Shoe Repair with a Soul

Master Shoe-repairman and cobbler Pablo Martinez runs a school as an extension to his well-established shoe-repair shop which has recently moved to a new location to accommodate the cobbler's school in addition to his repair and retail operations. The focus is to teach the craft of shoe and leather repair to foster youths and to carry on a much-needed but dying trade. I came into Cobbler's School to talk to a friend who was working on getting Pablo's' retail area ready to sell shoes  and came away with photos of a man passing down a time-honored craft to youths in need of a trade. That's not something you see every day.

Though the school has not reached a non-profit status there's need for used shoes, purses, belts and any other leather goods for the youths to hone their skills on. Financial help is also appreciated as the youths need to acquire their own tools and other raw materials. 

If anything go down and visit Martinez and listen to what he has to say about the current state of the shoe industry. They're pretty shocking these next three words:  Coach. Cardboard. Insoles. Ouch. And watch out Christian Louboutin; Martinez has your number. You might want to stop supporting the whole weight of a woman on two 1/4 inch long nails. Especially those ball-going long staircase walking women. Some of them are sure to stumble down those marble steps with the way the couture shoes are constructed.  One day, I think Martinez is going to be the man who turns the big heel that is the shoe industry if given the opportunity (aspiring documentarians and reality show makers take note and make a visit. Martinez wants to talk to you). And while you're at it bring your winter Uggs in for a cleaning so they're ready for next year.