Last Oct. I dropped off a pair of boots to be resoled. The woman at counter ignored me and continued to talk politics with a completed customer for 5 minutes until I interrupted them. Three months later the work on my boots had not even begun. I picked up the boots and threw them in the trash. I will never return to Cecil's. read more

I will gladly rate this place higher if they're ever again (a) open or (b) accepting new orders on the rare occasions they are open. Unfortunately, the other shoe repair places in the area aren't much better -- apparently poor customer service is a hallmark of the industry. Love supporting local, but unfortunately I'll have to look for a place to ship my vintage Jordans to get them patched up. read more

WOW!!!!! The people there are great, not good, not better, but GREAT. If you want to have good people doing good things to your "stuff" you have got to go to Cecil's. They have no peers. read more

old school wonderful caring man!! I have been being my baseball catchers mitt to him since I was 11 until I gave the sport up at 34. Highly recommended read more

Cecil left Mike his business and Mike is doing a fantastic job. He finishes his work fast and is very mindful of Customer Service. I've been going there for many years and can't say enough good things about the quality of their work. read more

Cecil's West - Trust him w/my Choos! - Shoe Repair Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Cecil would be rolling over in his grave!!! His business is destroyed by the current ineptitude, mismanagement and rudeness that exists in his business. Currently, unable to answer the phone or set up a voice mailbox!!!! Sadly, will never use them again ! Don't go there it's a nightmare. Forced to give a star rating! Need to add a negative sign! read more

Honest in the time that they will take to return the project. Sharp and excellent quality of work. And very kind people.

Fixed my favorite birks, Only downside is that they get busy quick... the shoes took 8 weeks (because they were 8 weeks out). Workers are lovely price isn't insane.. a little high but you really get what you pay for. read more

The staff at Cecil's were great to me. Definitely stop in if you're looking for shoe repair. The prices are fair. Turnaround does take time but this is to be expected for quality work. read more

I love Cecil's, excellent quality, the best. Thank you for perfect repair. Molly

Clearly, this place is a "love it" or "hate it" establishment. I had no issues whatsoever. I had recently bought my son snowboard boots off Craigslist. Our first time out, we realized that a lace hook was broken (whether it happened after we bought it or it was like that already - doesn't matter at this point). Instead of getting rid of them and buying something else, I checked with Cecil's. They are very near my workplace, so they got first crack at it. The lace hooks on these boots were very custom (white diamond shape) and he looked at it with a "probably not" head-shake. I beat him to the punch and said "any hook will do, I don't care" - that changed things and he was all "no problem - when do you need it?" I gave him a couple days and it was ready as promised. The new hook was in place and rock solid. Perfect. No, it didn't match and I was fine with that. He came in under the $10 estimate, so I was happy. Great, quick work. Granted, it was a pretty easy fix for them, so I shouldn't expect any less. Service was prompt, friendly (enough), and (most importantly) - honest. I'll take that any day. I'll continue to use Cecil's when the need arises. They are just too dang convenient and, so far, excellent. Until they wrong me, I'll be a loyal customer. read more

I went to Cecil's based heavily on all the positive reviews here on Yelp. Having just purchased my first pair of nice leather boots, I was looking for a place that could install some half-soles onto my Wolverine 1000 Mile boots. After a simple and smooth transaction of dropping off my boots and picking them up about a week later, I was pretty happy with how things worked out. Cecil's had applied some gross looking black polish to my dark red colored boots, but I was able to clean it off and figured things were good. About 3 days later, whilst wearing my boots, the soles installed by Cecil's fell off while I was wearing the boots. I took them back and Cecil's was quick to offer to fix them, and again I returned about a week later to find them "fixed". Flash forward a few months, and now my boots are falling apart, the half soles are peeling away and now the leather is split on the soles of both of my boots. I'm disappointed that my boots were ruined in the process of getting soles installed and now have to attempt to get them fixed, if that's even possible. read more

Cecil's West - My boots with separated soles after wearing approximately 10 times. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I've traveled far and wide! There's no shop even remotely like Cecil's. Honest people with fair prices and superior quality. Badger Baby Boomers, if you're in the mood for a flashback, drop by next time you're in Madison and you'll be transported back to State Street in the 80's. Gen X, Millennials and Z's ... you're going to be amazed too ... highly recommend this shop for any type of shoe or leather repair. read more

Yes, I am a sucker for nostalgia and that is what you get when you walk into Cecil's. In today's throw away society, cobbling (is that even a word?) is a vanishing business. When you enter, you will notice nothing fancy or high tech, the air smelling like glue and whatever else they use to repair things and items laying askew on the shelves waiting to be picked up. Cecil's always delivers when we bring things in for repair. The prices can't be beat (and at times, I wonder how they stay in business charging such a low amount). read more

HOW are they still in business? In an era when everyone throws everything away, people are still repairing their shoes? I hate planned obsolescence and have been known to spend more time or money repairing something than it is worth. So when one of my dress shoes, leather bags, my wife's purses, etc, has an issue, I bring it to Ron Burke (I always thought he was Ron Cecil but I looked it up before writing this). He'll quickly tell me if it can be fixed, if it's not worth fixing, if I can do it myself cheaper "just use a little superglue" or check it in to be repaired. He will ask me how soon I need it, I always say "no rush" and then a few weeks later I get a phone call. Even if the item I brought him was a $30 shoe or $20 bag the repair always ends up costing less. He's also taken the time out to answer my questions about shoe polish, leather care, etc. Ron is the kind of older gentleman you hope to see running a local business. He's clearly been doing this forever and knows everything. He's brisk but friendly to customers. The shop is cluttered, full, and has cats. What more could you want? read more

I brought one jacket for zipper repair and four pairs of shoes at two separate times during the Summer. I understood that there would be a delay due to them being swamped with repair requests. Each time the repairs were ready before their service time estimate. The repairs were excellent quality, the service was great, and the prices are reasonable! The woman who works there was friendly and extremely patient despite some difficult customer interaction prior to me at a recent visit. They can't be responsible for how long it takes for you to drive there or the fact that there is only one more shoe repair left in Madison area. Although I did not know what happened, I overheard that the woman at Cecils was offering options for negotiation of the price or a re-do on the work. They are doing good work at affordable prices and are one of the few places left with good customer service in a market where in-person shoe repair stores are closing. It's great that Cecil's is still around and I will continue to take my shoes in for repair as long as they are here! read more

My family has been patronizing Cecil's for over 40 years, when there still was a Cecil. The current owner has been on the west side for years and we've been going there, too. Well, it might be time to pass the torch. He is obviously infirm and not spry, but that's no reason to be completely rude. I walked in just to get an estimate on sewing a stitch across a handbag strap. After I asked how long it would be and mentioned I was just in town for a few days, he took my ticket and ripped it up in my face. Seriously. What? Did that just happen?! I walked a few feet down in the same strip mall to Express Alterations, a family-run shop, where the owner took my bag, ran it through her machine and called it good at five bucks, faster than I could write this review. She wished me happy holidays as I left and I thanked her in kind. So long, Cecil's. Also, the repair you just did on my mom's shoes looks like crap and she's pissed, too. read more

This place fixes not only shoes, but purses, luggage and whatever needs good stitching. I dropped off my red canvas purse on Wed, and it was ready on Sat. Picked up late, and found that not only they fixed the loose end of the handle I requested, but also re-enforced all other ends. cost: $6.88 but they used brown color stitches instead of red. Can't tell unless you look closely though. Then I grabbed some dress shoe laces, and the shop master asked a few questions to help me find the right size. He's really knowledgeable and nice. read more

I always take my shoe/boot repairs to Cecil's, they're friendly and helpful, and honest, too. They'll make suggestions about caring for items and tell you if they can't fix something. One time I brought a boot in for a new grommet, he attached a new one in about a minute, and said it was one dollar. I didn't have any cash on me, and he said "pay the next time you're in." Of course, I ran to the car and borrowed a dollar from my mom, but you don't get that kind of service any where anymore! They'll even polish your riding boots, and they've fixed my half chaps a few times--no comment on their work, I'm just really hard on my riding gear. Be sure to say "hi" to Felix the shop cat (and real boss of the place). read more

Just went to pick up two pairs of shoes. 1st pair was repaired with what looks like very cheap materials... 2nd pair (Gucci shoes) was completely screwed up when it just needed some simple stitch repair. Apparently that was too hard for them because the stitching was crooked and completely off. Made the shoe look even worse in the end.. wouldn't even pay for that one. Would NOT go back ever again!!! read more

The man was so nice. I went in today because the insole on a pair of my heels was lifting. He fixed them on the spot and didn't charge me. I will definitely be back read more

Needed a simple repair to a shoe and Cecil fixed it very quickly (less than 3 days, originally promised in a week). Price was quite reasonable as well. PS there is a pair of red white and blue boots in the window that look like they are Go Go boots from the 1970s. Wonder how old they are and the story behind them? read more

I asked them to fix some simple and light scuff marks on some boat shoes. He added a shoe shine to the ticket which was fine. When I went to pick up the shoes, they did a shoe shine but didn't fix the scuff marks. They never called to say they couldn't fix it and they never told me when I dropped off the shoes that it wouldn't be fixed. If I hadn't brought it up, they would have never told me. I wouldn't have paid $9 (!!) for an unnecessary shoe shine if they couldn't fix the scuff marks. The excuse for not being able to fix the marks didn't make sense either. That's the last time I come here. read more

I've had several shoes repaired here for minor issues; fair price, good work. However I now have a pair of booties that has been in there for 5 weeks. The heels are done but not the insoles. The third time I called the person on the other line got short with me. What was supposed to be 2 weeks max is now stretching into six, with no apologies or ETAs. I'm picking them up tomorrow, ready or not, and will take them elsewhere if need be. Ridiculous. read more

My mom showed me Cecil's recently when a favorite pair of high heeled boots broke. She has taken all of our shoes there since we were little, and I am so glad she showed me! I thought that my $60 shoes were about to be garbage until she took me to Cecil's. It took him less than a week to fix, and only cost me $10! Thanks Cecil, you're the man! read more

Took my baseball glove in to get stitched up (my parents had left it in their garage and a mouse had eaten through the leather). The man, who I assume was Cecil, was very kind and stitched the glove up perfectly in just a few days. A little far of a hike to the west side for me but I've found few other places that can repair gloves. Good prices, too- about $20 for the glove repair. read more

Really great place. Went there on the advice of a friend, and now I'm a bit obsessed with Ron himself. Such a character, and I mean that in the best sense of the word. He does great work, and always goes above and beyond. Not expensive at all, and your shoes come back looking perfect (actually, more than so). Got two heels replaced, and he even polished them up nicely before giving them back. So taken with the experience that I wrote about Cecil's on my blog. (http://looksharpsconnie.blogspot.com/2012/05/cecil-shoe-doctor.html) read more

I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy. I brought my wedding shoes here to have them dyed to match my gown. Upon dropping them off, I was told the whole process would take two weeks. I would need to come in and approve a dye sample and then they would dye them. Fabulous. I had over a month until my wedding. That was plenty of time. After the first week, when I had not received a call about a dye sample, I called to see if there was a problem. I talked to Ron, and he said that my initial impression that it would take two weeks was wrong. He said he was "working on it" and would call me at the end of the week. Well, the end of the week came, and no call. It had now been two weeks. I called again at the beginning of the third week and still no dye sample, but he promised to call me when he had it done. More phone calls (during which he thought I wanted my shoes 1) red and 2) blue) and another week passed without a dye sample. I was getting more nervous because my wedding date was fast approaching and I still did not have my shoes. It was also getting to the point where I really could not take them anywhere else without putting them in a bind. Finally, I got a dye sample during the fourth week, but it was not right. He also thought I had brought in two pairs of shoes to be dyed. Now I was really worried. I had a week until I needed the shoes for a fitting. I reminded him that I absolutely needed the shoes by the end of the week. He took another few days to come up with another dye sample. I went in and it was not great, but it was better than having bright white shoes with a blush-colored dress. I approved the dye sample, and he promised to have the shoes dyed and ready the next day at lunchtime. I went in the next day over my lunch hour to pick up my shoes, happy that at least this ordeal was over. My dress fitting was that night, and I had to have the shoes for the fitting. I looked at the shoes, and he had done absolutely nothing. He had my shoes for over a month, and they looked just as pristine white as they did when I first bought them. He had also stored my dye sample with a different pair of shoes, and thought they were mine. I have washed my hands of them. I collected my dye sample and my shoes, and I plan on going to Monona Bootery who has promised to help me even on short notice. read more

Cecil's is the best. I took in a pair of black Old Navy riding boots that I got for Christmas two years ago and a brown North Face Oso jacket that I bought three or four years back. The heels were starting to wear off on the boots, right where the boot connects to the heel, and Cecil said they couldn't patch up that one part, but they could put a wider, taller heel on them for about $16-$18. The main zipper pull of the jacket had broken off, and Cecil fixed it himself with a pair of pliers and a new pull--for $8.44. This is a great small business, and I'm pretty sure they can fix just about anything wearable that needs fixing. read more

Shoe repair takes forever. They promise two weeks and it takes months. The place is a mess. They lose shoes all the time. Service is poor. I've walked into the store and have waited several minutes before I was greeted. I was the only customer in the store. The female prefers to chit chat and is very ditzy. She doesn't even know how to run credit cards so Cecil has to do it. I've brought several pairs of shoes and boots to this store and all but one pair turned out beautiful. The last pair were garbage. It's not worth the headache, go somewhere else if you can. read more

Kicked in the groin for trying to keep it local...If you don't need your things for a while.... Brought ONE PAIR of men's shoes on sept 19th...was told it would be "the first week of October and we'll call you when ready". At that time I gave him a quizzical look but he said that he was a bit backlogged and that he would call as soon as they were done. Well...it's Halloween and no call. Thought I'd go for trick or treat...trick. Not done, couldn't even find them. The guy that fronts the shop couldn't understand that I thought that six weeks to do one pair of heels was a tad long, or that it was four weeks after promised. They couldn't even FIND the shoes (as if for some reason they were miraculously in process right now). Given they're $250 Allen Edmonds and I have a business trip tomorrow, they're bordering on fraud or theft. I've used these guys since coming here in 2001, something has gone wrong, and I won't give these guys any business again and encourage everyone to go somewhere else. Their workmanship was marginal and I felt it was my obligation to buy local as opposed to getting them done while i wait in any other city in the country. Apparently I'm supposed to be grateful for the ability to not have my shoes. WORST. SERVICE. EVER. read more

I love going to Cecil's. They are so nice and they do quality work. I've taken shoes, belts and purses up to this point and always been very happy with the work. We will continue to go there for as long as we live in Madison. read more

So to be honest, I didn't even know if there were shoe repair places around anymore; but Cecil's is the best. They are always fast and do a great job. I took two separate pairs of boots to Cecil's with broken zippers and booth were fixed like new in less then a week. They also have very good pricing. read more

I thought I wld try this place to have my leather pumps stretched for funeral I went to on that Friday. I bought the shoes in on tuesday, picked them up on Thursday, the owner said about three days to stretch my shoes. When I picked my shoes up, first he couldn't find them I even had the little yellow ticket. Eventually, he found my shoes. Charged me $8 for the service. Got home and put the shoes on, my shoes were just as "tight" as they were when I dropped them off to be stretched. Well, I couldn't wear my black pumps that day! Because the old man & his black cat were lounging a bit too much, I think he needs some needed help in his shop, and I don't think the black cat can offer any help. The little old man seemed to be very nice. Just a tip for everyone read more

Prices are ok, quality is so-so, but the owner is the worst part. Lucky you if he likes you - you got better services and quick turnaround, but for everyone else - Cecli doesn't give a damn. Want you shoes repaired quickly - prepare wait for 2 months. Want to check status of your order - "we cannot do that over the phone - come and search by yourself". I had to come 3 times to search for my shoes or to hear that it would be ready next day (it wasn't of course). Please, people, save your time and money and skip this place. read more

Cecil's is an amazing resource. There aren't many people left with this level of craftsmanship, honesty and value. I bring them everything leather that needs fixing: shoes, jackets, pants, motorcycle gear, purses. They've taken old, beaten up biker jackets and refinished them so they look good but still have the vintage patina. If it's anything you wear or carry (including luggage) they can fix it or make it look good. And their prices are amazing - it's like stepping back into the 1970s. Thanks Cecil (and crew)! read more

Just got my leather boots repaired here. There was a rip in the leather on the toe, and he said that although he couldn't completely fix it, he could make it look much better. He originally told me it would take about a week, but called me 2 days later to tell me they were done! He managed to match the color perfectly, and you can only tell they were fixed if you look very closely. It was also very affordable - I only spent $14 on the repair! read more

We have been taking our shoes for repair here for so many years. He's amazing and a very friendly man too, I recommend Cecil hands down!

Cecil's always does an amazing repair! Boots, shoes, whatever you have you think you're going to have to replace - take them to Cecil first!

Cecil is a nice man. I took 4 pairs of women's boots and heels in for minor repairs. I am happy with the service, but it took a very long time (5+ weeks? it was around the holidays) for all 3 to be complete. It was a little more pricey than I expected (I think $14-20 per pair for heel 'cap' replacement, gluing the sole, etc). The operation isn't overly sophisticated, which is part of the charm of the place, but is also confusing to me and his employees. If you bring in 4 pairs of shoes, you will get 4 different phone calls telling you they are done- usually from different people, so I had to explain that I have 4 pairs, waiting for them all to get done, etc 3 times. It's not a first in first out, so there was a 2 week span between the first call and the fourth. Make sure you do not lose your tickets!!!! Save them and protect them like a baby kitten. Or take a picture so you have a record. read more