Custom Stovepipe Boots Repair?

[Dispatch]

Hello,

I need help, I wonder if anyone can assist me.

I have a new pair of custom made stove pipe type boots.

They are made to look exactly like a pair of civil war stove pipe boots.

I am a civil war reenactor, I do a Confederate artillerist impression.

I need help in that all four of the boot pull straps need replaced (one broke as I was putting the boots on), and there are squares of light glue over and around the strap stitching I need cleaned (the maker tried to cover the stitching with hide patches).

The boots are made of thick bison hide.

I have barley broken them in as I just got them about a month ago and have been wearing them around the house, hours at a time.

The trouble is I had a falling out (its a very long story), with the maker of these boots and I no longer trust him as he did to the boots what I now need repaired/cleaned.

Can anyone help me or refer me to someone who can help me in replacing the straps and cleaning up the glue marks and also blending in the area around the squares so it to be not noticeable?

I tried attaching pic's of the boots and what needs to be done but it kept giving me an error message.

I can send them by email or PM to parties interested

Please let me know folks, I need help... 

[Mogorilla]

Not sure where you are located, but most metro areas have several shoe repair locations.  From the sound of it, this would be something they could probably help out with.  If not, google Missouri Boot and Shoe, they may be able to help you.  They make boots for re-enactors and have a good rep. 

[Dispatch]

North east Florida.
That maker for me is not an option, the glue removal and then the blending the shade perfectly is what I think is more than a local shoe repair shop is capable of doing for me.
Are there any leather makers on here that could help me?

[Scattered Thumbs]

Ever heard of Google? I believe if you search for "custom boots FLA" you'll get some pointers. I'm not being obnoxious, just answering the best I can from Europe.

[Major 2]

You might contacting http://www.fugawee.com/. they are in Crawfordville FL . She might steer you to a Boot Repair

[Dispatch]

The first place I checked was Google, Yahoo etc., I came here because I was under the impression there were leather 'experts' here that might be able to help me(hence the category its in), was I mistaken?
Fugawee doesn't make the boots they sell, they get them made in Mexico.
There are no leather craftsman what so ever in Florida, I checked.

[Major 2]

My suggestion was to contact Fugawee

" She might steer you to a Boot Repair "  or not    but it was worth a shot.


"I came here because I was under the impression there were leather 'experts' here that might be able to help me(hence the category its in), was I mistaken? "    

[Blair]

Dispatch,

I maybe incorrect, but I think what you are looking for is a "Cobbler", or shoe/boot repair shop. Very different trade from a "custom" shoe and boot maker.
This does not mean that custom shoe and boot makers can not do the type of repair you are looking at getting done.
However, if you have burned your bridges with the original manufacture of these boots, you will not help your efforts by finding fault with the suggestion people here have offered you.
It may not be what you want to hear, but the advice is sound!
My best,
Blair

[Dispatch]

My suggestion was to contact Fugawee

" She might steer you to a Boot Repair "  or not    but it was worth a shot.


"I came here because I was under the impression there were leather 'experts' here that might be able to help me(hence the category its in), was I mistaken? "    

I said that because I'm getting the impression that my question has no business here even though this is a leather section.
I prefer a leather craftsmen/expert over a shoe repair shop.
Matching the hide for these boots isn't going to be easy.
I'd even have a saddle maker do it if he can make it like t was before.
Is there a leather specialist on here who can fix it for me?  

If so please feel free to PM me and we can arrange something.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Yes, this is a leather forum with numerous good craftsmen. If any of them feel they can help you, they will certainly send you a PM.

I hope you get the help you are looking for. This thread is now locked.