the Boots Authority - Your Personal Guide To Boots

Guide to Boot Repairs

The idea of fixing things rather than just throwing them away and replacing them is rather old-fashioned, but then so is the boot industry. Many types of boots and shoes are given new life and a lot more mileage by undergoing some simple repair work. This is especially true of cowboy boots but applies to other types of boots as well.

Cobblers are no longer found in every community in the world. Most shoes and boots are made in factories these days. Finding a shop with the necessary skills and experience for quality repair work may take some searching. When selecting a shop it pays to ask around and to ask to see examples of their work. There is a certain amount of art involved in proper boot repairs and you want someone who has developed the right set of skills.

Sole and/or Heel Replacement (Resole/Reheel)

Boots with leather outsoles are usually good candidates for new soles and heels when they wear out. It is also relatively inexpensive to have done in most local boot/shoe repair shops. Synthetic outsoles may or may not be replaceable. It certainly doesn't hurt to ask. Repair work is usually available at a fraction of the cost of a new pair of boots.

Leather Refurbishing

Leather can look pretty awful on the surface but still be restored to nearly new condition. As long as it isn't too severely damaged a quality leather can be restored by someone who knows what they are doing. Many leathers have a surface treatment that can be restored with the right techniques.

Leather Repair

Holes, rips, or tears in leather are not as repairable in most cases as other issues with boots. Stitching up leather will often produce more of a Frankenstein's monster look than a desirable outcome.

Boot Stretching

Leather boots especially respond well to properly done stretching. If the shop doing the stretching knows what they are doing there should be no visible evidence and no damage to the leather. This is a good solution for boots that just won't break in, or if it's been a few years since you wore your boots and you found out the hard way that feet often grow a bit with age.

Boot Shrinking

Effectively making boots smaller requires that the boots be taken at least partially apart and resewn/glued in a smaller size. This isn't a job for amateurs if you want proper fit with boots that won't fall apart. Give strong consideration to selling or gifting the boots and getting yourself a new pair.

General Boot/Shoe Repair

A stitch in time or careful application of a good adhesive can extend the life of boots in a very cost effective way. Familiarize yourself with manufacturers warranties as the repair work may be covered. This gives you expert repair work as well. Going to the manufacturer after warranty for repair work may also be possible but they are sometimes the most expensive repair option and very slow. Repairs are not typically their priority but it's how your local boot guru feeds her family.