Shoe Repair in Lebanon: Resoling, Leather Care, and the Craft of the Iskafi

A quality leather shoe (Goodyear-welted or Blake-stitched) can be resoled 3-5 times. The upper, if cared for, lasts a generation. The cobbler's craft of building, stitching, and finishing was once common in every Lebanese town — fewer practice it now, but quality cobblers still operate in Hamra, Achrafieh, and the old souks.

What Is Worth Repairing

• Goodyear-welted or Blake-stitched leather shoes — designed for repair.
• Premium boots (Red Wing, Alden, Crockett & Jones) — multiple resoles expected.
• Quality handbags — lining replacement, edge re-coloring, hardware replacement.
• Leather jackets — relining, zipper replacement, color refresh.

Not Worth Repairing

• Glued (cemented) construction shoes — once the sole separates, no clean way back.
• Mass-market sneakers — replacement is cheaper.
• Synthetic uppers cracked from age — irreversible.

Fair Pricing (USD)

• Heel tip replacement: $5-10.
• Full sole replacement (leather sole): $40-80.
• Vibram or rubber half-sole: $20-40.
• Recoloring + polish + edge dressing: $15-30.
• Stretch (width): $10-20.
• Handbag relining: $40-100.

Leather Care

• Cedar shoe trees overnight — absorbs moisture, holds shape.
• Brush off dirt before storing.
• Cream polish (matching color) every 5-10 wears; wax for high shine.
• Saphir, Burgol, or local cobbler-recommended products — avoid silicone-based polishes.