Tod's Loafers | Restoration and Review

In this video, we refurbish a pair of Tod's loafers that were sent in to us. While being upgraded with some JR leather soles and stacked leather heel blocks, we also look at the quality of Tod's loafers and give you our opinions on whether or not Tod's loafers are worth the cost.
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Products used in this video:
Saphir Saddle Soap -
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Saphir Universal Cream -
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Saphir Pommadier Cream Polish -
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Video edited by: Ashley Saldanha

[@bluhouz992]

Man, you just added value to these shoes by upgrading them to what they should’ve been when the customer bought them! Great job!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@sarahhannah9647]

Exactly what I thought!

[@marioamatucci4388]

Hope someone from Todd's is watching this 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@rrlonghi70]

​@@marioamatucci4388È un piacere vedere artigiani che migliorano il prodotto originale!

[@theKashConnoisseur]

I love how KZbin has stopped recommending trashy "TOP 10" videos and is pushing quality craftsmanship in my Recommendations.

[@larryweaver5667]

What would it cost for you to put new Vibran soles on a pair of Danner Fort Lewis duty boots? Just general price range and what's your turnaround time? Thank you.

[@liam3044]

Yeah man, get so tired of shitty recommendations or literally videos I watched yesterday.

[@MrDanielWP]

Bet this didn't age well.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

@@MrDanielWP No issues yet!

[@chuckwilkins3581]

This is one of the reasons I enjoy this channel. The manufacturer has swapped out some serious features for cheap alternatives while keeping a high price. That is outright thievery. I would skip this Brand. It is like a cheap knockoff but, at a higher retail price. Thanks for all your info. I am learning what makes a quality shoe.

[@phillipgage7356]

Chuck Wilkins I will never buy a pair of Todd’s. Typical “corporate America” mindset. Screw the customer over for a few pennies each quarter on the earnings report. So frustrating to watch.

[@dibutler9151]

Go to eBay and find some that are vintage with little wear, and you can sometimes get them fairly cheaply and if they need a light refurb to repair color or polishing, do it yourself! I've bought several pairs of ladies Ferragamo shoes off eBay very reasonably and most just needed conditioning, polishing and a little leather dye and I got them for $25-$30 a pair.

[@williamscott3444]

Your customer dropped off a good pair of shoes...but came back to pick up a great pair of shoes. Outstanding work! 👍

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@tomasalexander2275]

I'm not a cobbler wanted to learn but couldn't get anyone to teach me, but I did resole a pair of army combat boots, grounded the sole and heels till they were level used a drill and a very small drill bit used a trench tool and nylon thread and rubber cement sewed the soles and glued then nailed the heels on, didn't look to bad after I cleaned them up, they lasted about 5yrs, the rubber came from a horse stall pad, worked with what I had, wasn't making much money then and needed work boots, most of the stuff I had but the trench tool and thread a friend gave me, enjoy watching these guys working on boots and shoes.

[@powderriverfarrier]

This video is a real eye opener. So much for getting what you think you're paying for. You guys are managing to establish trust with your viewers and likely don't even realize it. I'm thinking we need to consult with you guys before the next purchase of high end shoes.

[@TrentonHeath]

We really appreciate it! That’s definitely been our goal. We hope to continue bringing as much insight as we can.

[@jeffestes960]

Another great video Trenton. I am glad that I didn't pay $500 + for them. I appreciate the passion you and Heath have for your restorations.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Jeff! Glad you’re enjoying.

[@craighayes1982]

I think a video of high end shoes compared to low end shoes would be great. Break them down and compare the leather and construction of each shoe. Love your guys work. Keep it up

[@positivevibrations6110]

Yes, please. One for ladies shoes too!

[@evelyn_r]

I’m getting addicted to this channel and this is only the second vid I’ve watched. Great work and I love how transparent you guys are 💖👍

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you! Glad to have you following along!

[@nauci]

I'm not a man and I don't own a single pair of Goodyear welted shoes but this is like the 12th video on this channel I'm watching and I've ordered a bunch of Saphir products What's happening to me 🤣

[@edf2953]

A bit disappointing to see the construction of the Tod’s Loafers with the plastic heel blocks and the narrow Blake stitched welt. Your recrafting with JR leather outsoles and the leather heel blocks certainly adds value to these already expensive shoes. As always, a very informative, interesting video. Thanks for sharing. Ed

[@TrentonHeath]

Hi, Ed! We appreciate you watching and commenting! Hopefully the customer will enjoy these small upgrades.

[@johncraig4718]

I'm a shoe guy . I love my upper end shoes . You guys do a bang up job on every pair of shoes I see you guys do .. they always look so awesome when your done . Better than new .

[@anthonygardner400]

I appreciate the honesty you guys bring to your reviews. You’re always respectful, but you tell it like it is. That helps viewers know that we can trust what you say. Thanks!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Anthony! We hope we’re helping out as much as possible. We really appreciate you watching!

[@mavza]

KZbin: Hey buddy, you should watch a shoe restoration video. Me: Do I like shoe restoration videos? KZbin: You do now Me: oh yes, indeed I do.

[@TheJsturd02]

Jordan Levy that’s exactly what I said to myself..

[@johnedston]

Same here.

[@corpsiecorpsie_the_original]

Same here and because of it, I now own a nice pair of shoes.

[@JWLuiza]

Yeah, just hit me with it.

[@devilfish79]

Exactly how it happened to me. It's kind of relaxing.

[@zschambill]

Wow, you do respond to comment! I remember someone wrote that he hope you would do reviews on shoes instead of just repairing, and here we are with a repair/review video. Way to go!

[@TrentonHeath]

张朔 Hi! Yes, we try to respond to as many comments as possible. We appreciate you watching. We have many more videos over shoe reviews, shoe repairs and shoe care to come.

[@drzaius844]

Shade: thrown. And rightly so. Love the expertise (at the price point the welt and heel stack were inferior) and honesty, combined with humility, you guys are great.

[@TrentonHeath]

Dr Zaius Thank you sir!

[@cantori2]

What a major upgrade to these shoes! Great video! Outstanding work as usual!

[@nhnikoloutsos]

Wonderful to see craftsmanship in such manner... guys you are professionals!

[@messenger8139]

First of all, thank you for your incredible craftsmanship. You are truly masters at what you do in an otherwise disposable society. It is a pleasure to watch your work and the fruits of your labor. Again thank you so much for what you do. You instruct by example.

[@69Muscle]

Wow, incredible restoration! They look almost new. Great job - you are a true very, very highly skilled craftsmen! Great video!

[@dantemazzarella4337]

These turned out looking incredible!

[@utharaptortrex]

I've had my dress shoes custom made from the ground up by an older gentleman who is a retired shoe maker, but still makes the odd pair as a hobby. They are by far the best shoes i've ever had! Thick high quality leather, wood shank, stacked leather heel block, goodyear welted construction... And because he does this as a hobby he only charged me 50 bucks for the material used. I got him a nice case of wine anyway ;) I really would like him to make me another pair, but haven't spoken with him in couple of years... I wonder if he still make them...

[@tjs9503]

More beautiful craftsmanship from Potter and Sons!!

[@ebosele307]

Love the craftsmanship. Excellent

[@JosephSpadafino]

A Thumbs Up and Comment for each video so the KZbin algorithms give your channel as much exposure as possible. Great videos!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Joseph! We really appreciate that and appreciate you watching!!

[@ragmann58]

Excellent work!!

[@andrew008sanche]

This is the first time I’ve seen Tods and I love what you do I really feel like I’m learning a lot about shoes lol.

[@santoparfano1910]

I'm absolutely going to send my higher end shoes and boots to you guys when they need resoles for an upgrade. Wow....just amazing craftsmanship!

[@Snugglez187]

Those soles look amazing. Man, I recently discovered your channel and now I have to find myself a pair of really good shoes.

[@dutchwilson8642]

Great video. Restoration videos are my favorites!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Dutch!

[@maxbateman6956]

Enjoying this channel. It’s satisfying to watch craftsman at work.

[@HonicBlue]

That was the most genuine request for a comment on a KZbin video I have ever seen. Everyone on KZbin will be in the middle of their video doing something random, and say "hey do you like/do/want/etc, leave a comment below", and it feels so forced and fake. This was an outstanding request for honest feedback.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you so much! It really does mean a lot to us.

[@dismasjoseph7313]

Brilliant!! - Am binge watching again 😂😂

[@enzo.7947]

Ciao from Milan Italy, you did a great job. Todd's are a medium quality and is possible to buy under 200 dollars on sale. This Company has Della Valle and Montezemolo boss: they are not shoes maker but moneymaker only. In my country we have many Artisan Artist, high quality and good price. Thanks for your videos 🔝👍👏

[@sandyj1561]

Stunning work xxx

[@canudeiro]

Beautiful work !

[@animedrummerboy]

You’re channel is genuinely entertaining.

[@frankrizzo7185]

I have becket simonin blake stitched shoes a d they are surprisingly comfortable; that taught me blake is not ‘inferior’ to good year, it has advantages. And, they cost leas than $200 and seem quite well made to me. I appreciate the take apart videos so we know for sure how they were originally manufactured. Thank you.

[@carloshjimenez1001]

Love how these guys work , they're true master cobblers .

[@mukhtiarhussain9117]

You did a very good job of repairing it in a very tremendous way.

[@antoniorobinson5891]

Magnanni has been blessing my life especially because they're the only designer that I have found to accommodate my size (14/15). My Mag loafers are surprisingly high profiled which I love. I'm very interested in getting some To Boot New Yorks in the near future.

[@keithpaterson8825]

Hey guys, I quite enjoyed a few of your videos this morning. Back in the mid 1980's I had a pair of loafers and a pair of Brogues by Bruno Magli. they both seemed top quality & I loved them I had the heals replaced but never had them rebuilt when the soles wore out. I bought a couple of pairs of Tods drivers at a factory outlet in UK last year at roughly half of what they'd cost at home. Probably paying a premium for the name but it's nice to have the "original" drivers and similar to your observations, the upper leather is very soft & supple. In the early 1990's I started buying Dack's, an old Toronto Canada company: toe caps, wingtips and loafers. I've had most of them rehealed and resoled and they are all still in great shape 20 - 30 years on. I just had my last pair of Dack's loafers redone and the Antelope uppers are still just like new, literally and when I say literally I mean it literally not figuratively. Regrettably around 10 or more years ago closed their Toronto factory after 175 years because they couldn't compete. They are now made in UK under the name Mathew Dack and sold on line but not sure how they compare to the original Dack's.

[@colby__3185]

Can you deconstruct a Gucci/Ferragamo loafer to see if the high price range is justified to the quality of the shoe construction, or if the price is mainly for the brand name.

[@TrentonHeath]

Colbert Ta Will do!

[@Enemji]

Colbert Ta - The price of Gucci/Ferragamo is for the the Brand + Style + Upper Leather. The soles on them are pretty cheap, and sometimes just synthetic plastic soles.

[@iaido01]

the gucci is worth 250 euro's instead of 500. like every italian shoes you pay extra 200-300 euro just for style

[@Hamsterzilla1349]

Quality is a bit all over the place. Don't expect great quality if you don't buy the most expensive lines. And at that cost you might as well buy made to order shoes from a reputable house.

[@007cheburashka]

Love my Gucci 1953 loafers. Not sure I’d mess with anything other than that classic one. Comfort and quality is top notch so far a year in.

[@melvinechols6931]

Great job. You guys do great work.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate you watching.

[@rickflippin1]

A master craftsman. You rock

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@martintanz9098]

They say you get what you pay for, but sometimes, even when you pay a lot, you don't get the level of construction you should. After your resole, they are constructed like a $600 shoe should be.

[@arrow_of_longing]

With that flimsy welt?

[@estebanmaldonado1395]

I have been looking for the old design's shoe suede boots for men, please don't stop making them

[@bongcabrido2467]

Nice restoration and thanks for the tips.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks...and you’re welcome!

[@josieperez1110]

Loved y po ur channel! First time viewer!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Josie! We appreciate you watching.

[@macktheripper7454]

Just came across your channel and I really really enjoy it! Your attention to detail is superb! God bless you both 🙏

[@TrentonHeath]

Mike theJedi Thank you! Glad to have you along.

[@williedeananencounterwithg439]

Thanks for this video, I own over 100 pairs of shoes, mainly, Gucci, Ferragamo, Tods, Cole Haan, Florshiem, David Edens, Johnson Murphy, Trask, and Alden, Allen Edmonds. Really enjoy your work and videos. Excellent and very informative.

[@PatrickLino]

First time seeing a Blake stitch resole. Fantastic job guys!!!!!

[@frankrizzo7185]

Would love to see a slow-mo how the blake stick machine works!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Patrick!

[@MartyPape78]

Wow the soles and heels are stunning. Great job

[@DianeH2038]

glad I found this! I found a pair of Tod's oxfords in decent shape for $40 (which is less than 10% of their original cost when new) and I'm SO glad I didn't pay more for them!!! I'll definitely want to get them fixed up properly with real stacked leather heels & a good sole when that time comes. the uppers on mine are really nice.

[@straycat62]

I have the Allen Edmonds Verona "Made in Italy" loafer. Great wear, great fit. Due for sole next year. But very happy with service so far.

[@jossdr]

I love my Santoni dark brown venetian loafers. Great vids!

[@brianorourke9672]

Really enjoying your videos! I'd love to hear your thoughts on Loake shoes quality wise? Keep the videos coming really informative and enjoyable.

[@tomgio1]

First, thank you for this! To your question at around 8:40, I have both To Boot NY and Magnanni shoes (both are 3-4 eyehole lace-ups, not loafers) that I bought about 10 years ago. I bought them well before I discovered your channel, so knew nothing about welts, heel blocks, leather types, and all the other intricacies I now know about because of your work). My answer: the quality seems pretty darn good, and they take pretty well to the Saphir conditioners and polishes I started applying this past year. The To Boot is a “bigger” shoe whereas the Magnanni is lower profile. I assume they’re Blake-stitched, but I’m not sure. I was actually about to send them to you guys for re-soling and heel block replacement if needed, because I trust your work; with a request (if you could accommodate) that you would advise me of their upper leather quality, welt type, if they’re stacked leather heel block, etc. and and other helpful info. I’ll get off my keister and do it sooner rather than later.

[@susanforrest4056]

I have several pair of Tod’s and love the fit. I’ll be asking more questions of the shoe before buying

[@MajorGenralDizz]

@Trenton and Heath your work is bar none and I enjoy all of your videos. Those shoes are beautiful once you were done.

[@anuarfariz]

This video was a real eye opener! I just sent out two pairs of Tod's Chukka and Derby to you guys for resoling to Dainites. I also got those Tod's resoled (poorly) so hoping you guys can breathe back some quality into those shoes.

[@cobblersunny8793]

Nice work as usual !!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you! We appreciate it.

[@josmichael]

Wow! What a great video

[@NewingtonBoy]

Hello from London (England) I have two pairs of Italian Fabi loafers they are 27 years old & still going strong! I also have two pairs of Tods loafers I haven’t worn them yet! Great videos! 👍

[@arashghasemi]

I would like to see a decomposition review on a pair of Italian Nauri shoes like the way you did for Todd in this video. Thank you for showing us the truth!

[@frankschmitz3341]

Super Service und Arbeit.

[@kuldipsingh366]

Fantastic job!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@leonardpeck3224]

I like this video. I have a pair of Gravati's brown low profile loafers that were destroyed by a shoe repair company. The sole is now twice the thickness of original. They screwed up the heel also. I wanted to try you guys but its such a chore. BTW, I purchased these Gravatis in 2005. The leather is still great. Saphir is miracle drug for shoes.Thanks, Leoonard

[@scottlalonde2878]

Great video, thank you.

[@jimdoyel5044]

Great job on the Todd's. Now that I'm semi-retired I do not wear suits and good quality shoes anymore. But I had one pair of Italian loafers. It turned out, over time, the soles were too thin. Not so thin that they wore out. But I think it was not a good choice for business but rather a dress-casual shoe with slacks or khakis. The shoes were so light that I thought I was going to work in my house slippers. I think it's a good idea for guys to ask themselves where they'll be wearing them, and how often, before they make the purchase. Anyway, great job on the videos guys. I'm learning a lot. Thanks. SoCal

[@michellelu1997]

I am curious to learn what are some good Italian leather loafers/lace-ups brands for women? I find most of these type of quality shoes targeted towards men which is understandable but some ladies would also love some nice dressy shoes. :) Thanks!

[@giovanniamabile1285]

Great videos!

[@augustinerhelles]

i didn't know until now that you can re-stitch the blake construction sole when you resole it. nice vid!

[@bryanjedi8242]

Stumbled on your channel few days ago. Interesting to watch the process of restoring a shoe or boot. However, I get anxious whenever I see you using a knife. 😂😂

[@timornot]

The fact that you never seem to get the edge dressing paint stuff on the upper is miraculous

[@nandoshinesasmr5214]

Nick work! 👍❤️

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@markmahan6868]

As always it's a pleasure to watch you guys work. I live in Italy and I have a suspicion that some Italian brands that send shoes to the States may not send their best. I've had fantastic luck with Fabi shoes, both Blake as well as Goodyear. Enzo Bonafè is another great name of the highest quality but in the upper tier price wise. The Fratelli Rossetti brand is another good company in the €400 range.

[@marianosorgato990]

I have a pair Of Sutor Mantellassi I am pleased with. Great work guys on the tod’s. Ah also Car’s Shoe after Prada took over. 😉

[@nodieusa]

I own a couple of pairs of M Gemi (Sacca) unconstructed loafers. They are super low profile and I really want to send them to you guys to add sole protectors to extend their usable lives. They are great for running errands or strolling through airports but I don't wear them when I have to walk for hours. I really enjoy the look of low profile shoes but I don't understand how Europeans walk through those cobblestones streets with them.

[@TrentonHeath]

nodieusa We appreciate you sharing! Feel free to send them to us any time. Yes, I definitely agree. I love low profile loafers as well, but those cobblestone streets are definitely hard on the feet.

[@sandro1a2b]

Nice vid! Gucci and Prada make a classic, crafted loafer that wears well and is often timeless (Prada potentially less so). Also a To Boot NY fan, best deal in men's Italian footwear especially on the pre-owned market.

[@six-star-hotels5698]

I love Church's shoes. Last very long and I never have a problem with them.

[@Hamsterzilla1349]

Yeah companies that still manufacture in Northampton like Church's or Tricker's are very strong. If you're into that classic, solid English look it's a great buy.

[@hanxta8564]

Bruno Magli. Fantastic loafers and boots !

[@speedy22111992]

Bought a new pair of Tod‘s for 50€ on eBay and dyed them from tan to chocolate brown with a slight patina. Now after wearing them for one summer only the soles are falling apart because they were made of leather with rubber pebbles in it. As soon as the rubber was worn down, the leather between the pebbles was cracking, creating a whole that got bigger each time I wore them. Also the stitching in the toe area is failing, so my cobbler told me a proper repair with resoling and exchanging the the plastic heel block would be 190€. Now I’m fighting myself to get that done as I only paid 50€ and I’m a student on a budget myself, but also put some work in them and have to admit that they’re nice for some casual days.. Anyway, thanks for showing how a pair of Tod‘s should look like! That’s definitely something I would want to be done on my Tod‘s as well. Oh and a question on the side: is it possible to turn a Blake stitched shoe into a Goodyear welted? I guess that’s what my cobbler suggested if I got him right. Best regards from Berlin

[@TrentonHeath]

HiSpeed_Gent Sorry to hear that. I know that’s frustrating. No, it’s not really possible to turn a blake stitched shoe into a Goodyear welted shoe. A person would need the exact last for the shoe, and on top of other things, it wouldn’t be worth it cost. Did your cobbler mention doing a half sole and/or putting on sole protectors? It’s not ideal to do a half sole on low profile shoes like Tods, but it’s possible and definitely cheaper. By the way, our family lived in Germany for 6 years. We were on the other side of the country near Aachen.

[@Houston_Realtor]

Like the shirt ! Mizzen & Main ? I wear Magnanni, to boot new york, Gucci, Ferragamo, ect. My favorite so far is the Gucci 1953 horsebit loafers

[@OhadSebbag]

My current daily's are Herring wingtips and a pair of Spanish Lottusse (which are absolutely amazing) and a pair of To Boot New York suede wingtip derby's that are holding up very well for the past 3-4 years, I'm wearing them 2-3 times a week I've had Ted Baker Guri 7 and Clark's.. great shoes, last for about a year, maybe just over. The latest purchase are AE McTavish.. can't wait for them to arrive :)

[@amyhedrick4395]

Tods is my favorite brand. I have 3 pairs. I was very disappointed when I took a well worn in pair to get a new sole and my local cobbler ruined them☹️

[@ulrichbarth6544]

Hi guys! I personally have a pair of Prada Loafers, which are kind of rare, because they have kind of glued on, rounded rubber soles on it. So they are not - of course - high end quality as Goodyear welted ones, but the upper leather is black cordovan leather and I LOVE them! I wear them since 2o years (!) and they still look pretty and the soles aren't worn-out!

[@MrCamful]

I love my Bruno Magli’s they are super low profile so comfortable

[@mouadfaridi7348]

My man, you have to try working on some J.M Weston mocassin. They are the best. Love your work.

[@nigel4442]

Great job

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@keekeefries6298]

Would love to see you guys work on some Ballys. For low profile they are great. I don’t know what stitching they use but my pair of penny loafers have stood the test of time. They like to use rubber bottoms on their loafer style shoes so would be interested to know if they just glue or stitch and glue. I assume the later. Great channel btw!

[@hershbagelstein545]

Zelli Italian distributed out of Houston. Really light excellent loafer. I have two pairs of their Chukka boots. Shoes maintain their form and have good wear.

[@TrentonHeath]

LARRY LANG Thanks for sharing!

[@HuyNguyen-qg4vk]

Good one !

[@fabiennefonder7235]

I wear Tod’s shoes only (mostly flat loafers), they keep for years and years and are the most comfortable shoes I ever experienced.

[@andreswada6201]

Great video, can you make one of removing mold for anoiled leather shoes? i have one pair of boots and smells bad!

[@Enemji]

1:40 It is my understanding that the Blake Stich provides the opportunity to make a sleeker shoe, which is what Italian Shoes are all about. The Goodyear welt on the other hand are easier as the stiching is from the outside but also make the shoes look more boot-tough looking with that extra wide sole that is wider than your footbed.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Dead on. Goodyear construction is more bulky, Blake is sleek. Lightweight dress shoes shouldn't be exposed to the hard work of a daily walker and are more pointed toward style. Honestly, Blake construction looks better, is lighter, and can be easily resoled by a cobbler with the right machine.

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

You made them better then when they left todds😊👍

[@antoniocrawley]

Love your work, I am in England and love my shoes ha, I also do shoe repairs mainly for friends and enjoy working on a good quality shoe, I own 60 pairs of shoes and can say that Russel and Bromley are way ahead in quality but you do pay for that, there is a great brand also called Steptronic they are the most comfortable shoes ever, third favourite go to Rockport they just seem to last forever, keep up the great work.

[@tdgarage4012]

I was just about to pull the trigger on a pair of Tod's loafers and now I'm back to trying to figure out what to get.

[@MindbodyMedic]

I was close to buying a pair of Tods at 72% discount off RRP, they were brown suede chukkas. Didn't have them in hand and couldn't find any opinions on quality so pulled back, even though I really wanted them. I think this video tells its own story, you did a better job than factory...something that should never be the case on a $500 plus pair of shoes

[@robertpadgett8202]

I am a fan of Zelli's. Fit well comfortable and wear well.