UKH

A hole is starting to develop at the front of my gym shoes (la sportiva kataki's). 

I'm not in love with the shoes, they're too big on me and I prefer the grip to the edge rubber.

For people who live near Birmingham or Coventry where do you get your climbing shoes resoled? How much do you generally pay?

and also would you get a shoe that you don't love resoled?

I've used both FeetFirst and more recently Llanberis resoles and both did a fantastic job.

Both run a postal service and I yes I would recommend a resole if you love your shoes.

ps I'm also Bham based.

Feet First in Chesterfield do a very good job although you may be waiting for many weeks. If you need a quick resole, try Cheshire Shoe: I've just got a pair of Muiras back from them in a matter of only a few days and they look excellent.

I used FeetFirst and they were good but took ages! Cost is in the region of £40-50 generally for resoles and at this cost I wouldn't get a shoe resoled if I didn't like it. 

In a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle world I’m all for resoling... But no if i don’t like the shoes I wouldn’t bother.

Youll be able to donate them to someone or an organisation.

We use Fixarock/George in Greece but only when we have several pairs to send. They're the best imo, my 4 1/2 year old Miura VS's are like new again for £40 (full sole replacement, new p3 platform, all stitching repaired and a new rand). 

Unless you love the shoes don't bother. Every pair of resoles I've ever had I've ended up not using:

Cheshire - shoes radically changed with large "beak"

Feet first - shoes radically changed

Llanberis - great job but delaminated (pinks) - possibly the only shoes I'd have kept otherwise

George in Greece - great job but 1/2 size wider (pinks again) although others did better

They are all expensive but it's a skilled and labour intensive (and unpleasant) job

Tbh I've only sent Miura VS to George and all have come back as good as new with no significant change in fit. However i think he specialises in La Sportiva which is why i recommended him.

George has done a great job with several pairs of green anasazis and a pair of old whites for me. I tested with the greens first before sending my precious old whites

There are sometimes problems with 5:10s delaminating and Torquil says as much on his site.

If you're getting Vibram put on Scarpas or Sportivas then I would urge you to go to Llanberis. I had 3 pairs done a couple of months ago and they all came back great. If they don't need re-randing then £35 or whatever it is is a bargain as well. 

Thanks for all the advice.

So I bought my shoes a size down and they've stretched a size (this is with la sportiva's **** sizing). Can't edge with them at all. Thanks for all the replies, I think I'll skip the resoling and use them indoors till my toes go through.

I'd rather wait for a sale and pay £85 for a better pair of shoes than £50 for shoes that don't fit.

Another vote for Llanberis Resoles. 

Unless you want to spend money on your shoes before throwing them away don't don't bother with Cheshire Resoles. They're dreadful. 

'I'd rather wait for a sale and pay £85 for a better pair of shoes than £50 for shoes that don't fit.'

Spot on - Go and see Will at Rock-on @ Bham redpoint, he will see you right.