The best shoe repair and customer service I've ever received! Couldn't be more pleased will definitely be returning and referring everyone I know. #SupportLocalsmallbiz read more

Al does an amazing job on shoes! In addition he's so nice and friendly! Always a joy going to his shop.

Al's son (and current owner, flutist) Larry is awesome. The man can fix nearly anything and his personality is warm, funny, and genuine. This shop is a gem in the northwest suburbs! read more

The job: A vintage hat box needing a new buckled leather strap. The good: Al and his assistant are cordial. Al listens to what you need done and even called by phone to make sure of the specifics you require before proceeding with the job. I went here to support a local business, even as I considered doing the job myself prior. The bad: Two weeks ago the buckled strap to my vintage hat box crumbled. I brought it to Al's to get a price quote on what it would cost for a brand new leather strap to be attached to the hat box. After describing what needed to be done (a leather strap trimmed and fashioned to accommodate the old buckle I had, and attached to the hat box with studs), I was quoted $20 and was asked if I was able to wait to get the job done. However, the piece of leather scrap I selected was a bit short for the length I wanted, so Al said he will have to order more of it before the job could be done, and that it may take up to 2 weeks, and that the job will then cost $25-30. I agreed to wait for the new piece of leather to come in. One week later, I decided an existing belt I had was the acceptable color and length I needed. I brought it to Al's and said he can cancel the order for the leather and that he can use the leather belt I brought with me. We went through the specifics again and he said the job should be done the following week. He said it will cost $25-30, he's not sure, but that he will have to see what the job actually will entail. I wondered about this quote, because why would he charge more if I was providing my own leather this time and he didn't even have to fashion the belt to accommodate the old buckle, as this belt had its own buckle. But I agreed to proceed with the job, as I rather hoped he would only charge me $20 which I would be happy to pay in support of a local business. Today I picked up the hat box and he did the job beautifully. Attached to the hat box with studs, trimmed nicely to fit into the loops on the sides of the hat box, and the raw edges dyed and the whole strap conditioned. I was charged $25. When I asked why there was a difference between the first quote of $20 which to my mind necessitated more work, and the final charge of $25 when I provided my own leather and there was less work on account of the built in buckle, Al was prepared with an answer. He said because of the time he had to put into it. He said he typically charges $1 per minute of labor, and that if he really charged me $1/min, he would have asked for $35. Bottom line: I did not push the issue further as I have heard his reasoning behind the charge. But this is why I will not return to this business. You may feel differently and will pay any price for good craftsmanship whether you provide the raw materials or not, but arbitrary pricing is something I do not tolerate. His business will not hurt for customers as he seems to have a lot of fans on Yelp. But count me out. read more

I called Al's this morning with a unique issue: I needed a part on my ice hockey skate repaired and needed it done quickly. I spoke with Larry on the phone and he sounded apprehensive as to whether or not he would be able to help me. He insisted that I bring the skate in so he could see the issue and make sure he could do the repair. I brought it in on my lunch, he took my skate and went to work. 20 minutes, one broken sewing machine needle and $15 (cash only) later, my skate was as good as new. Larry was fair, honest and reasonably priced. Thanks again, Larry. Also, beware the dog. She is adorable and likes to be petted. read more

Fair prices, superior workmanship, timely turnaround, super nice - consientious gentleman; you can't go wrong here!

I brought my brand new pair of Danner work boots into Al's shop. Danner said I would have to ship my boots back to them. They said it would take 6-7 weeks for me to get them back. Al fixed the stitching in less than 20 minutes. They both look better now than they did from the manufacturer. It only cost me 20 bucks. The guy is a pro and is really nice & polite. I won't take my shoes to get fixed by anyone else now. read more

Al's Shoe Service - Shoe Repair Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

Not only did I come out with a fixed shoe but came out having met the nicest, kindest man. He even played the flute for me!. Was such a great experience. That really is a skill in and of itself. He's been there a long time and I do wish him even more success as he moves a few blocks away. A man like Larry deserves the best. read more

Definitely dangerous place for your heritage Red Wings, Nick's and so on. Tried this place with my old Thorogoods, even brought my own soles. The Al's Shoe Service failed in the field of integrity, honesty and craftsmanship (well maybe 50%, one of a pair was not bad) read more

Great service. Reliable and like new results with repairs on my shoes as well as purses. Larry cares about his products and his customers. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended. read more

Outstanding, friendly service! Larry can fix anything. My 30-year-old cross country ski boots fell apart and I didn't think there was any hope for them. Larry fixed them quickly and affordably. In pre-covid days, he'd even give customers a little flute concert! read more

I love Al's Shoe Service and the Old World Craftsmanship Larry provides!

Al's Shoe Service is the "Old World craftsman" who not only repairs and sells shoes, purses, orthopedic footware, etc. the owner is a jass flutist who performs periodically throughout the day! Excellent work, friendly atmosphere -- A great find! read more

I came to Al's to modify a pair of on-stage Beatles boot, not a small order as it turned out. Before I knew it, he had recommended a suitable replacement to someone else who might be able to take on my lofty challenge, and pulled out a guitar, stool and microphone for us to sit down and jam a bit. It's like I became an old friend in minutes. But the best was yet to come, as the lovely Bridget came from behind the counter to enjoy the music and sing a few tunes with us. I was never so impressed as when she began singing in her native Irish brogue to tunes like Tura, Lura, Lura and I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen. Her loveliness was surpassed only by her voice, as lilting as a summer morn... and she coyly and demurely side-stepped questions about the open ring finger on her left hand. So if you stop by, bring your shoes, warm up your tonsils, bring an instrument if you have one, and be prepared to be beguiled by Bridget's loveliness. read more

My American Bulldog puppy Beau chewed a shoe of mine...chewed it pretty good too. I found Als shoe service on yelp and went to visit. Words cannot explain how FANTASTIC Larry is. He greets with a smile, got my name and even played the flute. Fast forward to shoe pickup day...HE DID AN AMAZING JOB! its still unbelievable to me. This shoe was SO CHEWED UP. Larry did Magic, and I am forever grateful. Ill be back. FOR SURE ! read more

I stopped in after getting off the train from commuting downtown as the strap on my favorite purse broke that morning. I expected to have to drop it off and get it a week later, Larry was amazing! He fixed it in less than 15 mins for very, very reasonable price! I highly recommend this place and will definitely go back for any shoe or leather repairs! read more

Larry is a character! A wonderful and warm person who loves what he does. There are many shoe repairmen out there, but few true cobblers left. Larry falls into the latter category. The prices are better than fair for the amount and quality of work ... not to mention for the addition to experience Larry's quirky, wonderful personality. read more

This place is great. I've brought several pairs here over the years and they always do a phenomenal job of fixing up my old heels. Recently redid the inside of a pair of Micheal Kohrs wedges. The leather was peeling up, but I love these shoes. Fixed them in less than 12 hours and I even got a beautiful flute solo from Larry! I'll definitely be back. read more

I just picked up a pair of chucks since they took a beating last winter. Cleaned and polished, they look great! Don't expect miracles but it's a honest shop with fair prices. Larry will give you his opinion regarding what he can and can't do along with a price. Ohh yeah bring cash they don't accept plastic. read more

He's wonderful, takes time to talk and does good work. It's sort of a visit back in time in some ways.

Top notch service, top notch entertainment. There's no wonder why Larry's shop is among the last of a dying breed.

Al's Shoe Service was recommended to me today to get the straps on back of my Doctor Marten's sandals shortened. It was 20 minutes work only, and now they don't slide back and forth on my heels. I can walk with confidence now. Larry has saved the sandals and my feet! In short, this feels like a miracle. read more

This place is amazing. He did work on my Golf Head covers. Also he did amazing work on custom insoles. This man is also an amazing man. If you ever need shoe work done go to this man. He is also cheaper than a place in Elk Grove that I went to. He was half the price. Also Larry takes his time with you and respects you as a person. Also an amazing personality. You need to go there just to see his shop. Its like a fun place. He plays music as well. read more

The best shoe repair shop in suburbs! And the prices are very reasonable. And if you ask nicely, Larry will even play you a flute :-)) read more

Went here based on Yelp reviews, Yelp hasn't let me down yet and I can see why! Larry is the current shop owner and he is one of the nicest people I've ever met. I had a zipper fixed on a designer shoe. Great service, friendly environment. Love this place! read more

I've had a belt shortened, a belt buckle repaired, new heels and polishing of pumps, boots repaired and re-heeled, etc.,...you get the idea! Larry is a craftsman, is service-oriented, friendly and talented. Highly recommend!!!! read more

Outstanding service. Not intimidated by custom work requests. Knows everyone by name. Great example of a community business that contributes value. read more

Went to Al's for the first time today. Was very pleased at the repairs Larry was able to do to my shoes while I waited. Secondly, Larry was the most kind and entertaining man. He was so sweet w/my daughter and even provided us a little flute performance. What a nice guy! We will be back! I will sing the praises of Al's Shoe Service to anyone who will listen! read more

Larry, the owner, is a true craftsman. He does wonders with anything leather! We have gone to Al's since their opening 12 hrs. ago and have always been more than pleased. Kudos to Larry for his excellent service and being an excellent individual besides. read more

Well worth the distance for me! Larry is a true craftsman. His shop is clean, he charges a fair price for repairs & his repair quality is EXCELLENT. He also does exceptional orthopedic modifications. Children young & old can be assured a penny to play his gumball prize machine before leaving the shop. He loves his customers & knows them all personally. It is a pleasure to utilize his shoe services. read more

Love this place. Have had heel taps added to my shoes and had heel toppers replaced. Work is done quickly and at a fair price. Larry (the owner) is a good guy who will keep you entertained if he has time to repair your shoes on the spot. read more

Great place the owner Larry is really personable has funny stories, reasonable prices and provides great results!

I read both the pro and con reviews before taking my boot there to be repaired. I have nothing but good things to say. The owner was friendly and took the time to explain the various repair options. He provided one day service. And, most importantly, quoted me a very fair price. Couldn't ask for much more from a service business. Compared to a nearby competitor (now out of business) this was a great experience. read more

Wonderful place. I took a watch strap in to get repaired. was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in some time. Al was so friendly, fixed my watch right there, excellent craftmanship. read more

I took my pair of high-heeled Loft boots to Al's for repair after reading reviews on Yelp to have the heels replaced. When I picked them up, they looked as if I just purchased them. He fixed them and one of his employees buffed them to a high shine. He did a wonderful job on them. I would highly recommend this place. Extremely friendly staff. Larry is such a friendly man. Makes me want to go in there without any shoes or anything to be repaired just to talk to the pleasant gentleman. His work is outstanding. I went out of my way to go to him because of the reviews. His work is, bar none, fantastic! Need repairs? Go to Al's Shoe Service! read more

Larry was great! Very welcoming and engaging. He fixed my broken shoe on the spot (as the shoe repair store by my home could not fix) and had very reasonable prices. I would definitely recommend coming here. read more