Robert at his work bench with his grandfather’s cobbler’s hammer in hand.
In an age where disposable fashion reigns supreme, it’s rare to come across a craftsman who not only repairs what’s broken but carries with him centuries of family tradition. When I took my well-worn RM Williams boots to Robert Atallah, an 11th generation cobbler whose family hails from Lebanon. I didn’t just get new heels - I walked away with a deeper appreciation for this profession, a story that spans generations, and an unexpected connection to a very dear friend who passed away in March 2024.
There’s something timeless about stepping into the shop of a cobbler. The scent of leather, the soft clink of tools, and the sight of well-worn shoes waiting for new life. For me, it was time to give my trusty boots a refresh, so I took them to Brices Coombs Shoe Service, 155 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. I am so glad I was referred to this store by the proprietor of a shoe shop in the Strand Arcade while searching for a cobbler.
Brices Coombs Shoe Service, 155 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.
The store is a small but bustling space, where every corner has a story. Robert has been plying his trade for decades, but his family’s connection to cobbling goes back much, much further. Eleven generations. Think about that for a moment. That’s hundreds of years of passing down skills, tools, and a passion for this craft. Robert’s hands have the kind of experience that can’t be rushed or taught in a course. It’s something learned over a lifetime.
What truly caught my attention during my visit was the cobbler’s hammer Robert used. Not just any tool - this hammer had belonged to his grandfather. It was remarkable to think that the same tool that crafted shoes half a century ago was still shaping leather today. Robert’s face lit up when I asked about it, explaining how important it was to his work, not just as a tool but as a link to his family’s history.
Robert holding a “spot stretching device” used to stretch the shoe leather over a bunion or hammertoe.
“I’m one of the last,” he told me with a small, knowing smile. Cobblers like Robert are truly an “endangered species.” In an era of mass production and disposable fashion, few people seek out the craftsmanship and durability of handmade shoe repairs anymore. But for Robert, it’s not just about fixing shoes; it’s about keeping a tradition alive, honoring his ancestors, and maintaining a skill that’s been in his blood for generations.
When I returned to pick up my freshly repaired boots, Robert and I struck up a conversation. I mentioned I was a veterinarian. Robert’s eyes lit up, he gave a knowing glance to his partner, and without hesitation, he asked, “Did you know Phil Moses?” I paused, shocked, and answered, “Yes, Phil was one of my close friends.” Robert, equally surprised, responded, “Phil was my cousin.”
For a moment, we were both speechless. It was one of those moments that feels like something out of a movie - an extraordinary coincidence.
Phil Moses passed away just days before he and his wife Maryanne were scheduled to stay with my wife and me in California. It felt like a reminder of how small the world truly is. Talk about six degrees of separation!
As the conversation unfolded, Robert and I exchanged photographs of Phil and his family, sharing memories of the man we both knew so well. It was surreal to see familiar faces and hear stories from another corner of Phil’s life. It deepened the connection we both felt, as if Phil’s presence was still somehow bringing people together.
This unexpected moment of shared grief and fond memories reminded me of how the people we love leave lasting marks on the world, connecting us in ways we don’t always expect.
As I walked out with my boots, newly heeled and ready for more adventures, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of this experience. Robert’s story, and the heritage embedded in every stitch and strike of his hammer, reminded me of the importance of preserving craftsmanship in a fast-moving world. My boots, much like the craft that restored them, were made to last. And for that, I’m grateful to Robert and his enduring dedication to an age-old tradition.
Brices Coombs Shoe Service store manager Sandra Doueihi (Robert Atallah's wife).
In a city like Sydney, where the new and the old meet, it’s easy to overlook these hidden gems. But the next time your boots need some care, take a moment to seek out Robert. You’ll walk away with more than just repaired shoes - you’ll leave with a piece of history.
Addendum
Listen to Robert providing an oral history of his family:
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