Florida shoe cobbler mends more than soles

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Jim McFarland, a fourth-generation shoe cobbler in Lakeland, Florida, never anticipated his trade mending shoes would lead to millions of views on social media. People are captivated by his careful craftsmanship: removing, then stitching and gluing soles on leather footwear. Across the country, some send him letters, sharing the stories behind their most cherished belongings. NBC News’ Sam Brock brings us his story.
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#Florida #Shoes #Cobblers

Пікірлер: 54

@donnylovelace7482

I’ve sent a few pairs of shoes to Jim over the years to repair. He does great work in addition to being a great guy. I love seeing renewed interest in the cobbler trade. I bought my first nice pair of dress shoes 11 years ago. Spent a little more on them than I normally do, but I still have and wear those shoes. Jim replaced the sole recently for me and I expect to wear them another 10 years. That’s why you pay a little more up front when buying shoes. Will save you in the long run.

@allenwesterhoff7485

This is AWESOME. Watching this brings back memories of my Dad. He was a Cobbler in Lincoln, NE.

@michaelamato6390

Started watching his videos last year and man, if you need something relaxing to watch that is it.

@Jonathon10

Made me tear up a little. Good man. Very rewarding work.

@justinbennett4922

Incredible how much joy shoes and shoe repair bring to so many people! Jim is an inspiration!

@azizatheone

So proud of you Jimmy and the McFarland family!!!

@marryellenmonahan5585

❤❤❤😊 The lost art of hand craftsmanship.

@chrisbarnes2823

I grew up around Cobblers in England in the 60’s, most of them were born deaf like my father who was a Carpenter. I had an unofficial apprenticeship with them, even now I could walk into a repair shop and do a half decent job I hope.

@dgerjevic

God Bless you, Jim!!! You're a good man...

@ccbphoto

As a customer I can attest to his craftsmanship and character. The story made my wife cry….

@alanm3438

Hello, I am from Wisconsin and I just saw your story on the news. When my Dad came home from the Korean War, he could not find a job. He went in to business fixing shoes but in the 60's it was cheaper to buy new shoes than to fix them so he went to work in a brass foundry. He had the equipment for a while and sold it in the early 80's. My Mom had one leg that was short and he had to make special soles for her shoes. I did not know that there was anyone who still done this kind of work. Thanks for the story and the memory.

@samanthab1923

I love that my local cobbler is still here. ❤

@WurdNinja007

We live in a "throw it away and buy a new one" society, which is why our landfills are overrun and sea animals are getting caught in all types of garbage. It's nice to know people like this exist to bring some old things back to life. I just wish they could do the same for ALL types of shoes. I generally take really good care of my shoes and I have some which are really hard to throw away. Some for sentimental reasons and others because they look brand new until you look at the soles. Unfortunately, they don't re-sole tennis shoes and some casual shoes. Keep it up brotha, you are a kind sole..... uh soul.

@KathieAlbus

My dad was a shoe cobbler in Madison In all his life!!!

@user-ug6ti3op3x

I can not count how many times I have used a cobbler . It is cheaper to re-soul my broke in work boots than to buy a new pair. Something about keeping it local to the shoe repair family owned shop is more important to me than going to the retail store even though I have a company issued boot allowance .My oldie boots are made for walking , working . they look like crap on the face value but the soul under where we don't see is worth every dollar I spent to have re-souled !

@donzender9008

Jim is a National Treasure.

@pbryant1360

My first immigrant paternal grandparent was a shoe maker. When I read this on his ancestral documents, I bluntly said that he had my big feet. Your story is one that touched me. Next time I’m in Florida expect a pair of workboots with destroyed soles from fertilizer. I’d be most honored to learn how to resole them.