Chuck Smith, inspired by his father and grandfather, Otis Coleman, still uses a Champion Inline Finisher built in 1938. Photo by Rick Harris

Third generation 'gait keeper' continues the family tradition of shoe repair

By Bob Robinson
Star Staff
brobinson@starhq.com

   Charles "Chuck" Smith is a third-generation "gait" keeper. His work product, like that of his father and grandfather, keeps people walking with a perfect gait.
   This family tradition started more than 60 years ago in Elizabethton. It began when Otis Coleman opened a shoe repair business at the corner of E and Pine Streets in downtown Elizabethton in the late 1940s.
   During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, Otis worked side by side with his stepson, Charles E. Smith.
   Charles Smith's son, Chuck, was by their side, learning the trade, during the summer months while he was out of high school.
   Otis and Charles kept the shoe repair equipment humming and customers happy with skilled hands and quality workmanship.
   Customers would walk in with badly worn shoes and walk out with shoes that looked brand spanking new.
   Repairs were often made while customers waited. They were given a clean newspaper to put their feet on while their shoes were being repaired.
   In 1969, Charles E. Smith took over the business and the shop was relocated to the Bonnie Kate Theater building briefly. Later in 1969, the shop moved to its present location at 434 Elk Ave.
   In 1997, Chuck Smith took over the business, Otis Shoe Repair, from his father.
   The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
   Chuck, as he likes to be called, is both a shoe craftsman and mechanic. Chuck operates and maintains the old Adler, foot-pedal-driven, sewing machine; curve needle sole stitching machine; auto sole nailers; and Champion inline finisher which was built and delivered in 1938. Replacement machine parts must be special ordered.
   Although he served an apprenticeship by the side of his grandfather and father, Chuck said, "Learning is an ongoing process. Shoe repair methods and materials change."
   Chuck says it takes an average of 90 minutes to put on a new sole and heel on a pair of dress shoes. Western boots take up to three and one-half hours to resole depending upon the style of boot. The shoe repair process involves tearing down, re-scoping and prepping.
   Like his father and grandfather, Chuck does orthopedic buildups. New customers have an orthopedic prescription, usually calling for one shoe to be elevated at the heel or from the toe to the heel.
   Chuck repairs shoes for women, children and men; modifies boots by installing lower heels; installs zippers in western boots; dyes some leather shoes a darker color; and repairs purses, zippers, some luggage and horse harnesses (no saddles).
   What changes does Chuck foresee in the near future?
   "The idea of shoe repair is coming back. People are purchasing better quality shoes, at higher prices, and desire to extend the life of those shoes."
   A rubber base sole usually lasts longer than leather, especially if you are walking on concrete a lot, Chuck added.
   Some people won't turn loose of their favorite, old pair of shoes. "As long as there are customers, I will continue to produce high quality repair work."
   Chuck's customer base is from Elizabethton, Roan Mountain, Mountain City, Bristol and Southwest Virginia.
   The third generation cobbler doesn't know who will continue the "gait" keeper family tradition when he retires.
   Until that time arrives, however, Chuck is enjoying the work and greeting customers with a smile and a welcome. "I discovered a long time ago that if you are nice to people, they will be nice to you."
   A sign on the wall sums up the sentiment at Otis Shoe Repair: "I will heel you; I will save your sole; I will even dye for you."
   For more information, contact Chuck at 423-543-3831.