The Ecuador Chronicles - 2009-008
Quito - Old Shoes;
Saving Soles in Ecuador;
Do it for Love, Do it for Money
Back in the old days of business formal attire I wore black leather wing tip shoes. The shoes were a bit expensive, but you could replace soles and heels over and over - a good pair could last for years. There were shoe repair shops everywhere.
With the change to business casual the softer look became popular. For shoes this meant softer leather and the sort of composite rubber-like soles. There did not seem to be good sole and heel replacement options - maybe because the shoes are generally not so expensive. It is cheaper to buy new shoes. Now days there seem to be fewer repair shops around.
Sneakers have always been a problem. Maybe it is because I walk a lot, but holes and splits develop, and for me Shoe Goo just does not get the job done. Once the water starts coming in on rainy days, my socks are wet and the shoes start to smell - and that is that, even though the uppers are still good.
In Quito there are shoe repair shops everywhere that can take care of all types of shoe problems, including the composite soles and sneakers. Ecuadorians get their shoes repaired - they don't buy new ones until absolutely necessary.
My wife, Dalynda, had complete new composite soles and heels put on her favorite pair of shoes below for $15. When she was back in Atlanta Dalynda asked the repair guy at Bennie's shoes what it would cost to have this done; he said it would be at least $65, but they normally did not do that type of work. The shoes only cost about $45.
A Comfortable Pair of Shoes - Back in Service
I recently had 2 pair of my old sneakers repaired at Zapateria Exito, located on Venezuela at Manabi near our apartment in Colonial Quito. I was unable to use them due to holes and splits in the soles. Owner and Maestro Favian Loja did the work.
Maestro Favian Loja at Zapateria Exito
Do it For Love, Do it for Money
For me there is more to this than just saving money. There is nothing better than a comfortable old pair of shoes. They are completely broken in and feel great on my feet; I love my old shoes. I even patch up my old jeans for around the house and yard work - the worn denim feels soft and they are great to work in. Here are my fixed up old sneakers.
New Soles - No More Holes; No More Leaks
The Maestro asked for another photo to be included; he wanted one of us together with him in a clean shirt; personally, I like the one above in his work shirt.
Can You Spot the Gringo?
Would You Like to Save Soles in Ecuador -
Find Out How at Live Well Ecuador: