The Best Shoe Repair Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Good shoes can be a smart investment, but even the most well-constructed footwear may eventually require repair or restoration. A knowledgeable shoe repair professional can mend broken heels, resole worn-out loafers, or stretch dress shoes that no longer fit to extend the life of your favorite footwear. Before you entrust your shoes to a local repair shop, you should know what options are available, including quick fixes that you can complete at home.
  

• What is the best glue for shoe sole repair?

  Cyanoacrylate glue, which is commonly referred to as super glue, is often considered the best glue for fixing holes in shoe soles or reattaching a loose sole to the bottom of a shoe because it’s clear, waterproof, and cures quickly.

• Does Birkenstock repair shoes?

  Birkenstock provides a comprehensive directory of authorized retailers, including facilities that provide repairs. Services may include heel and toe tab replacements, complete resoling, and cork repair.

• Where can you get name-brand shoes repaired?

  Repair options for name-brand shoes vary by company, and websites for high-end brands, such as Birkenstock, often provide listings of authorized repair shops. Many online and local cobblers also offer repair service for name-brand shoes.

• How do you repair scuffed leather shoes?

  To remove material transfer scuffs on leather shoes, use a shoe brush or pencil eraser. For stubborn scuffs, create a paste from baking soda and water, and work it into the leather using a soft cloth. Scuffs resulting from damage to the leather can’t be removed but may be minimized by applying leather conditioner or colored shoe polish.

• How do you repair a shoe heel?

  To repair a broken shoe heel, scrape away any remaining original glue from the heel and shoe, and rough up the exposed surfaces. Glue them back together using shoe glue or super glue making sure to coat any exposed nails. Let the glue dry according to the instructions prior to wearing your shoes.

• How much does a shoe repair cost on average?

  On average, shoe repair costs range between $5 and $85, and boot repair services are often more expensive. Prices vary by the service provided, the materials used, and the cobbler’s experience and location.

• How do you repair leather shoes that are peeling?

  Leather doesn’t typically peel or flake, so if your shoes are peeling, they’re probably made from faux leather. To repair faux leather, sand off the loose pieces using 180-grit sandpaper, and then, fill in the spaces using a permanent marker that matches your shoes. Finish by applying matching shoe polish, and let it dry.

• How do you repair shoe mesh?

  To repair a hole in shoe mesh, cut a shoe mesh repair patch to the size of the hole, and place it over the damaged area. Using a crafting iron, apply firm pressure to the patch until it sticks. Tears in shoe mesh may be fixed using mesh netting patches.

• How do you repair shoe straps?

  To repair snapped shoe straps, first trim loose threads and frayed leather. Using sandpaper, rough up each end of the break, and then apply leather glue. Let the glue dry until it becomes tacky, and then press the broken ends together. Clamp the area being repaired with binder clips, and let the glue dry before wearing.

• Is contact cement good for shoe repair?

  Yes. Because contact cement creates a flexible, permanent bond and can be used on leather and rubber, it's a good choice for shoe repairs. It typically works best on nonporous materials, so it’s not ideal for shoes made from porous fabrics.

• Can a shoe repair make shoes smaller?

  No. Most shoes can’t be made smaller although leather sandal straps may be shrunk or tightened to adjust their size. However, cobblers can add padding, insoles, or heel grips to give shoes a tighter fit.

• Can a hole in a shoe sole be repaired?

  Yes. Shoe soles may be repaired by plugging the holes with an adhesive sealant, such as Shoe Goo, Gorilla Glue, or Liquid Nails. To complete the repair, professionals may place duct tape across the inside of the hole and then fill it completely with sealant before letting it dry.

• Can shoe repair shops fix zippers?

  Although it may be possible to fix some zippers, faulty or damaged closures are typically replaced rather than repaired to avoid recurring problems. Many cobblers provide this service for leather shoes and boots.

• How do you repair suede shoes that got wet?

  When suede shoes get wet, immediately blot them with a clean cloth. Then, while the suede is damp, brush the nap with a soft-bristled brush while simultaneously applying gentle heat with a blow dryer. After the suede dries, brush it with a soft horse-bristle brush to achieve a velvety texture. Stains may be treated using a suede eraser.

• What shoes can\'t be resoled?

  Most sneakers can’t be resoled because their soles are part of the overall design. However, repairs to the sole may be possible depending on the damage.

• What is the history of shoe cobbling?

  Because shoes were handmade until the 18th century, shoemakers and cobblers have been in demand for thousands of years. Cobbling fell into decline in the late 1700s when the Industrial Revolution led to mass-manufactured footwear, and by the 1850s, most shoes were manufactured in factories. Although today’s cobblers may still craft custom handmade shoes for high-end designers and private customers, they predominantly repair and restore mass-produced shoes.

• Why is a shoemaker called a cobbler?

  The term cobbler originates from the word cobelere, which means “someone who mends shoes.” It was originally used as an insult to insinuate that a shoemaker didn't know his craft. Later, it was used to refer to someone who could repair shoes but didn’t have the skill to make them. Today, the terms cobbler and shoemaker are typically used interchangeably.