Daub's Cobbler Shop — Local services in Laconia

I seldom write reviews and when I do, there is never any middle ground in that my review will either be a one or five star and nothing in between. I recently blew out the soles on a very expensive pair of Zamberlan hiking boots (retail about $500) whilst on a trip to an Adirondack firetower. My boots also had some other preexisting major but repairable damage. I am an avid hiker, have had injuries like broken bones in my feet and a ruptured achilles tendon in the past, and I also spend a lot of time on my feet working on old cars and wooden boats in addition to hiking, etc. Given my foot injuries, I absolutely DO NOT like buying things like new boots. Rather, I like to buy the very best that I can with the expectation that they will last a long time and will keep me on my feet. Therefore, I was pleased to see that Daub's Cobbler Shop is one of three Zamberlan factory certified cobbler shops in the country because they are located much closer than the other two . . . and I am from New England originally. I spoke with owner Jim Daubenspeck several times via phone and email about my boots and my particular concerns about their repair. Jim diagnosed my issues with my boots, gave me a more than fair price, and completely understood what I wanted. My boots were returned to me about two weeks later following Jim's wizardry and I cannot be more happy with them. They feel indistinguishable from my brand new pair of Zamberlans (same model and size) and look new, with a really great looking oil finish that Jim applied. His repairs were perfect just as I had requested. I may never have to purchase another pair of Zamberlans thanks to Jim and his incomparable skill.

I have a hike in New Hampshire scheduled this fall: either the Monadnock 50 or the Coos Trail, depending on how much time I have. I anticipate wearing the boots that Jim repaired over my new ones. I also feel compelled to drop in to Jim's Shop in Laconia, hand him a beer, and thank him personally.

Until then, Well...

I cannot say enough about this gem. I buy shoes and boots that are built to last. I do my research and invest in a product that I can care for and keep for many year. A couple years ago I bought a beautiful pair of Frye boots. I loved them. Unfortunately after a bit of a time wearing them a click and squeak developed in one shoe. Was pretty certain it was a broken shank. I contacted Frey however, they guaranteed the shoe for one year. I went to my local cobbler who It’s great, and has repaired many shoes, and other items for me, unfortunately hecould not do anything.for this boot. When I done contacted Frey, I was sent to a company in New Jersey, who then sent me to a company in Minnesota who referred me to someone in my backyard. That is when I found Daub’s. I reached out and he thought he could help me and did he ever. Not only did he fix the problem in the squeaky boot, but he took the other one apart to make sure there was nothing wrong with that one as well. The shoe looks new and the stitching is impeccable. I cannot thank you enough for your amazing service and craftsmanship but also your kind and fun personality for a lady bothered by a squeak. If you need any shoe repair…. This is the...

Daub's was a really nice little shop on Canal that exemplifies craftsmanship and a commitment to quality. There are tools and equipment that must be from a few generations back, the register is a true relic of American retail, and Daub himself is as advertised: very pleasant to interact with, knowledgeable about his products and cobbling in general, and determined to find solutions to his customers' needs. For instance, I went in looking for steel-toed boots that could be modified to have a zero-drop heel, which would have cost quite a lot at the outset and especially over time with repairs, so Daub recommended slip on "Shoe-Ins" that slip over any footwear, and they have a composite toe with non-slip soles – a perfect and practical solution to my request. So, instead of paying upwards of $300+, I ended up spending only $73 (including drop shipping) and was able to get the best tote bag made out of a recycled coffee burlap sack with handmade leather straps. If you're in need of shoe/leather/zipper repair or advice, Daub's is a...