We’ve all experienced that heart-breaking moment when we’ve had to retire a favorite pair of heels because they are too worn to wear. And many a woman has heard the sickening “snap” of a heel breaking, after taking a misstep off the curb or crossing over a ventilation grate.
But a broken heel, and worn sole, don’t have to spell the end of your beloved Blahniks. You can salvage those shoes and keep them in tip-top shape with a simple trip to your local cobbler.
While people may have heard of cobblers, from fairy tales and Renaissance Fairs, many people don’t realize that cobblers still exist today.
A cobbler can make an old, worn, pair of shoes as good as new, and he can protect, and substantially extend the life of, your newer shoes. A well-trained cobbler can work on all parts of the shoe, from the sole to the insole. This means you don’t have to scrap that $700 pair of Jimmy Choo boots, just because of a broken zipper or a tear in the toe box.
You can find cobblers and shoe repair places in your local phone listings. Some shoe retailers may have cobblers on-hand, or they may have contact information for local cobblers.
The cost varies by location and type of repair. On average, a resole—half sole and heel portion—costs $40 to $45, which is a bargain when you’re looking at shoes that retail at $300 or more. But, even for lower-priced shoes, the benefits of repair far outweigh the cost. After all, shoes are more than just a part of an outfit. So while the cost of repair may be as much as the average cost of a pair of new, non-designer, shoes. Getting more life out of your favorite slingbacks is priceless.