Derek’s Shoe Repair & Accessories

Worst experience I’ve ever had with a business.
I dropped my shoes off the last week in November and was warned it would be 3 weeks before my shoes would be done. After 4 weeks I called and they weren’t done, I was not bothered as I didn’t need the shoes for anything specific.
By January 5 I was concerned and called again only to find a clearly angry owner who had been having this conversation a lot according to other reviews, I see now. Without any provocation, other than asking if the shoes have been lost, the guy proceeded to yell at me about not being able to find them. Yes, he was yelling at me, over the phone, about my shoes that he couldn’t find.
I’ve never been yelled at by a business owner. Never would I ever have expected it either. This was seriously my worst experience as a customer and I wish I had never ever stepped foot into Derek’s.

Worst experience EVER. I took in a pair of expensive boots to be shined and stained in early October. I was told they would be finished in a week. Two weeks later I come to pick them up, they haven’t even started working on them. So I call back a week later to check on them before I waste my time with a trip to downtown Portland. The owner says that he will work on them that day and they will be ready the very next day at the latest. I come back 2 days later expecting my shoes to be ready as he told me they would be. He says he hasn’t started them yet and will get them finished within the next couple days. I was so livid at this point, I asked for a refund and told him it was ridiculous that I waited over a month for a simple shoe repair, if he wasn’t able to fix them he should have told me from the start and saved me the trouble. I took my boots and left. Worst service and rude staff! I would rate this –5 if I could.

I’ve been a customer of Derek’s Shoe Repair since 1997, making use of their service at least once each year, often a couple of times (Spring and Fall).
I remember it all started when they helped me repair shoes I’d purchased from Johnny Sole. I was so impressed that I’ve been loyal to this shop ever since. No matter where I moved over the years, I made a point of returning to this shop.
I have also referred many folks over the years, three confirmed customers in the last six months alone.
Unfortunately, after my experiences with Derek’s Shoe Repair over the last week, I won’t be returning.
I was so disappointed that I checked with some of folks who I have referred, and the consensus is that something has changed with this shop.
Too bad.

They always set the right expectations. If they’re swamped, they always tell me about how long to wait. Fortunately, I’ve never been in a bind, so I can’t say I know how they (or I) would handle it. I’ve only been treated with kindness and professionalism. If I’ve had questions about soles, someone has given and shown me options. The quality of the work is excellent, and the pricing is fair. If you pay up front, you get a little off, which helps.

Great service and high quality repairs. Derek’s is the best!

If you gallop around in high heels all over town you will at some point need those little heel caps replaced.
If you have a lot of heels and you’re constantly replacing them at $ 12.00 for a pair, the cost can really add up.
But here’s a sweet deal y’all, for a prepay of $ 30.00 you can get 5 pairs of those buggary heel caps replaced. Let me amaze you with my math skills here: that equals $ 6.00 each or otherwise known as ½ price. How rad is that?
They also give you your shoes back all cleaned and polished up. I am also happy they are open on Saturday which I find super convenient.
The folks here are super nice and very helpful. I was also told about a discount offered when you prepay rather than pay at the time of pickup.
Oh, and they are located in Morgan’s Alley which houses some other cool stuff.
2015 — Review # 32

A BIG FAN BUT I HAVE A BIG CAVEAT.
You know those businesses you frequent because you can’t say enough about their work but. .. ? Derek’s is one of those. This place does beautiful, impeccable work. You can take your favorite shoes here without fear. They will restore stuff no one else touches. And they’re fairly priced. I’d say about 65% of the time I go in there and they’re all smiles and it’s easy-​peasy. They’ve even rushed things.
BUT. .. be sure if you absolutely have to have something for a job interview or a business trip you must give them extra time. And call before you go to pick up the items if you’re making a special trip to pick them up. The date on your slip is sometimes just a rough guesstimate. Never assume. So if you come in three days after it was supposed to be ready and it isn’t (nor can they even lay their hands on it) don’t expect apologies. Expect instead a rude response or at best no response at all. This has happened to me twice this year and once late last year. (I don’t learn do I?) They won’t try to make it up to you. They will act like they are doing you a favor for even doing the work you already paid them for. So as you fight traffic for 45 minutes to get there and 45 minutes back without said item knowing you’ll have to do it all over again another day you’ll just smile and shake your head and say «Oh Derek’s. .. «And you’ll know you return because it’s the only shoe repair place that does it the way you want.
It’s just like putting up with the fantastic hair colorist who won’t shut up about her shitty husband for the three hours you’re there. The rude waiter who brings you the best dish you’ve ever eaten. Or the paint and body guy who takes six months longer than he said he would, doesn’t return your calls for weeks but then produces show winning work. They’re artists and they’re moody. Just keep repeating «They’re worth it. They’re worth it. (Groan.) They’re worth it.»

Extremely disappointed with the way things were handled when my shoes were given away to charity. It is my fault, I left them too long because I moved out of the neighborhood during the summer while my winter shoes were being repaired.
I received no call before my favorite leather boots were given away (left apr– aug), as they said they would.
When I called they had been given away and the owner offered to give me a gift certificate. I immediately emailed and asked if they could send email/​mail the gift certificate, or tell me the value, b/​c I knew it would be a while till my next repair. I received no response.
I called again today to follow up with shoes that needed to be repaired, he said he couldn’t help me and that he wouldn’t send a gift certificate because it was my fault. When I asked why he hadn’t sent it to me when I followed up earlier he said It was my fault and that if I couldn’t be bothered to come pick it up, they shouldn’t be expected to send it. He said I was punishing a small mom and pop store. I didn’t know I was supposed to pick it up.
I reminded him that I had been a regular customer, and had never gotten angry previously, but that now I would likely not return and not recommend it to my friends. He asked me if I was threatening him which seemed like an absurd response. He mentioned my «threats» several more times.
I would say the service is decent typically, but don’t forget your shoes! Life happens, and it would have been nice to have them be a little more understanding or give a call before giving away expensive shoes. It was my fault and the ticket states their policy.
I will never go back. But the owner jerry made it very clear he doesn’t want me as a customer anyway.
I’m pretty sure this 1 of 2 bad reviews I’ve given on my 5+ years on Unilocal

I couldn’t have asked for anything better than Derek’s Shoe Repair. I found them online and read some of the reviews and it seemed to have a variety of reviews from so-​so to excellent. I gave it a shot though. I had a pair of ankle boots that were just a little to high in the shaft. Wasn’t sure if it was possible to shorten the shaft but took them with me and they were able to do what I wanted. The person who took my request was friendly and so helpful. And when I picked them up, there was a different person at the counter but still very friendly, and even someone in the back came out and commented on the high quality boot that I had purchased and told me it now looks good an proportionate to my small frame. And the craftsmanship – it did even look like anyone had done any work on my boots! FLAWLESS! TIP: 10% off if you pay up front instead of when you pick up the shoes.

I think at Derek’s they do awesome work, I could not be more pleased! Lately I had my shoes re-​soled here, and wow, they look almost like new, the work was were done on time, exactly as promised. It has never taken longer than a week to complete the work. What I usually get done most often here are heel replacement and then re-​soling some time adding protective soles too.
You get courteous service, professional work, and most of the time, you get even more than expected, shoes and boots come back always shined and clean. I have been thinking to have and most of the time, you get even more than expected, shoes and boots come back always shined and clean. I have been thinking to have an old beautiful leather wallet which is torn and has tears, be restored, since I saw they also restore wallets and boots and leather items. Traffic can be a bit of a problem here though that is the only disadvantage of this place.

Only place I take my shoes.
The problem with having a favorite pair of shoes is that they’re invariably the ones you’re wearing when you step into wet concrete. Destroyed? Apparently not at all! I also like his shine card, keeps my various work pairs in tip top condition.
I’ve had them turn around things same-​day when I asked. If timing is important than just let them know and I’m confident you’ll get it taken care, otherwise I think they just assume most people don’t wear their nice shoes that often.

How I wish I could find a good shoe repair place in Portland. I’ve been to three different places now, and I haven’t been fully satisfied with any of the jobs these guys have done. I’ve been to Dorian’s, JD’s and Derek’s and either they did not do a good job, or the job took too long, or it was really expensive. None of these places have hit the trifecta of good job, quick turn-​around, and reasonably priced.
I’ve taken a number of shoes to Derek’s because this shop is close to my work, and he was giving me a good price for bringing in about five pairs of shoes total. All of the repairs for these shoes were basic: heel replacement or reinforcement, and a shine. This shop did a good job with the heel replacements– the replacement seemed strong and looked like it may last a while, but I wouldn’t call this the cleanest job. There was shoe polish or dirt smudged all over the heels when I received them. I know I didn’t ask for «smudge-​free» heals, but I don’t think that was very professional of them.
I had requested a polish for some of my shoes that were leather or suede, and they did not do a good job here at all. The person working there even offered to re-​do the job for me, which would’ve been third time around, because I had requested a re-​do already, but at this point I didn’t want to come back again in another two weeks so I passed. They just cannot seem to get a good polish down.
I think if they worked on cleaning the smudge off of shoes before returning them, and focused when they’re polishing, then this would be a much better shoe repair shop.

Derek is sloppy, claims to have shoe repairing, shoe building knowledge. Sadly has neither. or any patience it seems.
+ Service, substandard…
+ repair/​alteration, almost child like.
Overall, I’m surprised he’s somehow in business.

Was surprised seeing all the negative reviews. My experience with Derek shoe repairs has always been more than pleasant. The staff are nice and I never waited for a long time to get my shoes back besides when it was right around New Years which was absolutely understandable… I go there mainly to get protective soles and the last time I went there (last week), it was actually next day delivery. Free downtown delivery. I’m not quite sure what more I can ask for/​expect.

I’ve started to review several times and had to walk away because I was angry and didn’t want to write while in that state. I was angry about the bad reviews and the reasons given. Long wait for shoes, primarily…
First let me say, you all should be jumping for joy that this shop is busy and may be around for a while… cheer them on. That is unless they get fed up with people expecting instant results. The fact Derek’s is busy means people are trying to keep shoes out of the landfill and still believe in fixing shoes rather than tossing them. Shoes aren’t disposable. And some people love a job done right.
More important than the ethics of fixing things rather than tossing them is when you take shoes to Derek’s, they will come back better than new. Work done with the hands takes time. It’s not like cooking in a microwave oven or using a remote control… or high speed internet. If you need a new heel cap on your favorite pumps by Friday, there are some in and out shoe repairs that can get ‘er done. Then, when you want them done for reals, bring them to Derek’s. You will get them back and things will be fixed you didn’t even know were broken.
P. S. I have also had the experience of going in and having them not find my shoes… or having to go back for them. Forgiven. I am always amazed at the care and attention to detail that goes into the work done here.
Long live Derek’s.

I went to Derek’s because of they are one of the few shoe repair shops that offer a delivery/​pickup service. Two weeks ago they picked up a single pair of shoes from my work. After not hearing from them for a three days I called and left a message (with my name and phone number) checking in on the status. Today I called again and finally got a hold of a man who told me that he didn’t have my number (I had called and left it on voicemail five days earlier) and he hadn’t started on my shoes. He said it would be another week. When I expressed that I wasn’t happy that no one had returned my call and asked if there was any possible way to get them before Thanksgiving, he said that he was going to deliver them back to me unfinished. I was midway through asking why when he interrupted to say never mind, since delivery was a free service, he wasn’t going to deliver and that I would have to come pick them up, unfinished… AND THEN HUNG UP ON ME.
This was completely unprovoked. I didn’t balk at the price. I didn’t flip out when he told me that he was going to return my shoes unfinished. And now I feel very uncomfortable going there to pick up my shoes because of how disrespectful he was.
UPDATE: When I picked up my shoes, the woman at the front was very nice. The man who I spoke to on the phone did not come out of the back where he was working.

Excellent Service. Repaired the zipper on my favorite pair of boots. Looks great! Would definitely recommend.

The only repair shop to shoes! Friendly service to boot! Get a foot in the door at Derek’s!
This was my first experience at a cobblers, and it was a great one. So, i have no real basis for comparison, but can at least build confidence for other «first timers.»
I’d had this pair of Vaughn Chukkas for several years, and they were in real bad shape before I thought them to Derek’s — almost no heels left, the toe burst away from the sole.
I shopped around a little bit, and Derek’s seemed to offer the highest quality materials, good turn around, and fair prices.
The J&R heels and soles they put on are great, and the sides are died to almost the original color! I think I like them better than when I first bought them. Really excited to get another couple years out of these, my favorite, and everyday, boots.

Whenever possible I try to support our local businesses who represent a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. However, I can no longer support a business that does nothing to earn it. For years I have driven into downtown Portland to have Derek’s work on my shoes. For years, I received good service when it was promised.
NO LONGER. Looking at the one-​star reviews that have piled up since October 2012, clearly something is amiss at Derek’s.
Here’s my own story…
Back at the end of October I brought in three pair of shoes for new soles and reconditioning. At the time, there was a nice but relatively clueless girl working the front counter. She convinced me to pay for the work up front in order to received a 10% discount on the work (my first mistake). She promised that the shoes would be ready in two weeks – the week prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
On Wednesday of Thanksgiving week I came in to pick up my shoes. I presented my claim tickets and then watched as the same girl engaged in 10 minutes of aimless searching for my shoes. The way Derek’s manages its completed jobs reminds me of the final government warehouse scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark – except at least in the movie there appeared to be some effort to organize the boxes. After the big hunt, the girl admits she can only find one pair, but that pair has not been completed yet. She apologizes and assures me the shoes will be ready by the first week of December. I am not pleased, but I do not complain (second mistake).
Fast forward three weeks to the second week of December – now almost six weeks since I dropped off my shoes and three weeks past the original promise date. I am greeted by the owner, who also has problems finding my shoes in the box labyrinth. Apparently, even he does not understand the «system.» After about 5 minutes he finally locates my first pair of shoes, but the other two are MIA. Back to the labyrinth… He locates the other two pair after about 5 more minutes of searching. But surprise! They are not finished. I tell him this is my third time in the store and that the shoes were promised three weeks prior. He sort of shrugs and says «sorry, I’ll have them ready for you next week.» Pissed, I told him he had one final chance to complete the work (third mistake for those playing along at home). Worse, I didn’t look carefully at the completed shoes (mistake four). I later discover that even though he’s put on new soles and shined up the leather, he failed to replace the (fraying) laces or to re-​color the heels. Now I’m even less pleased. However, because Derek’s is not in my daily orbit, I decide not to make a fourth special trip back to the shop to ask that he complete the job correctly.
With the optimism of the new year coursing through my veins, in mid-​January I head back down the now well-​worn path to Derek’s. Upon arrival I’m greeted again by the owner. The all too familiar Where’s Waldo game ensues and he finds my boots. But with the look of a beaten dog he informs me that while he’s found my final pair of shoes, he’s discovered that although they are in a completed job box, only one of the shoes has been done. At this point, New Year’s resolutions fly out the window with the remainder of my patience for this terrible business. I tell him I am done. He begs forgiveness, says he’ll get the job completed that afternoon and personally deliver the shoes to my office the next day. Late for an appointment and afraid I’m now tempting a jail sentence if I linger, I back slowly out of the store. (mistake five).
The next day, he personally delivered the shoes with an apology and a full refund. NOT!!! Two more weeks pass before I receive the shoes – not in person, but by mail. No note, no apology, no refund… NO MORE BUSINESS FROM ME.
I gave this business more than enough chances to get it right, correct the wrongs, and earn my forgiveness. They just kept firing the gun into their foot. Let my five mistakes be enough for all of you. Something is amiss at Derek’s. Take your shoes and your business somewhere else.

I usually come here to get my shoes touch up. Derek’s has been late on serval occasions, but i’ve let that side.
This past time i’ve gone there to get my shoes touch up my promise date was Wednesday. Which took a week to get clean up. I go back that following week on a friday, giving them nine days to clean them up. I got there asking for my shoes. The guy with the glasses come out from the back to tell me that my shoes aren’t done, and asked me to come back. This time i was feed up and took him that i need to shoes to where to an event. I then tell him that i can take them to Nordstrom instead, he then rushed to the back and starts cleaning the pair that i wanted to wear. After 20 minutes of waiting and mind you i had to be at my event within the hour! He brings me the shoes. I then bring out my wallet, he says oh don’t worry about it i got it
Part 2– I come back a week later to pick up my other pairs of shoes. We talk here and there, mind you i was still mad from the previous events. I look at my shoes and everything is fine. He then starts to give me up and gives me the total… I then was puzzle … he charged me for two pairs. I then asked, 12? Didn’t say you got the other pair? He then state NO… its for two pairs.
I then say well. you said you got the other pair last time i was here since you were late cleaning them and you made me wait, then i said that i wanted to take them to nordstrom. I then was thinking in my head… whatever. and walk out.
As i was walking out i was thinking NO, then guy has messed up on my shoes many times, i need to speak my mind. I went back in and said You know i’m really upset that you charged me for the other pair when you were late, and i told you that i wanted my shoes back so i can take them to nordstrom. You were the one who started to clean them against my wish. I also even brought out my card and you said ITS OK I GOT THEM…
He has a look of shock on his face and states– YOU KNOW WHAT THEN DON’T COME BACK.
Myself in rage; i said i will never come back! You run such a horrible business and you are very unprofessional. You do such bad jobs and i should have learned the first time.
PLEASE PEOPLE TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSE WHERE. DEREKS IS HORRIBLE AND WILL DO A BAD JOBS ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL SHOES
BTW– I WILL NOT BE SENDING BUSINESS HERE AS WELL… I KNOW A LOT OF BUSINESS WHO WILL NOT BE HAPPY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS!