The best! I have been going here for many years. The best for shoe repairs, zippers, and or if you need a belt

Brought in a couple shoes for him to look at and he yelled at me and would really give me any reasons why he couldn't repair them lol

Has a reputation for quality and has been in the square for years, but I took in over $400 of work and he botched all my boots and shoes, badly. Chanel boot, bottom on crooked, glue visible on everything, a total MESS. I was very unhappy, but he had my money because he took it up front. CASH only and that prevented me from opening a legitimate dispute. I asked for a refund, he just flatly refused to listen, look at what I was displeased about and told me to go somewhere else. Well, yes, I have to. HORRIBLE, WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER, NOT A CRAFTS PERSON ANYMORE. read more

No credit cards accepted at this time. He does awesome and timely work, for reasonable prices. Biggest downside is he doesn't take cards and you can't find a telephone number for it. The location doesn't have a lot of parking available -- your best bet is before 11 in the morning. read more

I went in a couple of weeks ago to repair a shoe as I had accidentally stepped on a spike. When I inquired as to the cost of removing it from my shoe, Felix refused to accept any money. I tried to insist that he accept at least a minimal payment but he wouldn't even hear of it. So many businessmen would have taken advantage! Needless to say, if I ever need to have my shoes repaired, I will go back to him because of his exceptional business ethics and customer service! read more

Felix didn't do any shoe repair for me. Instead, he told me honestly that my shoes couldn't be repaired. He admitted he could work on them, but it wouldn't last and would be a waste of money. This was totally unlike what a place in Brookline did for another pair of my shoes--promised they could repair them, but instead completely destroyed them. I would return to Felix should I have other shoes that need repair. read more

I wouldn't come here again. I came for a simple insole fix and they came back crooked, dirty and with tons of air bubbles. Typically shoe repair shops also polish shoes before they come back and I was surprised that wasn't done. I had high hopes for this charming shop but disappointed with the careless handling. read more

Hm, Yelp apparently deleted my review of this place, which is weird because it was a good review? Anyway, they fixed my leather laptop bag which had a giant hole on one side. The first photo is after the fix, and the second photo is the other side of the bag which was unaffected. As you can see, they look basically the same, just a bit weathered. read more

Felix Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I had my leather jacket repaired, and Felix did an amazing job. I was very surprised that he also makes custom-made belts, and I am going to take him up on this in the future. I think some of his capabilities in repairing, restoring, and enhancing leather products such as high and boots, and I am amazed at his capabilities. read more

The reason for the highest rating is because : I went in his shop with my new winter boots. I asked him if he could waterproof them. His reply" they already waterproofed " & sold me a spray to keep my boots clean. The point is he didn't have to sat that they already waterproof! He's very honest! He could have grabbed the boots & charge me for something I just didn't need. Now how cool is that? read more

I brought my "black" oxfords to him and, while it sounds trite, they actually came back looking better than when they were new. He also quoted me a higher price than he ended up charging, but that might bear no relation to anything else. Strongly recommend read more

Although the zipper on my boot was replaced and appears to be functional, the slider is a totally different color than the one on the other boot. I assumed that the cobbler would check to make sure the zippers matched. The boots now look terrible and cannot be worn to work. I paid a lot of money and now can't wear the boots in any professional context. The cobbler refused to fix the problem and claimed no one else ever complained if their boots no longer matched at all after he had repaired them. Careless and expensive. read more

Felix Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Like most chicks, I live out of my handbag. Monday-Friday this bad boy's equipped with everything I need to get through the day. Unlike most woman I have just the one, so when its strap threatened to bite the dust I had to act fast. Fortunately I found Felix Shoe Repair of Harvard Square. I was drawn to the shop because of the gorgeous carved wood frames that curve whimsically around its exterior. That and the pair of stuffed-animal tigers in the window display pretty much had me hook, line and sinker. So I went in. Surrounded by walls of leather belts, straps, shoes and other misfit bags like my own I chatted with Christos, a cobbler for over sixty years and the shop's owner. Score! In his charming, albeit thick Greek accent Christos told me that he could repair my bag for twenty bucks and in just two days. I resigned myself to the fact that I'd be using my only other bag (a plastic beach tote) in the meantime and left Christos hard at work behind his Singer sewing machine from yesteryear. On my way to class a couple of days later I stopped at Felix Shoe Repair and my bag was waiting, with a beautifully reinforced strap ready to take abuse for many moons to come. When I went to hand Christos my debit card across the cash counter; he smiled and said " Sorry no cards". As I started to explain that I didn't have time to hit an ATM and that I would just come back the next day he stopped me, saying "Take your bag and bring the money tomorrow". I politely hesitated. Christos insisted. When I returned the next day, he seemed completely unsurprised that I'd kept my promise. If you ask me this is a craftsman with a shrewd business acumen and it's serving him well. Needless to say, I'll be a customer for life. In fact it's safe to assume that I'll be back in his shop just after the holidays to have a few notches added to my favorite belt. read more

I feel slightly bi-polar writing this review. In terms of workmanship, this guy (I'm assuming he might go by the name of Felix) is one of the best, at least in Boston. Now, the comments about him being overpriced are fair, but his real double edged sword comes through when you walk in the door, he takes one look at your shoes, and then lectures you on how a) you've waited too long for them to get repaired, and b) he might not be able to fix them. Now, the optimist in me thinks, maybe he just REALLY REALLY loves shoes, and when he sees the damage we do to them, stands up to them like a child-rights advocate yells at an abusive parent. Or, maybe he just needs a hug. Either way, while it's a painful experience more often than not, he's conveniently located and someone who i can at least count on to be brutally honest with me, even if it's something I don't want to hear. read more

It is sad to know that Felix himself won't be here forever. His store is a Harvard Square fixture--he has managed to hang on through all the rent increases that drove other places out of business (or to Porter Square)--and he does great work, too. Funny about him telling everyone he won't fix their shoes. That did happen to me once--what he told me was that it would cost more to fix the shoes than to buy a new pair, and he was right. But in between, he's fixed about a dozen pairs for me, mostly putting on new heels, but in some cases resoling, restitching soles, patching tears, reinforcing soles. He often seems stressed out in that old-World sole-proprietor sort of way, but he is honest and very good at what he does, so I just take deep breaths whenever I go into the store. This store should be included on every tour of Harvard Square (along with Cardullo's and Leavitt & Peirce). The window display of the tiny storefront is chock full: there are handmade leather sandals (made by Felix himself in his spare time, when he would be fixing all the shoes he has refused to fix for Yelpers?); stuffed tigers (kids' toys, not taxidermy) of various sizes with a sign requesting that people not touch them; and a wide assortment of pet leashes (not leather). I'd ask Felix to explain, but he'd probably just tell me why it isn't worth his time to go into it. read more

Felix beautifully repaired both two pairs of boots for me, within 24 hours! Do not be put-off by the overall low rating. Take your shoes here if you want a job well-done. The heel of my treasured leather ankle boots had been wearing away and Felix completely replaced it and it looks fantastic! He estimated that it would be $45, but since he couldn't use the rubber sole with grip that he was intending to (the base of my shoes could not support it), he charged me only $37. He also beautifully repaired the destroyed heel of my sister's knee-high suede boots, for $30. With the ornate wooden entry way, the smell of shoe polish and leather, and Felix's (Eastern European?) accent, I enjoyed the atmosphere of 1930s corner shop. He was blunt about the condition of the shoes, his concerns about how to fix them, timing, and pricing but this should not be mistaken for a "bad attitude". He's not rude, he's an old-fashioned European man. Be polite and clear about what you want and he will do it for you. read more

I came to Harvard 2 years ago to visit and bought two belts and just returned to pay Felix a visit. And to show him the great shape my belts are in. He is a personality to be treasured and his work is fantastic. Anyone that leaves a lesser review likely is not used to a Craftsman immigrant with character and is more accustomed 2 Baby Gap, J.Crew, H&M, etcetera as they now pop-up around Harvard Square. This is a treasure. read more

I really like this cobbler. He calls it how it is and what is the best option, even if it doesn't give him the business. He also doesn't mind obscure jobs like fixing my roller skate boots! The hours of business need to be updated though. I arrived first thing Saturday to be greeted with a CLOSED sign. He is open at 11am not 9am. read more

I thought I was the only one that always gets lectured at Felix about how my stuff isn't worth fixing. Learn another thing from Yelp every day... In the guy's defense, I'll say that he's done pretty nice work when he's finally agreed to it. And I do think he's just genuinely trying to help his customers be thrifty, and being honest with you about the prospects of your sad old shoes. It's a kind of ethic with him I think. It's just odd that it aligns so well with driving business away... read more

I have found my cobbler. Yes, the man knows high quality shoes and yes, he will tell you why he won't repair a cheap pair of shoes bought for $20 with a plastic sole. I heard him speak to such a customer on my way out after initially dropping off my leather soled shoes for repair. On the flip side, because he's an expert and because he knows good leather, you can trust he will work well with such items and will refuse to waste your time if he doesn't think it's worth it. Yes, he's pricey, yes it's cash ONLY and he usually asks for a deposit before he works on your shoes. But know that he is also willing to work with you. He was with me! I even received a surprise in the end. I am very grateful to him. Christos was patient, wrote down the info for me for both shoes I wanted to repair, ran through his plans for each shoe and explained that if I needed more time to think about which to do first, I could always come back after reviewing my budget. Which I finally did do, after running through the various stores in the Square trying to find a pair of good quality shoes that weren't cheaply made at $60 or out of my price range at $300. I gave him the leather booties and he explained how he could just build up the heel, using a thicker vibram material and that I could always come back to reinforce the sole. A couple of days later, I picked up my new booties and discovered to my surprise, that in addition to the work done, Christos had taken pity on me and applied mink oil to my booties at no extra charge! I thanked him profusely and listened patiently to when he reminded me that I needed to take better care of my shoes, re-applying the mink oil in two more months, so as to enhance the quality of the leather. I really appreciate his advice, never having taken the time before, and not knowing where I would start in order to learn. I'm sorry that all the grumpy reviewers were chastened for mistreating their soles, I know that he reminded me that I need to take care of my shoes. But one always attracts more bees with honey than vinegar, so do please remember to smile and say Good day! read more

Felix Shoe Repair is a great place if you are looking to make your expensive shoes last longer. I have bought a few pairs of expensive brand boots and wanted to protect the soles from wearing down too quickly. Felix did an amazing job at putting rubber soles that not only protect the boots but also make the walking on cobblestone a lot more comfortable. Felix services are not cheap. However, if you have found a great pair of shoes/boots that you want to use for a long time, Felix can make it happen. I think this is a great investment. Plus, it is rewarding to support old European craftsmanship that is so hard to find in the U.S. these days. read more

Felix is a pleasure to work with, a great craftsman and very flexible in his options and services.

Took in several pairs of Fluevogs for re-heeling and polishing. Even brought the replacement parts with me, since Fluevog shoes take special rubber heels that you can order through their website. When I went in to drop them off, I felt as if I had to explain to the cobbler how to do the job. "These heels need to be replaced onto these shoes." Even after explaining the obvious, I got blank stares. I was also not quoted a price, even after I asked several times. "Will be cheap, you work in the Square, no?" Went in to pick up my shoes, cost was $90! And to boot, one pair had been polished up to look like a clown. They were a pair of brown saddle shoes with a cream middle, and the cobbler used a bright white polish to cover up the cream. Completely mis-matched colors, not even well blended. So streaky it looked like a five-year-old had done it. Fast forward about three weeks, and the new heel caps on almost every pair he fixed started falling off. The cobbler hadn't even adhered them into the shoe. I am not an aggressive walker by any means, so having a brand new heel cap on almost every pair he touched fall off was worrisome. What a waste. read more

So what if I don't wear fancy shoes - I still want to fix them, rather than buy new ones! Every single time I've been in here with a shoe problem, the nice old man will explain to me what the problem is, how he would fix it, and then why he won't do it - because it would take more time than it's worth for both of us. Well, now. I'm sorry, but if you want to charge me $30 to make my shoes last a bit longer, that's a much better deal than my buying new shoes, right? If I want to spend money for someone to fix my shoes, that's my business, and if his business is the fixing of shoes, I don't understand the problem! At first I thought I was just being treated like a little girl. But it sounds like others have had the same experience. Maybe when your business is shoe repair, you don't want to sink so low as to repair mid-quality shoes when Harvard professors have $800 loafers that need buffing. Maybe when I'm a big girl with real shoes I can be deemed worthy enough to have them fixed here. Sigh. read more

As other reviewers noted, the owner is pretty gruff and can be brutally honest, but it's kind of endearing. His unsolicited opinions/advice might come off as harsh, but it clearly comes from his expertise and his "respect for the shoe." Once, I brought a pair of shoes from DSW and asked him to re-sole the bottom. He took one look at them and pronounced them as unworkable, explaining that the material of the sole made it impossible to fix. I appreciated his honesty, but since I didn't expect to get rejected by him, I ended up carrying my shoes around for the rest of the day. So, make sure you're okay with that possibility. Next time, I brought him a pair of Frye boots and asked him to widen them. Again, in about two seconds he appraised the shoe and pronounced it of 'very very good quality" and advised me not to wear them in snow to avoid damaging the leather. He then widened them (2 day turnaround) and said if I needed to get them widened further, he would give me a discount. Another time I asked if he could lengthen the shoes a bit, but he told me this would damage the shoe and that instead I should stretch them on my own (wearing thick socks and bandaids, then walking around the house). If this didn't work, then he would lengthen them, but doing so would risk cracking/splitting the leather. All in all, he's good at what he does. Just be prepared for his honesty and the possibility that you might be leaving with your shoes in tow, read more

I went to Felix this morning with a pair of heels that I needed fixed for an event this evening. Felix was able to take my order on the same day, and fixed my heels by mid day so I could wear them tonight. When i picked them up, they were even far better shape than when I dropped them off - repolished and clean. Felix did a great job and was attentive and kind. Highly recommend! read more

I have had a pretty similar experience to all these other reviewer. Basically I brought in my favorite shoes to be resoled. He told me that it would cost $85 and my shoes weren't really worth it. I told him they were my favorite shoes and I wanted them repaired. He told me to think about in and get a second opinion. End of story. Explain to me why I have to talk someone into taking my money. I will be going somewhere else to get my shoes repaired. read more

Rude. Just weirdly hostile to the "wrong" request. I'll stick with Jimmy's Shoe Repair in Central Square, Cambridge, where they do excellent work at a fair price and are warm and professional, even when they can't meet your request. I visited Felix for the first time yesterday with a pair of sandals I love. I bought them two seasons ago, and the vendor no longer sells them, so I was hoping to get them reproduced, albeit with a differently shaped sole. I've done this a number of times with clothes at Bonnies in Brookline (Bonnie is fantastic. Go there if you want a dress made.) Unless you're willing to pay thousands of dollars, it's impossible to get truly custom-made shoes, but Felix advertises its sandal-making as a service, and hangs sandals made onsite in its window. I waited my turn, then pulled out my sandals and asked if they could be reproduced. "What?" the older gentleman - Felix himself? - asked. I said, "I'd like these to be reproduced --" I was about to add that I wanted a differently shaped sole, but he cut me off. "No," he said abruptly. "I don't copy shoes." My mind flashed to the sandals hanging in his windows. There were several common styles, including flip flops. I thought to myself, does he believe he invented the flip flop, or any of the other styles in his window, which are clearly copied from other designs? I was tempted to say, "But you do have several styles of sandals in your window that you clearly copied . . . ." but he had been so abrupt and rude, it seemed silly to try to do business there. So I politely thanked him and left. I won't be back. If anyone knows where I can get a pair of flat sandals copied, with a few stylistic tweaks, let me know! read more

Ughh, not a fan. Overpriced + bad attitude = no more business from me! To be fair, the workmanship is fine, but I would rather spend less with comparable results from nicer people (i.e. Arrow). The first time I went in, the guy who works there (let's call him Felix) was yelling at the lady in line in front of me because she didn't have her ticket. Really? Is that necessary? Customer service much? I figured I was already there so would just give it a shot. Felix was civil to me, but that really rubbed me the wrong way. He also wanted what seemed like a long time to fix my shoes and charged me an outrageous amount. Overall, an overpriced, unpleasant experience. read more

My husband had three pairs of my boots re soled for the holidays. Wonderful job on nice boots (Fryes and two pairs of Italian boots). He was upfront with my husband that two pairs of the boots had been worn pretty bad (true) and that his repair might not last. The boots in better condition received no such disclaimer. All have held up beautifully and have new soles to match the hard wear I give my boots. He is expensive, but seems to do work of quality, and not just glue and staple. My husband says the price reflects the work he must put in (I didn't ask how much...), and I am happy to have more years with my boots. read more

Good work, but a ripoff in terms of pricing. We discussed $150 price (still ridiculous for re-soling 2 pairs of shoes) and he charged me $215 at pick up. Never going back. read more

Not sure why this is getting so much hate. I've had to use Felix a few times for boots with a variety of soles and he did a great job for a low price and was on time. read more

The owner, Felix, Refused to replace the worn out tabs on my boots! When I asked him why he told me I should not ask why and told me to go back to the shoe maker who originally put the new tabs months ago. Since when it's ok to refuse to provide a service you advertise? He deserves no stars at all. If you want to be treated with respect go elsewhere. read more

I would give this place -10 if I could. The guy talked me into how nice and honest he is, lost his wife, started crying blah, blah. Charged me $50 bucks to replace Stuart Weitzman boot heels and totally ruined them, the heels have cracks and dents as if hammered. The only reason I went to him because I thought he is a seasoned cobbler and will do a great job. I didn't negotiate and paid exactly what he asked for. Turns out he OUTSOURCES his work to others. Save your money and pay 10 times less else where. read more

What a bunch of whiners on here. Expensive? The Meltonian shoe polishes he sells are priced dead on MSRP, $3.50; applicator brushes are under $4, big buffing brushes are under $10. Someone came in while I was there asking about her shoes, and he took all of about 10 seconds to look them over. "A restitch, clean, re-dye. $15. Oh, and I can put in plastic here on heel to keep it from wearing through" (points to damage to heel from overpronating.) He's not done. "If you need cheaper option and want to do it yourself, here is shoe dye, for $7. I happy to show you how to apply. If you want me to do it, I have extra help on monday and can get them to you Tuesday morning if you leave them with me Monday before noon." The man is NOT interested in ripping you off. While I ran to the ATM (cash only), he tallied up everything, but when I got back, he insisted on going over the receipt ticking off each item with me there. What he IS interested in is showing you how to care for your shoes. Fluevog recommended them; that's how I ended up there, ASKING HOW TO CARE FOR MY SHOES. I walked in, told him I needed a set of brushes and polish for three sets of leather shoes, and he spent close to 45 minutes talking with me about polishes, cleaners/conditioners, cautioned me on clear polishes (they don't protect the leather dye from UV), and I even got a demonstration. Presto. Screw you, yelp. I'm glad I didn't check the reviews before coming to his shop! I see a lot of whining on here about being brushed off on repairs. People: a LOT of shoes, even "expensive" name brand ones, are made VERY cheaply (some actually go to the trouble of making shoes look like they're built better than they are, like stitching around the edge of the shoe that doesn't actually go into the sole), and YES, that means very often they can't be repaired, or can't be repaired well. Shockingly, you might have done more damage than can be repaired. And he comes from an age of tell-it-like-it-is customer service, not fake smiles and sunshines... read more

it is an unfortunate fact that in a culture that revolves around disposable products, repairs are going to seem expensive. if you want to reuse an item that's worn out, you have to pay for it; and it's hard to pay $30-60 for a repair when a new pair of shoes might only cost $50-100. but that's what shoe repairs cost *anywhere*. if you're not into tossing things as soon as they break, or if you just love your shoes or bag so much you must get them repaired--i recommend Felix Shoe Repair. the proprietor is friendly, honest, and obviously a great guy. he genuinely cares about his work. and if you're worried about a discrepancy between his estimate and the final price, make notes on the ticket and point it out when you pick up your stuff--it's my experience that he'll work with you. read more

If your shoes have a price tag of three digits or higher AND are of high quality AND you absolutely care about their maintenance, then bring them here. I have a pair of dark brown boots that I bought more than a year ago from a shop in Chicago, and I adore them. They're so comfortable and match with many items in my wardrobe. I walk all over town in them. Months ago, I had them cleaned at ANOTHER place, and the employees there did a so-so job with removing stains. When I commented on this, one employee said I simply waited too long to come to them. I was dissatisfied with that answer. This place was cheap, but I didn't think their work was worth even the low price. That's why I decided to try out Felix. Despite the insanely high price the owner quoted me, I let him take a shot at the boots since I was desperate to have them fixed. He at least was able to hand me back a pair of sufficiently repaired boots the following week. I must say that he really knows his leather. He was able to distinguish between the quality of the leather boots that I brought into him and the lesser quality of the boots that I was wearing that day (I pointed out my boots to him so I wasn't offended). The moral of the story is only bring pricier, high-quality items that you adore here. Otherwise, go to another shop that will be kinder to your pocketbook. read more

This guy is amazing! My co-worker recommended me to visit her "boyfriend" to get my shoes re-soled. She and I are really into quality (and pricey) shoes. I can't remember the name of her "boyfriend", but he is from Greece and he is HILARIOUS. Anyways, whenever I buy expensive shoes I take them to him to get re-soled. He always says "Expensive shoe, cheap sole". It costs about $50 if you bring them to him before you walk in them. I highly recommend doing this because it really protects your investment. I'm uploading pictures of my AGL shoes. One of them is what it looks like if you don't bring to get re-soled. They wore down within a year. The other pictures are of the new Pirelli soles he put on my new shoes. It's also worth noting that he does other leather repairs. I had 2 shoulder straps on handbags shortened. read more

Felix Shoe Repair - This is the beautiful job Felix did putting new soles on my shoes. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

As the economy gets tighter, wages drop and the price of everything else goes up, we are more and more inclined to hold on to our shoes. Thank god for Felix who keeps our shoes going and going and going. Sometimes the souls of your $250.00 shoes need some TLC and Felix is the one to make this happen. On the flip side, Felix will be honest with you if your shoes have seen their last days and are ready to be retired. He will give you the real story on what the right choice is for saving or abandoning your favorite shoes. In addition to repairing and keeping your shoes looking great, Felix carries a variety of laces and other shoe-related accessories and if you've shed a few pounds, he will even make sure to help you get the extra hole punched on your belt. read more

Went in because I had lightly soiled suede shoes. He sold me some cleaning products to fix it and told me how to apply them. I went home, did exactly as he said and the entire (very expensive) shoe turned about four shades darker into a dingy dishwater gray. I went back and showed him, he just said there's nothing he can do and they were most likely ruined for good. I asked him how this was possible and if he was sure he sold me the right product but he just shrugged. Will not be going back here again. read more