“We have to renew the paragraphs in the back,” explains master shoemaker Ralf Bienemann to the customer, who brings her black -fed winter boots to repair with the profile sole. “The paragraphs at the back of the outer corner and the top have expired first, as most people go over the big toe and the bale to the outside of the foot.” With a professional eye, Bienemann is the next step in a few men’s boots that press the customer on the side of the ankle. A few craft handles later feels soft and smooth. And the older lady is also happy when Ralf Bienemann pulls the new shoelaces through the narrow eyelets. “Schuhr repairs have increased, also for sustainability reasons or because it is the well -run -up shoe,” said Ralf Bienemann, to which numerous regular customers come to Luegallee in the Oberkassel district of Düsseldorf. You know each other, many Düsseldorf, but also from all over Germany, people have their shoes repaired here. Even in Venezuela, the shoe specialist has a customer who used to live in Düsseldorf and is still loyal to him today. “We stand for high -quality repairs,” says Bienemann with pride. “My goal is that everyone goes through life satisfied and without pain,” is his claim.
Ralf Bienemann starts the day with red Fortuna Düsseldorf apron. The second division soccer team is his second passion after the shoes. His wife Sandrina supports him in the morning, then the master shoemaker can devote himself to the numerous repair orders. His workshop is located in the back of the business. He does a lot of work with a hammer, nails, glue and manual skill. But it doesn’t work without any professional help. Bienemann performs masterpieces with his special machines, some of which are sometimes no longer manufactured and which he repairs and waits himself. With the double sewing machine Frobana, it sews frame and sole. Before that, he sprays the frame with spirit so that the leather becomes smooth and thread and the needle slide better. He repairs moccasins on a special sewing machine and with the help of the historic Adler sewing machine, he does the shaft work on the shoe and pocket work. Filigree, high -heeled pumps require special care and he also polishes up handbags. There are some dirty sneakers on the middle table, which the shoemaker carefully cleans and refreshes the color at sensitive areas. Grinding and polishing machines give the shoes the finishing touch. “Then they look like new,” said Bienemann. Even exotics such as riding boots, skiing and ice skates are among his daily challenges.
