Welcome to Vero's: Why I Protect My Shoes & Where to take them in NYC

The Best Shoe Repair Places in Brooklyn and New York

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 at 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 is: 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 several times a year, I’ll bring them to my shoe repair place to get my heels and tips fixed.

Then, I often will take it one step further and get my bottom soles protected. I do this to a) shoes I absolutely love and that I’ve invested a lot of money on b) shoes that need more comfort 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. I mean, 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 does not carry the red protective sole that Louboutins need. He is not 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.