The death of the cobbler - the ultimate proof of consumer society

[urban genie]

The adidas/nike thread got me thinking as the wankest trainers from our youth are mentioned how when a pair of hit-tec or even school shoes would before worse for wear, replacements weren't casually bought, but your mam would nip down the cobblers (when one was always about 10-15 minutes walk away).

Re-soles, studs, laces, straps, heels, holes all were sorted by some leather approned gent.

But not just shoes, hand bags, holdalls, small cases, keys cut and watches repaired could all be fixed if you found the right one.

Now bar the top names (and ovbiously Urmston) are really previlent in most Manchester suburbs, though those that remain have hehalthy custom it is said.

Something got minor damage, off to the cobbler? nah just buy a new one, like no **** can mend socks anymore ;-)

 

[MadchesterCity]

It’s a barm

 

[meeesh]

Always remember as a kid going with my mam into the cobblers, the smell was something else, loved it, and as you say these chaps could turn their hand to anything really, a one stop shop if you will, say it to kids these days and they’ll look at you as though you are talking Chinese

 

[Citizen of Legoland]

like no **** can mend socks anymore ;-)

I was going to come up with a witty remark but have now forgotten what it was. Darn it!

 

[hilts]

Some of you are positively victorian:-)

 

[Tuearts right boot]

I've got 2 pairs of shoes that need sorting but our nearest cobbler is an hour away, is never open and lives the hippy lifestyle. Useless. It's a dying art because of the disposible society....although there are some great youtube clips on some very talented cobblers.

 

[BimboBob]

The adidas/nike thread got me thinking as the wankest trainers from our youth are mentioned how when a pair of hit-tec or even school shoes would before worse for wear, replacements weren't casually bought, but your mam would nip down the cobblers (when one was always about 10-15 minutes walk away).

Re-soles, studs, laces, straps, heels, holes all were sorted by some leather approned gent.

But not just shoes, hand bags, holdalls, small cases, keys cut and watches repaired could all be fixed if you found the right one.

Now bar the top names (and ovbiously Urmston) are really previlent in most Manchester suburbs, though those that remain have hehalthy custom it is said.

Something got minor damage, off to the cobbler? nah just buy a new one, like no **** can mend socks anymore ;-)

My missus darns her socks and still buys new ones.

 

[Kompany Car]

Nah they just serve the more discerning customers. Had a pair of Church's resoled at a place in Leeds called Yorkshire Sole. Did a brilliant job but are by no means cheap.

Such a shame Church's sold out to Prada and now the price has gone up and the quality has fallen off a cliff. They really made shoes that would last a lifetime.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

My girlfriend was telling me the other day about her grandad who was a cobbler straight after the war, Enfield way, and he worked from his back garden and people in the local community used to come round to have their shoes repaired and there was often a queue.

It’s actually another world.

 

[I'm With Stupid]

I remember people mending shoes. I can't remember anyone ever getting a new sole put on a pair of trainers though.