Chinese Street Cobbler

In the early 1990s (I know AGES ago), I bought my most favorite pair of boots.  The shoe store across the street from my office had these “me” boots and I couldn’t pass them up.  I paid $100 for them.  I wear them almost everyday except on hot summer days, and after these 15 years or so, time had really worn them down.  They were coming apart at the seams.

I’d been heartbroken about the condition of my shoes for a while. I have very wide feet (EEE!!!!) and buying shoes can be a devastating experience for me.  What was I going to do if I lost these shoes!

On my November trip to China, my kind host drove down an alley, pulled over, asked me out of the car and escorted me to this street cobbler.

I have a thing for sewing machines… and supplies.

This man was deaf and mute, but we had no problem communicating.  He gave me my shoes back.  It cost less than $10USD.  I would have paid another $100.  None of my NYC or Seattle cobblers were able to do this for me.  I’m bringing more shoes back with me on my next trip…