Each sole mended — string nearby? (8)
I believe the answer is:
shoelace
'string nearby?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'each sole mended' is the wordplay.
'mended' is an anagram indicator.
'each'+'sole'='eachsole'
'eachsole' is an anagram of 'SHOELACE'.
(Other definitions for shoelace that I've seen before include "Cord fastener for footwear" , "What ends in aglets" , "Footwear tie" , "String for footwear" , "Oxford tie?" .)