Can we all just take a moment to thank this gentleman on these frequent uploads.. these videos are simply wonderful I don’t care if you teach me the same thing about cork and shanks a million times keep it comin
I agree. He’s a true artist who obviously is passionate about his craft. His work is amazing and makes me appreciate even more the one pair of Florsheim shoes I’ve owned for over twenty years.
I had two pair of Imperials, black and this color, which I bought in the 1970s. I certainly made a statement when I showed up at a function in this color!! They lasted FOREVER, mainly because I did not wear them that often. I finally gave the light brown pair to one of my nephews who loved them and wears them to this day. Man, this is making me all nostalgic! Thanks!
Atlanta Healey I had them in brown and black back then. Could not wear them now. Too hard on my feet...hard leather soles and heels. Now it’s light weight, soft leather uppers, rubber soles and heels, and cushiony insoles for me. Can’t be resoled however.
Your greatest video ever. Vlogging is coming natural to you and we're seeing your personality coming out. Congratulations on all your awards of masterful skills. I could watch these everyday. You relax me! Did I tell you how much I love these videos.?
Another few vids and Steve's going to be a force of nature!! it is awesome to watch the "real" pro personality come out and ,of course it matches the hand skill!!
I miss the days when we had many companies making shoes in America. My father took me to Florsheim for my first pair of dress shoes in the late 70’s. It was a big deal. Brings back great memories.
I find watching these shoe repair videos very relaxing and up until now I couldn't figure out why. Now I know. There used to be an artist on PBS with a big afro named Bob Ross who used knives to make beautiful paintings of nature. He spoke softly as he practiced his simple method of painting. His voice was soothing and his descriptions were entertaining. Steve has many of the same qualities. He skillfully performs his art and educates the viewer at the same time. I really like to watch these. Let's continue.
I love it! "Anybody can do that, you just have to practice". Well put Sir! Exactly what my first pistol instructor told me after I watched him set up at 25 or 30 meters (20 some odd years ago, so I can't remember exactly), close his eyes, raise his .22 match pistol, line up and shoot a five shot 50 point series. Fredrik, you just have to practice. For some it takes 150.000 rounds, for others it is 300.00 rounds. But everyone can do it. :) Your work is legendary!
Thank you for showing us all of your silver awards and the big first prize. Again, I enjoy seeing how you can transform a pair of shoes just like one of your 'magic tricks'.
I have no idea why but i cant get enough of these videos. Maybe it’s the plain and simple fact of watching someone really enjoy what they do for a living. I am but a simple truck driver who can put a 53’er anywhere. Nothing special. Watching Steve perform miracles with a hammer and some thread (etc), now that’s talent. Thank you Sir for many hours of great watchable videos.
To me, Steve is the Bob Ross of cobbling. Don't short change yourself. My first time at a loading dock, a grey beard had to step in to get the trailer in.
I, too, love his craftsmanship and watch his videos with awe. However, from someone who couldn’t back her LAWN tractor trailer into the back garage, I’m in awe of YOUR skills as well! Thank you for your expertise!
Having been a driver for 8 years after I retired, I know for a fact, that it is a real art to operate a truck professionally, there is alot to it. I trained new drivers for 7 years, most became drivers, few ever became Pro Drivers. Thats why I enjoy You Tube, you get to see the best in alot of fields. Young people today can actually see a person doing what they might be thinking about doing for a living. We never had that chance. Steve is amazing.
Many many years ago I bought my father a pair of Florsheim imperials. He treated them like gold. They are also my favorite mens' shoe. Thanks so much for sharing this video.
The v cleat on the edge of the heel was pre 1973. Inset was post 1973. I love my golden harvests, but they are difficult to keep that color. I actually like the suicide heel. I also think these look great with French tips. I goes without saying the work is gorgeous and amazing. And the Silver Cup is impressive, I wondered if you had one. It is certainly well deserved and well earned.
Those shoes belong in a museum. I had a pair of these Florsheim Imperials back in 1978, but they were black. I almost broke my neck wearing them. Your craftsmanship is unbelievable. Thank you for a wonderful video.
with only basketball players and kids still buying sneakers collecting them , it's nice to see guy's buying good shoes and boots , the boot guys are nutty about em! you wear a boot every day day to work,or have to wear em as part of a uniform you now military you may never want to put em on daily again , but a nice shoe makes me feel good
That little magic trick and the way you joke around about reminding us it's your favourite shoe! It's awesome seeing you really get comfortable with the camera, it makes your inspiring work even more enjoyable to watch.
The classic rock playing in the background has become your signature. Your humor is great! Another beauty! I had a pair of wing tips back in the 70s. They were my dress shoes. Thanxz
I thank you for this upload. My father was one of the men who ran the Canadian division of Florsheim. It was a great company to work for, and it was a sad day indeed, when they closed the Canadian division. It marked the end of my father's employment in the footwear industry. That employment, sent him all over the world, and afforded our family a respectable lifestyle, while I was growing up. In the Tri-Cities area of Ontario, there were once a lot of footwear manufacturers. Every single one of them are now gone, as most footwear manufacturing is now done in China. As a child, through into my twenties, I had all of the best footwear that Florsheim had to offer, in my personal collection. Without question, the Florsheim Imperial was absolutely the cream of the crop. The Canadian division of Florsheim is gone. So is my father. But the shoes were excellent, and my father was the best person I've ever known. You are a true artist, and I thank you this trip down memory lane.
@@BedosLeatherworksLLC thank you. Keep up the excellent work. Truly a joy to watch! In this throw-away society that we live in, filled with cheaply made, substandard products, it's refreshing to see somebody with the skills, to be able to restore quality products, back to their original - if not better than original, glory.
Never thought I’d be watching these kinds of videos since I’m not really a shoe fanatic or whatever you’d call it but I keep clicking. I think what I find appealing is the work and effort put into each shoe. Something about handmade items and the art of restoring them just sits right with me. I’m more of a drawing/painting artist myself but honestly this type of handy-work is truly a work of art itself. Keep up the hard work! Can’t really imagine any customer being disappointed receiving a pair of shoes restored by you, definitely worth every penny!
Love those Longwings. Great series, thanks for the step-by-step breakdown. Working at this level of craftsmanship, making it look easy in the process, it's just mind-blowing. Alright, lets continue....
Really enjoy your videos. My grandfather had a shoe repair business from the 30's until he finally had to shut down in the late 70's as he was over 95 years old. I found some receipts of his purchasing repair materials from many years ago in my dad's stuff. I have to agree with your mentioning a few times of your liking of the Florsheim Imperials. I was fortunate enough in my banking career to have been able to have purchased 4-5 pair of the Royal Imperials during the 80's and 90's and still have the last pair of Imperials purchased in the late 90's. Thanks again for your videos......
Steve, I have a pair of Florsheim (Royal?) Imperial Cordovan wing tips that I bought in 1968 while I was still in college. They are in really good shape especially considering they are 51 years old and because I rarely wear them. This video raised my interest into considering sending them to you for an estimate. I bought them new and paid about $45.00 for them which was an insane amount to pay for a pair of shoes in 1968. It was probably like spending $450.00 today and I never dared tell my mother how much I paid for them.
Probably not worth fixing, listen I feel for you I'll take them off you for 50 euros , ha ha .Get these babies down to Steve now ,I dont know if you have kids or a friend you could pass them to . I think you should polish them now, make a cup of coffee/ or a beer sit them in front of you ,start thinking back and realise the good and hard times they shared with you.I suspect there will be a few laughs and tears ,hopefully more laughts. Good wishes from Ireland
I have a pair identical to what you have and also bought in 1968. Mine I have barely worn , so they are just about new. Also a black Royal Imperial with original nails etc. very slippery as he stated.
I'm an upholsterer starting from the age of 5...and I absolutely love your work. I'm 56 now and still doing my thing and love starting my morning with your work.
It is always fascinating watching a true craftsman who is an expert in his trade. Thank you for sharing the world of leather work with us! Restoration from old to new is always so rewarding! Cheers!
I just got my first pair of shoes - loafers from Church's - rebuilt / restored / recrafted - by Steve and I have to say that I am unbelievably impressed with his work; the care and thought that goes into his recrafting is simply not to be believed. Already have another pair ready to go out his way! A+++++ The best.
Steve! Steve here, the guy that brought you those LLBean/Chippewa boots we decided not to resole. I had no idea you were an imperial fan... I'll have to bring you my v cleat pair if/when they ever wear out! Thank you for giving me your honest opinion on my boots, and thanks for sharing these great videos of your work.
I appreciate the teaching. I’d be happy just watching you work without explaining every step too. I mean you’re giving away all your secrets that I’m sure many don’t deserve to know. Either way can’t get enough of these videos. Very cool!
There use to be a good cobbler where I live but i can’t find a good shoe man anymore. You do great work. My grandfather worked in a shoe factory and had his own last in his basement and I would watch him work on shoes. I have always Worn Florsheims.
As with my EA's, I have a pair of Florsheim's from the 70's that have been reworked a couple times as well. That craftsmen of your caliber offer this kind of magic is priceless. A quality pair of shoes only gets more comfortable as time goes by. To get them rebuilt just keeps the goodness going. Thanks for what you do.
Did I mention to you? I love these shoes too! And I love watching you bring the life back to the treasures your customers bring to you. Performing real magic, not just a parlor trick.😉
Love watching your videos. I missed my calling, because I have always been intrigued by this profession. In my small town, we had a shoe cobbler that we took for granted. When he passed away, his business closed and was gone forever. What a shame. Thank you.
Love the classic rock, reminds me of my 12 years as a machinist! Nothing beats workin with your hands with rock and roll playing. I'm white collar now but will return to the workshop when I retire!
One of the last Florsheim's to be made in the USA. One thing that helps the shoe to retain it's flair and value in the used shoe market (Especially Japan where the shoe has a cult following) is to keep the shoe all original. To resole that shoe was almost a tragedy as there was hardly the wear you'd see for a 40 + year old shoe. This is my favorite knock around shoe next to my AE's. PS: I love your period correct restoration with all the correct nails and "oaking" of the sole.
Fantastic stitching. Appearance emulates the original appearance of the Florsheim standard. My old Imperials had to be recycled as my feet had stretched so much that there was no way I could use them any more. They went to a good home. Free. The shoes I really miss are my old Nettletons. Same problem, I outgrew them. This is back when American brands were made in America. The Nettletons, actually, I got for half off at a Marshall’s discount (remainder) outlet in Huntington Beach back in 1985. They fit perfectly from day one. I had them resolved once visiting New York City. The artisan complimented me on taking care of them. They were my working “appearance” shoes.
Hey Steve. Came across Javier Nieva in Madrid in part thanks to watching your videos during the pandemic. He speaks very highly of your work as a fellow cobbler and member of your association. Thought I’d give my old shoes a new lease of life and went straight to him. He did an amazing job and took time to explain everything to me: re-welting, new soles, heels and such and even dissuaded me from repairing a pair of badly worn-out deck shoes I had (not worth it - uppers were in really bad condition). Amazing how much love and passion you have for your trade. It’s rubbed off on me in a way and have vowed to preserve and look after my shoes and clothes. Keep up your work amazing work.
Love all of your videos but this one especially 🥰 my Dad wore these when I was growing up!! It was my job to shine them up and get them looking nice for important meetings at work, he was always impeccably dressed 🙌
What a great video. Very satisfying to watch the restoration. I remember my men of my grandfather's generation wearing these wingtips so often in the 1970s and early 80s. I thought the Florsheim Imperial was the official shoe of Baptist deacons and pastors everywhere!
Fantastic video. As a fan of vintage shoes, I am relieved and happy to learn that people like you still exist. It is reassuring to know of a shop where I can send a special pair of shoes for a resole or renovation and be confident the work will be done to a high standard. Keep up the amazing craftsmanship.
Such attention to detail is commendable, Steve you definitely have earned those trophies. Funny how the Florsheim shoes have separated from its great manufacturing past!
My father used to say that if you have a good pair of storm welts in black and brown, you'll never have to buy another pair of shoes in your life. I have two pairs of ET Wright Cordwainer cap toe oxfords [#176 & #177] that date back to around 1980. I was married in the black pair in 1981 and am about to get married again in April in the same pair. I've lovingly taken care of both pairs over the years. I've had to have the heels replaced, but have never touched the soles. I should send both pairs to you for TLC.
I used to watch your videos Steve... Now I got my girlfriend hooked on them too! 😆 quality content is hard to find. We both find the nitty gritty process of the job very entertaining. I appreciate you showing the small procedures and the sense of humor throughout. Awesome video good sir. 😃👍
Damn that is beautiful work I grew up with Floresheim in the 70-80’s. I stopped buying dress shoes for a while and just now in my 50s I have started to buy some again
I'm so envious! I absolutely love that shoe. Your custom soles looked great with French tips and brass nails. One day hopefully I can get some of your custom resoles on my oxblood Alden Shells.
Love the Taps. My father would always buy them in the store and nail them to our shoes oh, then he would take his shoes to The Cobbler and let them put the Taps on. This is so much weight growing up
wing tips were cool back in mid 60's we wore wing tips even two tone ones even with jeans.jc penney's iswhere we bought them . still own a few old pairs
Outstanding workmanship! I wish there were artisans like this in Ottawa Canada where I could get my old vintage Florsheim Imperial Kenmoors re done like this! There are cobblers here that don't even know what French tips are and they supposedly have been in business 40 years! Sad how artisan-ship is fading fast in our push button society...
I'm not sure how I found your channel, but I'm glad I did. It's nice to see that American craftmanship is alive and well, and you are certainly a master. Your work is beyond impressive, as noticed by your many awards. Your work has inspired me to have my pair of Italian shoes (I bought them in Rome 20 years ago) repaired instead of discarding them. Bravo!
salut Steve , je n'ai que un peu plus de 12 ans de cordonnerie derrière moi mais avec toi j'en apprend toujours un peu plus !! parfois sur de détails comme là ""nettoyer"" les trou du bout ""golf fleuri"" c'est pas grand chose mais ça fait vraiment la différence je trouve !! merci beaucoup de ne rien cacher et de au contraire faire profiter au maximum de ton expérience et ton savoir !!! c'est de plus en plus rare !!!! force et respect
I've watched plenty of your video's, but this one shines out as the best, your enthusiasm and love for that particular brand shines through. I love an enthusiast in whatever field it might be. I just wish you were in the UK, although i'm sure we have similarly skilled craftsmen over here, the problem is finding them. Thank you for posting this, it honestly made my day.
Steve - another beautiful restoration. You and I share a mutual love for the Imperial Kenmoor. That Golden Harvest is a stunner! I’d love to find a pair in moss or forest as well. The accolades and trophies are well deserved. Your artistry is beyond category. Thanks for sharing it with us all.
Everyone should watch your videos. We all need to see a true craftsman at work. This is how things were made before machines and computers took over--by PEOPLE who took pride in their work.
Thank you! You made my day! Favorite video this far. I used to dream of owning these when I worked at Sears - I'd wander to the shoe department and awe at them every day. Can't wait to send you my favorite pair. Love these videos!
Wow! I have 2 pairs of these Imperials and seeing how you restored them was a treat. Simply amazing! Expert craftsman! No wonder you have so many trophies!
Your vids are absolutely addictive Seteve, even though I've neither the skills nor the wish to do any shoe repairing at all other than an shoe shining every now and again, I simply admire your dedicated craftsmanship, who respects his trade, clients' wishes and most importantly the products themselves. Much respect.
The video ends, and I become aware that my face is set in a reposeful smile. I love that, and I love these videos. It would surprise no one who follows this channel to learn that Steve is a friend and mentor to other cobblers, including the young man in my town known as the "tattooed cobbler" at Roy's Shoes. Thank you Steve.
Great video! Got a pair pretty similar to those that needs some love, would be pleased to send them your way. They are wonderful shoes indeed. Great looking, dress 'em up or down, super durable.
Thank you for your awesome videos. Please ignore the negative comments about video techniques...you get your message across clearly. I am hooked. You are an artist and gifted. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
El Stevo the Magician....LOL! Unbelievable how good of a condition those shoes were for over 40 years old. Must have been owned by a man who just wore them on Sundays to go to Church! Another nice restoration job steve! 👍
I could FEEL your angst as you related the contest story! Oh, MAN! ALL THAT WORK! Glad it turned out well. The shoe color reminds me of those Seventies colors that were the rage in appliances: Harvest Gold and Avocado, with a bit of Dark Brown thrown in for contrast.
i stumbled across your channel somehow. i cant stop watching. i really enjoy watching you bring these shoes and other items back to new condition. plus you are a really nice person. thanks for sharing.
Loved this video. One rarely gets to see a craftsman at work. Really appreciate you sharing your talents with us. Wish I owned a pair of those beautiful shoes.
That must be so gratifying to be that good at your craft. So many of us do our jobs, and do our best but will never have this level of accomplishment. To have that degree of competence and skill and to end up with a product that is second to none must be a glorious feeling. I love to watch a master at his trade. My hat is off to you sir.
Mr Bedoes you bring back so many memories. there was a smith in Alexandria Louisiana that was another great shoe smith. You are truly amazing in your work. and you deserve your trophies they are a work of art. you can tell you love your work. thank you sir
