In the late 1980s, Frans van Bommel established Stichting Schoenmakersgilde in the Netherlands and Stichting Meesterschoenmaker in Belgium. In doing so, Van Bommel took an important step decades ago towards supporting the shoemaking trade and encouraging shoe repair. Today, several hundred independent shoe repair specialists are affiliated with the two foundations.

The foundations promote the shoemaking trade and provide training and guidance to shoe repair specialists. Affiliated shoemakers are periodically assessed on their professional expertise and the quality of their work. Once approved, they may carry out repairs using a selection of original Van Bommel materials.

Many Van Bommel shoes can be repaired, depending on their construction and condition. With certain construction methods, worn soles can be replaced, sometimes more than once. Through its affiliated shoemakers, Van Bommel encourages and facilitates shoe maintenance and repair. In this way, the company helps extend the useful life of shoes.

More information about affiliated shoemakers and repair options is available at www.schoenmakersgilde.nl and www.meesterschoenmaker.be.