Third Avenue Shoe Repair

I love the soles they add to my new shoes. They do an expert job! The leather bottoms on my shoes are slippery and get ripped apart within 3 months, so I take them here first thing. I can get years from a pair of shoes with the new soles.
I stop by on my way to Draeger’s Market, just down the street and they’ve always been open. But this is just a small shop and the same kind man is there every day, so if you’re making a special trip, call first to make certain he’s open.
Parking has been the biggest problem for me. I’ve parked on the street but there must be a lot somewhere, I just haven’t been able to find it.

Just stopped by at 10 AM to have my shoes fixed, but no one is there, and no one answered the phone either. I hope there’s a good reason for this!

Can’t exactly give more than 1 star when they’re not open when they’re supposed to. Was there today (Tuesday) at around noon. Sign says they’re open Mon — Fri 10am to 6pm. Nobody bothered to pick up the phone either.
And they have my pair of shoes in there. Welp.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Horrible customer service. Brought a pair of boots and a few heels that needed to be repaired and owner just gave attitude the entire time. He first said that boots were beyond repair, but he could do it at $ 60. Then he looked at heels and said, how could I wait so long to bring in heels. He gave me an outrageous cost for repair. I left immediately and glad i did… if you’re looking for great customer service with exceptional work, I recommend The Cobbler in San Carlos.

This place is friendly, efficient, affordable and repairs my shoes correctly.

Ironic that the user pic for his business is of its hours of operation. Today, I spent 40 minutes (10am to 10:44am) waiting outside a locked door with a huge bag of shoes, calling to no avail. I understand running a few minutes late, but answering one’s phone when waiting customers call is just good business practice.
I was ready to switch because this is just around the corner for me, but would rather take a longer trip to my usual shoe guy — this behavior coupled with the multiple Unilocal mentions of him turning customers away does not inspire confidence it his craftsmanship.

Really nice guy that runs this place. Weighed our options with us and was very upfront about the best plan with our shoes. Appreciate it and will definitely trust him to do future work for us.

I like this place.
I had a small project that requires sewing leather — got a product from Amazon that didn’t fit so o got colored garter from Michael’s and presented the small challenge.
They took it, no questions asked.
This is a pen holder for a journal — I keep this planner handy and I didn’t like ruining the pages by clipping the pens onto them.
They understood the project easily & got it done perfectly in one try!

I’m not sure why this place has such a high rating, my experience was less than stellar. Maybe my expectations are too high when it comes to customer service? I feel bad for leaving a low review, but…
I took 4 pairs of shoes in for a variety of repairs — first shoes out of the bag my Michael Kors with a broken platform. The cobbler looks at the shoe, man-​handles it (actually made the problem worse!) and then says he can’t fix it (completely understand that). Then he tells me to return the shoe to the store! Um, I’ve had these shoes for over 3 years, no store would take them back, and I am not likely to find this style again. They’re worn but besides the clicking sound when I walk they look amazing still, don’t tell me to take them back, wtf?!
Second pair out of the bag, a pair of Born mary jane heels with a broken strap. The strap doesn’t buckle, it has a hidden elastic piece that needed replacing. I had both shoes there so he could see how the elastic is supposed to be when it’s not broken. He was going to sew the strap on and not do any elastic… um, how would I be able to put the shoe on if that was done? No. Told him it needed elastic. When I picked up the repair 2 weeks later, there was elastic, but not enough of it there. It doesn’t fit properly, but it’s close enough I guess.
Third pair, a pair of gold satin Adrianna Papell dress heels I bought for 90% off because the strap was broken. All that needed to be done was a simple stitch about 1 inch across on the heel. When I took the shoes out, he looked them over and saw they hadn’t been worn. He looked at me in disbelief and exclaimed that they hadn’t been worn, then told me to take them back to the store. I said, no, I purchased these shoes at a discount because they needed a simple repair, I was not going to take them back. What business of his is this anyway? Then he launches into a tirade about how I shouldn’t buy shoes on the internet. I told him I didn’t buy these on the internet. Again, why should I be defending myself to him? I’m the customer here, why berate me and tell me what to do? I don’t get it. When I picked up the shoe, the repair had been done, but it caused a little damage to the satin, and there was a dirt mark on the toe as well.
The fourth pair (Louboutins) never made it out of the bag. I decided to take them elsewhere. When I picked up the shoes I did leave, there was a women in front of me in line who brought in a pair of Louboutins for repair. And I know lots of other reviewers have left Louboutins here. I just didn’t feel comfortable doing it.
Paid $ 14 total for the two repairs I did have done. The price was fair. I handed him a $ 20, he places a joke Bill Clinton $ 6 («Sex» dollar) bill on the counter. As a young-​ish female, I found this offensive. Got my actual change and left.

Have only been here once but the service was great. The owner I believe his name is Jose, very honest and funny! Repaired the heel of my shoe within 5 minutes. The price was a plus as well.

Tear in the upper of the boot. Dropped off one day, repaired by the next. Less than $ 10.
Also, what everyone else four stars and above said. Don’t change anything, Third Avenue Shoe Repair. Good thing you’re not an app…

I am picky when it comes to shopping for boots. They have to be the right shape, comfortable fit, and made with good quality. When I find a pair I like, I like to keep them for as long as I can because I don’t know when I’ll find another pair. I wear boots quite often so when the heels of one pair of boots of mine started to fall apart I looked on Unilocal for anyone that could help. I found Third Avenue Shoe Repair because it is conveniently located near my work so I could visit during lunch time. I stopped by and was greeted with a smile, dropped off my boots, and noticed the woman walking out of the store got her boots repaired as well which was really reassuring. I was told to come back in 2 days. I came back to find the heels fully repaired and the boots are ready to be worn again. Loved the experience at this place. I would definitely come back for any other shoe repair issues that come up.

Consistently amazing shoe repair. The owner (I wish I knew his name) is as good as he is honest. He will tell me straight up if the shoe is worth repairing or if I should buy a new one. I love that about him. He does a great job! He’s replaced some heels and fixed a slingback flat for me. For about $ 12, I get a refreshed shoe to wear for a few more years.

After reading all the positive, great reviews on Third Ave Shoe Repair I gave it a try on
Friday. I was looking for a new place after going to the Foster City shoe repair
for years and tired of waiting a week and feeling overcharged (though the owner was nice).
I went in around 4:30pm with a pair of my favorite pumps that needed the rubber heals replaced. The owner asked when I needed then back and I asked how soon I could get them. He then said, «do you want wait a few minutes now?» I immediately stated, «yes!» I was in and out of there in less than 10 mins. And it was $ 9, less expensive than FC Shoe repair.
As others have said, this will be my new place! The owner is very nice too.

I usually go to the shoe repair in Foster City. Very overpriced and usually 10 days just for heels. I had a brand new (expensive) pair of boots that needed stretching and another pair that needed heels. I was quite nervous about the new boots being stretched. I wasn’t sure if this could potentially damage the boots or if they could even be stretched. A friend suggested 3^rd Avenue Shoe repair.
The gentleman (I believe he is the owner) listened carefully when I described the problem with the new boots and explained that they were not designed to be stretched using the tool that he would normally use. He wrote a ticket for the boots that needed new heels but before giving it to me he looked at the other boots again. «OK, leave them with me and I will see what I can do». He asked how soon I needed them and seemed surprised when I asked if I could have them in about a week. I’m sure the usual answer is tomorrow.
Picked up both pairs today. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to try on the new boots but the minute I got to work I did. Absolutely perfect! I am thrilled. I thought I would never be able to wear them. He did a beautiful job on the heels too and only $ 20.00 for both. A bargain.
This is now my go to place for anything shoes. Highly recommend.

I broke the heel on my favorite shoes, some Donald Pliner’s. I love these shoes so much that I would happily buy them again but they are 5 years old, so not an option. The man was doubtful about being able to repair them, so I spent a week of angst trying to figure out how I could get Donald Pliner to make me a new pair… LOL
Third Avenue Shoe Repair 100% delivered and my shoes are as good as new. I would have paid $ 100 to have them repaired but it only cost me $ 10!!! Love this place. They have more than earned my business.
Thank you so much for saving my shoes for me. YOU ROCK!

First time getting my shoes repaired. I normally would not go out of my way to get shoes repaired because buying new shoes is enjoyable. I came here because the heel to my favorite shoe was wearing out. =(
Long story short…
great service
great craftsmanship
my old wedges look new
great price

I am convinced that every woman should own at, the very least, one pair of boots. It turns every winter outfit into straight-​talkin’ Hot Bitch status. A pair of boots allow a pair of leggings to be worn, acting as pants. Otherwise, the only way people are going to appreciate it is if you have a supermodel’s legs and ass, of which I don’t. My butt is unimpressive.
All that asside (LOOK WHAT I DID)…
My friend had a pair of boots that are part of the «discontinued while we were still good» line at J.Crew. I don’t know how much they cost but they were almost impossible to find. Even better, they fit me — it was an awful experience watching her walk around in them. I bought ones from Ralph Lauren, went to Nordstrom at every opportunity and tried to find a pair of boots that would fit my spectacularly large dancer calves but still maintain a lean look.
Then my birthday happened two years ago. In the bag were these pair of boots from my friend. «I’m moving to Hawaii so as a consolation for you not living in paradise, I’m giving you these boots.»
I love her, but let me mention that the front part of the boots were falling off. On more than one occasion I literally tripped over myself. At one point I kicked a suitcase and some of the front came off — it was at that point I knew it was time to either fix or chuck them.
So I spent the $ 85 fixing them. Here. I took Abby’s advice and trusted this man with my most beloved pair of things to put on my feet, to make them beautiful again. And he did. Completely worth the money paid up front, completely worth the time spent waiting. Completely worth everything.
Now I need another reason why I keep tripping over things.

Getting a pair (or two) of shoes fixed is almost as good as going shopping. Actually, I find it more gratifying since it’s a sure thing (or should I say «shoe thing») since you get to fall in love with these bad boys all over again.
Tested out a new cobbler in San Mateo, one who had excellent Unilocal reviews from lots of locals that I already know and trust. And the service lived up to the hype, no question.
I brought three pairs to fix, each with a different ailment. 1) Leather boots that were scuffed to hell, a few minor stains, and bottoms that needed to be re-​soled. 2) Flats with the inside destroyed, but outside intact — wasn’t sure if this could be remedied. 3) Patent leather pumps that needed new lifts and shining up.
The cost for all three services? A mere $ 45, which had to be paid in advance. Anything over $ 20 requires up-​front money, totally reasonable IMHO since many drop off, forget and the shoes get left behind like orphaned kittens on a farm. Less than $ 50 to fix three pairs of beloved shoes seemed like a steal, so I handed over the debit card and gave them a week to work their magic.
Exactly 7 days pass before I head back to see what was done to my babies. The final product was better than I expected! 1) Boots were clean and had new bottoms, plus they kept the charcoal grey finish that I requested (there’s a difference between black and charcoal, btw). 2) Insides didn’t appear to be throwing up outside my shoes, wonderful. 3) Pumps looked practically new!
So happy I trusted the fellow Unilocal community on Third Avenue Shoe Repair, they did a great job and at a reasonable price. Yay to local businesses who live up to their reputation!

Went in to have the same heels fixed again. AMAZINGG.
This man will work wonders on your shoes. I see loubies in there all the time, so he’s deff a pro with high end shoes as well.