1982 Florsheim Imperial 93602 Before & After with Heels

This video shows a cleanup of a pair of Florsheim Imperial Long Wing Bluchers produced in 1982 that I thrifted for $8. In this video I clean them with Lexol Leather Cleaner, Kiwi Saddle Soap, and Saphir Renomat. I replaced the worn top lifts with Goodyear Neolite top lifts I purchased from eBay seller "Nordshoe" and sanded and re-finished the edges of the soles and heel bases. I then burnished them, then stained them with Fiebings tan alcohol based leather dye, and treated them with Fiebings Gum Tragacanth and burnished again. Then the uppers were polished with 2 good coats of medium brown Saphir Medaille D'Or cream polish, and the toes and heel counters were given a few light coats of neutral Saphir Mirror Gloss. Off camera I also polished the bottom of the soles on the arch area only with Kiwi tan shoe polish. The laces were replaced with used Sovereign grade laces from Kirby Allison's The Hanger Project that I had laying around.
Music Credit:
1. "Pondering Madly" by the Lemming Shepherds
2. "Epic Dramatic" by Yuri Bespalov
3. "Be A King (M.W.D. remix) by Metaharmoniks
4. "Again" by Density & Time
5. "Destination Unkown" by Ugonna Onyekwe

[@conanmaltz8181]

Love the authenticity in your videos, refreshing and honest!

[@CobblerBob]

Conan Maltz thank you!

[@jonwalker2929]

Robert - If you aren't using them, I recommend you sell those dumbbells and plates on Craigslist. During the pandemic weightlifting equipment is worth more than rhino horn. Happy Canada Day.

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, what, you don’t think I use them? 😂 I actually have a friend inquiring about them as we speak. Funny you mention that.

[@jonwalker2929]

@@CobblerBob They appear covered in dust and under debris so I assume amateur she repair is consuming all your workout time.

[@joshuasteele4498]

Outstanding! Wonderful pair there! You’ll be wearing legends

[@supersonique001]

Great work! And what a bargain for $8 bucks! Goes to show you that these did not have to be thrown out especially when you realize how well they were made in the first place.

[@shoemanfu]

Well done, Bob. I do love vintage Florsheim shoes!

[@7atabak]

I have learned that you can start and take better care of your shoes without being a professional shoemaker.I owe all that to you. Thank you Sir

[@CobblerBob]

You're welcome!!

[@conanmaltz8181]

I always enjoy seeing how you might style shoes at the end of the video!

[@baberoot1998]

Those Imperials...are in fantastic shape. Only $8 bucks. What an incredible find. Beautiful shoes.

[@norwaysgateway]

Another great video Bob! There is something truely special about bring a pair of shoes in a state like that back to life. It is a true indication of the craftmanship that went in to the shoemaking all those years ago.

[@jefferyduran9852]

WOW!!.. I’m very impressed!!.. you inspired me!!.. Thank you!... I actually love the way the heel, sole sanding tanning and polishing came out... 🔥🔥🔥

[@mesharyhd7646]

Cobblers are saying this home cobbler is getting better let’s hide our work instructions. Hhhhhhhhhhh For sanding use 2hp - 5hp bench grinder and diy it with long solid Stainless steel cylinder rod and attach to it brushes and 3 level of sanding discs You are a great addition to classic men shoes Thanks god bless

[@23carloschali]

Congratulations, they came out beautiful. Tons of life left on those double oak soles. The second coat of saphir polish was a good idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@mrchopboogie]

These turned out great

[@olatusijazz8155]

Despite you are not a professional shoe repairer you did a good job on the shoes, job well done.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍

[@CobblerBob]

Olatusi Jazz thank you! 👊🏼

[@paulkissiah4729]

Looking good

[@johnkenney7118]

Been dying for a new Cobbler Bob video. Thanks for sharing from a fellow Ohioan

[@leonelsonclementi3905]

A year ago, I find my dad's florsheim imperial with same style and black colour which was made in 1983.I was totally amazed and polished it afterwards, this experience is just like an archeologist restoring monuments .However, when I wore it at night, I found that the heel was falling apart because of the rusted nails. I finally sent it to my local cobbler and fix it, and now,it became the only American shoes in my closet. And I do look forward to wear this pair of shoes with my dad together, since he had bought 2 pairs in 1980s.

[@CobblerBob]

Leonelson Clementi - amazing isn’t it? A 37 year old shoe!!

[@leonelsonclementi3905]

@@CobblerBob it really proof that if we invest in Goodyear welted shoes, it will last for a lifetime 👍

[@oscarhall124]

Great Job! I can only imagine what you could do with a bone fide shoe repair shop set of equipment. Wow 😮

[@CobblerBob]

I do dream sometimes of having my own Landis outsole stitcher and 5 in one machines!

[@profissaoglobal2]

Really great job

[@JohnNathanShopper]

Who would thumb down something like this?

[@CobblerBob]

And within 15 mins of release 🤷🏽

[@neondreams4016]

@@CobblerBob bob don’t mind the haters you shine bright like a diamond

[@davidedmonds6427]

Beautiful Work, by changing out the heels you're able to wear for a few years before having total soles and heels replaced.

[@seekingtruth6822]

You out did yourself Bob, definitely made a believer out of me. Great job and good that you do it yourself. Look into purchasing cobbler machine like a landis...best and God bless you always brother

[@CobblerBob]

Thank you! And I'm sorry for taking so long to get to the comment. I appreciate the kind words. Landis... Wow!! That would be amazing.

[@ung0liant]

I have renomat but i have been using pure acetone to remove prices from leather. can't believe I haven't thought of trying renomat for that, hopefully the soles look better afterward

[@wesleymango2712]

No joke I found these shoes at a Goodwill yesterday for also 8$

[@michaelreece458]

Very impressive indeed, great job!

[@martinjames1518]

37 years old beatiful

[@rjmagoon560]

Love all your videos! Thank you so much for these!

[@javiershobbies]

Great job! I always learn something new watching your videos!

[@claytonberg721]

really nice job.

[@joelm6431]

Love imperials

[@marioe6696]

Just subscribed to your channel. Love how honest and thorough you are in each video. Superb work!

[@CobblerBob]

I know this response is very late, but thank you Mario! Since this is a hobby and not my livelyhood, sometimes I do get behind on my comments.

[@chriscaddick8131]

Great job.. Sole edge looks rustic and nice color.. How about using a few q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol or acetone on the sole stitching.. It will clean them up and contrast nicely.. Try it..

[@CobblerBob]

Noted... I've cleaned welting with Saddle Soap, but never acetone. I will definitely try that!

[@DavesWatchLove]

Ahhh the classic 93602. Found my pair at Salvation Army as well in excellent condition. Had to replace that leather suicide heal though.

[@robertogonzalez9222]

I just got the exact shoes! Thank you for the video

[@CobblerBob]

Your'e welcome!!

[@zefdin101]

Robert, great video! That saddle soap man... eye yie yie... lol . Looks more like something the horse left out in back on the ground behind the saddle.. ha! It worked, I’ll give you that! Happy 4th to you and the family.

[@zefdin101]

Robert, What size are the top lifts, 15/16? I’ve been using the gum trag also, and you are better off ( I’ve found) dying the leather sole first , apply the tragacanth and then touching it up again. The gum trag makes the leather pores close otherwise and the sole will not absorb as well after. I think you did it right... Alan

[@CobblerBob]

Al gansk - thank you!! Those top lifts are 13/14. I get them from eBay seller Nordshoe.

[@SplurgeFrugal]

Another fascinating shoe revival Bob! I'm curious how you feel about electric shoe polishers. I purchased a vintage Norelco electric shoe polishing kit for $10.00 and love it! Maybe you could do a review on that or another vintage electric shoe polisher. I can't live without mine.

[@CobblerBob]

Don Peterson - 🤔 I’ve only used one once, it was at a bank where we had a networking event. I’ll keep it in mind if I get the chance!

[@gqedpbeicq]

holy shit $8 for 93602

[@ianmedium]

Dear Bob, wonderful restoration, can I suggest no music in future, I fast forwarded through a lot of the video as the music was not to my taste. Would rather have silence and enjoy your work more!

[@ung0liant]

any saddle soap > lexol. that stuff is only good for dust that is slightly too stuck-on for a brush to remove imho

[@JohnEZang]

Always enjoy your vids Bob. If you want my two scents keep the music levels lower and choose tracks without changes or singing. Typically want repetitious noise in the background so as to not distract the viewer from the content. But if that’s the style you’re shooting for more power to you. Oh and was wondering why you didn’t try and nail those heel bases. Good opportunity for some fun with your cobbler last.

[@CobblerBob]

I apologize for missing your comment... Nailing: I just find it structuraly uneccessary on rubber only top lifts, and I don't think the nails on that style of top lift look very good. AE for example doesn't use any nails on their rubber top lifts. Just a preference. I have put nails in them before.

[@mbsec]

$340 brand new back in 1982

[@ulrichbohmer6534]

In 1982!

[@anangelshero0410]

Love your videos and explanations, but have you ever considered getting a vintage pair of your shoes recrafted by Bedos Leatherworks❓

[@CobblerBob]

I def would for the right pair of shoes. With as much as his recrafts are, it would HAVE to be a pair of shoes that I would keep for myself. I wear a size 11-1/2 3E.

[@anangelshero0410]

would love to see a collaboration where you work with Steve on a pair of shoes‼️.

[@remonmicheal8753]

How much it cost to refurbish that pair of shoes thank you sir

[@CobblerBob]

Are you asking how much a Cobbler would charge? Probably $30 - $50. I don’t take work myself though.

[@jimmycake7143]

workshop needs a cleanup

[@CobblerBob]

Sorry for missing your comment... yeeeees, it does! A mess is the sign of a genius? LOL. Maybe not.

[@springteen3743]

Are the new Florsheim made in different countries and not American any longer? Thanks

[@CobblerBob]

Yes, I believe in India. They started phasing out US production I believe in the early to mid 1990’s.

[@springteen3743]

@@CobblerBob thanks for the info 🙏

[@springteen3743]

@@CobblerBob do you know of any dress shoes made in the USA with the price range less than 120 USD.?thanks

[@jagnoorsingh4132]

HI Robert, Florsheim is clearly a shell of what it was in the old days. The shoes today seem to be all gravitating towards the lean more streamlined silhouette. what shoes would you recommend as an alternative to the vintage florsheims? great work, really enjoy your videos!

[@CobblerBob]

jagnoor singh My favorite brand is Allen Edmonds (AE). Their “Achilles’ heel” though is that they have had more quality control issues than in the past; I reference this in a few of my shoe review videos. AE is great if you have wide or narrow feet. I did a video on “Bostonian thrifter’s guide“ you may want to check out. The vintage Johnston & Murphy are pretty good too. If you have standard with feet though, that opens up the doors a lot as far as new current shoes. Check out the following video this may really help you answer your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX2WhKaVp8qEarc

[@jagnoorsingh4132]

Robert Powers thanks for the response! Will surely get my hands on some AEs

[@williammarshall468]

Hey Robert, do you remember where you got your cobbler last? I've been looking on eBay and etsy but they look more on the lines of decorations than actually using.

[@CobblerBob]

William, I apologize for missing your comment. Yes, I found it on Facebook Marketplace. It was $20 I believe, but it was very rusty. I used Easy-off oven cleaner to remove all of the rust and gunk (you'll be amazed how clean it gets metal) and then I painted it with Eastwood cast iron paint with a sponge brush.

[@williammarshall468]

@@CobblerBob It's all good. Thanks for answering. I haven't found one local yet but that would be ideal.

[@wsfarnie]

Love the videos, but damn, clean up the workshop! Cant stand to look at all the clutter...

[@CobblerBob]

LOL!

[@brandonthefinanceguy978]

Impressive for "just messing around" lol

[@up3371]

8 dollars?? You must be kidding