Favourite boots

I am known for my large shoe collection, though in fact it's not actually as large as people think, it's just that many of the shoes I have are unusual...or ridiculous.When it comes to clothes, I am guilty of having surplus items that I don't wear and have to have a regular purge ( though this has got markedly less in recent years as I come closer to the Holy Grail of 'my style' - I'm only 37 for heavens sake, give a girl a chance!)
However, shoes are an entirely different matter and I lovingly cherise them for years on end. I still have a pair of black stillettos bought in the winter of 1999 which, despite having a small tear on one side still have a bit of life in them. Everytime they need re-heeling I'm told that due to the heel being so thin they could snap but they survive unscathed each time.

So, imagine my despair when I discovered a split right across the entire width of the sole of my absolute favourite boots.
They have served me very well for the last, ooh 8 or 9 years. The wedge heel makes them comfortable enough to walk around in all day, whilst giving my petite frame some height, they aren't knee high boots and only come up to mid calf, which is a flattering length, they can be worn with denim skirts or give a slightly edgier look to a dress.
Like Mary Poppins they are practically perfect any everyway.
But, the man at the shoe repair shop was very clear that there was nothing that could be done to save
them, his manner is a little brusque, I feel that he doesn't fully understand the impact those words can have on a girl - what? there is NOTHING that can be done to save my absolute favourite, faithful friend boots!?
I immediately went out and purchased some very strong glue to prove him wrong, however I fear he may be right as the repair didn't hold. Still, I continue to be in denial and will be sourcing some strong black tape to further strengthen the repair. I'm just not ready to say Goodbye yet....especially when this is completely the wrong season for buying boots.
So, if anyone sees boots that look like the picture below, do let me know - my wardrobe is incomplete without them!