Read the outsole, not the upper
Turn the shoe over and look at the ball of the foot and the outer heel edge. Those two places wear first because that is where your weight lands and leaves.
The paper test
Press a business card against the thinnest part of the sole. If the sole flexes noticeably more there than elsewhere, you are close to the leather board underneath.
Check the welt stitching
On Goodyear-welted shoes, look at the row of stitching around the sole edge. Frayed or missing stitches mean water is getting into the welt long before the sole itself fails.
When it is already too late
Once you can see the cork filler or the insole board through the outsole, water has already reached the structure of the shoe. It is still repairable, but the job grows.
When to bring it to us
Maintenance you can do at home extends the life of good footwear, but structural wear needs a bench. If you are unsure which one you are looking at, call (720) 499-9302 or send photos and we will tell you honestly.
Ready to bring your favourites back to life?
Call the shop for an honest assessment, or send a few photos and we will quote you the same day.