One of my teachers once said that his old headmaster used to wear plated shoes and you could hear him approaching from miles away. Said everyone felt his authority as he made ‘patrols’. Can’t imagine a headmaster like that nowadays, would send chills down my spine.
With a disposable society it is refreshing to watch hand crafted and hand repaired shoes. I always thought that a cobbler was a dead job since very few still work it. Excellent work there Dan
As automated and well, “disposable” this new age is getting, I always feel that there will be a need for these niche industries. Some people are too sentimental with their things to just throw away, so there will always be a need for human craftsmanship.
Well seeing you asked, I am very excited because I just bought for the first time in my life a pair of second hand American cowboy boots. I have NEVER stuck my feet into someone else's shoes ever! But today at the age of 65 I couldn't resist because when I saw them without thinking I had gone from the outside looking in to trying them on. And they fitted as if I had been wearing them for twenty years. $100.00 AUD + $50.00 AUD for a new heel and a polish. Voila good for another twenty years. So so so happy. So that's what I have been doing today. Oh and great job on the Dress shoes.
Hang on a minute, these Oxfords turned into Brogues or Semi Brogues when the toe plates were added! Loving the videos, its always great to see a genuine craftsman at work. I know where I will be bringing my ammo boots when they need some love.
I can’t explain it, but I really enjoy your videos. So relaxing, professionally made, and the energy you put into them is so inspiring. You have inspired me to visit my local cobbler and have several pair of my shoes repaired instead of tossing them . Keep up the great videos and stay sticky!
we enjoy your programmes because we like watching you use tools and machinery . back in the 50's you could usually find a good cobbler in most towns and cities. people today buy a lot of plastic and man made shoes which generally dont get brought to a cobbler's shop ,folks just keep buying plastic shoes . there is nothing comparable to comfort as a well wore in all leather shoe that a cobbler can maintain for you ,making your leather shoes last a very long time.
Great video Dan! I worked with pre war cars for ten years until 2 years ago, I’ve retrained and gone into security but you know what? I really like the idea of training as a cobbler. I love crafts and hands on things and I’m a true lover of anything hand done. Such a brilliant craft. I’m going to visit your shop at some point, when we’re allowed to travel and work allows, of corse 🙄 keep well fella!!!
I hope you are wearing protective goggles when using the cutter knife. I had an experience with my dad when the cutter broke and flew almost hitting me in the face. I was just lucky it didn't hit me in the eye. You have awesome works by the way. Stay safe.
Those are the most amazing shoes I've ever seen! Now I want a pair of super lucky kicks! Like full on 7 nail horse shoes, 4 leaf clovers, lucky rabbits foot print on the middle sole, maybe a wishbone somewhere. Oh and I'm not sure but possibly using pennies in some way either fastened heads up on the tongue and or even somehow fashioned into the lace holes! Oh and keys of course, which are also considered lucky! Maybe a key fitted on the back heel?
One more thing, if Dan happens to read this, descriptions of the purpose and effect of various shoe upgrades/modifications etc would be greatly appreciated. Obviously Dan already does this but more in-depth would go a long way in adding interest factor. Best!
Dan, you asked if anyone knew where to get Bigger Horseshoes - Have you tried at a Local Stables or Blacksmiths......??? 🤔🤔 (😂🤣, Apologises, but I couldn’t resist!🤣😂). On a serious note, What a skilled, knowledgeable, informative Tradesman/Cobbler you are. I’m very impressed! Good on you 👍🏼
The bigger irony here is, he repairs shoes for a living. He takes something that companies would like us to use and throw out and buy new, and makes em last longer. Yet, Apple is the worst offender in the world when it comes to anti-repair.
Just a minor point but those Loakes have an open lacing system therefore they are derbys, not oxfords. Sorry to be pedantic. Great video as usual though.
First time caller; great channel! Utterly impressed and kind-of hooked into wearing leather boots and shoes. Ive been thinking about this a lot lately- Im sick and tired of buying expensive (name brand) sneakers that (while admittedly comfortable) just don't last and sure as shib cant be repaired. Thing is Im way down south in NZ. I would love to know of some brands that I could look into that will last a life-time (with maintenance and repair obvs). I know this is months after posting and not likely to be seen by many but would really appreciate any leads.
Very tidy workmanship! Question please!~ I am fitting some cast aluminium pony shoes to my hunting rubber boot heels for extra grip on steep ground. What do you suggest I use to fix them on with, horseshoe nails or screws? The boots have no wood or leather in them at all. Thanks very much for your opinion!
They’re ripping of the leather, the leather cutting, and the hammering of nails is the best part of the ASMR. Don’t scam fast through those on your video deletes and edits. Those are the best parts
Hey Dan, any tips on removing nails stuck in the heels of shoes? I removed my old shoe taps, but they were so worn down that one of the nails is almost flush with the heel. I've been trying to use pliers and a the rear of hammer but haven't had any luck; I'm just wearing down the nail even more.
What type of hammer do you use? And why use a rounded off taper on the back instead of something that is flattened at the end? I understand the taper so you can set tacks. But a flat end would seem better.
Hi, Thanks for making the video. I did not even know that was possible to put a "lulu" type protector over a glued half sole. I was wondering the name brand of those 5mm thick half soles? Did you say hexane? I want to perhaps do the same with my Imperials. Please advice!
I wish i had a pair a clickers like those on my drill boots when i was in the Canadian Militia. I am sure that I would have left a hole in the ground when i slammed my foot down at attention...
