Boot resoling

[Bobby]

I have a pair of Lowa Scouts that need new soles. Does anyone of a resoler in the Boston area? Thanks

 

[Stash]

There are quite a few references for resoling in the 3rd page of this thread.

http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=31476http://

 

[bandana4me]

La Belle's

Main St. in Laconia NH, has a great cobbler. The name of the store is La Belle's shoe repair. He has resoled my Fabiano's 4 times so far. When they are due for another sole I will bring it back to him.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

How cost-effective is this over buying new boots? What does it typically cost to re-sole old boots?

Tim

 

[Kevin Rooney]

How cost-effective is this over buying new boots? What does it typically cost to re-sole old boots?

Tim

This is a good question, because not only should you factor in the cost of new boots vs. re-soleing, but ... if there's a break-in period, then that is added to value of the old boots.

I use Dave Page, and his charges are based upon make/model of the boot. Typically, the charges range from $50-75, plus shipping of about $15. Turnaround is about 2 weeks from the time I ship to the time I get them back.

 

[DougPaul]

How cost-effective is this over buying new boots? What does it typically cost to re-sole old boots?

Make sure the boots in question can be resoled (eg Norwegian welts)--many of the more recent boots cannot be resoled.


Another thread with info on resoling: http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=23887


From Sierra Club listing: Dave Page (WA), Steve Komito (CO), and The Cobbler and Cordwainer (NY). I have heard good things about the first two, but have not dealt with any of them.

Doug

 

[rup]

I've been threatening tor esole my 36 yr old Vasques (with a figurative 100k miles). Local cobbler recommends a mid-sole as well as new Vibram. Should I go to a guy who has specialized on hiking boots?

Also, the Vaques are stiff (good thing), but walking on the flats is sore on the soles. Not sure there is room for a cushion layer in there. I wear a nylon pair and heavy Smartwool sox. Used to wear nylon + ragg wool. Can a replaced mid-sole help with that?? Or perhaps just thicker socks??

My wife keeps reminding me how comfy her 2 yr old Merrills are.

 

[DougPaul]

I've been threatening tor esole my 36 yr old Vasques (with a figurative 100k miles). Local cobbler recommends a mid-sole as well as new Vibram. Should I go to a guy who has specialized on hiking boots?

Probably a good idea...

I had a pair of boots resoled (including midsole replacement) at a local cobbler and they didn't fit afterwards. Don't know if one of the specialists could have done better.

Also, the Vaques are stiff (good thing), but walking on the flats is sore on the soles. Not sure there is room for a cushion layer in there. I wear a nylon pair and heavy Smartwool sox. Used to wear nylon + ragg wool. Can a replaced mid-sole help with that?? Or perhaps just thicker socks??

If the midsole is breaking up, it will need to be replaced. Once you get the boots back, experiment with sock combinations.

If the upper is in bad shape or if the repair doesn't work out well, you may just have to break down and buy new boots.

Even if the repaired boots aren't good enough for hiking, you may be able to use them locally (walking in the snow, etc).

Doug

 

[Trainwreck]

I had my Asolos resoled by Dave Page as well. He did a fantastic job and I got the boots back quickly. Unfortunately, the boots never fit the same after the re-soling (a well known risk), and I ultimately broke down and got new boots.
All is well that ends well, I like my new boots better anyway.
Sandy

 

[Stan]

I've used Dave Page for warranty work on a pair of Vasque boots, sole replacement, as well as replacing soles that had lost their traction on my Vasque Sundowners. Very satisfied with the service and no problem with the fit which I think is a far bigger risk with more complicated repairs. The manufacturer, Redwing, must be pleased with Page's service, too, as they had referred me to him for the warranty work.

I've extended the life of my boots considerably by up to three resolings. Beyond that, I believe the shank breaks down to the long term detriment of healthy feet. After three resolings, I retire the boots to yardwork and home improvement projects.

My calculation of the economics concludes in no uncertain terms that a good pair of boots resoled is a wise investment, both financially and on the trail.

 

[TEO]

Give Cabot Resole in Beverly, MA a try and let us know what you think. I'd bet that he does a pretty good job.

Onion River Cobbler up in Winooski, Vermont is also excellent--he used to do all of Merrell's warranty work--but that's a tad inconvenient.