I have a pair of Florsheim dress shoes that have the tread almost completely separated from the shoe. Should I use shoe goo or have them repaired professionally, or does it even matter? I really like these shoes when I wear a suit.

Have them professionally resoled, IME glue, even epoxy does not last.

If they are Goodyear welted, then definitely have them professionally re-soled.

Most dress shoes aren’t. You could take them to a local place and ask what services they offer.

Glad to hear shoemakers are still in business. None where I live. THey had a shoemaker on campus when I was in college and he was busy all the time. Shoe repair is a profession not a do it yourself thing. When I was a kid my Dad would take us to this place that did shoe repair and sold high quality shoes with slight defects. It was a Jewish establishment so we always went on Sundays. Those shoes lasted forever.

One word of advice on a shoemaker….I took a pair of shoes in once that the soles were coming apart… unknown to me, he used nails and some glue. I found out once I started wearing them, I could feel the nails poking me. Which irritated me, as he was who my mom used to use for her dress shoes. I never went back. I’d ask first on how they would repair the shoes before leaving them for repair, just in case.

Check out some of the videos at Trenton & Heath on Youtube. Nashville cobblers: https://www.potterandsons.com/

I suggest Nordstrom for shoe repair.

Here's another shoe repair option to consider -

https://nushoe.com/

Juice vs squeeze.

How much is a good repair, vs how much is a new pair of Florsheims?

Here's a link to Trenton & Heath restoring a pair of Florsheim Imperials...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbAsIuL_lR8

I purchased a pair of Florsheims in the 70's, maybe '75. The Imperials in that video look a lot like them. Comfortable as all get out and lasted many years, maybe into the early 90's. When the soles wore, I stupidly tossed them. I have not had a pair of dress shoes since that have lasted as long. Currently shopping for a new pair. What has really surprised me is how hard it's been finding genuine leather shoes anymore. I'm not looking to spend 500 bucks anymore, as at my age, dress shoes are now for funerals and weddings, not every day wear like they were when I was working.

If American-made, repair.

If imported, eBay for same model and size but much less use. I paid $48 for $150 Johnston Murphy, for example.

Give your local cobbler some business.

And he’ll give your old shoes a new life.

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:
Juice vs squeeze.

How much is a good repair, vs how much is a new pair of Florsheims?

A data point.

Local guy put new soles on my Ecco’s 2 years ago for something around $70. They were $210 new around 2007.

I looked up shoe repair near me and surprisingly there are plenty of choices. All with good reviews. Looks like I’m gonna give some money to the pro.

That is the beauty of Chicago. There are still craftsmen in business who brought the trade from the old country. My grandfather was an immigrant and made good money as a tailor for mens suits.

quote:

Originally posted by 400m:
I have a pair of Florsheim dress shoes that have the tread almost completely separated from the shoe. Should I use shoe goo or have them repaired professionally, or does it even matter? I really like these shoes when I wear a suit.

Old Florsheims with Goodyear welts can be repaired, and it would be worth it. Newer ones made with modern methods may not be repairable at all, or the cost may not be worth it. I'd find a local cobbler and take the shoes in. He'll tell you if they can be fixed.

Unfortunately, judging by the price of Florshiem shoes, the cost of a rebuild may not be worth it. But maybe a simpler repair makes sense.