You may have one or more pairs of shoes that are in need of resoling. In this article, we’ll talk about what you should know before sending your shoes to a cobbler’s shop and how to repair them yourself.
What is a Resole?
When your shoes start to show wear and tear, it’s time to take them in for a resole. A resole is a process of stabilizing the upper part of a shoe by restoring its shape and thickness. The result is a more durable shoe that will last longer.
There are many reputable resoling shops out there, but before you head off to get your shoes resoled, it’s important to know what kind of footwear you need to send them in for repair. Here is a guide to help you determine which type of shoe needs a resole:
- Athletic Shoes: Athletic shoes are designed to be used on a variety of surfaces, from pavement to trails. Because of this, they tend to wear out more quickly than other types of shoes. If you notice that your athletic shoes are starting to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to get them resealed.
- Sneakers: Sneakers can also be used for various activities, but they’re particularly well-suited for walking and running. As with athletic shoes, sneakers can start showing signs of wear and tear after extended use.
Where Should I Resole My Climbing Shoes?
There are a few places you can send your climbing shoes for repair. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may only need a minor fix or a full re-sole.
Minor repairs can be done at a local shoe repair shop. This is typically where you would go if you just needed to replace a sole or stretch the fabric a bit. Most shoe repair shops will be able to do a quick fix on most climbing shoes.
If the damage is more significant, or if you are unsure if it is a minor or major repair, you may want to take your shoes to a shoe repair specialist. A shoe repair specialist can correctly identify the damage and give you an estimate for how much it will cost to fix them. They may also be able to do more complex repairs like replacing soles or sewing in new fabrics.
If you are not confident about whether the repair needs to be done at a professional level, or if you are looking for a more permanent solution, you can also try repairing your shoes yourself. There are several DIY guides out there that will teach you how to do simple repairs like replacing soles or stitching in new fabrics.
What’s the Difference Between a Direct and an Indirect Resole?
When you send your shoes to get their resoling done, there are a few things to keep in mind. The main difference between a direct and an indirect resole is where the work is done. With a direct resole, the manufacturer does the work onsite. This means that the shoes are taken in and their uppers and soles resewn together directly by the company. Indirect resoles, on the other hand, involve sending your shoes to an outside vendor who does the reselling work on behalf of the manufacturer. This means that there may be some slight differences in quality between a direct and an indirect resoled shoe, but they will both be serviced and repaired by someone who specializes in this area.
Steps to Take When Resoling Your Climbing Shoes
When it comes to your climbing shoes, you want to take care of them and make sure they last as long as possible. Here are a few steps to follow when repairing or resoleting your climbing shoes:
- Inspect the Shoes. When you first get the shoes, inspect them for any obvious damage. If there is any significant wear on the toe box or elsewhere, it’s time to get them repaired or re-soled.
- Determine The Type Of Resoling You’ll Need. If the damage is only cosmetic, you may be able to just replace the shoe’s upper material with a new one. If the shoe’s construction is compromised, or if it has serious tears or holes, you’ll need to have it resoled.
- Get The Shoes Repaired Or Re-Soled By A Qualified technician. There are many qualified professionals out there who can repair or resole your climbing shoes properly – find one who specializes in this type of work and go with them. Make sure to ask for references before hiring anyone!
Costs of Resoling Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes can last anywhere from 6-12 months depending on the type of shoe. A common cost for shoes to be re-soled is $60-$80. Climbing shoe companies often offer a discount for resoling services.
The best way to find out how much it will cost you to have your climbing shoes resoled is to call your favorite climbing shoe company and ask. Many companies offer a 10% discount for resoling services.
If you are not confident about getting your shoes re-soled, you can take them to a local cobbler who will charge around $30-$50 for service.
Tips for Finding a Good Resole
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have a lot of experience with climbing shoes. In fact, it’s likely that you don’t even know what kind of shoes to buy in the first place! That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to help you find a good resole.
The first step is to figure out what type of shoe you need. Do you need a traditional climbing shoe? A sport climbing shoe? A bouldering shoe? If so, the next question is which type of climbing you’ll be using them for. For trad climbing, for example, you would need a traditional climbing shoe. For sport climbing, you would need a sport climbing shoe. For bouldering, you would need a bouldering shoe.
Once you understand the type of shoe you need and the activity for which it is intended, the next step is to decide where to get your shoes re-soled. There are a few places that offer great resolings, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are four options:
1) A professional cobbler or shoe repair shop – This is the cheapest option and is the option I would recommend. The thing about shoes that are re-soled by a professional cobbler is that they get it done right and perfectly. You’re getting your shoes resoled properly in the first place, so you’re pretty much already saving money on a new pair of shoes. A shoe repair will also usually give you a great deal. If you buy your shoes from one of the more expensive online retailers such as Rock & Ice or Redpoint, some of them may not have their shies re-soled properly and could cost you an arm and a leg to repair when it comes time to send.
