Resoling Shoes in Doha: When to Replace the Outsole Instead of the Shoe

The upper of a good leather shoe can last a decade or more. The sole won't. Replacing it — resoling — gives the shoe a second life at a fraction of the cost of a new pair, and keeps a pair that's already moulded to your feet.

Signs it's time

• A hole or soft spot in the middle of the sole.
• Wear that has reached the welt stitching.
• Uneven wear making the shoe tilt.
• Rubber tread worn smooth and slippery.

Which shoes are worth it

Goodyear-welted and stitched leather shoes are made to be resoled. Many glued shoes and quality sneakers can be resoled too. Very cheap shoes usually aren't worth it.

Leather or rubber?

Leather soles are elegant but slippery on Doha's marble floors and wear fast. Rubber soles grip better and last longer. You can switch when you resole, or add a sole protector.

The process

The old sole is removed, the shoe checked and prepared, a new outsole fitted, then edges trimmed and finished. Renova's outsole replacement takes about five days. Luxury pairs get premium outsole replacement.