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Cobblers in Camden February 26, 2006

Posted by CamdenKiwi in : Camden, Green in the City , trackback

It’s a cliche, but I’ve got huge numbers of shoes. I love buying them, wearing them, and the elegant look of them on the shelf but it’s impossible to buy a good pair of comfortable, well worn shoes. They can only appear with careful buying to start with, and time to wear them in.

Repairing things is an oldfashioned idea, increasingly rare in our throwaway society. I’m determined to keep a good pair going though, and have some that are onto their third or fourth new soles. It’s also true that while leather soles are supposed to be posh, they’re ridiculously impractical for London streets and only last a few weeks. The solution is a simple, and very local one - KG Shoes in Eversholt St. This obscure little shop behind Mornington Crescent station has been there since the 1950’s, doesn’t take plastic, and is the best shoe repair place I’ve ever found.

I just had my boots redone - soles, heels, patch at the side where it was coming away - for £25, and they’ll be good for another couple of years. I try to remember to take pointed toes in before I’ve had them more than a couple of weeks, to get the toes reinforced. The bloke behind the counter tells me I shouldn’t buy the pointy toes, because they don’t last. He’s right, of course, but that’s my folly.

This is an unashamed endorsement. They’ll do bag repairs as well, and always polish your shoes for you before returning them. I’ve been using them for seven years now, and have always had excellent service and good prices. If you’re anywhere near Camden, use them.

Comments»

1. Sharon J - September 16, 2006

Nowhere near Camden and as far as I know, we have no local cobbler. I remember the one that was in our street when I was a kid, though. Dad was always sending me down there with his shoes and boots and I found it fascinating to sit and watch the cobbler at work.

I have a really comfy pair of shoes that need heeling. Will have to find somewhere to take them because there’s no way on earth I’m gonna chuck ‘em!