We live in an age of consumerism, where fast fashion and trends are the order of the day. People buy shoes, use them up and then throw them out in the trash, and the cycle repeats itself over and over. It’s no surprise that the landfills are inundated with shoes. In fact, according to the US Department of the Interior, Americans throw away at least 300 million pairs of shoes every year. And this is not just bad for the environment; it’s also expensive.
But you can break the cycle by investing in a good quality shoe. Unlike mass-produced shoes, the quality ones are made with eco-friendly materials that last long and are easy to repair. When you consider the environmental impact of footwear waste, it becomes clear why shoe repair is so crucial. Each pair of shoes represents waste and the environmental footprint left by its production—think about the raw materials, manufacturing process, and the carbon emissions from shipping.
What’s more, the factories that make shoes often contain hazards: they don’t have fire escapes, they are poorly ventilated and most use a slew of hazardous and toxic chemicals. Also, many of the people who make these shoes are forced to subsist on shockingly low wages.
Sadly, these shoes are mass produced by the billions every year – in 2022, over 24 billion pairs of shoes were manufactured throughout the world. And when the shoe no longer fits, develops a fault, falls out of favor or is no longer in fashion – it’s out in the garbage. This is a threat not just to a single home or a single country, but to our entire planet.
The Benefits of Shoe Repair
It’s a smart move to invest in high-quality shoes. Yes, they might cost more at first, but in the long run, they’ll save you money and help you greatly reduce your carbon footprint. The reason is good shoes are made from better materials, so they hold up well and stay comfortable over time. And you don’t have to toss them when they start to wear out – the shoe materials allow for repairs.
Let’s look at why this is essential.
Reducing Waste
It takes about 25 to 40 years for a single pair of shoes made of natural materials to decompose. Those made from synthetic materials like pleather and plastics can take up to 1,000 years. That’s a very long time of continuous damage to the environment.
Repairing your shoes instead of throwing them away cuts down on waste. That’s because you get to use them longer and not replace them with another pair that will also end up in the landfill.
Customize Solutions
Shoe repair is a great opportunity to customize and personalize your favorite pair of boots or sneakers. For example, a simple sole swap can help transform your boots to suit the season and style. You can switch from rubber to leather or leather to rubber to change the design, look and function of your existing shoe.
If you have a foot condition or need orthotic inserts, a skilled cobbler can modify the shoes to accommodate your needs. They can add sole raises, stretch tight areas or add/adjust straps for a perfect fit.
Comfort
One of the many reasons people throw away shoes is because they don’t fit well. But most of them don’t know that they can change the comfort level of their shoe through shoe repair. If your shoes are a little bit bigger, or if they’re too tight, you can have them stretched. Instead of buying a new pair because the one you have doesn’t fit well, take them to a shoe cobbler to see if they can adjust them to fit you before you throw them out.
Community Support
You might not know this, but there are very many good local shoe manufacturers near you. Some, like COMUNITYmade, bring back the lost art of quality green manufacturing and local industry to the city of Los Angeles. We hire local artisans who create stylish, long-wearing shoes by hand.
Companies like ours are not only energy efficient but also sustainable. Local production means a shorter supply chain and a better economy for the community.
Cost Savings
This is perhaps the most obvious reason – fixing your shoe helps you to save money in the long run. The cost of replacing a single pair over and over is definitely higher. If the shoe is still in good condition, it’s better to repair it. Professional repair services can restore them to a new condition at a fraction of the price of buying a brand-new pair.
Tips to Care for and Extend the Life of Your Shoes
You need to care for your shoes if you want them to serve you for years to come. Here are some easy tips to help you keep them in great shape:
- Clean them regularly: All shoes, including leather shoes, need regular cleaning. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe off dirt and dust. For leather shoes, apply a conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.
- Store properly: Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Using shoe trees helps maintain their shape and absorbs moisture.
- Rotate shoes: Alternate between pairs to give them time to dry out and reduce wear.
- Use protective products: Apply water and stain repellent to protect against spills and stains. Use shoe polish regularly for leather shoes to maintain their shine and durability.
- Inspect and repair: Check your shoes regularly for signs of wear and tear. Repair minor issues promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
- Consider professional care: Consider professional cleaning services for special materials or deep stains. Cobblers can also resole or re-heel worn-out shoes to extend their life.
Quality Handcrafted Shoes at COMUNITYmade
Shoe repair is a craft that needs an experienced artisan with a deep understanding of construction, materials and techniques behind shoe design. You can find such cobblers at COMUNITYmade in DTLA. Our quality repair work ensures that your shoes maintain their integrity and durability for years to come.
Don’t throw away your shoes just because you don’t like the sole, or because it doesn’t accommodate your bunion. There are many competent shoe repair experts who can fix that for you.
