Are these shoes worn out by your standards?

To my eye, yes. I'm not sure how much a cobbler can do with the finish on the first ones. The second ones look so creased with wear, they really do look tired to me.

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

I don't know much about the ability of a cobbler to restore leather, but as they look now, I think they've earned a nice retirement!

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, Anne. To me, they are worn out.

12 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I would see if I couldn't get my hands on some red polish for that first pair, and just keep polishing and buffing, polishing and buffing. I've often been amazed at how different an old pair of shoes can look after a couple of hours polishing while watching a movie on TV.

Same for the second pair. Why not see what happens with a few layers of polish? If they still look worn, donate them.

Edit: This is if you love both of these pairs. If you don't love them, pass them along.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Yes. I wouldn't wear them to work. But I might kick around I them at home if the sole and heel is ok.

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

The black pair is nearly 9 years old. The red pair, annoyingly, I only bought last year and are in great condition apart from the worn bit at the front (too much kneeling) I have tried coloured polish, but not for the 2 hours mentioned by

<span class="watch">La Belle Demimondaine!

The red ones are the closest to a bootie/shootie that I have, and I do like them.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

In that case, I think it's worth working on the red ones. The black ones are ready for retirement.

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Yes. If you can afford to replace them, I would.

What are you doing in your shoes that would cause them to wear? If you are hard on them, it may be best to shop for new ones knowing where you need extra reinforcement.

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

Just being a Mum of youngish kids IK - kneeling down to do their shoelaces up etc. I actually have some Keen shoes with rubber over this whole area which is very practical though I am not sure if they are comfortable enough to keep for other reasons. I am not sure what else would work for reinforcement
in that area.

The black ones filled the wardrobe hole of "high heels to be worn with trousers" - but I don't wear trousers that often and my current pair are hemmed to wear with flats.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Yes, they look fairly beat up. Although if they are really comfy, I'd save them for house/yard/running out to get the mail shoes.

I've found that certain finishes on shoes just don't last, which is frustrating.

12 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Agreed, that as-is they are worn looking. But I think a good cobbler can work on those red shoes you'd like to keep. AND I would check with them before trying a home fix. Just in case your home dyeing/polishing changes the finish.

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks again. Diane probably not comfy enough, due to the heels for those purposes.
MNSara, I only paid about $40 for the red shoes, so I'm thinking it may not be worth paying a cobbler.

12 years ago

Lantana

Veteran

Anne, I too think it's time to let them go, although they would come in handy for hard yakka. Do you have alternatives in mind, is the question?

12 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

Anne, are the red pair the Rivers ones with the black heel?
If so I have these too! I hope you can repair- I find them quite comfy, but would not be suitable for gardening etc due to the heel.
May I ask your shoe size?

12 years ago

anne

Veteran

Lantana, I don't really have exact alternatives to these 2 things yet. I have some reasonable flat shoes, though, and I guess I can wear my boots under trousers is needed.

Lyn, yes they are from Rivers. Fancy you having them too!.I wear size 6 - I can't remember what that is in the RIvers' sizing system!

12 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

Oh dainty feet! Probably a 37- I am a 39.

12 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Sorry Anne I too think they are past their prime. May I suggest Sanita clogs as a great durable shoe, although not stylish.i am in awe of their comfort and quality , mine were U S $114.

12 years ago

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