Tom's Shoes, since the 1960's

Post by **parrot** » June 17, 2016, 4:55 pm

My wife's favorite pair of house shoes began to show some wear, so I went to the same shoe repair store I've gone to for nearly 20 years. The same man runs it today......and has been running it for over 50 years, in the same location. He speaks GI-English and built his trade during the days when some GIs spent their paychecks on tailored clothes and kangaroo leather shoes....no doubt trying to impress the local women/men. "Tom", as he likes to be called in English, grew up in the then boonies of Nonghan. He repaired the boots/shoes of countless GIs and crafted tailor-made shoes/boots as well. While I was in the shop today, a man was picking up two pair of well-worn motorcycle boots (almost up to the knee) and a policeman was waiting for a repair job on a pair of his working shoes. My wife's Skecher's had a small hole that ran alongside the sole......Tom sewed up the shoes all the way around.........100 Baht. He's 76 and still works every day.
You wouldn't think of having a pair of shoes repaired in the US.....maybe if they were Bruno Magli's or Genson's or Pilner's....but even then, who repairs shoes in the US these days.......as you wait!!

Post by **harry68** » June 18, 2016, 6:49 am

could you give a address/location
thanks

Post by **Barney** » June 18, 2016, 8:04 am

Good story Parrot.

In my suburb of southern Sydney there are shoe/boot repairers still operating. I'm sure they are really struggling and when home I would give him my business and always by my work boots from him. They were a sideline for him.

I really hope Tom is able to pass on his trade to some young Thai lad. Perhaps you know if he is?

Post by **Lone Star** » June 18, 2016, 8:49 am

Post by **parrot** » June 18, 2016, 8:57 am

As you're heading to Tungsrimeaung from the clock circle, turn right at the first traffic light. Tom's shop is about 100 m from the coner, on the right hand side.

Tom has 3 people working for him. Two were young.

Post by **parrot** » June 18, 2016, 2:16 pm

The black spider web at the top center right is the spot

Post by **harry68** » June 19, 2016, 6:01 am

thanks
cheers

Post by **Lone Star** » June 19, 2016, 10:39 am

Post by **trekkertony** » November 4, 2022, 4:47 am

Hi Parrot,
I will be in Udon on 11th of November, can you advise if Tom’s Shoes are still trading and if so are they in the same location?. I would like to have 2 pair of Size 12 shoes made.

Thanks in anticipation,
TT

Post by **lassebasse** » November 4, 2022, 10:04 am

Yes still there.

Post by **trekkertony** » November 4, 2022, 12:23 pm

Thanks Lassebasse.

Post by **parrot** » November 4, 2022, 2:25 pm

Last time I was in his neighborhood, around 2019, his wife told me he had a stroke and wasn't able to work. I've passed by since and, although his shop is still open, it might be for repairs only.

On the way to Nonghan, about 28km from Udon, there are two shoe stores that advertise as 'handmade'.......both within a km of each other, on the right hand side as you're heading toward Nonghan. I don't have any experience with either shop, but notice them whenever we head out to Nonghan.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063574268651
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044475381644

Post by **FrazeeDK** » November 4, 2022, 4:17 pm

always thought his name was "Shorty" or Dtia.... I was last in their several years ago and he did have a bunch of apprentices doing most of the work at the time. Streetview from 2022 shows the shop still there. https://www.google.co.th/maps/@17.40881 ... 8192?hl=th

Post by **parrot** » November 4, 2022, 6:06 pm

Beyond Udon did a piece on him back in 2019.....he was 77 then, said he started his business when he was 22.
https://www.facebook.com/BEYONDUDONCITY ... 6219599024
He went by his English name probably back in the GI daze. Nice guy.

Post by **jackspratt** » November 4, 2022, 6:14 pm

The Facebook link for Phonyor shoes seems to be in Udon proper. Haff shoes is definitely on the way to Nong Han. Have been in there once, and the shoes looked very impressive.

Post by **trekkertony** » December 8, 2022, 4:24 pm

Mission accomplished, one pair of handmade leather shoes which fit perfectly. The two staff did exceptionally well to understand my requirements given my lack of the Thai language. We managed to communicate via electronic translator. Quality of product and service top notch and l highly recommend their business to anyone requiring personalised shoes. As per previous emails they are still at 3 Sittutha Road.