Rafael Lopez buffs the sole of a shoe he has just repaired. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Rafael Lopez runs his shoe repair business out of a van in Echo Park.
Lopez talks to client Nok Phattamasiri. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Lopez trims the sole of a boot. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Lopez’s workshop. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Fancy shoes sit on the front seat of Lopez’s van. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Lopez accepts a boot from client Ishmael Hernandez. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
Lopez glues a sole onto a boot. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
