EXOTIC Crocodile Shoes Recrafted - We Added Eyes!

This job was one of a kind! We had these rare and expensive handmade crocodile skin shoes sent in for a full repair. Whilst we're getting them restored we're also taking on the project of adding taxidermy eyes!
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Chapters:
(0:00) Tearing down the old shoe
(4:00) Refurbishing the reptile skin uppers
(6:10) Trip to Tring Museum
(9:50) Watch out!
(10:24) Let's make some eyes
(13:00) Building the new shoe
(17:40) Adding the new soles
(20:00) French toe plates
(24:00) Finishing touches
(27:00) The end of Dan?

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did! Also, who would like a proper tour of Tring museum next time? p.s make sure to hide behind a pillow for the ending ...

[@kristensmith6042]

Yes please!!! 😊😊😊

[@elizabethoandasan3828]

Yes please!!!!

[@edwardsteele4022]

amazing video. dan can you please tell me what the name of the song is in the video.

[@saintmichel9558]

FOR SURE!!!!👍

[@stephenchild2310]

Yes please. I'd like to know if the two fleas dressed in clothing are still displayed under a magnifying glass!

[@emoAnarchist]

the combination of him being a fantastically skilled tradesman, and a massive dork make this one of the more unique and interestingly fun channels out there.

[@galaxyluver]

I don't think he acts like a dork at all!

[@topwanker]

@@galaxyluver Did you miss the parts with the lime green croc? And in this context (entertainment) I don't believe the dork comment to be an insult. Great video.

[@revilolanza1874]

The chap does powerlifting 🏋🏻‍♀️

[@globe1987]

@@revilolanza1874 you can be a buff dork you know

[@maccthelab5165]

Dan has a defined sense of humour. Lol at the lime green croc skulking across the shop floor.

[@renerobes30]

After the dismantling, those shoes looked really discouraging, but as always the end results were outstanding!

[@Fizz-Pop]

I was amazed at how much they looked like skin. I am so used to leather. Leather is thick so we forget on some level that it is actually skin.

[@bryanpinto4051]

my kind of shoe

[@thebigsur8275]

I don’t know how I came to watching a UK cobbler fix shoes but it’s very fascinating. It’s a concept I’ve never given any thought before and fun to see the work behind it. Just know you do an amazing job and your videos are very entertaining and educational.

[@Ex-Pear-Rocker]

We were all in your position when we first discovered Dan, make sure you sub, welcome to the club. 😁

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Thanks and welcome to the channel!

[@ianrowland1893]

This guy is brilliant! A real Cobbler! It's so good to see real craftmanship is still alive.

[@RDZZX14]

When you took out the half-insole I saw the brand stamp and knew for sure! That's a Mexican made crocodile shoe imported by the company I work for here in Texas! We add eyes to some of our exotic skin shoes as well, specifically Caiman leatherd shoes. 👟 It's crazy to see how a pair of our exotic shoes (we make primarily exotic boots) has made it across the pond to the UK, and ended up in your shop! Very cool to see! Excellent work by the way, those eyes look just like when they leave our factories in Leon Mexico! Well done!

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing, the customer actually lives in Belgium but yea they made it here briefly!

[@kevinvandevender9014]

What is the brand? I couldn't quite make it out!

[@srice8959]

@@Dan_the_Cobbler Hey Dan I’ve been really enjoying your video’s especially when everyone was on LOCKDOWN!! I’ve been wondering is did you attend school to learn your Craft, or did you do an Apprenticeship under a Master???

[@richardgeorgeshellis6110]

I had some crocodile cowboy boots when I lived in Denton Texas, I loved em. Look a bit odd wearing them over here in the UK though I reckon.

[@lopezlopez7132]

@@srice8959 Yes, it would be interesting to know. Has Dan ever answered your question?

[@darrellhendrix5502]

The quality of your work is impressive. I'm not a fan of exotic leather and the eyes are......I cannot imagine a shoe project that you could not tackle and produce an outstanding product. Love your energy and enthusiasm and eagerly await your videos. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@skylaharry379]

Never knew being a cobbler is so much fun and artistic. Like the way you handle your youtube. Love you style Dan 😂❤

[@Habu71]

I love watching a skilled tradesman make things look so dang easy. It is so much fun to see a pro at work.

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Thanks appreciate it!

[@eggznbakey1]

Hi Dan, I've discovered you by accident recently and I'm loving your videos! There's something very relaxing and incredibly satisfying watching you demonstrate your skill in something that is centuries old that people don't realise is still a valuable and much needed skill to this very day.

[@EHMSL1226]

I was not expecting the crocodile eyes to look so damn cool! I thought it was gonna end up super cheesy but no! Really neat job.

[@mollypage911]

Boy i was scared the would not look right. Surprisingly awesome

[@james96744]

i think one looked good but got incrementally worse the more he added lol

[@LorenzoNW]

The cheese was saved for the end. Lol

[@Dragoncoolboll1]

it made the shoes look goofy

[@IO-zz2xy]

The most amazing thing about this restoration was the eyes. I thought it was going to look like googly eyes (LOL) but they actually suited the shoes, how incredible. You did an amazing job buddy, just jaw dropping. Regards from South Africa

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Thanks!

[@Axel1617]

Ok, I'll admit when I saw you cutting out eye sockets into Crocodile skin I wanted to tear my hair out, but as the video went on and I saw the shoes become more and more complete the whole eyes on them really grew on me. Looks incredible, one of my favorite restore videos so far.

[@marcialpoissant2546]

I just started to work in a shoe store and since then i cant stop watching your video mate youre amazing😎👊

[@MrMikesMondoVideo]

Brilliant! Not my cup of tea, but your work is impressive. You are an artisan, and I enjoyed watching this entire video.

[@jmatt4life]

I never get tired of watching you repair shoes. I still wish I had the knowledge, skills, and equipment to repair my own favorite pairs of shoes that I’m still hanging onto in hopes they do have a remedy. Keep up the good work, Dan!!! Greetings from another huge fan in the US!

[@bere4202]

The craftsmanship and humor are just top tier! Im kind of upset that I just discovered this channel!

[@Vickie-Bligh]

The outtakes had me laughing right out loud(hubs & the cats were giving me strange looks). I honestly thought those shoes were ready for the bin and you made them look new again. Every step along the way was interesting and informative. Well done, mate.

[@r.mercado9737]

This was quite a lengthy job but worth the enjoyment of watching it through the end! Outstanding presentation. Semper Fi

[@Teumes33]

Crikey Mate!!! I love watching your videos. Not only are they informative but they are hilarious as well. I have to say this one is my favourite not only because of the content and your working on crocodile skin but your theatrics are on point. Keep up the great work and much love from Australia.

[@emmanuelviguerias9824]

Seeing Dan drop a nail on the floor will never get old lol

[@kinkinmyslinky967]

I’m sure I’m not alone when saying I never really gave much thought about a cobbler (unless it was dessert) but this guy’s got mad skills. Much respect!

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Thank you 🙏

[@Eric_Casteel]

It’s amazing how great you made that shoe look. Plus still dressy enough to wear anywhere and with eyes lol.

[@froodtube]

Love these videos. Its like 'shoemaking therapy' I just wish I was rich enough to afford shoes from Crafstman. You are right, the eyes are not for everyone, but if the owner enjoys them, next time he sends the shoes back ask him if he wants to add nostrils on the toes for the full lurking alligator effect 😂

[@derzemel]

I wouldn't be surprised if one day you'll post a video of you making a pair of shoes from scratch

[@themudhutt1]

I hope you are right !!

[@JohnnieFruits]

building a pair of shoes from scratch is an entirely different skillset than repairing. Like making clothes vs alterations.

[@andersjjensen]

@@JohnnieFruits It is. But if Dan wants to learn it I'm pretty sure he'd get rather good at it. Doesn't seem like the kind of guy who's oblivious to the details that set a good job apart from a mediocre one...

[@RetiredArmyCW4-F]

Looks amazing! I cannot find a skilled cobbler where I live in the United States so you all across the pond are lucky to have such a passionate cobbler!

[@anotherfitzpatrick6976]

I was so afraid I was going to hate the croc eyes but they came out so so cool!! The proportion looks pretty realistic and really flashy in a fun- but not tacky way

[@adammarsden-rhodes703]

Fantastic work as usual Dan, very unique job. I really like them.

[@whitefreeman5798]

awesome work.. you brought those shoes to life.. they are now living the life they were always meant to

[@kaheakruse4310]

18:23 Robin Hood was my favorite Disney cartoon when I was a child and I also find myself whistling that tune while I’m at work! Keep cobbling, bruv! The fact that your keeping a skill and trade going during this time of human’s “disposable” and “single use” mentality, is a great accomplishment!

[@alvarocaal5946]

I saw your video it was really cool to see how you restored the shoes and added the eyes the job once finished was really amazing all the work and to see that you got all the equipment to do the job

[@peartree8338]

I'm sure you have workdays that never end but watching your videos makes me seriously regret my career choices Dan. Thanks for the entertaining videos. Brilliant!

[@terrilewis172]

Really good quality shoes are an art and it's so enjoyable to watch the transformation. You can almost feel the comfort!

[@brockmitchell3989]

As a leathercrafter I love what you did with these crocodile skin shoes!!!

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Thanks!

[@chrisbrooks6697]

"One way ticket to Brown Town" comment AND a glove snap in the same video, not to mention a cobbler who actually allowed a Croc in his store... wow. HOWEVER, the coolness factor of those shoes made up for it, though! They looked like total trash when you started on them, and I can't believe how nice they turned out. The soles are incredibly cool with the pattern airbrushed on, and I LOVE the eyes, too, though I don't think I'd have the courage to wear them. It's one of those things you know the fashion police would call you out on, but you secretly gotta love! LOL! Seriously, I love all your videos. I never thought I'd enjoy watching shoe repair, but I watch you and Steve Bedo all the time. Something about watching craftsmen do their thing I guess!

[@robtsteiner]

Amazing creativity in this repair. Loved watching the whole process.

[@epicchris1985]

Nice watching a professional doing his craft and enjoying it clearly. I sadly don’t have any shoes worth saving but if I did I’d definitely send them to you 👍

[@finfan83]

Really a test to Dan's skills to save such sole-less shoes of such expensive leather ! Not only restored to basic usage condition, but also conditioned and moisturised to look good again. And we get to see custom-painted soles again and lulu toe plates! Always like to see those done. The crocodile eye turned out good too, sits really flush and looks as if they were manufactured with this eye. The orange insole is also not something you see on daily basis. And it can be seen the Croc had problems to drag out such big prey like Dan, hope he will turn on inner Schwarzenegger and Stalone at once and will be back for more shoe repairs !

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

loved the repair work and the humor along with it. Great work Dan!

[@surreyhub7108]

That repair was absolutely amazing well done Dan

[@robertthompson90]

Wow this was awesome. Seen a couple of things I hadn't before - such as the back lining and of course the crocodile eyes. Very creative and they turned out great. This was definitely a massive job - essentially all you had left was the actual crocodile skin uppers, so this was practically a new shoe. Nice work. Probably my favourite too.

[@sukrull381]

Amazing work luv seeing old trades done with such expertise luv your passion young man !! I can tell you luv your work

[@Maciej_leo]

I would never put this work of art on my feet, I love your movies and keep it up, old professions are dying out and you are an example of the fact that passion can be reconciled with old profession and decent earnings. Best regards from Poland

[@rockbottom2top]

As Dan says "There ain't nothing to it but to do it!" Always a pleasure to watch you work sir, great charisma and craft skill being displayed. Blessing to ya!

[@narcisosalas1180]

Absolutely exquisite craftsmanship! You are one talented young man 😎🤙🏽

[@AlicethePattern]

Honestly? I really love the eyes. The idea of positioning them so that the shoe looks like the snout of a crocodile is a really good idea and pretty high concept. I think you should totally revisit it and think about it from an artistic perspective, especially since with your skills there's really nothing you couldn't do. Great job!

[@harryls1283]

Man, you did a really good job. The customer is gonna be very happy.

[@kaheakruse4310]

14:46 “Voila! One way ticket to brown town.” Love it! Idk about the UK, but in America a one-way ticket to brown town has a totally different meaning! I love British humor, it kills me everytime!

[@dannimalsholderbro]

This was a fun video to watch! I thought it was really interesting how you showed how to recondition the reptile leather, as well as the attention to detail in the sole of the shoe. 10/10

[@mariannesyrett7759]

Hi Dan, i think this was my favourite video so far. Was not sure about the eyes at first but loved them when finished. Attention to detail is amazing, the heels and soles having the croc effect👍cheeky about your ex being in the museum (I think mine was next to her😂🤣)

[@DJKinney]

Dan is the actual MAN. Love you, Dan.

[@wayneharris1537]

A real work of art! I didn’t know there was so much to shoe repair/restoration. Great video please keep them coming.

[@davidstephenson9251]

What a fantastic job Dan! You did a better job than the bloke who made the shore in the first place. We really enjoyed meeting you the other day. Thanks for the advice on the polish.

[@jeffreyweldon6903]

Always love to see your talented and quality repairs Dan! Hey and thanks for the awesome suede cleaning products!

[@Dan_the_Cobbler]

Thanks for the custom!

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

@@Dan_the_Cobbler you know gator is delicious deep fried

[@DashDrones]

@@pacificcoastpiper3949 most things are delicious deep fried 🤣

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

@@DashDrones fair

[@DashDrones]

@@pacificcoastpiper3949 haha! Happy Saturday bro!

[@matthewb8229]

Love the attitude when you drop a nail on the floor! Little poke in the ribs to a certain segment of your subs.

[@tonymonastiere8510]

Always nice to see a craftsman at his best. This is stuff that schools never teach. Each vid is a classroom lesson. Thnx Dan!!!💯👍👏 With this job, those shoes have one line...here's 👁👁looking at you kid!!!

[@Ani1boo]

Dan you did an incredible job the eyes look so real.🐊

[@billginnj6595]

Nice work Dan! I'm sure the owner of the shoes will be very pleased!

[@duncanmcewan1049]

Again - i am watching a bloke fix shoes. Why can't i stop watching lol. I thought "eyes on shoes" was a bit mad, but the end result is really good, even if not my thing. I can't believe the state the shoes were in when you took them to pieces and the end result was even more stunning for that. It's a pretty expensive repair - most people wouldn't spend half that buying a new pair of shoes, so it's nice to see someone deciding that those shoes were worth the expense and time to save and improve them. Stunning job as always !

[@SlaterLater]

What an amazing and complex restoration Dan. You're a true artisan.

[@benedictpasco653]

You never fail to impress me, Dan. Never!

[@BoneyKingOfNowhere90]

came for the shoe repairs, staying for the skits! awesome job, consider me a new subscriber!

[@edspengeman6781]

A joy to watch someone who really knows what he’s doing. A great job.

[@ChrisBates888]

This has to be on of your best jobs yet. Love the creativity.

[@immasi8922]

I really liked the look of them until you added the eyes, but it is what the customer requested so I can't blame you.

[@MajorGenralDizz]

Completely agree. Job well done though!

[@philippedemontauvant5565]

I was horrified at cutting up those shoes for the eyes at first, but it turned out to be great. The dad jokes make me chuckle but the bloopers were the best. Great job!

[@1physics]

These actually looked great! Shows what crazy things you can freestyle when you really UNDERSTAND your craft. Bravo 👏

[@guzzijack9714]

Still received my upload notification since the name change, so all's well on that front. When I saw how rough the shoes were after deconstruction I didn't think they could be saved but what a fantastic job on your part.

[@PartStupid]

Amazing work. I always have a deep appreciation for a craftsmen who takes his craft very seriously and will not settle for anything less than near perfection. I do odds and ends type of work but I too always make sure a job is done well and looks good even if it wont be seen. Also I had a quick question... with how tattered some of the material is would this restoration really be it's last or do you think there is a chance 10 years from now they could be restored again? I have a feeling from the condition overall this would be the last run but I could be wrong.

[@PartStupid]

BTW, anyone ever told you that one of your tats always makes your lower bicep look bruised? I think it every time I see it until I realize its part of a tattoo.

[@cortfermaquinas6287]

Belíssimo trabalho, parabéns

[@Jesselovespinball]

Awesome Dan ! One of my favorites you’ve done so far !

[@benmavubangoma2275]

This is what I call handcrafting mastership. Great job.

[@willyhoogs]

Maybe Amber Heard could use that Reptan to soften her attitude 🤔

[@krisjonesuk]

When you first mentioned adding eyes I was horrified by the idea. However, I was surprised how well they turned out. Well done.

[@GIBBO4182]

The title doesn’t do this video justice…it’s not a restoration, it’s a complete rebuild! Wonderful job, fascinating to see!

[@essentialhandyman]

What a fantastic result. I bet the customer will be well happy with those. Probably my favourite video of yours Dan.

[@crashas1515]

Amazing, I love to watch a craftsman work. Their skill level is so amazing.

[@deckerdryges5526]

The customer is probably regretting his decision to put the crocodile eyes because you did a great job restoring it.

[@stuarthammonds6143]

Another cracking video Dan, you're a true craftsman and entertainer!

[@jellybean11forty]

I'm really enjoying the videos. The detailed repairs and watching the skills of a ture professional is relaxing. Just found this channel a few days ago and I bet I've watched 5hrs or more. Very interesting stuff and a great sence of humor 😄 🤣

[@Apothecarii]

One of my favorite videos so far! Great job Dan!

[@adammoore5358]

This was such an excellent video, really enjoyed it, outstanding work as always.

[@radekpasecny4538]

That was an absolute pleasure to watch... You've got amazing skills and craftsmanship... Thank you sir... 👌🏻🤗

[@sulemagarza9484]

Wonderful work! I was so glad that you did the heel also!

[@MrJhara]

Crazy looking shoes! They turned out great for your first time making anything like that! Well done man.

[@kristopherburkholder9366]

You’re a real craftsman dude , top notch stuff

[@blakeahern5967]

This video had everything, by far the best and most interesting shoe repair. Thank you keep up the excellent work and silly side skits.

[@carolinegreenwell9086]

what a transformation - I guess you have one very happy customer and yes I'd love to see more of Tring museum

[@Nick-oc9kz]

Any one could’ve added eyes to shoes but you my friend are the only one that could make them look good

[@DashDrones]

Haven't been to Tring in years. Good to see the lovely little village again!

[@robm7449]

What a transformation Dan the skill is 👌love the spray painted sole . Ace job

[@damonefranklin8422]

GREAT WORK AS USUAL BRO. LOVE THE VIDS. KEEP ‘EM COMING…

[@FreckledFoxx]

These shoes turned out so creative and cool!

[@Jeremy_Adams]

Haha your humor is right up my alley! Magnificent job by the way!

[@nickjanssens]

The old adage of getting what you paid for is 100% accurate, worth every penny. Coincidentally my wife and I were talking about a pair of shoes I have that are over 35 years old, been worked on countless times, this was a great watch.

[@nexotope]

Great job man! I'm diggin the sole pattern, but the eyes are the killer feature, I can't stop looking at em

[@wilkodog5252]

Always surprises me how much can be removed and rebuilt to an excellent finished product. Well done and keep em coming mate😁👍🏻

[@ENWILSON]

That was a truly bizarre request but well executed.

[@robertunderwood6788]

I thought those shoes were hopeless at first but turned out beautiful. I like how the eyes turned out, very well done video.

[@susansmith8602]

Very clever eye addition! You are a blast to watch as well as a super talented craftsman!