Unfortunatley there are no easy answers to that. I use 5 different adhesives and fillers depending on the location and deapth of the crack or scuffmark. And I use a bunch of different grit sand papers. You really need to know what you're doing if you are gonna do an upper restoration. I can only recommend that you let a good cobbler do it for you.

The gemming on C&J's are often in great shape. Crockett & Jones make amazing shoes and boots. The only downside is that they are so well made, they are a pain in the ass to take apart.

Hi. I usually try to make the repairs look as close to the original as possible. Original Dainite soles are never grooved before stitching. It is not really needed. The thread is often "pulled down" enough to make the stitches hold up a long time. And when they eventually are worn down, the repair holds up anyway, since they are properly glued, and the thread is waxed. Also, if you were to groove the rubber there is a chance that the thread would tear through the sole and destroying it. Safer this way and more pretty. That said, there are situations where I groove rubber. You have to judge every job independently, and account for a number of factors. /Marcus

Yes. Don't pull so hard when you tie them.

If someone watches the video in two years the price will be different. Could be misleading. This one landed on ca: 350€ I think.

Or just buy a brand new pair.