JCrew Monk Strap Shoe Restoration | Total Transformation From Throwaway to Brand New

In this video, we give this pair of JCrew monk strap shoes a makeover. A customer mailed these to us for a complete refurbishment of his shoes, so that's what we did. With new German leather soles, and some additional upgrades along the way, this pair of JCrew shoes ended up looking...new!
* Proverbs 22:6
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Video edited by: Ashley Saldanha

[@ralphkinkaid5558]

These guys are what America is in desperate need of, skill. Great craftsman.

[@jennifertalwar6099]

I agree!!!!!!

[@rubendevereaux6086]

The education system in the United States deeply needs to change. I need to bring back mechanics and some kind of trade to the classrooms.

[@jennifertalwar6099]

@@rubendevereaux6086 Even is no student becomes a master, at least they understand. Who knows, that may be the spark needed for the next craftsman.

[@SubversionGarage]

One reason there is a shortage of craftsmen is because people don’t want to pay for quality. In the case of men’s shoes, most people won’t spend $100-$200 for a resole, much less twice that for a decent pair of new shoes.

[@Big_boom90]

Thought we were desperately in need of a new president 😩 but I guess great cobblers are just as important, eh? 😅

[@vvattup]

OMG. I have a pair of J Crew Chelsea boots from 1991 that are fabricated in same manner and exactly in that same disrepair. Those boots walked the world with me from college to retirement. I can’t give em up nor have I found an equivalent replacement. I understand your customer’s position and, for him, appreciate your humoring his wish to restore a part of his history. And yes, I too attempted to glue the soles back on, and it too was unsuccessful lol.

[@namenotavailable11]

I think the owner made the right call. They look as comfortable as slippers!

[@ThriftedGent]

Yes please more videos like these. Preferably shoes that you guys thrift and restore.

[@digitaIgorilla]

I enjoy seeing you work through an old pair of shoes and in the best cases, rework them from one-piece or rubber, or foam soles with traditionally cobblered leather soles, mid soles, heal blocks, stitching, CORK!, shanks etc. It's really an art. And you guys are artists 😉

[@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529]

I'm not associated with shoe repair in any way. I just enjoy watching highly talented craftsmen do their stuff.

[@TrentonHeath]

We really appreciate you watching.

[@juliebaker6969]

I think it would be informative for you to do a comparison video(s) of the construction of shoes from the cheapest kind like you can get at Walmart to the top end brands. Show the difference and explain not only WHAT the differences ARE, but how they affect things like appearance, wear, feel, support, etc. I know I would appreciate this and I'm guessing OTHERS are curious about it too .

[@tambade1]

Absolutely lots of people would love this. It would be a massive project though

[@juliebaker6969]

@@tambade1 Yeah, it would probably have to be done in a series, one video for each type of shoe.

[@dm8057bk]

I agree with the customer. These shoes are classic, and were worth saving. Good job, guys.

[@d4rkAlf]

Thank you for informing us about the shank! It DID look odd seeing you spread all that cork and no shank in sight!

[@sueplummer6669]

I LOVE how you made these cheap shoes into nice and classy shoes. You are really gifted.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed.

[@TEXASLOYAL]

​​@@TrentonHeath Just a question guys, i recently took a pair of my Tecovas ostrich pecan to be conditioned and shined, they came back 70% darker than the original color, its been a week now and they haven't lightened up at all, will they ever go back to the normal color, or should I take them back to where I had them done and see if they can restore the boots back to the original color

[@myveryhipusername]

Wow. You did that, huh? They look amazing. I knew you could save them but I still had some little doubtlets. 😛 They were roooouuugh but you saved them. A really beautiful job. Just beautiful.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@jmleeinla4025]

I think it was wonderful that you did the restoration on these shoes that obviously meant a lot to this customer. They look fantastic. Your work, even on a little pair of JCrew shoes, is impeccable. I’d love to see more of a variation of shoes and boots, all over the monetary scale. It would be fascinating to see the difference in a high end shoe compared to what’s described as “low end”. Sometimes they might take you by surprise!!

[@michaelfuller2153]

You guys have learned so much! You've come a long way since the beginning. We enjoy watching! BTW...get some sleep!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, we appreciate it. Definitely catching up on it this weekend.

[@TheMangeGrain]

Thanks for the demonstration that cheap basic shoes can also be saved, and it's a pleasure to watch such a nice high-quality work. This customer was lucky : the uppers were still OK. My 3 yo Fluchos (spanish brand) slip-on casual/dressy shoes were too far gone (cracked uppers because the soles collapsed) to be restored. They were disposable shoes, they went to the trash. A pity because they were as comfortable as slippers. I learned from this mistake : my new dressy derby shoes have a Goodyear welted construction.

[@reyogalino1225]

3:30in the am? man you're really dedicated to your craft or you might have had way toooo much coffee the day before. seriously that customer really knows where the best cobblers are. hats off to you both!

[@normangugliotta134]

Yes, you should do more videos focusing on shoe brands construction, etc.

[@TrentonHeath]

Will do.

[@paulspannhake1820]

do not care about brands. I care about the history of shoe design, materials, style, and the perfection of the 3D support system of the shoe over time as an evolutionary process

[@uniquehorn1480]

3:30AM? THAT'S dedication!

[@tatheilambertchan6007]

what a great upgrade!

[@patrickmiao1698]

Great job, I actually started fiddling around with shoes and recently started gathering tools to make my own set of casual boots, the boot lasts came in a few weeks ago so I am hoping to start soon. You guys are an inspiration to get back into the crafts, it can be so rewarding.

[@user-ct9qo3wf3t]

So great guys , this is what You tube needs .

[@kevinorr6880]

Fix, mend, improve. I like to see how well, or poor a brand is made. I believe in purchasing from companies that do good work.

[@markstaub5250]

You are here for us brother, Thanks!!!

[@sorokolu]

Thank you for your dedication. I somehow enjoy sometime to have a lonely morning at work, to experience sunrise over the fruits of mans work. Great video, like every other one, every Saturday I wait to see you guys ;) I love to have those „constants” in life. Kind regards from Poland

[@geminialves8746]

I would like to see you take a sneaker and make it a dress shoe. That would be cool. Something like a Jordan or Fila.

[@paul_domici]

Just having my morning cereal and watching this Amazing restoration on a Saturday morning : )

[@TrentonHeath]

We always appreciate you watching. Have a great weekend!

[@lp-xl9ld]

You didn't have to prove your dedication to your craft...and your audience. But I certainly appreciate it. And I bet most of the audience would agree.

[@paulpietruszewski4226]

They came out very nice.

[@jeff.schulze]

Night and Day difference in that shoe. Great job. They look nice!

[@brianathern9154]

Another fine makeover for a pair of shoes destined for the trash. Hats off on another great restoration. I'd be proud to have you resole my boots

[@EdAb]

Loved it! I definitely want more glued to welted/stitched restoration videos. Particularly to glued to Goodyear welt! Thank you!

[@paulsheffield4729]

The dedication you demonstrated in this video by coming into work at 3:30am is amazing.

[@thomperkins]

Can’t wait for my flip flops to arrive. These look amazing.

[@danjoe22]

nice video. What a difference. The uppers looked like nice leather so it is always worth making them like new again.

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

These are terrific; at first I thought “what a waste of money” but as usual, you made them infinitely better.

[@TimothyEnloe]

Very cool. Why initially attach the fake welt to the outsole rather than to the upper? I haven’t seen that technique in your previous videos. Thanks!

[@RatdogDRB]

I'm with you, those were pretty sad looking. What a transformation. Conditioner and shoe trees people! LOL Use them!

[@justmeva]

Great - the oatmeal spread: the best part. You guys are the best!! Absolutely amazing work!!!

[@stephenremington8448]

Your introduction reminded me of people who build a whole new WW2 Spitfire out of a handful of old Spitfire rivets. Excellent work on the shoes.

[@rickharris4579]

They were definitely worth saving. Especially after the work you did to them. Excellent job!!

[@akirby4155]

I come for the craftsmanship and stay for the magic show! I absolutely love watching you both remake beautiful shoes from incredibly harsh and dilapidated footwear. I know it must be tiring work. You and your brother look like you really enjoy the process of bringing leather shoes back to life. Thank you for sharing the fun!

[@rodconner9079]

: ) Now for whatever reason -- I really like the finished product!!! These appear to be much more than the original ever aspired to be and the gent who didn't wanna give 'em up is absolutely tickled-to-death!!! It's always good to see how "things" (read as brands/or not) are constructed or "what yer getting for the money". I do appreciate you guys sharing what you do and your knowledge -- lol and the dedication :)... so I'll take the vids at whatever interval you guys put them out. Great Work!!! Be Safe

[@chipandrews2892]

Very cool restoration! Those shoes really look good now...Never in my life did I ever see myself enjoying a couple cobblers restoring shoes. Keep up the great work!

[@RD-te9yc]

Awesome job. And it's great that you gave the customer what they wanted... can't help but think I'd have begged him to reconsider resoling J.Crew. That's like having a suit from Walmart custom tailored.

[@briancarver9086]

I like seeing what you guys can do to shoes that maybe shouldn’t get repaired

[@lelandlove5472]

Awesome vid. More restoration's of lost causes is most enjoyable.

[@evfast]

Classic customer is always right. They turned out fantastic. With the upgrades I can't see how that's not worth every penny.

[@paulmcmillan5202]

What a difference! You did an absolutely marvelous job on these almost irreparable shoes. Now I have to get off my butt and send you one of my pairs of boots for a re-sole that have been sitting in my closet needing some real TLC. Thanks for the videos and I will note the time here in Texas at present is 0300!

[@roopyphelsenburg1886]

Trenton n Heath necro cobbler's masterclass

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day Trenton you did a fantastic job on those shoes and they are a credit to you terrific.Kind regards John Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺

[@storminscellar7207]

Awesome job, Trent! 0330 in the morning, you’d find me slumped over the stitching machine!

[@TrentonHeath]

😁

[@patmcdermott8547]

I've got a pair of rubber flip-flops I'd like to have made into cordovan wing tips! You guys can do wonders, but sometimes the return on investment baffles me. Still, not my rodeo, not my bull. Great work, great video!

[@colinglen4505]

I'm warming to the Monk style. Might treat myself to a pair.

[@WSmith2024]

Excellent job, thanks for the video.

[@deputychief441]

Thank you for getting up so early to give us such a treat. I love your craftsmanship and simple straight forward details!! Excellent

[@AnonNotAnonymous]

That's incredible! What a save!

[@travisthompson8886]

Those shoes turned out great. They look brand new. I am sure the customer will super pleased. Keep up the great work. You guys rock.

[@marcoszambrano7287]

Shoe's heaven?... Well, heaven can wait 😁

[@0909mw]

All the best from Scotland...Channel is great and gives a feel good factor....strange how it calms me aswell😎

[@eveb446]

Great job on this pair of shoes: from worn out to wonderful.

[@FIN_Gear]

I gotta say, y’all always show off your brother’s skills, but man! You’re good!

[@mccjoe01]

I would like to hear more about the construction. For instance you said that you "Blake stitched" them back together. What, aside from the sole getscsewn together does it go all the wasy to the uppers? Just into the welt? Great work either way they look fantastic.

[@JorgeGonzalez-pf1gb]

Love these kind of videos

[@MUTKevJo]

Superior work, look fantastic, big improvement.

[@mattsanchez4893]

Excellent job, and that corking process never grows old!

[@markmilan01]

Another one! Trenton and Heath do amazing work! They are the epitome of “Made in America.”

[@romeldphillips3146]

Excellent restoration

[@ericknutsen1958]

Always enjoy your videos, thank you. I would enjoy repair/renovation of lower end brands. Also would enjoy more information (have not yet watched all videos) on details like how you "anchor", trim and seal stitches; what specifically each machine does and what the cobbler is watching for as he uses each machine. Not trying to be a cobbler but interested in the process details. Thanks again and may God bless you and your families.

[@katrinalevin4064]

I noticed a similar process to sewing in the stitching process of this shoe. After you stitched the sole, you hammered the stitches, I assume to set them. In sewing, you iron the stitches, as they were stitched, before you open the seam, this sets the stitches. Pretty cool.

[@TrentonHeath]

Exactly. 😉👍

[@williamcooper2368]

U guys do such CLEAN work.❤️

[@frankarev4920]

Nice job, get some well-deserved rest!

[@That_ole_Dodge]

I'm a huge fan of the crusty old boot resurrection vids but mixing some dress shoe revitalization is great too.

[@hansarri]

Amazing job👍

[@sourhed87]

Thanks for bringing these back to life, I enjoyed watching the process.

[@raenkord7881]

Hey guys, got a pair of your new sandals and I love them. Wearing them around the house whenever I’m not expecting to do anything that day.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks so much! We hope you enjoy them.

[@walterbryan1798]

Looks pretty good! That’s not a repair I would have pursued as a customer, but I’m glad he’s got a nice pair of shoes again.

[@mumzieshideout3555]

Yes, do more videos working with name brands. The shoes that were featured in this video turned out AWESOME💖💖💖💖💖

[@ianhemingway5687]

man that hot cork is so satisfying.

[@waynethomas3638]

Oh to have a pair of shoes that fit properly! I have the unfortunate problem of a size 9 in length and 16 in width with a high instep and of course nothing is available anywhere near fitting! Good to see a craftsman at play.( from Australia)

[@doug_sports_collector]

Early morning cobbling on Heath, hopefully he won't see this one! Great work Trent.

[@user-tl4su8ky9y]

Great job with those shoes

[@jimsanchez2284]

Don't know why... It's relaxing watching the cork being put on. Isn't it??? Or maybe it's just me.

[@atharkhan240]

Surely the cost of repair is more than the shoe it self? Great job!

[@Yogi_Boo]

Love to see unique content on youtube. One would not think that watching shoes be torn apart and made better than new could be interesting. It is to nearly half a million subscribers. Keep going. I am not sure that any of your content is better than another, but it is cool to see what you do with a pair of shoes that most of us would just, and have thrown away.

[@barrysegal4964]

Nice revitalizing these shoes❤😂😊

[@muzamalgujjar0013]

Good job

[@pattyaguirre3103]

Awesome vid! Thank you for being there so early for us. Yes plz more high end shoes, blows me away how expensive they are and how cheaply they're made:0. Thanks again!!

[@snoxander6333]

Impressive 👏

[@Mr.DMZ.]

Yeah . More designer brands. Would be cool to see a Tecova replacement

[@dirtfarmer7472]

I told a couple of shoe cobblers out here in NW Oklahoma about your channel. I’m sure that they are enjoying the channel as much as I do. I’m sure that they would appreciate seeing how these name brand shoes are done.

[@peter82455]

nice job you saved them

[@thekidfraydo]

Great video, like always. Keep em coming!

[@justice-jb5ld]

3:30 in the morning?!?! Wow, you really love your job!

[@m.allenbruce8327]

Amazing work as usual.

[@gustavofausto7203]

Nice work. Love what you did. 👍

[@ttop64]

Another case of this guy knew where to take his shoes for repair . If anyone can breathe new life into an old pair of shoes or boots its Trenton & Heath . Great video Trent. 👍👍BTW I had no idea J Crew made shoes let alone leather ones. Also ❤ my Sandy Nubucks that came yesterday.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, that’s very kind. JCrew actually sales pretty decent shoes (excluding these). Most of their shoes are made by reputable shoe companies for JCrew.

[@pegbutwin7189]

Imagine all the shoes in “shoe heaven” that didn’t have to go, if only they had met you guys! 😂

[@jameslockhart3102]

You did one super job.

[@walllee6470]

Yes

[@jppurves7837]

You are truly dedicated to go to work and make a video at 3:30 am. I'm curious as to what the cost of this repair was. I understand when an item of apparel is greatly enjoyed to have it repaired instead of replaced, but a new pair of J. Crew shoes is not very expensive.

[@grettabewitched4452]

Watching from the Uk and I absolutely love what you do, you are both so super skilled.. I take this moment to salute you as some of the machines you use would terrify me. I think I would count my blessing at the end of each day if all my fingers were still intact!