Custom cobbler keeps folks on their feet

Cobbler Cottage in Maryville is more than just quaint boot and shoe repair shop on the square.

Owner Kyle Mayes provides a very valuable service to many people in the area.

Over the years, Mayes has become a master at handcrafting  custom-fitted orthopedic footwear.

He builds and attaches short-limb extensions and arch supports, basically whatever will help his customers walk and stand more comfortably.

Such modifications, Mayes said, can be performed on just about anything a person puts on their feet.

"The extensions really can go on about anything," Mayes said. "I've even put them on Crocs and other sandals."

Customers bring in previously worn shoes or a prescription from an orthopedist.

From those measurements Mayes begins by grinding down the existing sole. His next step is the adding new material to the sole with layers of glue in between.

The final step is finding a new outer sole to match the original, and he keeps a number of these in stock.

Orthopedic footwear is vital to those who need it and can prevent serious damage to the spine, hips and knees.

Aside from orthopedic orders, Mayes does a hefty amount of regular repair work, a craft often lost on younger folks who buy shoes, wear them a while and then throw them away.

"There's nothing that they're making out there that you can't fix," Mayes said, holding up a well-worn pair of black leather boots as if going over a mental "to-do" list. "We fix everything except horseshoes."

Possibly for that reason, Mayes has no shortage of customers. His shelves are loaded with completed repairs waiting to be picked up.

"We're fortunate to have been around long enough that people really know about us," Mayes said. "We really have great, loyal customers that keep coming back."

The shop, at a different location, has been around since 1914 and was purchased by Mayes' father, Roy, in 1967. The younger Mayes has been at the helm since 1980 and moved to his current address on Third Street in 2000.

Even though he grew up in the shop, Mayes didn't always think he'd follow in his dad's footsteps. He holds two degrees from Northwest Missouri State University in wildlife ecology and biology education.

After he graduated, he went to work as a biology/physical education/chemistry teacher at Craig High School. He only stayed there for one year.

"I realized pretty quick that teaching wasn't for me," Mayes said. "I like the people I deal with here. I like working with my hands."