Loafers, refurbished

in shoes •  7 years ago 

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Loafers are not exactly my favorite kind of shoes. But they are a staple in a men's wardrobe and in some occasions they are not so bad.

I have a pair in my closet, bought them probably twenty years ago. Never liked them very much, specially the toe is a bit to square for my taste. So they are a good candidate for a make-over.

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The uppers are still in good shape, but the square toes bother me. Also the fit is less than perfect.

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I take them apart and draw a template onto the last with the new shape for the toes.

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I cut the leather in shape according to the template and stitch the uppers back together again.

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On these ones I make a nice arch support and create a new toe-line with a piece of leather. My lasts are a bit too pointy for loafers.

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Welting is business as usual..

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The inner life of the shoes with the outsole ready to get glued on.

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I try a new technique for the outsoles. I cut a channel...

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...make holes with an awl...

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...and stitch away.

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Once the stitching is completed, the channel gets closed and looks like this.

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Stitching completed.

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Building the heels.

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With a fudge wheel the soles get finished.

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An edge iron gets heated up with an oil burner.

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...and the edges of the soles are made smooth with the hot iron.

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...and a pair of old ugly loafers got a new lease on life.

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Amazing job! You have an astonishing gift!

You have such a talent! Do you need hand strength to work on shoes?

@herrleeb you were flagged by a worthless gang of trolls, so, I gave you an upvote to counteract it! Enjoy!!

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