Whom do you trust with your shoes and how? (West L.A. edition)
September 26, 2015 4:18 PM   Subscribe

Time to give my leather boots some TLC. Recommendations for a good cobbler in LA, and tips for navigating the brave new world of shoe repair? Details below the fold.

Earlier this year I opted for a pair of Frye leather boots that can be repaired and maintained over the years instead of the usual cycle of hunt, wear, toss, and repeat. What could go wrong?

Stubbed the toe, formerly round toe area is flattened/concave, toes want their wiggle room back. Since the toe area is nice and firm, I’m unable to push or pop the area back into shape. I suspect this is a job for a professional. I bet this is a straightforward process but I really have no clue and feel uncomfortable taking my boots into the first place I see. I’ve been burned before taking in nice things and getting them back in worse condition, so I'm inclined to seek recommendations from real people (bc Yelp reviews have been unreliable in the past).

While I’m at it, the boots fit great except for the space around my narrow heels. I’ve been experimenting with heel inserts and am at the point where there are cut up regular heel inserts sport-taped to the side of the heel to take up the extra space for a snugger fit. I figure since I’m taking them in, I can also inquire into a more elegant solution. Any ideas how this works?

This is new territory for me, so any advice on what to look for or ask is appreciated. I am located on the Los Angeles Westside and am not afraid to venture out as driving way, way out east is not uncommon for me. Thanks!
posted by Goblin Barbarian to Grab Bag (3 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
When I worked in Westwood, I took many a pair of shoes to Campus Shoe Repair and they always did right by me.
posted by mogget at 8:39 PM on September 26, 2015


I have an AMAZING cobbler: Pasquale's

They are really REALLY good (they even fixed a pair of leather pants for me). They are expensive, but I highly recommend. They also will text you when your stuff is done, which I love for some reaosn.
posted by Countess Sandwich at 9:15 PM on September 26, 2015


Andre No. 1 in West Hollywood is fantastic. I scraped off a piece of leather on my Alden boots and they fixed up it way better than I would've expected. Wasn't super expensive either.
posted by dhammond at 10:20 PM on September 27, 2015


« Older A once great rock band that broke up gets back...   |   Unhappily Forged Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.