Vibram goes on with its interviews focusing on Vibram certified shoe-repairers. We addressed some questions to Mr. Vincenzo Modelfino (in the photo) from LE CORDONNIER, “Premium” shoe-repairer in Varese.

Let’s talk about your experience in repair and how it has changed till nowadays.
I’ve worked as a shoe repairer for 40 years, always learning by doing. Before repairing a shoe was easier than now. Most of the times, you had to glue a rubber sole on a leather shoe. Now you usually have to replace a rubber sole and put it on a shoe’s bottom which is often unable to absorb the glue.

Using a Vibram product can help in a repair work?
I’ve kept using Vibram soles since I started to work as a repairer. Their top quality can be easily tested: after buffering, the sole doesn’t flake and isn’t porous, so it doesn’t need any adding work.

Give us three reasons to choice Vibram for.
A repair work is expected to satisfy the cobbler himself, before his customer. In all the tests, Vibram soles provide long-life performances and reduce noise and distortion.

Any specific suggestions for a good repair work to be provided using Vibram soles?
As I work mostly on dress and casual footwear, for women shoes I suggest the high quality of Vibram® ANGERA and Vibram® TEQUILGEMMA TOP. When repairing a men leather shoe Vibram® EXPLOSION is able to provide with the best grip. As for the monoblockers, I suggest Vibram® ETON sole, and Vibram® GUMLITE compound, on classical shoes such as Church’s.