Quick Cobbler - Vancouver Canada

[suitforcourt]

Dear SF brothers,

I've been posting about my experiences with cordwainer/cobblers in Canada who use Joh Rendenbach soles (http://www.lederfabrik-rendenbach.de/1/benefits-of-jr-leather/) considered to be one of the best leather soles for men's shoes.

So this is a review for Quick Cobbler in Vancouver: http://www.quickcobbler.com/

Multi-generational cobblers originating from the Netherlands. Seems like they have a loyal and strong client base out west, along with some interesting international clientele as well.

Costs will be $139 + tax for basic recraft package. Plus return postage, and other recommended work by the cobblers.

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I'm sending the following pair of VERY interesting shoes for a full recraft. I swapped these with a SF community member in Winnipeg.

Shoe size: 9D

Brand: Unclear. But there is a "Royal Imperial" green label attached, indicating Florsheim. The soles say "Custom Grade - Made in Canada" and heels are from Dacks. I know that Florsheim used to make shoes in Canada, so quite possibly a very vintage pair. The insoles are Hartt, but don't look like the original to me.

My guess: Made in Canada Florsheim shoes, that were given new heels from Dacks, and new insole from Hartt. Most logical explanation.

Condition: Good. Soles definitely need to be replaced. The interior shows lots of wear. Some patch work on heel guard area needs to be done. Perfect pair of shoes to test a cobbler's skill.

Sending them off today, expect to get them back in 3-4 weeks. Will post the final product later. Can't wait.

 

[suitforcourt]

Update from Quick Cobbler: Pictures of the work in progress

 

[suitforcourt]

The final product and verdict:

1. Repairs made to worn heel in body area (leather patch stitched over);

2. For sole, there is a channel and groove to protect the stitching;

3. The fit is tighter, signalling that the last was the right size;

4. On my feet for a few hours, and shoes are very comfortable.

Verdict: I highly recommend this recraft. Very reasonably priced, and work done properly.

Here are the post-pics:

 

[othertravel]

Very nice! Thanks for the write up.

 

[suitforcourt]

Very nice! Thanks for the write up.

May I ask, which cobbler you've been using? Is he in Toronto area?

So now I've used Quick Cobbler ($139) in Vancouver, and Atelier L'Egide in Montreal ($250). Both do great work, but extra costs of shipping both ways.

I haven't been able to find a Toronto cobbler who uses Joh Rendenbach soles.

 

[clarkyin]

Very nice write up! helped me a lot, still annoyed nothing this good is in Toronto!!! Been mostly installing toe taps and replacing heel to avoid resole. So far it's been ok in Toronto.

 

[suitforcourt]

Very nice write up! helped me a lot, still annoyed nothing this good is in Toronto!!! Been mostly installing toe taps and replacing heel to avoid resole. So far it's been ok in Toronto.

Nothing wrong with toe taps and replacing heel.

But at some point, no matter how high quality, the sole has to be replaced.

I really endorse L'Atelier Egide in Montreal http://www.styleforum.net/t/528739/...mi-shoe-cobbler-cordwainer-in-montreal-quebec, but he charges $250.

Quick Cobbler's price is $139, which is a huge difference, and work is still acceptable.

I am very shocked that Toronto doesn't have any cobblers that use Joh Rendenbach. Or even heard of it. The JR soles should last many many years, especially if you have a proper rotation of dress shoes (I have 21 pairs, and wear dress shoes 15-20 days a month).

The alternative is B Nelson in NYC. In my view, they are one of the best cobbler stores anywhere. Prices are fair (except for our exchange rate) and the work is consistently of the highest calibre. Nick V knows his craft, and loves it. And it does show.

 

[clarkyin]

Yeah, my work doesn't require Dress shoes so much but all my shoes are leather bottoms of some sort (carminas, aldens, enzo bonafe) somewhere around 8 shoes but i really only rotate through half of them.

Yeah i think i'll do Vancouver one down the road, it's a 50% price difference from the montreal!!

 

[suitforcourt]

Yeah, my work doesn't require Dress shoes so much but all my shoes are leather bottoms of some sort (carminas, aldens, enzo bonafe) somewhere around 8 shoes but i really only rotate through half of them.

Yeah i think i'll do Vancouver one down the road, it's a 50% price difference from the montreal!!

If you look at my 2 reviews, the major difference is that Laurent (Montreal) only uses hand for all work.

Quick Cobbler does use machines (per their own pictures they sent me). So hand work obviously costs more, but does usually mean a better result (not always).

For the price difference, it depends on what you're looking for. The pair sent to Laurent were still in pretty good shape.

The pair sent to Quick Cobbler were totally beaters.

 

[clarkyin]

Quote:
Right i read that. But what i am understanding here is that all my shoes are not Hand stitched besides Enzo Bonafe. Carmina, Alden are both using Goodyearwelt, is the Cobbler in Vancouver using goodyear welt machine and if so wouldn't it be enough/the right one and best value to go for? Thanks

 

[suitforcourt]



Quote:
Right i read that. But what i am understanding here is that all my shoes are not Hand stitched besides Enzo Bonafe. Carmina, Alden are both using Goodyearwelt, is the Cobbler in Vancouver using goodyear welt machine and if so wouldn't it be enough/the right one and best value to go for? Thanks

Quick Cobbler in Vancouver uses machine to stitch the Goodyear welt. It is enough. Hand stitched Goodyear welt is not necessary. I guess I appreciate hand work. All that to say - Quick Cobbler is best value for Goodyear welt, especially since they use Joh Redenbach sole.

 

[clarkyin]

Quick Cobbler in Vancouver uses machine to stitch the Goodyear welt. It is enough.

Hand stitched Goodyear welt is not necessary. I guess I appreciate hand work.

All that to say - Quick Cobbler is best value for Goodyear welt, especially since they use Joh Redenbach sole.

Got it yeah, i agree. I will use montreal one for my enzo since it was hand welted from the get go

 

[suitforcourt]



Got it yeah, i agree. I will use montreal one for my enzo since it was hand welted from the get go

Put up before and after pics for everyone. Can never get enough shoe Appreciation!

 

[suitforcourt]

Update: spent over 16 hours in these shoes. My feet aren't tired at all. The recraft is top notch.

 

[suitforcourt]

Sending 2 pairs to Ron and team at QC today.

1. Dacks Seneca - walnut colour - made in England by Cheaney - needs full recraft. Not bad condition as I always use shoe trees and leather conditioner. These are going on 10 years of service. First recraft.

2. Royal Tweed by Cheaney - dark brown brogues - made in England - needs full recraft. Bought these used for pennies. Definitely needs full recraft but still in great condition. I put a few rounds of Bick 4 on these beauties.

I will seek cat paw heels for both. The two pairs are still in excellent condition - no tears, rips, or damages to both or interiors.

Should have the results sometime in April/May.