Scarpa Resoling – Precision, Tradition, Perfection
For nearly 90 years, the Parbhoo family has been at the heart of Wynberg’s community through their family business, Durasole. What began as a small cobbling service has become a name synonymous with craftsmanship, quality, and care. Today, the legacy continues through brothers Jairaj and Dipak Parbhoo, the third generation of cobblers carrying forward a proud tradition.
Most recently, Dipak travelled to Italy to train directly with Scarpa’s official resoling team—an opportunity that strengthens both the Parbhoo family’s heritage and the future of resoling in South Africa. This experience ensures local climbers and outdoor enthusiasts now have access to the same world-class standards found at Scarpa’s headquarters in Italy.
A Conversation with Dipak
How did you first get into shoe resoling?
“I’m the third generation cobbler in the Parbhoo family—it’s in my blood.”
What was it like arriving in Italy to begin training with Scarpa?
“Scarpa has an incredibly high standard. The entire process was an eye-opener.”
What did a typical day of training look like?
“My days were spent inside the Scarpa factory: hands-on practical work with climbing shoes and trekking boots, combined with theory. From stripping and preparing shoes to fitting new soles and finishing to factory standards—it was precision from start to finish.”
What stood out as the most rewarding skill to learn?
“The attention to detail. From sizing the shoe on the last, to gluing, pressing, and finishing—it all has to be exact.”
What makes official Scarpa resoling unique?
“Scarpa provides original components for every model. That means a resoled shoe performs like new, without compromise.”
How does resoling tie into Scarpa’s values?
“Scarpa’s philosophy is to rebuild and maintain the original feel and performance of the shoe. Many climbing shoes can be resoled three or four times if looked after properly—that’s a huge saving and a big step for sustainability.”
What differences will climbers notice compared to generic resoles?
“With generic components, the fit can change, the tension system may be compromised, and grip isn’t the same. With Scarpa resoles, the shoe keeps its true performance.”
How does this benefit South African climbers and hikers?
“These communities really care for the outdoors, and Scarpa’s green manifesto aligns with that. Plus, having official resoles locally gives people peace of mind when they invest in a premium brand like Scarpa.”
Any message to customers who are deciding between a resole and buying new?
“A resole not only saves money—it gives you back a shoe that’s already moulded to your foot. Worn-in shoes are more comfortable.”
Why This Matters
Dipak’s training means South African climbers no longer need to look overseas for Scarpa-quality resoling. With official techniques, original components, and decades of family craftsmanship behind each repair, Scarpa shoes can now truly live out their full lifespan here at home.
Choose Scarpa. Resole with Scarpa. Keep climbing, sustainably.
