[Faust]

I am writing this post as a public service annoucement for those gentleman on the forum who are seeking out local repair services for their favorite pair of shoes.

Last month, my Allen Edmonds loafers needed to have their soles replaced. This was a simple task I thought any capable shoe repair shop should be able to accomplish.

I was very wrong in this assumption. After contacting the shoe repair store prior to dropping off my shoes, they insisted that they could replace Good Year Welted soles. Being the only shoe repair store in 2 hours of my location I this was exciting news. Two days later I picked-up my shoes and to my horror found that the “repairman” simply glued the new soles to the shoes, no stiching at all.

The shoes although functional, look horible on the bottom. I know this might be my mistake in not following-up with detailed questions when initaly asking about the repair.

So I hope others take this story as a cautionary tale. If you have a local shoe repair shop, ask extensive questions as to the repair process. If not you might be in for a surprise. Also you might consider mailing your shoes to a professional repair serivce known for quality work.

Thank goodness I did not send my Park Avenues to this establishment. For those curious I would be happy to share the store’s name via PM.

 

[eagle2250]

I am reminded of the wisdom reflected in that old saying, keep you friends close and your enemies closer!"

 

[89826]

That is one of the great things about Alden. Call or email 'em, they'll send a green plastic mailing bag, send the shoes back, and some weeks later you'll have like-new shoes again.

 

[Oldsport]

That is one of the great things about Alden. Call or email 'em, they'll send a green plastic mailing bag, send the shoes back, and some weeks later you'll have like-new shoes again.

Pretty much that easy with AE also. I'm not sure why the OP did that < face palm >

 

[eagle2250]

^^
Do you happen to know what Alden's turn around time for such work is running these days? Such work that they accomplished for me in the past was impeccable, but their turn around times forced me to seek other service providers. :icon_scratch:

 

[89826]

I don't know what the turnaround time is. Send an email.

Are you so low on shoes that you can't do without a pair for say, two months?

I think any wait is definitely worth it because you know your expensive shoes won't be butchered by a local cobbler.

 

[drlivingston]

^^
Do you happen to know what Alden's turn around time for such work is running these days? Such work that they accomplished for me in the past was impeccable, but their turn around times forced me to seek other service providers. :icon_scratch:

You can expect a minimum of 8-week turn around time. A recent pair of shell loafers were returned to me 54 days after I shipped them.

 

[eagle2250]

You can expect a minimum of 8-week turn around time. A recent pair of shell loafers were returned to me 54 days after I shipped them.

Thank you for the update. Turn around times in excess of two months are what incited me to seek out other sources of service for the last two pair of my Alden's that were worked on. I love my Alden's, but am not a patient man...I guess.