A few months ago, I shared some before and after photos (on instastories) of shoes I’ve had repaired or protected. I received so many questions: “What shoes? Why? Where I go?” To be perfectly honest, I was a little surprised how many people didn’t realize what a good repair place can do for them. It can do wonders!
I often get asked the question, “But aren’t you afraid of ruining your shoes?” The short answer: Absolutely not! I don’t believe that the pieces we love should be saved or not worn in fear of ruining. I’m all about trying to bring some fun or happiness into the everyday, even if it’s from something like a pair of shoes. I wear my favorite pairs on a regular basis and then several times a year, I’ll bring them to my shoe repair place to get my heels and tips fixed.
Why I Protect My Shoes & Best Shoe Repair NYC
I’ll often take it one step further and get the bottom soles protected. I do this for a) Shoes I absolutely love and that I’ve invested a lot of money on; b) Shoes that need more comfort; and c) Shoes that are in bad shape and that I want to revive. Not only does a rubber bottom sole add new life to your shoe but when it comes to heels, it improves the comfort level significantly. Think about it: There’s a completely new layer of cushion for your feet and way less slippage, especially when it comes to higher heels. For example, look at the below photo of my Gucci slides. The red pair on the left is without any form of repair. The black pair on the right has a new layer of rubber sole protection, both on the foot and the heel. In most cases, the rubber sole will last for years depending on how often you wear. My red slides are fine for now (meaning no, it’s not urgent I bring them in ASAP) but I plan to take them in soon and I know they’ll be good as new.
One thing to keep in mind is that most good shoe repair places can do this for you. In most cases, you won’t even have to say anything and they’ll know exactly what needs to be done. If you want specifics, I usually just tell them, “I need protective soles and heels.” Typically in NYC, I pay $30-$50 per shoe depending on where I’m going and how much work it entails. If I’m just getting heels and tips done (without a sole), I pay $10-$20.
Now, Louboutin shoes are a bit different due to their signature red bottom.
I take all of my shoes to my favorite repair guy, with the exception of Louboutins, which I schlepp to another place (Leather Spa in NYC). It’s a bit of a pain in the ass, which is why the bottom left pair has yet to be repaired. It’s also more expensive, often costing 30% more, but it ends up being worth it. Look at the huge difference between the right and left pair! The left Pigalle Plato pair I’ve had for over 10 years and they look (almost) good as new! And again, there is so much more comfort due to that extra cushion and decrease in slippage. The pair on the right is in terrible shape and I need to give them some TLC ASAP! 
Below are some of NYC’s best shoe repair places, many that came recommended from many of you! When I asked on Instagram I got so many great responses, so thank you.. Personally, I go to Sami Shoe Repair (in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn) for all of my shoes, except my Louboutins, simply because he doesn’t carry the red protective sole that Louboutins need. He’s not located close to the city but if you’re not far from there, I cannot recommend him enough. However, all of the below places are great. I would think that most cities have at least several good places so ask around or Google to see what comes up.
MANHATTAN
LEATHER SPA
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Address: 55 West 55th, New York, NY
ARNOLD SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Address: 168 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017
FERNANDEZ SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Address: 66 W Broadway, #E, New York, NY 10007
FIRM SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 116 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003
HECTOR’S SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: West Village
Address: 11 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
JIM’S SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: 50 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022
MINA’S SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: FiDi
ROMANO COBBLER
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Address:224 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
ROSY SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: 101 W 84th St, New York, NY 10024
TONY SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Address: 208 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
VINCE’S VILLAGE COBBLER
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 125 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
BROOKLYN
SAMI SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Bay Ridge
Address: 386 95th street, Brooklyn, NY 11209
EXPRESS SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Cobble Hill
Address: 370 Livingston St,#1, Brooklyn, NY 11217
J&C SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Address: 980 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
MAGIC JOE SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Clinton Hill
Address: 500 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
MICHAEL’S SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
Address: 319 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
MIKHAIL SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Bushwick
Address: 92 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
NORTH 11TH SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 103 N 10th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
NOSTRAND SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Address: 347 Empire Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11225
PROFESSIONAL ITALIAN SHOE REPAIR
Neighborhood: Park Slope
Address: 312 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
ROMA SHOE REPAIR & SHINE
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
Address: 16 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11421
24 comments
Allie
I agree with you – using and enjoying nice things is what makes it worthwhile to own them! With that said you have to take care of them, like you do. Ive had good luck with clear protectors on my flats, the ones off Amazon, if anyone is wondering about those. xAllie
May 24, 2018http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
Mireia
This blog post is really useful!
Mireia from TGL
May 24, 2018https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Alex
I always get my shoes protected if it is a special pair or a more expensive one !
May 24, 2018https://thefrenchiestblog.wordpress.com
Nicole Sioui
Great post!
May 24, 2018Still looking forward to the “bag” post you mentioned doing awhile back.
Jandrew
Helena, what a great post . The only other bit of info I might add is the cleaning of the upper shoe . Many shoe repair shops will also clean and protect the shoes uppers . Darlings beware of protective sprays , some have a tendency to change the color .
May 24, 2018Jandrew
Dress The Part
http://www.jandrewspeaks.com
Ewa Macherowska
Great post! x
May 24, 2018http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Olga
Not shoe related, but wondering if you’d have any recommendations in NYC…I desperately need to dry clean my wedding dress, which I have done nothing with since I got married last summer! The dress is very delicate — silk, chiffon, and beading, so I’m reluctant to just take it to any dry cleaning place. I don’t want to “preserve” it, just get it cleaned. Any ideas?
May 24, 2018BeingIsabella
I’m definitely guilty of putting off wearing items when I wear them because they are so beautiful I cannot resist getting them dirty. It took me a while to realize I was being pretty stupid. No matter how nice a pair of shoes or bag is, they’re meant to be worn! lol. Anyhow, I should really check these places out living in NY. Since the recommendation is coming from you, I’m sure they’ll be great!
http://www.beingisabella.com
May 24, 2018IrEne
Hi! Any suggestion to get bags clean and repaired? I already went to leather spa just curious if you know any other places!
May 24, 2018Glory of the Snow
Protecting shoes makes them last much longer, I do that as well! Great tips!
Magda
https://www.gloryofthesnow.com/
May 24, 2018Chloe
Thanks for sharing this! Super helpful, and I agree with you in saying that the point of owning nice things is to use them!
Chloe x
May 24, 2018http://www.softoctobernight.com
Minmin
Well, here in China, I always get comments like:
1. if you put on soles then you leather shoes won’t be able to ‘breathe’, so what’s the point of buying.
2. if you’re gonna buy luxury shoes then you shouldn’t expect them to survive everyday wear.
But I want my money to be well spent and shoes well loved so I can have them worn for 10 years and still look like yours. Thank you for your post!
May 24, 2018Rachel Neves
Agreed! Would love a bag post on repairs/TLC, etc. I struggle with finding bag people, whereas, I feel like shoe repair is more accessible. Great post though! Looking forward to one on handbags. 😊
May 25, 2018Ayla
Minas(FiDi) is my absolute favorite! They are miracle workers! Can’t praise them enough. All my shoes look impeccable after their care. I actually have learned from them that you should protect the soles right away, before you even wear your shoes to make them last. With that said, all my designer shoes go there right after I get them. 🙂
May 25, 2018Mademoiselle Coconath
Such a useful post! Thanks for sharing
May 25, 2018xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Brandi
What size do you wear in the Manolo flats? I also wear a 39 in the stilettos but am considering the flats.
May 26, 2018Fatou
Thanks so much for sharing this !!
May 28, 2018xx
https://closettostreet.com
gmail account login
Thank you so much for sharing this! Some of my shoes are slippery, gotta get them fixed.
May 31, 2018Bianca
this is so fantastic. i had a pair of snakeskin looking drivers by cole haan and while not crazy expensive (an outlet find for $65), i loved them so much and they were really comfy. a hole started to grow at the toe and i took them to a place uptown where i live and was so excited but the rubber part they added to the sole was so badly done that it squeezed my toes somehow so i couldnt wear them again. i would have paid to have them fixed properly as i cant find them anywhere with the same details. thank you!!!
June 12, 2018Yevgeniy Firayner
I have to agree with the valid points you make in your blog because I see things like you. Additionally, your content is interesting and really good reading material. Thank you for sharing your talent.
June 28, 2018Visit Us : http://www.shoesrepairs.com/
Canadaswebhosting
Glad to see your website. I really like it.
July 28, 2018Rohit Lokhande
This blog post is really useful! Helena, what a great post. The only other bit of info I might add is the cleaning of the upper shoe. Many shoe repair shops will also clean and protect the shoe uppers.
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November 17, 2018We Consult
I’m definitely guilty of putting off wearing items when I wear them because they are so beautiful I cannot resist getting them dirty. It took me a while to realize I was being pretty stupid.
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November 17, 2018JHL brick cartage perth
I can’t say that I’ve ever taken my shoes in for repair, but will definitely consider it
May 29, 2019