Proper leather shoes

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/595312/Cobbler-crowned-the-world-best-shoe-repairer

http://www.southwestshoerepair.com

^ Cool, a certified champion no less.

He has been doing custom work for Oliver Sweeney for about 6 months, got his own workshop/studio now.
He's a good man.

Here's he IG feed.

https://www.instagram.com/worn_to_reborn/

It will be my local tailor, who I am building up courage/finances to try

http://www.threadneedlemantailors.co.uk/

Right round the corner to where I used to live! Walked past his lil shop so many times thinking about asking the price.

He was the listed londoner on Robert Elms's show a couple of weeks ago, seemed like a good chap. He said that if he wasn't in the shop he would more than likely be in the caff over the road.

Kept an eye on ebay for years for these boots, and finally someone listed them* in my size...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alden-X-LEFFOT-Black-Leather-LEFT-Boots-ONLY-Size-85-Uk-New-/381534294427

*them, as in it. Just the left boot...

While leather soles are indeed classier - for general work or office wear they're a pain outwith the summer months as they end up soaked. Particularly up here in glasgow.

On the other hand if buying for a black tie event, class should be at the forefront of your mind, so leather wins.

Berlin is rainy. Wearing full leather shoes. the sole is triple thick, and they're totally covered and polished with carna wax, so I'm not worried

Hmmm. I go to black tie events very rarely, hence wanting something that could do double service. Will see if I can maybe find something leather with added rubber for grip/wear.
('Twas my question originally)

What's the approximate price for a heel repair on a pair of boots? Need the heel re-nailed as it's lifting plus the rubber sole has worn out. £25 would cover it? just weighing up new, proper boots or another TK max hunt.

Had a look through the Mauerpark Flöhmarkt this afternoon, in Berlin. Nearly bought an ornate old shoehorn, but the seller filled me with no confidence about its age or authenticity...so on the next stall I bought this old simple one instead.

Nice shape, basic, but I love the shoe shop info, and the amazing shoe they have designed. Quite happy at €5, typical tourist Berlin area so no €1 bargains. He originally wanted €15!

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That's brilliant!

Got some Loake Holborns in the end - the golf soles on the other shoes looked massively odd in the flesh. Plus the Holborns are on a G last which means they actually fit my short wide weirdo feet. Quite pleased...

Holborn is known for short wide weirdos?

It's full of them

Bought some Redwing Beckman boots a few weeks back, in need of a polish now, so should I just buy the Redwing cleaning products or are there better value for money alternatives?

The Redwing products do a very good job, IMHO, and last a fair while.

hudsoncjnr
Lower priced alternative to Redwings Iron Rangers please?

LL Bean Katardhin engineer boots. Many suggest they're better...

Struggling to find the burgundy actually. You know of a UK supplier?

TBH I just use the mink oil and boot oil. These people claim to ship to London though
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Cream-Burgundy-95174/dp/B007RSVZC0

Looking to find a brown suede belt to match a pair of suede Loakes. Not loving the stuff via google, any ideas where to look?

Don't discount TK Maxx, both Charing X and Covent Garden

a request to murtle of this shire..?

I am a regular in TKmaxx but can't say I've ever noticed decent belts, I'll look this week.

@31trum Yo murts, could I commission a smart suede belt or are you up to your proverbial armpits?