What Would YOU Pay to Restore These?? - Beat Up Red Wing Moc Toe Boots

[@TrentonHeath]

Click sheathunderwear.com/th2023 and with code TH2023 enjoy a special offer from SHEATH off your total order! Thank you SHEATH for partnering with us on this video!

[@mattreiners1905]

Is it possible to have a pair of RW 411 remade and have the waterproof material taken out and vamp leather replaced?

[@vargasp64]

I would have them replaced. They looked awesome. And I still have my comfort. I would like to find an old pair of red wings and have the souls redone. Are you guys thank you very much.

[@MKucheran]

Gonna applaud Forest’s technique with applying the cork. Very smooth, very even, very neat, and little to no waste. That’s a man that takes pride in his work. Good job!

[@kd5byb]

I was thinking the exact same thing! Forest is a Jedi-Master with the hot cork. Very nice!

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Yep...straight up felon with the hot cork.

[@taylorstagg9548]

F’n dribbled acetone all over a finished wood table top tho… lol

[@davidsherrill9121]

4 dollars of materials

[@donaldholman9070]

in the 70’s my boots needed new soles. I was in Chicago and I asked all the people I worked with where was a shoe repair store. They all looked at me as if I was crazy. They said,”no one does that anymore. I looked and looked and could not find anyone. I was heartbroken. I am glad to see you all in business!

[@franciscomolina8104]

5310 s Kedzie Chicago Ilinois shoe repair

[@rudyjuarez2834]

There's still ALOT of shoe repair shops here in Chicago. Thinking those individuals just aren't aware. Probably bc they are all mom n pop joints

[@sharryjones5200]

Thanks for introducing Forrest. He seems to be a good fit. It's always worth having the rework done on most shoes. As long as the uppers are in good shape, you are saving money and product waste.

[@procrastinator9]

Worth it on good shoes. Lots of shoes are not made for repairing.

[@allenbuck5589]

I’m a retired carpenter superintendent. I worked in boots for forty seven years in boot including my military time from 71 -1974. Marines. You bet I have in the past had boots rebuilt. But when I found Georgia Boots at a old gas station in N C. Around 1996. I stopped. I’ve wore all brands over the years. Dam hard to break in. Sears diehards. A very good boot but always blistered my feet. Had them rebuilt a lot. But find a place like you two men is all but gone. You two do great work. I enjoy watching you work. And the end results are crazy good. Thanks from. Sc.

[@brianathern9154]

I've had my Redwing boots for 18 years and 1 good $120 resole through them. I wouldn't trade them for the world. Best advice I ever got from the tool truck guy coming into the shop when I was a young buck... You can buy a cheaper wrench or socket for the job and still perform well but don't cheat your feet. Now with some boot conditioning cream and color I was able to do a decent touch up. Still better than $275-$300 to replace them

[@Everythingisgoingtobealright]

I started buying lots of pairs of cheap boots (I have about 10 pairs right now) and good insoles. I wear a different pair every day and throw them out as soon as the soles start to show wear. My feet and knees have not felt better in 20 years. I reuse the insoles for years.

[@steveheas7954]

Forrest takes pride in his work! Put him in more videos. He is a good addition to your team!

[@mattlee341]

Thank you for the video. Absolutely love your channel. Another reason to restore your shoes (and anything for that matter - cars, furniture, clothes, you name it) is our environment. Repair and reuse as much as we can and reduce trash is the thing we should consider when we think of our children. Big thanks to our cobbler friends!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks! We appreciate you watching.

[@Panhead49EL]

During the hot corking I thought hmm, he's taking more care than they usually do. Then Forrest was revealed. So yes, he really is making you guys look good.

[@NonLegitNation2]

I think a good point to be made too, is that the care or restoration of the upper can be done by the owner, it's not that hard to get some leather conditioner and dye and apply it to make the uppers look really good again. I really would have loved to see you restore the uppers but as you said that's not part of a basic resole.

[@I_THE_ME]

Applying dye to the upper isn't even needed to keep the boots in hood shape. Easiest way is to have a brush with lots of conditioner or oil in it and give the boots a quick brush every now and then.

[@davewood406]

​@@I_THE_ME The boots sounded like they still needed a few rounds of oiling with some boot oil. As much as they'll hold.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

@@davewood406Agreed. I oil mine up heavily and set them out in the sun, an hour or so later do it again until they quit drinking it up.

[@oldsagerat]

You can almost hear that boot sigh with relief when that conditioner goes on ! Sweet rebuild !

[@iamlazarow3526]

Thank you for explaining to us what a basic resole process is. Most of us would have thought we get all the works you guys show in the majority of your videos.

[@TrentonHeath]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@igerce]

Some 30 years ago, in a different country, life forced me into a cobbler profession, and I fell in love with it. I did not know then, but a few years later I became a student in a university in another different country, and that's how I survived those crazy years (everyone of our students wore a pair of boots and shoes, had their leather bags and purses, and I was the guy who gladly repaired them all with some basic tools and supplies). Many years later, I live in the US, not really far from Nashville, work in a completely different industry, and really enjoy your video. However, the profession of a cobbler helped me to survive through the roughest times in a country with a completely collapsed economy. BTW, the repair , shown in this video would cost to customer about $6-8 then and there.

[@rodconner9079]

Things to appreciate; feasible and simple; it's what the customer wanted. Typically, things or services in this case, are only worth what a person will pay for. I'd wager, the owner of these boots is tickled happy to have these back - esp at the cost of replacement, plus knowing the reputation of workmanship/quality he's getting for this dollar spent. ... And I'm happy for him. At times, simple & feasible are nearly priceless! :) Nice work Gents! Be Safe

[@sisleymichael]

I am a fan of the Thorogood moc toes. I have one pair I was able to get three resoles on. Given their price, resoling DOES make sense. A new sole on a fully broken in boot is outstanding for my tired old feet. I have several pair in order to let them dry out overnight. Also, when you leave one pair to get new soles, it might be a while to get them back, so you need another spare pair to keep doing your daily work. I live on a ranch in South Texas. The rocks and cactus and brush beat your footwear up fiercely. The summer heat makes for a ton of sweat. You need several pairs to keep going. Age brings flat feet, wider feet, and the moc toe wedge soles are about the best comfort I can get. I do try to take care of my boots. I saddle soap them, use Bick4 to hydrate, as needed, and I really do not use polish, sort of pointless. Just my perspective.

[@sleepystar1638]

Sir, you sound like you’ve got some stories on you. If you could only give one lesson to a passing stranger, what might you say?

[@edrader]

@@sleepystar1638 buy low. sell high

[@sleepystar1638]

@@edrader not about money, as anything physical is nothing but dust to me, Wisdom is my treasure.

[@Roguefoxx]

Those boots look very comfortable even though they're rough looking. Also, thank you for bringing manufacturing back to the United States, much appreciated. I'll be looking forward to grabbing a couple pairs of sandals when they're available.

[@TrentonHeath]

You’re welcome! We’d really appreciate it. They should be launching in another 2-3 weeks.

[@chrismaclean6289]

I do flat roofing and am on average purchasing 2-3 pairs of boots each year. After seeing cost comparison I think I may look into cobbler repairs, I wish you guys were closer (Im in Canada) you’re quality of work is top notch!

[@curtisd8206]

If you use redwing shoes, alot of the retailers will also do shoe repairs and resoles for you

[@glenninn]

Connor, when you apply the acetone, you should also do that under the vent hood. The acetone fumes are not good to inhale

[@brianmyer8094]

I’ve got some redwings that were my first pair before I knew how to properly care for them that are in worse shape than that if you guys want to make a video with them. The soles are completely worn through and cracked and the front has holes in them from being a cabinet installer and kneeling a lot. I’ve gotten other pairs since then that I care for now but I’ve never had the heart to throw those away because they changed my working life once I got that pair of boots!!

[@Jake.r.reinhart]

Outside of the monetary value, there is something meaningful about choosing to repair something that was well made and served you well. In my opinion the look way cooler than a new pair.

[@krustysurfer]

Absolutely🙌

[@jenniferandrew3373]

My old hiking boots went through 5 resoles before the uppers finally died. 30 years of rocks, roots, desert sand, swamp, river crossings, and really rough stuff. Once my current boots get broken in, they'll also get resoled until the uppers finally give up. There is nothing more comfortable than a broken-in pair of boots.

[@eddieparedez3207]

I know nothing about re building boots but I can watch you do it all day

[@billystpaul8907]

Another quality video. I am wondering if my 3 yr old Danner Bull Run Moc Toes worth getting resoled? I took very good care of them and they look a lot better than these Red Wings. The welt and everything else is good, just the sole is worn out..I would like your views on resoleing them. They are $260 a pair. Thanks..

[@kylewaterman2961]

It was enjoyable to watch you work on shoes. It’s a lost trait. My father was a shoe repairman for over 45 years. A lot of the machines that are used in the shop are easily over 100 years old. I’ll miss him very much lost him two weeks ago at age 78. I am now tasked with trying to sell his business or machinery. It breaks my heart to know that I may have to break up his business and sell his machinery. My father, all the way till the age of 65 had hands and forearms bigger than Popeye himself. from swinging a hammer all day long in his shop. My friends used to say they bet he could almost crush a bowling ball. Thanks for the video. Keep up the great work.

[@GLHS592]

I have a pair of Redwings in similar condition. Financially speaking, they should just be thrown away. My Papaw gave them to me a few years before he died, so I would never put them in the trash. I could kick myself for not taking care of them. It would be worth it, to me, to send them in for "restoration". I put them in a safe place a few years ago. I just can't remember where that safe place is for the moment. When I find that safe place, I will contact you abut fixing them up.

[@rlhanks]

As an industrial electrician in the Detroit area, I only buy RedWing boots, #2414. I pay around $350 per pair. The soles last about 24 months, I have them replaced by RedWing only. The local RedWing store will send them to Minnesota when requested, so that's what I do because I am not aware of any specialist in the area. The local store charges $125 OTD. The boots come back with a general cleaning, oiled, new soles and insoles. I never replace the laces, they last as long as the boot(amazing but true). Each set of boots generally lasts eight years. I will be buried in my RedWings and Levis, in my line of work there is no substitute.

[@rodneymcdermott5303]

The laces they use on their work boots are AMAZING! I’ve worn 2408 for years. Recently switched to the 2405 (slip on instead of lace up). Generally get 2 years per resoling, and can generally resole 3 times. Only boot I wear. Welder/steel worker. Millwright

[@jncook54]

I enjoy these videos so much, I've started hanging out at my local shoe repair shop. Got to polish a few shoes the other day and love it! It may be time for a 4th career.

[@TrentonHeath]

Right on! Glad you enjoy it.

[@davidcooper8797]

I've reached out to a preferred local shop, looking to het my hands dirty. No go.

[@ghcan1]

Hang out at your local shoe repair? I have worked in shoe repair for 25 years, I don’t have time to have people hang out at my work .

[@HeritageCast]

This is really cool. And steal my idea. Get factory seconds from Redwing, Thorogood, etc. Throw a fantastic bottom on them. And sell them for chairty. So you charge your cost and send the extra to Warrior Angels Foundation and support traumatic brain injury survivors. Also something to look into an idea ive been kicking around. Is having a local community college create a Cobbler Trade Course, license it with the school for experts like T&A to come in and teach or you fly students there. And you make a scaled resole business where you can get boots done in a week if you have enough people. Nobody has done this nationwide yet so take my idea and donate to Warrior Angels ;)

[@HeritageCast]

Also its worth paying a cobbler to teach you. Obviously this is a small business and relationship driven where the CEO and HR is the cobbler lol. So this is when you work out a deal and pay them to teach you. And you call up any PNW boot company and fly out and do the same. Hell Nicks, Whites, Franks may even just hire you. Worth it to ask.

[@staric4863]

Thank you to perpetuate such an old knowledge. A real pleasure to watch. You guys are real craftman working with brands designed to last. A big fudge to the scheduled obsolescence. Keep it that way. Many many thanks.

[@joshuasmith7076]

Just got my 1907’s resoled after 4.5 years of wear. Went to the local cobbler and paid ~110$. They conditioned them without even asking and they basically look brand new other that the patina that’s developed over the 4 years. I’ll keep resoling them my whole life if I can, if it means not having to break in another pair.

[@michaelxr2460]

I have a pair of 1907s and just resoled them as well. They are fantastic boots.

[@jedisith3864]

​@@michaelxr2460what did you pay?

[@13Voodoobilly69]

@@jedisith3864He said in the comment…

[@jimmylarge1148]

@@jedisith3864he said 110 but I’ve heard it’s usually 80-150 depending on boots and soles put on etc.

[@iandobbs7823]

He didn't ask the poster of the original comment...@@13Voodoobilly69

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

In a a day and age when cobblers are rare to find because of cheap plastic "almost single use" shoes, it's nice to see your business growing and be successful enough to hire people.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you so much!

[@zyxw2000]

I'm a woman too, and I don't see them restoring women's shoes. They're so poorly made that it's not worth it.

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

@@zyxw2000 Yeah most of them are. because *fashion* erg!

[@pinsandscrews6459]

as someone who had a pair that I had resoled until they couldn't be repaired again without extensive work on the uppers to have something for the welt to attach to. 20 years of near daily wear, most of that on motorcycle. It was also 1/3 the price to resole than it was to buy new replacements. I also want to mention that I always took the time to clean the boots really well, but not polish or re-wax them before taking them in. My Cobbler really appreciated it.

[@floydsmith2296]

My first time commenting to your videos. I've watched many of your videos because I enjoy watching artisans do their craft. Anyway... Virtually EVERYTHING I buy these days I ask myself, "Will this last the rest of my life?" (I'm 58yo) I don't give two hoots about what's trendy or fashionable. I want classic quality and durability. Based on the videos I've watched, I'd say you guys have that in spades. I would pay to have a quality pair of boots re-soled to give me many more years of wear. (Unlike the guy who owns the boots in this video, I DO give regular care and service to my boots to make them last as long as possible) Thanks for the educational videos. I enjoy them very much.

[@TrentonHeath]

Very true! Glad you enjoyed. We appreciate you watching!

[@mermaidmuncher2708]

Get yourself a pair of Nicks, custom hand made boot. They are truly built to last. It will be the last boot you will ever have to buy.

[@topcat5988]

I have always wanted to learn how to repair boots and shoes. I don’t know why but it has always fascinated me. Wish I could have learned how. Great to watch you guys and welcome, welcome Forest!

[@wayne9518]

My work boots are on their 4th resole. The last time, when I picked them up the man said that it might be the last time. I’ll find out in about 6 months when I bring them in again. They were tough to break in the first time back in 2009. Wow! That’s 14 years, time flies. They are like old friends but better. And a lot less $$$ than new. The pair of Redwings I had before that I had for ten years but a change in my feet made them hard to wear. I had them resoled for the third time with “comfort sole”(???) and kept them in my gear bag as backups but didn’t wear them. I gave them to a coworker that needed steel toed boots. With his insoles they were almost perfect for him.

[@gtrplr778]

Really first class work, you go the extra mile and it shows. Your customers are pleased and thankful. You can't get much better than that.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@mconfluence]

I'm looking for a great pair of boot laces for my Georgia logger work boots that will last a good bit longer than the original ones. What would you guy's recommend?

[@pambroselli]

I've always thought my resoled shoes feel better than new. Thank you for the great content.

[@williamberry509]

$75.00 last fall when I had mine redone. Sam style boot , same sole. 2nd time for resole. Well over 200 for new boots. Have them done again later this year. I do treat and take care of mine

[@williamberry509]

My boots are going on 3yrs old. Wear them 5 days a week 10 to 12 hrs a day

[@Old_Sailor85]

I've had a beautiful pair of cowboy boots ruined by a "cobbler" that was butcher. I wanted a re-sole and they literally glued a rubber sole over the original leather sole. This was before KZbin, so I figured I was screwed. Small town, not much choice in shoe repair. They never felt the same and were horrible. I would definitely pay a premium to have someone like you folks perform an overhaul. You combine craft, art, and mechanics in one job.

[@TrentonHeath]

Yeah, unfortunately some folks out there just don’t do strive for quality work.

[@warrenbfeagins]

Great work Trenton. Really. We've witnessed your wizardry and also learned, it is easier to simply take care of your footwear before they get to a certain point.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks! So true.

[@jumpoutboi014]

I have a pair of Danner boots I have worn on duty for 10 years. I'm on my 4th sole. $300 new, resoled for $100 x 4, no regrets. Love those boots. Like wearing a favorite sweater. I love hearing people complain about the cost of their boots when I'm wearing $700 and countless miles on my feet.

[@j.l.emerson592]

I noticed that you have a new glue container/applicator on the glue bench. I was wondering where Mount Potter was & then spotted it... Whew!!! How old is it? Will you keep it? Mount Potter is pretty much a signature part of your shop. It looks like an erupting volcano, that's why I call it Mount Potter. I hope you'll keep it just for old times' sake.

[@TrentonHeath]

Haha…we still have it and use it daily. We just started incorporating a different brand of glue as well and have a different pot for it.

[@kennethhockey2598]

Enjoyed meeting Forrest, besides watching him work a little I thought he was well spoken as well. These particular boots I feel were worth it. Thank you ☺️👍

[@skotskiable]

That "Sheath" commercial really caught me off guard and I couldn't help but laugh out loud! Thank you! I needed that today.

[@markduncan6690]

These Boots are PERFECt! Better than Brand New!

[@AnthemBassMan]

Absolutely worth the cost! As long as the upper leather isn’t ruined, they will still fit and feel like the original boots when they get them back. They’re like a well worn leather glove. All of the stress/flex points are loose and fit the person’s feet and ankles.

[@JW-dy9gm]

There's nothing more comfortable than a pair of shoes you've worn into perfection. I'd take restored over a new pair any day.

[@mjay4700]

Thanks for giving a little background on someone we, as viewers, may have had questions about. That's cool he's from Franklin, TN. I visited there not too long ago and fell in love with it. The small town charm, great people and food, plentiful antique stores, rolling countryside hills with multicolored trees.. It's where I'd live if I was moving to that region.

[@TrentonHeath]

Franklin is such a great town! Love it here.

[@nelks1284]

I just love watching the whole process!

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

If I may make a suggestion (I'm a woodworker): make an airtight cupboard for your dust extraction filter, and vent it outside (maybe with a small extraction fan). The filters pass 2.5 micron and smaller dust particles into the air, and whilst they're not as dangerous as 5-10 micron particles that a well-maintained & regularly cleaned pleated filter will catch, there's still some risk to your pulmonary system (the chromium salts in the leather dust are probably carcinogenic).

[@carlinman539]

Loved the deep dive of skills involved to resole boots. Looks simple, but I know the skill involved. Thank you great content!

[@Bobdylan-k4d]

I have a pair that I used as a contractor and now as a lowboy equipment hauler. Walked 100s and 100s of miles and driven 1000s wearing these. Over 20 states and who knows cities and I want them restored once they start going down hill but they still look pretty good. Every couple.mouths I take a horse hair brush and dust em then add bees wax. Double H boots and they still look good.

[@davebenson1021]

I love your videos. It seems to be a a dying art. So impressive the workmanship you three put into your craft. Looks like you have some nice equipment. I bet it is hard to find these days. Keep making and I'll keep watching. Thank you.

[@eric8851]

I have the same boots. Have had them for 3 years now, I wear them on the farm but take care of them. They will last nearly forever with new soles as needed. Having a broken in pair of boots? Worth their weight in gold! So yes well worth it!

[@OGRH]

I think they look great! Boots were made for walking and that's just what they'll do! The owner can clean them & condition them and he has likely already planned on doing so when he gets them back!

[@megamanmojo]

love the videos guys, just got my boots back from a resole and they came out great. thank you so much and keep up the good work!

[@joem.7621]

The Forest interview was definitely the highlight of this video.

[@TrentonHeath]

We enjoyed it. 😉

[@WaylonI]

I believe it’s worth it. As a man who runs through those wedge soles every six months or so, I’d be insane to buy another pair instead of having them resoled. To me, I only replace the boots the moment the uppers become thrashed. Need it a pair of Redwing 877s, Danner bullruns or 8” Thorogoods; I always get American made boots that are easy to resole.

[@dangridley7534]

Great video. One request- I wish you would do more to explain each step of the process as you go and the reasoning why you do things the way you do.

[@HobbyAddictions]

I am looking for a new pair of boots and having a hard time to deciding between Thorogood and Red wing. As I was viewing the loads of reviews; making me even more confused, I came across yours. May be good that I did, because that brings up a question: Is there a difference in having either of those brands resoled? I am not in construction, but do a lot of yard work. I bought a cheap pair of boots when landscaping my backyard, and when I took them in to get re-done, the Cobbler said he couldn't. He said to buy a good pair, like Red Wing. I did just that.... I bought a pair of Irish Setters and to my dismay, they sized me wrong and believing the person that helped me by saying they would stretch out; well, they didn't. Any suggestions would be appreciated, and great video!

[@travisk5610]

The one other part of the pricing is shipping, whci adds another $60-80 when you count both ways. So for shoes under $300 or so it's pretty much a matter of preference whether to have them resoled or replace them.

[@TrentonHeath]

Yikes! That’s some expensive shipping! I agree though. Shipping expenses, if you’re mailing them off, are an additional cost.

[@jedisith3864]

​@@TrentonHeathyeah you should see what we pay here in Canada, conversion to USD makes it look nice but as a resident it's a joke.

[@Battle_Beard]

Forrest has the whiskers necessary for greatness.

[@paul_domici]

Great Job guys!!! Welcome Forest!!!!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@darylhill9400]

The old ones are way better than new ! Mine are two years old! And they’re getting better and better, I’ll be sending my redwing 1907’s To you guys eventually To put on Vibram soles hopefully

[@thinktank8286]

Just found your channel. Thank you for your work! Would you have a video about the anatomy of a boot? Things like what is a "gimmie". How did you get into this trade?

[@AHmad-pm4pb]

Yes ! 💯 % I will resole if I can find a pro cobbler like you guys. This red wing has taken the owner feet. Its better than buying new.

[@krustysurfer]

I wish you lived closer to me because I have a pair of Red Wing model 2442 11EE that need the once over twice. They were made in Vietnam they were nearly $300 after tax. I have owned the boots for 22 months and they are done. They were the most painful boot to break in that I've ever owned. However after 3 months they became good friends protecting my feet from rough environments I encounter in day-to-day work in construction and Tree service. The leather is getting worn out on the toe cap I've blown out the stitching in several places(toes and heel) and the soles are worn out in several places Needing resoling and restitching. What would a repair like this even cost? How much time would it take to repair? Is it worth emailing the boots to you or should I find somebody closer to do the repair? Or should I just go by replacements? $300 though for less than 2 years of work is steep I've had Dickies work boots wear just as long if not more for a third of the price. (Sigh) Create video thanks for showing us your craftsmanship you are a jewel in today's world of single serving items.

[@ttop64]

Breaking in new boots is a pain so yeah I would pay to have them resoled. BTW I was at Goodwill the other day and saw a nice pair of black chukka boots and upon closer inspection I saw they were Cole Haans with a one piece sole/heel combo. So I put them back on the shelf. Until I started watching you guys I wouldn't have known what to avoid when looking for shoes so thank you.

[@floydsmith2296]

Me too!!! Everything this guy said

[@ChicanoOne760]

DANNER boots feel good day 1

[@hughanderson7285]

Great video! If you did that job with the lightest possible soles, which would they be? Would the boot be much lighter? I understand that they’d be less durable.

[@mjay4700]

I think the "Is it worth it?" thing can be processed 2 ways: Sentimental Attachment and Dollars and Sense. Sentimental: I can understand if the shoes were a gift, belonged to someone no longer around, etc to where the item will always be kept and cherished no matter the condition. In those cases the cost doesn't matter as much as keeping the original "fabric" of the item to retain the patina, memory, etc. Dollars/Sense: Personally, if my Red Wings were that excessively worn I would get a new pair of boots and retire the old ones to a shelf. Would be kinda hard to just throw them away. Maybe donate at worst. But the fresh brand new soles on an excessively worn pair of boots just doesn't look cohesive and the uppers may give out before the soles do. I would want brand new boots to wear, break in, etc for another 10+ years. If the cost is about $150 resole VS $350 new I think the extra $200 or so in having brand new leather uppers, insoles, etc would be worth it for appearance and long term wear. I've got a pair of 1907's and I'll probably have the soles replaced in 5-7 years, but the uppers are nowhere near as damaged as the ones featured in this video. Considering inflation and etc it'd almost be more economically wise to buy a brand new pair and store away.

[@RJWilsonNovels]

Quick question.... I am a veteran and i still have my old boots, they are in realllllllyyyyyy rough shape but was wondering if you would be willing to take on the challenge?

[@nickblood5040]

Thank you for that Trent, it answers a question I have often asked myself.

[@Maximvx]

Excellent video as always. Quick question: When you are putting the shoes on the big white grill, and then start the fan, I assume it's for heating so you can apply the glue or something along those lines there often seems to be a lot of other shoes there in different stages. How are those shoes affected by being heated and cooled off every now and then?

[@TrentonHeath]

Actually, that machine is for sucking out the glue vapors. With so many shoes to resole, and so much glue being used, the glue puts off a lot of vapors. The machine has charcoal filters that pull the vapors into the charcoal and keeps the air clean.

[@Maximvx]

@@TrentonHeath Ahaa, makes total sense, thanks for the reply :-)

[@eskallagrimsson]

I take my red wings back to my local store. They have their "complete package" for $150. That includes welts, resole, fixing any stitching, heel blocks, fixing eyelets and hooks, new laces, reconditioning and they give you a bottle of conditioner. They have cheaper options if you just need a sole or stitching fixes. It used to be $100 until the pandemic. They've always seemed to do a great job on mine and well worth it. I have wondered if a cobbler would do a better job but red wing has always seemed to do a good job for me.

[@eddywitay]

I love Red wing model 877's. I used them for work for about 16 years. Probably had 6 different pairs, they where resoled twice a year and repairs were made if needed. They look better with use. My dad told me his first pair cost 29 bucks in the early 70's.

[@stephenremington8448]

I think these are way better than new as they are now, cool patina and years of shaping to the owner's foot for comfort, but with a new sole to make them last for years more. Also saved money on the price.

[@18malikbarnes]

Awesome job! I think it’s worth it to restore/repair than buy a new pair. I personally like a boot with a little bit of wear and tear to them. Increases the ruggedness. P.S.- Thinking about trying out your sandals but saw online that all sandals are a B width. Is that just for women or men as well?

[@TrentonHeath]

That’s just for women. The men’s sandals are much wider and will accommodate a variety of feet widths.

[@jims5155]

Trenton and Heath you guys rock!!

[@TheSilentsniper1973]

Great video guys and most of the time it's worth it. Especially when you maintain your boots yourself the van last you a life time. My oldest pair of red wings is 17 years and resoled them 3 times

[@GreySectoid]

Exactly what I have been thinking for, is it worth resoling or should I just buy a new pair.

[@markmclaughlin2690]

Your prices are a great value, I can remember having a pair of Herman Survivors resoled when I was in the Army in 1989 at Ft Polk for $80 everything has gone up, but yours is still a good value for the quality you get. It was nice to meet Forest and see the new glue reactivating machine. As a side it is sad to see what became of the Herman Survivor brand, I loved those boots.

[@thevikingwanderer2675]

They practically went downhill

[@polhokustaa4989]

I think repairing and fixing an old item is always worth it. It saves (natural) resources when you don't have to manufacture a completely new item.

[@cowtownokla]

I really enjoyed this video. I always wonder what you do with the leather trimmings? Are they recycled in some fashion or discarded?

[@jedisith3864]

Only uses I find for trim is page/book markers. Basically a right triangle to "dog ear" a page. You can use thin strips to make just the hypotenuse line of the triangle with smaller bits. Takes just a few stitches that are easily done by hand. Quick, simple and practically no costs. I leave them in those "little libraries" and pass half a dozen around to the readers in my life most holidays. Using the whole hide can be great fun!

[@skotskiable]

No wonder I couldn't make a living at this 35 years ago. I used to do pretty much the same job for $30. But, going above and beyond the expectations was still worth it. I would do it again. By the way, I have one or two pieces of equipment left after closing up shop in '95 if you are interested. A "5-in-one" maybe? I also have some design history to share with you privately if you are interested in hearing about it.

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

In 34 years of construction, I've never heard a guy say I'm going to go home and condition my boot. I think most construction are to hard on their shoe and just buy new ones for the most part. I tried to resole a pair once within 3 months, and they split at the old seam. So, I probably will never go that route again. Good job .Thanks for sharing

[@edrader]

yep. that's the reality

[@CruelSun69]

That's more of a reflection of the guys you work with and yourself.

[@riptor7319]

Hey! Forrest finally made an official appearance! All right!

[@gerryholden]

I love the videos, I watch every one. The bit I didn’t like was your use of the press cutter (called a clicking press here in the UK) by using hand and forearm, leaving the other hand free to hold the work. It’s got two thumb switches as an essential safety mechanism, and I’m sure that you’re very careful and diligent but one unguarded moment! Best wishes

[@ammary215]

Is there a way to secure the gemming to the footbed with stitches without taking the footbed off and thus adding a lot more work?

[@radzer0966]

I have a pair of iron rangers. They are pretty new and the leather etc are nice still. What’s the chances of getting some straight slip resistant soles installed? They have a nice vibranm with a heel that’s like new but due to some health issues with my auditory nerve in the past those and stairs are a slow go. I’d rather pay to get them a straight sole that’s slip resistant. Any chance of that? Maybe a nice oiling and refinish with something dark as well.

[@mightyhavan]

Do you resole boot from overseas ? I had a pair of redwing goretex and would love to have Ice Cutter sole on it. I am impressed with your craftsmanship so much

[@ClaudeVanKot]

Forrest has done an absolut awesome job on the cork sole! Welcome my friend to your new family 😉🤟

[@mdrumt]

Do you generally condition uppers a part of a resole, is that part of the cost?

[@hsimms6320]

Do you guys have any other purpose for the leftover leather scraps that are cut off when trimming the midsole?

[@ChicanoOne760]

Dog food

[@amoa8661]

So, every time I send my boots in I can expect them to be re corked and a new piece of leather restricted on to the uppers? I was under the impression that all I got for the resole was just that, the white sole installed. Or that part of the video just for show? Please let me know. Thanks

[@namleets57]

Great job, since having hip surgery I have one leg longer than the other do you ever install wedges to build up a shoe. If you do I would like to see the process

[@ChicanoOne760]

Never. It disturbs the shops fung-shway

[@xxxxbigrich5752]

You guys definitely rock my daughter surprised me with a resole from you guys! I’m gonna be sending some work you’re way! In my city I could never get a good resole. Thank you!

[@TrentonHeath]

We’re always happy to help.

[@DavidLeBlanc]

The guy I take our shoes to for repair would look them over scowl and quiz me on why I waited so long to bring them in for repair and why didn't I take better care of them. Yes, they are worth repairing.

[@bluegrassman3040]

I would have told them, that what does it matter, your job is to repair the shoes.

[@rustyramblings5807]

I have my Dad’s pair of Red Wing boots that he got in the late 50s or early 60s.He sold shoes back then,and sold Red Wings.He wore those boots fishing for many years.I think he had them resoled more then once.But they are still in good overall condition.

[@leederdavid4782]

They look great even with a “basic” resole. Nice work!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks!

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Some people don't want a new pair of boots. They like the old broke-in feel and look. Well done.