?GENTS cardboard heel blocks??

[Guest k@lsb]

HI guys, you have probably all noticed,that so called top quality shoes, that cost big bucks ,that used to be made with real leather blocks are now all cardboard and crap.... no brand name shaming....MY problem is i have arthritis in my shoulders and wrists ,and other places, so i can sometimes on bad days find it very hard to lever of cardboard blocks, when repairing longsoles without them splitting and falling apart,anyone any good tips to stop this from happening,it seems that alot of gents are made like this now, and im pre warning customers that if there blocks are cardboard , and i have to replace them with real ,leather because they fall apart, this will add 20.00 to the completed job, i feel 20.00 for a pair of real leather blocks is not unfair,what do u think guys?customers ive mentioned this to ,seemed to b amazed that there paying 140.00 plus for gents shoes and now getting cardboard blocks...................IT WOULD BE NICE FOR REPAIRERS AROUND THE COUNTRY, to name and shame these shoes to there customers when having them repaired perhaps ,then when the manufactures get a decrease in sales that might make them properly again instead, of using cheaper materials for maximum profit.....but in the long run if customers are told by there repair guy about the state of there heel blocks and what there now actually getting for there money...this may make them shop at other shoe manufactures.THE ONES WHO STILL USE REAL LEATHER BLOCKS.... and of course the customer loves this subject when pointed out because it shows you care and are proffesional.........xxxxx

[Hugh-Candoit (ENG)]

I understand your disgust k@lsb but to be correct these bases are made from compressed Leather particles, so I would be very wary of telling customers that they are Cardboard, some manufacturer could take you to court. The manufacturer is entitled to class them as Leather.

You can (or could) purchase these blocks ready assembled with a top layer of proper leather, rather than build your own. (Charles Birch was 1 supplier and they stocked several sizes).

Nowadays when I get my shoes repaired I have solid rubber blocks put on for comfort.

I used to knock the pins through from the inside with a punch and they came off easier. Still a pain though.

[Auto Key Wizard]

you have probably all noticed,that so called top quality shoes, that cost big bucks ,that used to be made with real leather blocks are now all cardboard and crap.... MY problem is i have arthritis in my shoulders and wrists ,and other places, so i can sometimes on bad days find it very hard to lever of cardboard blocks, when repairing longsoles without them splitting and falling apart,anyone any good tips to stop this from happening,

The heels you are refering to are compressed fibre blocks, similar to MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) By using electric pliers heat up the nail heads in the heelseat which will in turn loosen the grip of the nail shaft within the block, they should prise off alot easier

i feel 20.00 for a pair of real leather blocks is not unfair,what do u think guys?

20 sounds a fair cost

 

IT WOULD BE NICE FOR REPAIRERS AROUND THE COUNTRY, to name and shame these shoes to there customers when having them repaired perhaps

Name and Shame...yup, I already do that

[Lee]

Since you are talking about long soles and heel block replacement use Electric pliers to remove the heel block nails from inside, then use a Kumzof cleaner stripper 250ml dispenser to soak through from the heel seat down to the heel block. it will then fall off!

 

Don't forget to remove the old heel top piece first other wise you'll then have loads of trouble getting this off!

 

Heat the top piece under your heater until its nice and hot, to soften the glue and again minimum effort it required to remove it.

 

Lee