It is much more common these days to throw things away rather than fix them. Mending can make much more sense. It saves money and reduces the number of unwanted items being thrown away.

If you need your shoes repaired there is an excellent place to take them near Bagni di Lucca. On the road towards Lucca, in Diecimo, you will find a great little shop set back from the road.

Inside Luigi sits working on shoes in need of repair. When I asked how long he had been doing his job he replied with a broad grin, “A long time, I am very old”. Of course he said it in Italian.

The shop is busy. In the short time I was there taking to Luigi several people came in to drop off or pick up shoes. I hope he continues his valuable work for many years to come.