Brianna HarrisonThe 5 Best Places for a Shoe Repair in Toronto
Shoes are some of the best investments any person could ever have. Be it for walking, fashion, or just luxury, ensuring that your shoes are in the best shape always matters.
In case of any need for sole replacement, restitching, weatherproofing, and more, we gathered a list of the best places for shoe repair in Toronto. We included their contact information and each of the pros and cons of having them repair your shoes.
The Best Places for a Shoe Repair in Toronto
How much does a shoe repair cost in Toronto?
Here is a sample table to show you some of the usual shoe repair services and their corresponding costs.
Please note that these are all average prices and that actual quotes will depend on your needed service and chosen cobbler.
The 5 Best Places for a Shoe Repair in Toronto
We used the following criteria to find the best places for a shoe repair in Toronto:
1. Rob’s Best Foot Forward
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Knowledge | ★★★★★ |
| ⮕Skills | ★★★★★ |
| ⮕Reputation | ★★★★☆ |
| RANGE OF SERVICES | ★★★★★ |
| PRICES (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ |
Rob’s Best Foot Forward has over 30 years’ experience in rebuilding and repairing shoes. Their expertise includes, but are not limited to, broken heels, worn soles, slippery soles, and tight shoes.
What makes this business one of our top choices is the range of their services. They can even repair leather shoes to their former shine and glory and even have special services like calf widening for boots.
On top of their services, they also sell some of the shoe care products that they use, such as oils, polishers, and even laces. We find that this is very convenient as customers can simply buy items from them after availing a shoe repair service.
They also perform repair services for luxury brands such as Christian Louboutin, which puts them on the list of those who take extra care of their shoe investments. Services for designer handbags and purses, as well as belt shortening are also done here.
Results-wise, we find that they have a good track record thus far, along with their fair prices. We do note that they have a report of a rude customer service call experience, which they admitted to and will hopefully try not to repeat anytime soon.
We also note that they are closed on Mondays, which isn’t exactly bad but can take a toll on their business. Most of their competitors are open on Mondays and this day is usually a busy day for business and for gaining more customers.
All said, Rob’s Best Foot Forward is a good shoe repair service. They have almost excellent knowledge and skills and they will get the job done without asking for too much.
Pros
- Over 30 years in the business
- Extensive shoe repair services
- Also repairs designer bags
- Fair prices
Cons
- Has a rude customer service call report
- Closed on Mondays
Customer Reviews
Will work with you until your shoes are comfortable
“Rob is a world-class gentleman! The place to go for shoe fit problems in Toronto. He will work with you until your shoes are comfortable.
To get comfort, his prices are very reasonable. I trust him with my $2000 Made in England shoes!” — Christopher Choate, via Google
Did an amazing job with the utmost care
“Rob was absolutely fantastic! From the moment I stepped in he was super friendly and warm. I got rubber soles on a couple of shoes and had him stretch out a pair of heels.
He did an amazing job with the utmost care, I would highly recommend!” — Jessika Noda, via Google
2. Novelty Shoe Rebuilders
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Knowledge | ★★★★★ |
| ⮕Skills | ★★★★★ |
| ⮕Reputation | ★★★★☆ |
| RANGE OF SERVICES | ★★★★★ |
| PRICES (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ |
| CUSTOMER SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ |
Novelty Shoe Rebuilders have been repairing and altering leather items as early as 1932. They have been in the business for almost a century now, which shows in their skills and their loyal customers.
We like this service not only because of their tenure as a business, but also because of their swift process. All customers have to do is ship the pair or items to their shop and they will repair or alter then ship it back as soon as possible.
Their range of services when it comes to shoe repair is also very extensive. They can attend to the smallest of details and go as far as bringing a pair back to life.
We also like them for their stackable services. Customers can send both shoes and bags or other leather goods, and they will attend to it and ship all items back together.
We do note that some of their prices can be expensive, given their royalty. We also find that some of their new staff are not well-loved by customers given their lack of customer service skills, with some even being rude.
Still, we recommend Novelty Shoe Rebuilders for their tenure and experience. Their years of being in this industry has provided them with good skills in shoe repair.
Pros
- Almost 100 years in the business
- Swift shipping and repairing process
- Extensive list of shoe repair services
- Also alters and repairs other leather items
Cons
- Some rates can be expensive
- Has reports of rude new staff members
Customer Reviews
Did a fantastic job, reduced the price of the repair
“Got a pair of birkenstock sandals repaired from ricardo and paul at this store. They did a fantastic job, reduced the price of the repair by 15 dollars which was a big deal for me. kudos to them for doing such a perfect job. onwards and upwards always :)” — Reshma Lala, via Google
I am thoroughly impressed by the workmanship and quality
“I just picked up 3 pairs that had been made “like new again” by John’s outstanding work. I am thoroughly impressed by the workmanship and quality … this is *the* place to go to extend the life of favorite footwear! Thank you John for the wonderful results.” — Ulla de Stricker, via Google
3. Sole Survivor
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Knowledge | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Skills | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Reputation | ★★★★☆ |
| RANGE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ |
| PRICES (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ |
Founded in 2013, Sole Survivor is a team of multidisciplinary artists who have included cobbling in their craft. This shop is known for addressing footwear and leather care dilemmas with a step-by-step process.
One of the reasons why we like Sole Survivor is because they offer convenient options with regards to the sending of repairs to and from the customers. Customers can drop their shoes or leather items at their office, have a courier handle it, or mail it to them.
We also like the quality of items, replacements, and tools that they use. Since they are a relatively new and young business, we like how they keep their inventory up-to-date with the best in their industry.
They also sell some of the items that they use and some recommended after care products. We also note that these items for sale come at affordable to reasonable rates, which is definitely a plus.
Of course, given this business’ years of experience compared to others, we do find that they need to work on their efficiency. A few customers experience a long waiting time for their items to arrive, so they still need to practice repairing and delivering at speed.
We also find that they do not have the best knowledge when it comes to handling luxury items as well, so we hope they can still improve from time to time.
Sole Survivor is a great option for those who want an up-to-date repair process along with shoe and leather care products for sale. They have ample knowledge and skills and are very polite when acknowledging both their mistakes and successes.
Pros
- Step-by-step repair process
- Offers various sending options for repairs or orders
- Up-to-date inventory of products and equipment
- Affordable to reasonable rates
Cons
- Repairs can take long
- Still needs to work on their knowledge and skills
Customer Reviews
Responsive, and organized with impressive results!
“Sole survivor was my number one choice for when my lumber boots needed new vibram soles. They were responsive, and organized with impressive results!
I’m back walking on clouds again and with many years added to my boots! Well done and thank you! Will definitely use your services again!” — Kellen Lindley, via Google
Repairs are always top notch and well priced
“I can’t say enough about how much I love this business. They have rescued several pairs of boots, shoes and sandals for me over the year. Repairs are always top notch and well priced. Highly recommended!” — Paulina Czajkowski, via Google
4. Nick’s Custom Boots & Shoe Repair
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Knowledge | ★★★★★ |
| ⮕Skills | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Reputation | ★★★★☆ |
| RANGE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ |
| PRICES (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ |
| CUSTOMER SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ |
Nick’s Custom Boots & Shoe Repair is a family-owned and operated shoe repair business that has been serving Toronto for over 40 years now. They cater to local clients and have special ones such as police forces and even showbiz and royalty.
We like this business because they make use of leather from all over the world, which speaks of their commitment to quality. They have imports from Italy, Spain, Belgium, England, Portugal, Argentina and many more.
In terms of their service, we find that their expertise really leans towards boots and other leather shoes. We do note that they can also perform repairs for other types of shoes, but you’d have to consult with them first as their knowledge can be limited.
One thing that we don’t appreciate about this service is that their customer response is a tad behind as compared to others. Email replies can take a while and they even forget to update some customers sometimes, which can be a red flag for others.
We also note that some customers find them a bit more expensive than others. While they do have quality leather repair, we still find that they should prioritize getting their prices right.
Overall, we recommend Nick’s Custom Boots & Shoe Repair for all the leather lovers. They can surely find a suitable leather piece or solution for your pair.
Pros
- Over 40 years’ experience
- Leather experts
- Imports leather from all over the world
- Has a great show of clientele
Cons
- Could improve responsiveness
- Some issues with being overpriced
Customer Reviews
(My shoes) are much easier to walk in with the added grip
“Got a rubber sole put on my CL’s and couldn’t be happier with the result! Not only are they protected but they are much easier to walk in with the added grip. John did this service for me. Thanks again!” — Kelsey Pietrobon, via Google
Very happy with the results!
“I dropped my Birkenstocks off for a half resole near the heel as I was wearing into the cork. Very happy with the results!
It took about a week and it was around $40 with tax. I’ll definitely be back for repair of my other pairs of footwear.” — Raymond Kam, via Google
5. Mr. Soles Shoe Repair
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Knowledge | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Skills | ★★★★☆ |
| ⮕Reputation | ★★★★☆ |
| RANGE OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ |
| PRICES (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★★ |
| CUSTOMER SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ |
Being in the Toronto area for over a decade, Mr. Soles Shoe Repair is a small shop that has grown to be well-loved by its community. This service offers affordable sole replacements and repairs for various types of shoes.
The reason why this is a successful service is because of their friendliness to customers. They communicate what they can do properly and are very honest.
We particularly like them for sole repairs on boots and even heels. We do note that they may not have luxury sole or specific sole replacements for certain brands, as they are only a small store.
While it isn’t bad that they have good quality soles, we find that they are behind their competitors in terms of inventory, as some shoe repairs have particularly good replacements and leather materials for luxury shoe brands.
We also find that since they are very small, repair time can take a while. Still, we would say that they are very upfront about what they can do for their customers and are among the affordable shoe repairs in Toronto.
Mr. Soles Shoe Repair is your friendly-neighbourhood shoe repair service. This is a go-to for an easy and affordable restitching, re-glue, or a basic shoe repair.
Pros
- More than 10 years in the business
- Very friendly and honest to customers
- Rates are affordable
Cons
- Inventory of products and items is still basic
- Repair time can take a while
Customer Reviews
Honest, approachable
“You won’t regret coming here to fix your boots! Thank you for being honest, approachable, and giving a second life to these boots:) a brand new sole and a great clean-up. We definitely recommend!” — Tina Mitre, via Google
Convenient neighbourhood shoe repair
“Convenient neighbourhood shoe repair man. Been going to this spot since I was younger. My grandparents trusted shoe repair place.” — Ellie Brito, via Google
FAQs on Shoe Repairs
You’ve reached the end of our review for the best places to get a shoe repair in Toronto. If you have other recommended cobblers, tell us about them in the comments!
For those of you who find that a repair isn’t worth it and want a new pair of shoes without having to spend too much, you may want to check out items from some of the best thrift stores in Toronto. Happy shopping!
