t want to train a newer generation combined with the shear AMOUNT of work that needs to be done and another section of old timers who simply don’t feel they have TIME to train, which both isn’t helping the industry, in my opinion. Thank you for your hard work and your videos, because they’re invaluable to me and future cobblers. 🙏🏻

I find watching professionals practice their respective craft very relaxing. It’s a beautiful relationship between an artist and his audience.

The things this man can accomplish with shoes, boots, bags, and jackets is nothing short of ASTONISHING.

You are not just a cobbler, you my dear sir are a rare artist that works from the depths of your soul ( no pun intended). If you want birds, put bird feeders in the trees you want them in, works for me. ❤

I'm not a cobbler. I've never owned a pair of shoes that was nice enough to warrant rebuilding when they wear out. I still watch your videos because they are interesting and because the level of detail you employ appeals to me as a craftsman. You're doing a great job for your customers and on your video presentation. Thank you for sharing your craft.

I've loved your videos for years; it's so cool to see that old school craftsmanship still exists. The before and after fade-to photos at the end were amazing! Keep doing that!

I started watching your videos just for entertainment and out of curiosity some years ago. At that time I started working at a bank, so I had to wear a suit and dress shoes every day. When the first repairs on my shoes had to be done, I tried doing them on my own, based on the things I learned from you and your videos (basic heel repair etc.). Some time later I bought an old outsolestitcher and tried more complicated repairs. Today I`m doing everything shoe related on my own, including resoles, new insoles, rewelting on shoes I bought used and all of that is only possible because of you and your videos. Thank you for all the work you put into them and for teaching me and many others.

Nothing is more pleasurable to watch than people with masterful skills in their respective craft who explain their work as they actually do what they do with pride. Great stuff, this video.

"We are living in an age of abundance, why not share the wealth" is a great quote, I'm saving that my collection of good quotes. Switching gears, I just figured something out. Folks ask - "why spend $'s repairing when you can buy new for the same or similar money?" My grandfather restored Model A Fords. He put more money into them then he would ever get selling them (especially in his labor), and far more than what a new car would cost. So why did he do it? To preserve history, to have something unusual, something different. I think there are many parallels between restoring old cars and restoring old shoes. A new pair of shoes are a new pair of shoes. A rebuilt / restored pair is a piece of history! Thanks for keeping history alive Steve!

Another amazing restoration job! I am writing from South Louisiana. I started watching your videos years ago. I found you while searching for information on shoe cleaning. I was buying higher end used shoes to sell on eBay, and I wanted to make sure I was cleaning them correctly. I was an instant fan and subscribed immediately. Fast forward to March 2023, about 2 months ago, when I landed my dream job. I am now sewing handbags from wild, Louisiana alligator hides. We use cow leathers and pig suede for the linings. I've never worked with leather, and I am fascinated by the entire process. We also take in repairs, and I always ask myself, "What would Steve do?" Thank you for the amazing, informative videos. And thank you for the tour of your shop. I can truly appreciate the work you are doing. Your love for your craft is evident in everything you do.

And then there are many - like me - who just enjoy the craft - I find the live craft-at-work very soothing.

Not only are Steve’s skills beyond masterful, but is anyone else fascinated by the equipment and tools being used? If it hasn’t already been done, I’d love Steve to do a show and tell on what everything does and how he maintains them. Love your videos Steve!

Hey Steve, this was a really terrific transformation. I liked the way you flashed back and forth at the end showing before and after pics.

Another very interesting transformation. I believe many of us who enjoy your videos and know absolutely nothing about shoe repair watch out os appreciation of a craftsman practicing his craft. Thank you

I to have come to the end of the family business as my son and daughter have their own careers ,we started in 1959 , l joined in 1974 to help out for 2 weeks ! At 76 I'm semi retired and just restore old British motorcycles ,I watch all you videos because 1,l like you style and humour 2,love to watch a real craftsman at work ! Best wishes from the UK

That's a stunning job as always, Steve! Your love and expertise has given those Ferragamo boots many more years of love and enjoyment for the owner! Take care and keep up the great work! 😉😎

Thank you Steve for another great video! I have learned so much about shoe and boot construction from watching your videos that I have been able to build my own pair of work boots. The fact that you share your techniques and opinions of different materials is priceless. Thank you for the education!!!

I'd love to work in a shop like yours! Shoe and leather repairs have always been my passion but here in Austria it's not such a big thing as in the US... So I've to do it just for family and friends...

craftsman have a never ending problem, quality brings in customers, too many customers lowers quality (not enough time). dont ever lower your standards because the work you do is fantastic!

Steve, I hope you will see this message. I fell asleep last night to the tv on, and woke up very early this morning to this video playing. I have no idea why it was playing. I’m an archaeologist. Far from being a cobbler. I opened my eyes to watch, and you took a moment to talk to us about what you do and why you do it. You talked about loving what you do, and how our lives can end in a couple of minutes, and if you don’t love what you do, then get out and find something else. I’m 55 now and for most of my career I’ve been happy. I’ve loved my job. Until the last three years. I am now working for a company that I despise. I was duped in my interview, and I got lied to. I was made promises that did not happen. I hate going to work every day. I despise the unscrupulous owner of the company. This job is making me sick. For the last year I’ve been looking for something else, but there is nothing in my area. I even looked into jobs outside my field but nothing. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but your message in this video was a confirmation that I absolutely need to get out of there. I cannot bear it anymore. I’m subscribing now and I look forward to watching more of your videos. It’s fascinating to watch! Thank you! 🙏🏻

Steve, you are a master of your trade. I appreciate the knowledge that you share. You do not do shoe repairs, you do shoe cpr. These shoes looked like they were on life support. Great work my man.

I, for one, greatly appreciate the detail you show and the explanation of techniques. I just restore and repair shoes as a hobby, but it's brought me a lot of joy and satisfaction. My dream would be to do it for a living someday. I know that will never happen, but at least I can enjoy doing it for myself.

As a non cobbler I find value in learning what I should expect from a home based cobbler prior to making a decision regarding a repair. Thanks

Steve , you never cease to amaze me . Your knowledge and skill is absolutely amazing . I really appreciate your insight and the fact that you appreciate the little things in life . The birds singing in the morning, the breeze blowing through the trees . Always enjoy every single video and appreciate you taking the time to make them with your busy schedule!

"You take one of these tools and you scratch the shit out of it." That came through loud and clear. 😀

We are spoilt now Steve! We now have bath time as well as hammer time, ha!ha! P.s love the philosophy segment too, very wise words my friend.

Another excellent example of your incredible master craftsmanship!!! I watch what you do and am-in pure awww. I’m sad your on the opposite side of the US or I would be volunteering at your shop multiple times a week just to learn. Thank You!!!

Steve, I am not a cobbler, never will be. (My dad did leather work as a hobby, but he never got a chance to pass it on. He passed the week after he retired. His was more in the way of belt, harness, and wallet work, since that's what he learned from the late Eli Miller of Mesopotamia, Ohio.) But your channel helps me take care of my shoes and leather goods better. Plus, knowledge is power. You demonstrate the basic knowledge, and if I need or want to, I can build on it. Some may take enjoyment from seeing the process, others might find tips and tricks for their own business, some are probably just curious. You are sharing and curating a trade and skills that need to be remembered. Sort of like the British Pathé films, but more in depth and no annoying music cluttering up the video. P. S. It's none of my business, but I noticed your hands shake. I suffer from Essential Tremor, so there are times that I can thread a Landis while it's running at full speed. Whatever is up with that, I hope your health is good and remains that way for a long long time.

Of all the you tubers in leather and shoe restoration, your is truly the very best.

This is truly an unbelievable transformation. It's wonderful to watch a master craftsman at work.

Steve, Rance here….your videos never disappoint always tops. I knew that you are very busy and appreciate your work. Keep on keeping on!

We live in a disposable society. I prefer to keep things useful and usable as long as possible. The talent along with the obvious pride that you put into your work is what keeps me watching. Thanks so much.

I'm not a cobbler, but I love all your explanations. I live in an area where there aren't any cobblers I trust especially at the prices they charge, so I've done some very amateur cobbling with my boots- added sole protectors and replaced toplifts. Recently did my first partial resole. It's not perfect, but I know I didn't destroy my boots either. That was gleaned from your videos. And that's all ignoring the fact that your channel is down right interesting, entertaining, informative, and relaxing.

Choose a career you love and you will never work a day in your life... I was an engineer; a good one. The greatest joy I had was passing on that which I had learned, to others so they may excel. Knowledge is a gift to be shared.

Steve, I hope you are proud of your work. It is amazing. Doing the correct steps in the correct order produces near new results. Terrific. PS: I am not a cobbler. I still learn stuff from you. Bick 4. Master's contact cement. Fiebings Pro Dye. Yup. Old dog learning new things.

Birds always wake up happy, one of life’s special moments! Wow, what a superb job on those chukkas, better than new!

Nailed it with the thumbnail! I sometimes missed a video as it wasn't very clear. :)

I absolutely loved this video! The positive vibes were contagious, and I found myself smiling and feeling inspired throughout the entire thing. The editing was fantastic, and the message was so uplifting. It's the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who needs a little boost of positivity in their day. Highly recommend!

For me it is watching quality repairs. This pair looks almost new again. I hope he was pleased with the repair

It is truly an art! I absolutely love watching your videos! I have started the smallest of repairs at home. There is a sense of accomplishment that is associated with this I can not explain. Please keep up the good work and making videos!!!

This is one of your best videos. I loved how you brought back the condition of the shoes as well as the general sole repair. Your stories and philosophy of life made these videos very special.

Must be birdie feeding time and 5am to you.. ty for your program, Steve...let's continue!

Another one Steve! I love your channel, and just love watching you work! It’s not like I’m gonna run out and start cobbling shoes 😂😂😂. It’s just very intriguing, comforting and relaxing! Those boots came out Incredibly well! Worlds away from beginning to end. Wow

They look amazing ❤ It's so nice that there are people out there that appreciate some of the things they have, and are willing to get them done properly, instead getting new things. ❤ Great job ❤❤

Hey return of the Swedish Bath! One of my favorite signature Steve moves 👍

Think I'd go crazy with that much work in front of me. Great job Steve. Thanks

I have learned all manner of leatherworking things from Steve that I do use. I am a leatherworker (amateur) and not a cobbler. I made moccasins for my grandson until he got to school. I am the only person in the world who, in the context of the movie "Coco", thinks it's way cooler that Miguel's family makes shoes than if they were making music...LOL

Geez Louise. Looks like you have work for the next 45 years!! I love seeing videos whenever you can do them.

Good content. I’m not a cobbler but I appreciate knowing what goes into great craftsmanship. 👍

Love your philosophy, I sew, make and design quilts and it is something I love to do, not my business but my hobby. So relaxing to watch what you do. I have dozen or so Ferragamo shoes I've had for years, they are lasting me! Im pretty sure they look better than when they were brand new, awesome work, you truly put love into your talent!

I love the technical terms you use.... " you scratch the shit out of it "

Such pleasure to watch someone who loves what they do and such perfection. Thank you for sharing.

Steve, amazing job as always. I appreciate any video you can find the time to put out. That is a lot of back logged work, lol. You can only do what you can do. You are up before the crack of dawn working away, which I find very inspiring. Thanks for all you do. Hammer Time!

Not a cobbler, don't plan on becoming a cobbler, I watch to view your artistic work.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 unbelievable. Gorgeous.

What a transformation. Looking at the before, one might have thought they were ready for the trash. Then comes the master and you brought them back to life. Thanks for sharing the videos with us.

Great job again. Your right , tradesmen who learned to repair , rebuild m and refurbish the old when money was tight are to be rewarded. Maybe someday someone will pick up this video and be motivated to do.

Thank you for sharing I always enjoy seeing your working it reminds me of watching my grandfather when I was young after he retired he brought his machines to a shop in his back yard and continued working part time until he couldn;t Thank you for sharing I really enjoy your videos 👍👍

I really like all your videos. I know now how to look at a pair of shoes and tell if its good quality because of your videos. Thank you so much for that. I like the early morning sounds, its so peaceful. Another amazing job you did. Have a nice week. Francine, a canadian fan.

Yes my friend you are certain rigth to the journey youv'e been your happy place everytime i watch your video works i feel like im in the 30's 40's snowy,chilling, quite, atmosphere alone didn't notice the time is flying and a peace in mind and heart .your'e a good human being that god gives you talent like that.

Stunning job... someone is going to be VERY happy! Thanks for bringing us, Steve!

So I'm sitting here watching this vid, and when you did the reveal, I said out loud "Holy Sh*t! " Wife comes in the room and says "What's wrong!?!" Then she looks at my phone and says "Oh. Damn, you should get a pair of those." Nice work as always 👍

We hope you’ll continue in this business at a responsible pace for years to come! Thank You !

Greetings from Sierra Vista Arizona! I love watching a master craftsman going about their work. And you my friend are a MASTER craftsman! I'm a retired union ironworker.

I was up at 4:30 this morning helping my wife load for the farmers market and the birds were starting to wake up and sing. Sometimes we have beauty all around us and we’re to busy stressing about what we have no control over. That’s one of the reasons why I love this channel so much. Thank you, Steve! Love you man!

Phenomenal craftsmanship - a true artisan.

Just a genuinely good man. Hard working and honest. 👍

Just amazing. Love watching these videos, never gets old. Great work Steve, thanks for sharing.

A Master at his craft. I'll be there in a few days. You have a new customer for life!

Wow, these boots look superb. This colour is in my vision one of the coolest for boots and shoes. You did perfect. I very much like how the soles turned out too. Very, very elegant boots. A true cobbler like you are, Steve, is like a ultra rare bird which almost no one ever gets to see. Trust me on this. I never met anyone who does proper and by the book repairs and restorations like you do. I wish there would be someone like you were I live, but saddly there isn't.

Man oh man Steve, you did it again. This project is fantastic, from grubby to real cool boots for another life time, you extended their life. Shine On bud

I want to screw up a pair of shoes just so I can send one to you to fix them because you always make stuff look so much better than it did originally!

I really just love watching a master at work.😊

As you said, not everyone who watches your videos is a cobbler. My dad used to make shoes, and I have an attraction to quality shoes and quality workmanship with regards to repairing them. I really admire your work.

Thank you for another great video! Your skills are amazing! I don´t do shoe repairs except from new heels or stitching my boy´s sneakers back together by hand -no even halfway decent shoe repair place where I live, the last closed shop a decade ago - but I learn a lot from you: skills to use when caring for my leather items or doing leather sewing projects. Without you I wouldn´t have dared to even start many of my projects. You are a big inspiration! Thank you!

When I saw the condition of the shoes, I never thought I would see them so clean after the little magic bath. Congratulations Steve, because as usual you offer us your magic.

You are giving a new life to those shoes! Fantastic job!!! I am watching your videos because I love seeing how things were made. These days, everything is going fast and we have to slow down and learn. Some people still think that the ground beef was born in the grocery store. I am into junk journals but am VERY curious. Thanks for sharing! Greetings from Québec Canada!

The reveal was like a GE "bringing good things to life".

Very nice! Said it before and I will say it again. Love how the remake looks, better than new!

There should be more than just a like button on your channel Steve. There should be a LOVE button because you also share life philosophy like what you shared on this video which is sharing the abundance. IMHO sharing wealth of information is a way to build ones legacy, and like what you mentioned life can end in a minute. Thank you for sharing this video and your sharing philosophy. I love your channel, I love the work you put out and the dedication that goes along with it. Cheers and "Let's continue"...

Amazing restoration Steve, you really brought Frankenstein back from the dead!😂

Your philosophy on life and work is spot on, Steve! Excellent job, too.

I appreciate the message around 14:00. I've learned a lot from different channels how to do cobbler jobs, since I could not for the life of me find a decent cobbler in my hometown who could repair goodyear welted shoes beside some famous shoemakers (Vass, Rozsnyai, Dunay) who only repair the shoes they make. Fortunately we have retailers who can get good quality leathers and tools, so the job could be made, in you are willing to learn the techniques, but of course it takes time, and I just began to do the work.

Steve is a philosopher who happens to repair shoes.

You must be a good and honest person, stay blessed.

Hey Steve. You left the secret sauce showing on the floor. 🤣 Awesome work as always.

the cross hatched on the vamp is really unique. would've loved the explanation on how it's achieved. or which part of the hide it comes from. nicely done

I get you're busy, But I'm glad you have the channel. I've gained knowledge watching your videos. In the next couple of months I'm going to start resoling my own work boots and dress shoes. I don't think I would be able to do this if I hadn't found your channel. You have a great work ethic and whether you know it or not, great teaching ability. I live in Miami and can't afford to pay a qualified cobbler to handle my footwear. The cobblers I can afford aren't worth taking my boots and shoes to. thanks again.

Look at all that work…!!..the money money cha ching……..your Raking it in my man good luck to you your a true craftsman 👍🏻🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

I really enjoyed the detailed before and after. Great video.

Master craftsman doesn’t do you justice sir, you are an artist! Amazing work.

11:41 to 11:52 - "I wish the whole enclave of birds would move from 'over there' to 'here'." •••Put out a bird feeder and a suet feeder then wait a few days. Your enclave will find its way to easy breakfast! They will also come around the rest of the day to get a top-up!••• You seem like a very kind man to both people and animals! Thanks for sharing a little of your world 🙂🙃🙂 Good luck and happy 'hammer time'! 🔨 🛠 ⚒

Hi Nick here from Portugal, been a cobbler for many years, and as I say I'm learning everyday, love your videos, keep up the great work

I absolutely love wearing boots, wish you were here to save my old favourites. I wear a size 2 and half (being only 5 ft tall) so it's super hard to buy boots to fit me. Love your videos🇿🇦

Спасибо, дорогой товарищ, что показываешь нам то, что показываешь. Очень интересно и познавательно!

The things you said about doing what you like should be goal for everyone. And I'm happy that yo do have you're own happy place. What you said about sharing the knonwledge is also true. How can you be better if you don't talk with others and watch how others do. It is in our DNA. Little baby starts to learn by doing what others do. That is just how it goes. You know, I'm not a cobbler but I really like to use my hands. Couple years ago I had a two pairs of little kids leather boots that my sons have worn. They were in quite bad condition as you can imagine after hard use of two youngsters. I was going to throw them away but then I saw some of your videos and thought that I won't lose anything to try to do something with them. I cleaned them, showed some sandpaper and re-dye them. Bit of conditioner at the end I have to say that those turned out pretty nice. Actually they were so good that I did sell them for next little fellas to use. It is only two pair of shoes but instead of throwing them away your videos inspired me to try and learn new things. And it also gave few years of extra life to those shoes. Thank you for that. 😊

That was a great Transformation on those shoes Steve! Just do the videos when you can, I always look forward to your content!

I really appreciate you making this videos for us even though your busy as hell; beautiful boots and beautiful restoration. Stay happy my friend.