Proper leather shoes

I couldn't find anyone local except Timsons (in Kent) so I've used the postal service with https://www.theilkleyshoecompany.com/product-category/shoe-repairs/ a few times now, soles are £60 for wedge or £70 for commando.

Really good service you just need to pay for postage each way on top. They contact you with a time estimate when they receive them, and send before and after photos before sending back.

The last repair (earlier this month) it was 48 hours between them receiving them and me getting them back.

@withered_preacher @mustardbeak
Thanks for the info, got loads of shoes and boots that all need a resole at once including 3 pairs of Trickers, Redwings and a pair of Nike waffle trainers of which the sole has lasted less than a year.

Going to cost a fair bit for the Goodyear soles but actually still good value when looked at the many years of wear you get from a pair, trainers are a throwaway item which annoys the hell out of me.

Yeah this winds me up too, I've got some Grenson low tops that wore through the sole after a year, but they can't repair them, seems such a waste.

I've got some redwings that are +10 years and resoled loads of times and still looking great.

I took my moc toes to Original Cobblers in Orpington (they do mail order too)
New vibram (black) sole, new mid sole and 2 rows of speed hooks, it was about £120 (amusingly, more than I paid for the Red Wings in the first place)

Such a shame with grensons as well as they’re sold as “proper shoes” so you need to know shoe construction to understand you can’t resolve them

You can replace glued soles. Try somewhere ‘good’ like https://www.vibram.co.uk/LondonAcademy

£140 for a Beckman resole which i guess isn’t too bad, just got to decide on where to send 3 pairs of Trickers as while I know it works out good value it’s still a chunk of cash to lay out at once.

Vibram academy can put new sole units on pretty much any trainer too

Managed to get some JM Weston 180’s off ebay - plan to put a rubber sole protector on. Sacrilege?

I realise this is the antithesis of the thread, but I utsf and couldn’t find an answer to what folks are wearing for smart casual, flat foot friendly shoes that aren’t leather shoes, trainers or converse / flat soled.

Suggestions gratefully appreciated. Sincerely, Sore in South London.

It’s easier to use the search when you’re not fucking.
Regardless, maybe check Allbirds?

Feels like any smart sneaker can pass as smart casual these days, no?

Not at all. Get one of the ones that finishes before the edge of the door though so it’s not so visible

@Leshaches tods do a nice line in smart shoes with rubber soles that are often cheap on eBay/vinted. Obviously not the driving shoes but the more regular lace ups

Clarks wallabies (my flat feet issues are fairly minor though, ymmv)

I've been in running shoes since being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Currently in Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3s. Haven't worn proper shoes in aaaages, a job change has (thankfully) made that possible.

Clarks Desert Boots?

Not sure what qualifies as flat foot friendly, mind you.

Not sure what qualifies as flat foot friendly, mind you.

Good arch and heel support according to my podiatrist. I don't think desert boots would help flat feet very much.

My podiatrist prescribed New Balance Fresh Foam runners, they look great with slacks. 😐

Chuck in some supporting insoles and you're grand.

Thanks for the insight, I've heard of flat feet but never looked into what it actually means!

This

How much do they charge? I’m planning to be in town next month. A guy here charges close to £100 for a resole and clean up.

Was £60 2 years ago and they will drop the price if you book multiple pairs. The rubber on the outsoles of Vibram sole units are all thick as fuck too so will way outlast the soft stuff on Nikes

https://www.lfgss.com/comments/16405979/

Have a look at Sketchers

Sketchers

I was going to ask about Sketchers in the trainers thread, but was too scared.

Some old people I know really rate them and my mum's got all black pair for winter... Which made me think that they'd be good for walking to the office.

Anyone else got experience of them?

U ok hun?