FAQ: Cobbling Questions Answered
Got questions? We’ve rounded up the answers to the things we get asked the most, so you can get back to climbing (or walking) worry-free!
How do I know if my shoes need a resole?
If the rubber at the toe is getting thin enough to see faint colour changes, or you can press it and feel it give a bit too easily, you’re in the resole zone. Don’t wait until there’s an actual hole — that’s when the rand starts getting chewed up. Early is always cheaper and tidier.
Can you fix the rand as well?
Absolutely. Rand repairs are our bread and butter. Once the toe has worn through, the rand takes the hit. We cut out the damaged section, rebuild it cleanly, and make sure the shoe keeps its original shape. The sooner you get it to us, the less surgery needed.
What rubber options do you use?
We stock a range of high-performance compounds used by the big climbing brands — the same sticky stuff you know and love. Whether you’re mainly on indoor comp volumes or out on the grit, we’ll match the rubber to your climbing style. If you’re not sure what to choose, just ask — we’ve seen it all.
Will my shoes feel different after a resole?
Mostly they’ll feel like your favourite shoes… just younger. A good resole keeps the shape you’ve broken in while refreshing the grip. Some climbers say they actually feel better because the toe gets sharper again. Expect familiarity with a bit more precision.
How long does a repair take?
It varies slightly depending on how busy the workshop is, but generally a week or so is normal. If you’ve got a trip coming up, drop us a message — we’ll always try to squeeze urgent jobs in where we can.
Do you repair shoes for all brands?
Pretty much every major brand: Scarpa, La Sportiva, Unparallel, Five Ten, Boreal, Tenaya — you name it. As long as the shoe is structurally sound, we can normally resole it. If it’s too far gone, we’ll let you know before we start.
My shoes smell… really smell. Is that a problem?
We’ve seen (and smelled) worse — promise. It won’t affect the repair, and you’re definitely not the only UK climber with a bit of “gym aroma” going on. If you want to be kind to your postie, a quick wipe and a bit of airing out won’t hurt, but we’re not precious.
Can you tighten stretched shoes?
To a point, yes. If the shoe has softened or bagged out, rebuilding areas of the rand or toe box can restore structure and snugness. We can’t magically shrink a shoe three sizes, but we can often bring back that secure, precise feel.
Should I use different shoes for indoors and outdoors?
It’s not a rule, but it does save wear and tear. Indoor volumes especially act like sandpaper, so many climbers keep an older pair for training laps and a fresher pair for projects. Either way, when rubber gets thin, a resole is always better than binning them.
How do I send my shoes in?
Drop-off or post-in — whatever’s easiest. If posting, just pop them in a parcel, include your our download form here, and send them our way. We’ll confirm arrival, get them repaired, and send them straight back ready for your next session.