GUSTINE-- Within Gustine’s roots are the boots that tread on the agriculture-based economy. But who’s there to replace the boots when they’re worn and old? Well, since 1986, Kenny Lopes has been keeping most of those soles grounded.

Ken’s Cobblery began with humble beginnings. Lopes was in an unfortunate motorcycle accident at the age of 19. For almost 10 years, Lopes would work until his hip replacement would give-in and wear out. No longer allowing him to acquire labor intensive work.

“I remember when I was in my hospital bed when I was 19,” Lopes recalled. “My mom read an article about a guy becoming a shoe repairman and she thought that might be a good business for me.”

Then that’s where the seed was planted. Lopes came into the local Cobblery in Gustine to get a lift put on his shoe. But to his surprise, the owner was interested in selling the establishment too. A perfect opportunity for Lopes’ situation at the time and it kept him working.

“I asked him about buying it,” mentioned Lopes. “I love carpentry, carpenter work, getting a piece of wood and making something nice out of it.”

Thirty-seven years later, Lopes served the community. Loyal customers such as the Gustine firefighters, surrounding cities, farther than Patterson, come for Lopes’ years of expertise. Over time, the fast fashion has changed, developed, and somewhat made it harder for Lopes’ business. Unrepairable shoes almost sunk the flow of business, but Ken’s Cobblery was able to adapt to shoe industry practices.

“It’s a shame that the industry has changed so much, you know, because it used to be cowboy boots, cowboy heels. I’d used to get by 6-12 cowboy heels week,” said Lopes.

He would continue to elaborate about the difficulty repair processes of new show structures.

“The materials have changed,” mentioned Lopes. “There are more urethane plastics, thermoplastic rubber, you have to be a chemist almost now and figure out what is thermoplastic rubber and what is what.”

O. Balton & Sons in San Francisco was a great contributor to Ken’s Cobblery. A supplier that was able to keep the shop stocked, educated on industry standards, and ever-changing materials. Sometimes, the greatest help can come from the most unexpected places.

Ken’s Cobblery has served the community well. He is interested in getting to schools to teach the trade and is currently looking for an apprentice. If you would like to learn more about Ken’s Cobblery, give him a call at (209)761-1308 or stop by at 463 4th Ave in downtown Gustine.