Remember when I Shoe-Goo-ed my black flats?
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I share a photo or two and just a few words.
(I wrote about that and another shoe repair right here.)
Well, that stuff only holds for so long.
(Which I can't exactly complain about, because the Shoe GOO
did buy me another two years.)
I could reglue the sole, but its departure from the bottom of the shoe has nicely coincided with this, the peeling of the fake leather.
Which means that these shoes are really just done.
When I bought these shoes, I was at a place in my life where I thought more about price and a little less about how long things would last. And that's why my shoes weren't real leather.
The next pair I buy will be different.
I heard something once and have tried to stick with it, "Don't skimp on the things that separate you from the ground." So don't skimp on shoes, socks, mattresses and tires.
I picked up a pair of all leather brogues from JCPenney (back when they were eliminating sales and trying to have decent merchandise at a decent price) and they are great. So sad that their business model is back to the old junk. 🙁
I get a lot of compliments on them and for a guy, that's pretty rare. I also like that when the soles wear out, I can take them to a cobbler in town and get them repaired.
TL;DR: All leather shoes are awesome. When I do need new shoes (which I hope isn't for a long time) I may just bite the bullet and get Allen Edmonds. They are all leather, last a lifetime and made in the USA. They aren't cheap but apparently the quality is so good people will hunt them down at thrift stores with the intent on sending them to the cobblers for a full overhaul.
How funny. When I saw this, I thought, "Kristen bought *fake* leather shoes?" It seemed so not you. Like you, I now buy quality and fewer, often at Goodwill. But I also went through a period where I was more concerned with the bottom line than longevity and quality. 🙂
Yep-$19 for a pair of flats kind of seemed to good to pass up, you know? But now I've had to throw them in the trash because there really is nothing you can do to revitalize peeling fake leather.
And honestly, I'm really bummed because that pair was all nice and stretched to conform to my feet and they were really comfy. I wish they'd been leather!
It's neat when we have the opportunity to see how our preferences and options have changed over time.
aw boo! but at least you got another few years out of them! I can recommend checking out 6pm.com in the summer (off season) to find flats. I found a pair of leather Frye ballet flats last summer for $37, they normally retail around $140.
I often wonder if people actually take shoes in for repair anymore. Like most things nowadays, it hardly seems worth it. I feel bad for the old time repair person, who has to charge a certain amount to make a decent living, in a society where it costs less to replace.
I do! (at least, if the shoe doesn't have peeling faux leather or something like that) There's a shoe repair place in a mall near me, and I took my boots there when the sole started to come off. I also had them put new heels on a pair of shoes after a heel fell off.
I take mine in! I paid $220 for a pair of black leather boots about five years ago. I was just entering graduate school, and as a reporter who would need to be out in the slushy, wintry streets of Chicago catching news articles...I was told to find something durable but also would withstand the elements. For a broke college graduate student, they were SO PRICY.
Two years ago the heel started to wear down pretty bad, and the sole split. I took them to a place that charged me $16!!!! To replace the bottom. They're nearly good as new. And I'm planning on having these forever. FOREVER. 🙂
I do. Heels especially - mine wear down at the edge all the time. It's hard to find a dedicated shoe repair shop, though. The fall-back seems to be to drop them off at the cleaners but I like having the conversation. If nothing else to find out how much it'll cost.
I have really bad feet (and refuse to stop running). After my Mom gifted me a pair of Danskos, I have bought 2 more pair on ebay. It has been a great way for me to get quality shoes (I still own only 4 pair of shoes total) at a good price. Just a thought :)!
I always make sure to buy shoes from a brand I know will last (especially the neccesary black flats), and it doesn't have to be expensive because it's a nicer brand! Looking around online at deals from brands you know (though I almost always choose Aldo) will definitely help you search for a new, durable pair.
I have a pair of flats with a sole that split right in the middle of the ball of my foot. I'm planning on having them repaired, rather than throwing them out! I did buy a new pair of leather flats to replace them in the meantime, however, since the only cobbler near us is 30 miles north. I'll take them in next time we go up that way, but it's not worth the drive otherwise.
I've had lots of luck with Born flats (and heels and boots) and Sofft heels. They are pricier at the outset, but absolutely worth it. I've got a pair of silver flats (my favorite ones!) that I've had since March 2007 and have worn at least weekly since then. The biggest problem is that they're usually made in China. I've got a pair of Munro shoes (made in US) which are also great, but pricier still, and not as fashion-forward. But all of these brands are comfy enough to walk around a hospital all day in.
I was just contemplating what I could use to repair a pair of (leather) boots that have the sole slightly separated from the boot part. I will go order Shoe goo! Good to know.
And it comes in black now, which is perfect if your boots are black. (I used clear on my shoes, since I didn't realize black was available.)
Do you have any suggestions for how to get rid of shoes (leather or otherwise) instead of just tossing them in the trash?
I wish! I couldn't think of a darn thing to do with mine, so I threw them in the trash. 🙁
There are some recycling companies that take clothing, shoes, etc and operate as fundraisers (a 2-for!). Here in MA we have Bay State Textiles that have drop-off bins at several of our schools and the school gets money from the weight collected.
I just bought my daughter a pair of unshoes, and I thought of you, Kristen! I am totally in love with this company--I was looking for a minimalist shoe for a toddler that would last to be a hand-me-down for her sister. I had previously bought her skidders from target, which I like, but I don't think they are going to last for a second go-around. Anyway, these shoes are made in the USA and from a small company. Like I said, totally in love. Granted, those not living in Arizona might not be able to pull off sandals year-round 🙂