He's the best! Was going to get new Birkenstocks but instead Jessy made mine brand new!!!! Truly recommend for any used Birkenstock to feel new without buying new! And like why wouldn't you also want to support a community small business at the same time! read more

They lied about how much work and capabilities. Once a liar, always a liar! I brought in a pair of Allen Edmonds. The Allen Edmond factory offers a complete recrafting of their shoes for $150. This pair would cost $425 new at retail, but sometimes you can catch it on sale (allenedmonds.com) Jesse told me they were capable of the full rework at a faster turnaround. He claimed his dad worked at Allen Edmond and taught him the trade - he lied! They put on new soles, heals, an additional durable sole cover and finished with a polish. 2 months later the soles are separating! They did not refinish the uppers like they said they would rather did a simple polish using a color that didn't match the original color. There was no refinishing of the uppers, even though they had worn beyond what a simple street shine could cover. They did not repair the worn straps on the monk straps of the shoe. But they charged me the $150 that I foolishly told them the factory would charge. I won't be going back - ever. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Promised to redo the color just like Allen Edmond (original factory) would do. They lied. Check out the spotty color. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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sorry service! Piss poor management! Do not waste your time! The store owner says one thing and does another. We have had to make 4 trips just to get our order! What a waste of time and outcome of the service was sub par. What a sorry a-- business! read more

In mid-February 2025, I brought a pair of replica Nike sneakers to Jessy's Shoe Repair on Western Ave. I told him upfront they weren't authentic, and he said "no problem." He charged me $120 upfront to do alteration work--not cleaning, actual reconstruction. He said it would take 3 weeks. When I followed up (he never once reached out to me first), he said he needed special materials and a specific machine, and asked for a couple more weeks. I agreed. A few more weeks passed, still no contact unless I reached out. When I did, he told me the shoes were at another warehouse and he hadn't had time to get them. He told me to give him a few more days. I did--again. When I followed up, he told me I could stop by and pick them up. When I finally arrived, after all that time, he told me in person that he had used the wrong tool, melted the material, and destroyed the shoes completely. He admitted fault and offered to replace the shoes as a resolution. Even then, I stayed patient and agreed to give him another 3 weeks. Three weeks later, I followed up again, and he told me he needed another 1-2 weeks. At this point it was late April. I had been dragged along since February with zero progress and no initiative from him to update me. When I finally told him that I needed a resolution, he began texting me with personal excuses--saying he owes money in taxes, and then telling me that he "feels bad" for me. He sent multiple messages with religious guilt, photos of Jesus and Mary, and told me I should "be a good Christian." He refused to refund me or offer a clear resolution. From the beginning, he also asked what I do for a living, and after learning that, began upcharging me drastically for basic services. Things that cost $10-15 elsewhere, he tried to charge me $50-100 for, including zipper repairs and dry cleaning thrift-store jackets. Jessy's entire business is unprofessional and shady. He tries to act friendly, then strings you along, damages your items, and plays mind games when you ask for accountability. After months of patience, I'm still left with no shoes, no refund, and text messages full of guilt tactics instead of solutions. Do not trust this place with your money or your belongings. This isn't just poor service--it's manipulative and dishonest behavior. read more

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I dropped off a leather bag to have one handle repaired. Similar to other reviews, I felt like I was sized up -- he complimented the bag, called it luxurious, went on about what a nice leather bag it was, then quoted $150 for the repair. He agreed to $100 (still too much) and said it would take three weeks. When I came back, it wasn't ready and took another week. The replacement handle does not match, which he said was because he used leather and he then claimed the bag was vinyl -- which it is not and is clearly labeled genuine leather. Very disappointing experience. Proceed with caution. I won't be back. read more

I took my Thursday Boots to Jessy's Shoe Repair about 6-8 months ago, and I have now just sent them in to a Thursday approved cobbler in Peoria because the shoe was glued together with cheap materials. They removed the Goodyear welt stitching and glued the new soles on. Jessy's charged me $120 to weaken the construction of the shoe and put cheap foam padding underneath the footbed instead of cork. Their cleaning of the shoe also changed the color and texture of the leather. Don't go to Jessy's, they'll charge you for "quality" work but you won't see that reflected in the longevity of your shoe. It will look good for a few months and start to come apart shortly after. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It is interesting that some people have had good experiences and others have not. I went here because my husband took his shoes here, and he didn't have any issues. I dropped off a pair of very expensive boots and a pair of sandals to be repaired. The bottom of one of the boots was coming off and the toes of the sandals needed a refresh. I dropped these off on a Tuesday. He said they would be done on Friday, but when we came to pick them up, he said they were not ready. He did this two more times. When I finally got my boots back, he had ripped the soles off of both of them, cut them in half, and then glued them back on. Why he even touched the other boot, I have no idea. There wasn't anything wrong with it. The bottom of the boots were completely cut apart. He showed zero remorse. However, he is also very rude and scary, so I took my boots and left with my head down. What a mess. On top of that, he said he still didn't have my sandals ready, and frankly, he wasn't sure where they were. He showed zero remorse for this. I called over and over again looking for my sandals. On one of the calls, he said he had them (thank goodness). I went to pick them up (this is going on three weeks now), and it looks like he basically used a sharpie marker to touch up the toes. Again, what a mess. I would avoid this place. I am sure there are other cobblers that are good and honest. I am happy some people have had a good experience, but why take the chance? read more

Jessy always does a great job on my shoes. I always get compliments on how they look--he leaves a great shine. Thanks Jessy!

I wish I could give zero stars. First of all, he immediately tries to gauge your socioeconomic status before giving charging you. He commented on my Lululemon bag and Gucci loafers before charging me $200 to fix the soles of my loafers and $150 to fix my handbag. I'm an idiot for not shopping around, but I didn't really question it if it was going to be "better than the brand new" like he said. It took him 2 weeks to do the worst craftsmanship I've ever seen. He didn't even glue the sole down which is why I originally came in!! I had to watch them glue it right then and there while I was picking it up. I asked him for future reference, if he has a menu of prices, or how did he just decide my shoe job was worth $200? He said "for future reference, it's $500 for you." What a shoddy business. I should've looked at the reviews. My shoes look worse than they were originally. Also, they have no idea which shoes are yours when you come to pick them up. I had to point the them. I brought in $1200 loafers and THAT'S YOUR SYSTEM??? So literally anyone could've picked up my shoes. Stay away at all costs. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - The glue job he did - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The shoes look beautiful!! The owner is friendly and easy to get along with, gave clear options for various repair options and price points. Price felt reasonable and so did turnaround. Will definitely be coming back for my other shoe repair needs (note: cash only, so make sure to prepare) read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - two pairs of leather shoes, resoled - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This guy is a SCAMMER!!!!! Do not ever do business with him. I left my jacket ($230 winter coat) to get a zipper repaired, and he said it would be done in 2 weeks. When I come by to pick up the jacket, he has the wrong jacket, and is not sure where my jacket is. I gave him ample chances to find my jacket for months after that. After I sent him an invoice for the lost jacket, to which he replies that he would give me $20 (for a $230 jacket that he lost!). He also claimed he wasn't even sure if I brought it in, but also seemed to remember that it was in "old condition" which is why he would only give me $20 for it. This guy is a SCAM!!!!! Este hombre es un ESTAFADOR!!!! Nunca hagas negocios con él. Dejé mi parka de invierno($230), para que arreglara el cierre, y dijo que estaría lista en 2 semanas. Cuando fui a recogerla, me muestra una que no es mía. Le di muchas oportunidades para encontrarla y como no la encontró, me ofreció $20 como compensación por haber perdido mi parka (de $230!), y menos que el valor del arreglo del cierre. Mi parka estaba nueva, y él dice que no recuerda si la traje o no, pero sí que estaba vieja. Se contradice sin pena. Es un estafador total!!! read more

Imagine getting gaslit into thinking that you never left your $200+ jacket here. Then imagine getting reimbursed for 10% of the original price of the garment because it was in "old condition", which contradicts the original claim of the jacket never being left in their care. What a wild way to run a business. read more

I know there are good reviews here, but I also see a couple bad ones. My experience was not a great one. Summary: Jessy seems to do what he wants, and not what you ask him. The workmanship I experienced was good, but the professionalism was not there. I brought in a sling bag to have Jessy attach a nylon loop strap to on the outside. He at first suggested leather, but I said I'd prefer nylon. We marked with tape where the strap would go, and the width. A few days later I came to pickup, and instead of nylon he had placed leather, and it was in the wrong position, and the length was not what we discussed. I texted him later that day and reinforced that I wanted nylon and gave him specific requirements on the length and location of the strap. He never responded so I called him. He was annoyed and said he would do everything I mentioned in the text, and said he was too busy, and then hung up on me. At this point I was like.. whatever, just have him do his thing and I'll get the bag fixed by someone else later. I went to pickup the bag a few days later, and he had changed it to nylon but it wasn't in the width we had originally discussed, nor the proper position. I picked up my bag and left. The workmanship was good, but he either does not care what you asked for, doesn't listen, or the people who actually do the work aren't given good instructions. It appears Jessy is good at repairing something back to an original state, but not necessarily doing something custom. read more

I am blown away by the skill and craftsmanship! I will definitely be recommending this place to everyone. He was quick, reliable, friendly, and flexible. I thrifted a pair of vintage skates and he was able to replace the sole. I am absolutely obsessed with the outcome. He also replaced the heel and soles of a pair of thrifted boots that were totally busted and unwearable. I wish I took a picture of the before so I could show the transformation. They both look absolutely seamless and brand new. Thank you so much! read more

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Jessy cleaned my expensive thigh high boots and did an amazing job at an amazing price point! I'll definitely be a return customer!

The best! Fast, quality resole work, thank you! Couldn't ask for more, will be coming back! read more

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I stopped by Jessy's shoe repair to fix a purse zipper that I had the gentleman there was extremely courteous, informative with a quick turnaround service/time... Reasonable pricing excellent work! read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - This is a leather phone carrier needing repair. Stay tuned for an end results! - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Make sure you read the one and two star reviews before you trust this place with your belongings... some people are lucky to have had good experiences but you could end up one of the many with sloppy repair work, uneven stitching, damage to your item, or worse - it could end up mysteriously lost with the owner claiming he's not even sure you ever brought it in. Don't get scammed at this sketchy place!! Mistakes happen, but the way a business owner handles those mistakes says everything about them. This man is extremely unprofessional, dishonest, and rude. Take your money elsewhere! read more

Jessy knows his craft. Brought in two pairs of dress shoes to shine and he did an amazing job bringing them back to pristine condition. The brown especially was two toned which is a little more difficult to deal with but it was no problem at all. I would recommend this business for anybody looking to do a polishing. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Finished Product - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You couldn't tell I've had these shoes for over 8 years after they've been cleaned! Very nervous to hand them over at first but ended up extremely impressed with the work they did. Will be taking other pairs back very soon. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Shoes - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I wanted to compare prices from 2 shoemakers on the same street nearby. This guy was rude, had an attitude, couldn't give me the time of day. Gave me a price $20 more than the other shoemaker for a simple repair. Of course I gave the other shoemaker my business. read more

I've been to Jessy's several times, and they've always done great work with simple things, like polishing scuffed leather shoes. Because I've been really happy with their pricing and work previously, when I inherited an old leather purse from my grandma, I decided I'd take it to them to see if they could help clean it up and repair a few pieces. I'll admit, the purse was not in great shape beforehand. In particular, the sewn leather seam that runs along the outer lip of the purse by the buckle had become unattached. The leather was also dry and cracked in certain spots. I asked Jessy (or who I assume was Jessy) to do what he could to make it look as good as possible given the condition, and I asked them to replace the strap. Jessy said he could make it look great, and he was super reassuring and confident when he explained that, saying "you're gonna love it!" I paid $140, which I felt was steep, but I was willing to pay, given his confidence and my difficulty in finding anyone else to repair it. When I returned, I was very disappointed with the quality of the work. As you can see from the photos, there's paint covering most of the metal pieces, as if they put on the new strap and metal pieces *then* stained/repainted it. The work was sloppy and DEFINITELY not $140's worth of quality. You would think that an experienced leatherworker would know to stain/paint the leather *before* putting the purse back together or at least tape over the metal pieces. They also restrung the seam along the lip of the purse that had become unattached but used brown leather cord instead of black like the rest. Jessy claimed that black leather cord doesn't exist, even though I found upon a quick Google search later on that the color of the existing black cord does exist -- for under $10! There was also a long split in the supposedly brand new leather strap they attached. After noting some of the issues above when I first went to pick it up, Jessy said I could leave it with him longer and he'd look into replacing the leather cord and cleaning the stained metal pieces. I ended up leaving it with him for about a month or more in total, going back several times to check in. One time he had seemed to forget about it, and another time he claimed to have cleaned the metal pieces, but they were still stained in certain places. I'll give him credit in the fact that he was willing to try to clean up the purse whereas no other leatherworker in the area I talked to was willing -- but he shouldn't have been so confident or asked me to pay up front if this is how it was going to turn out! I also was uncomfortable bargaining a bit for the final price. It's odd to bargain for services, but that seems to be his business model. If I knew that the purse would look this sloppy and mismatched in the end, I would've saved the $140 and 3+ trips across town. read more

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I wish I could give negative stars!!! F this place! THIS DUDE IS A SCAMMER!!!!!! We agreed on a price for a pair of shoes, I paid upfront and when I came to pick them up he did half the work and said the other half will require more money! Freaking A Hole!!! read more

Brought in a pair of Eileen Fisher leather sandals for repair. On my first visit he was very pleasant and friendly and he took a turn when I went back to complain. 1. Owner was not wearing a mask for the second time 2. Took a complete different stance from the first time when I brought in the sandals and lied to my face 3. Not professional when dealing with me for the second time? He didn't like that I came back to complain. Initially, I brought in sandal for repair, I was told he could repair it, he said sandals would be ready by Thursday and it would look like new. I went on Thursday for pick up and said he needed more time. Sent my husband to pick up sandal on Saturday. Only to have brought back a sandal that looked like a 12 year old sewed together. The repair was not to my satisfaction and explained to him this was not what he promised. He snatched the sandals from my hand and said he would fix it and to come back 9 days??? I asked for my sandals back and told him I would take my business elsewhere. This is not what I was expecting and he didn't deliver what he promised. Don't bother coming here. Terrible service! read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Repair that was made on sandal - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I took a black pair of eccos that were chewed up a bit and these brown dress shoes with the sole coming off to Jessy. He did wonders and I can't believe how nice they turned out. The Eccos look better than they did new. The brown shoes look stellar. Jessy was also extremely professional and texted me when everything was done. I love the way he did the soles of the brown shoes. read more

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I was impressed with work that he done. He brought my shoes back to life. The paint was faded and the insoles were yellow. Thank you very much. I'll come back and bring some of my shoes again to him. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Retro 3 "sports blue" - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So happy I trusted Jessy with my shoes! He was able to give new life to my vintage new rock boots that needed special care and they look and feel as good as new. He also fixed up my doc martens that have been heavily worn and they look super fresh! Thank you so much Jessy I will come back next time I need any shoe help :) read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Shoes repaired zipper and grommets - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Extremely happy I took the time to bring Jessy my leather goods for restoration. What a solid choice. I travel a lot because my family lives all over. Because of this, staying put has felt hard. So I thought it would be a good opportunity to fix my well-used suitcase and give a leather jacket and pair of Oxfords a pick-me-up. The jacket and shoes both look wonderful. I feel like he pumped another two years of wear into the jacket. The shoes now have a little grip to them (bought them in England, not Chicago, where threat of ice and snow is REAL). The suitcase, my initial reason for the visit, was expertly rejuvenated. Inside straps were hand stitched back on, and the wooden frame which had been disjointed during baggage check, was repositioned and repaired. Additionally, I opted to have the corners of the case (where it had broken) reinforced with leather and I am so satisfied with the work! The suitcase is so well polished it looks newer than when I picked it up. I should also add I felt the agreed upon price was extremely fair considering the craftsmanship of the work. Overall, really excellent value of artisanship for the price. I will for sure be back (we discussed the boots I was wearing as I walked out the door). I love me a good cobbler and this guy's legit! Pro-tip: Take care of your travel goods now so that they're ready to go when we can go visit places and people far away! Stay healthy, everyone. read more

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WOW! this guy is an absolute craftsman and a true expert! I thought I had "nice" boots. I had crap. Jessy has shown me what I was missing out on. Experts like Jessy are few and far between these days, and I found my go to in Chicago from now on. 12 out of 10 experience! read more

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Fixed two pairs of shoes, one is my favorite Pair. Did and incredible job and is flexible with pick up times. read more

Great service, friendly and total pros. They do amazing work! They miraculously fixed a leather portion of a hand bag my toddler drew on with a ball point pen. Highly recommended. read more

Jessy did some work on a couple of purses for my wife, charged her $450, then told her it would be ready on 6/4 (she asked him to call her when they were ready since we had moved out of the city, but he told her he didn't do follow up calls). When we went to pick up the purses on 6/9 one of them wasn't ready and we'd have to drive back into the city the next day to pick it up. So on 6/10 we drove back to pick up the last bag and it looked terrible. She made him scrape the glue off of the zipper, then when she was back in the car noticed there was damage to the purse where it appears something hot burned the leather. She texted him and he called her a free loader, and that he doesn't use anything hot to work on the purses (remember the glue he had to scrape off?). Then he proceeded to blow her phone up about how Jesus protects him from bad reviews, and that nobody reads them anyway. If you look at the two top photos, the first one is in his shop when the purse was dropped off (that's actually him holding the purse), and the second was when we got it home on 6/10. The bottom is the second photo cropped to show the damage. He refused to work with her, absolutely no refunds (again, because of free-loaders), then proceeded to be as rude as any business owner could be. We didn't even get a chance to discuss the fact he didn't clean the handles like he quoted, and removed the key hook from inside the purse. We've had him do work before on other items with no issues, but learning that he refuses to backup his work when he damages a purse that's gonna cost me $2,000 to replace wasn't what we expected. I wouldn't give him anything worth more than a pair of Keds since he refuses to guarantee his work. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE-BEWARE! I RARELY write reviews but this visit warranted a warning to anyone considering this place for repair to high end heels (I can't speak to any other services). My first and last experience having heel taps and rubber half soles put on a pair of Jimmy Choos here. While the shoes were by no means new, they came out with more damage than they went in with. Issues: * the shoes WERE a beautiful black/oil slick/iridescent patent shoe that was rubbed off when I picked up. Now the shoe is more of a flat olive/black patent. * heel taps look terrible! They were sanded to a smaller shape and he scuffed the heels when he was grinding the heel tap shape. * the heel on one shoe looks to have been sloppily re-glued when there were no issues in the first place. * scuffed the edges of the patent near the sole. See before and after pictures. I'm all for small businesses and wouldn't want to unjustly impact one's reputation, but my poor experience, pictures and lack of honesty will hopefully save a poor unknowing customer that I was. I asked if he could fix the obviously changed coloring but he refused to acknowledge they looked different (or that he did anything to make them different) and that he only sprayed some cleaning foam on them...then he proceeded to spray them again in front of me--even after I showed him the before pictures to compare! Um-that's probably the stuff that took the finish off--STOP SPRAYING MY SHOES! Acknowledge your mistake(s) and attempt to make it whole/fix and be honest about what you can't fix. read more

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Took care of me so well, thank you for bringing back my boots to life. Great guy, would not hesitate to come back !

Once again Jessy's out did himself. He was able to fix my Vintage LV. I can't believe how good my bag looks. Thank you Jessy!!! read more

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I started working with Jessy when the strap on my Voigtländer II camera case broke. Given that it was a vintage camera I knew I would never find a replacement case (attached to the camera) but Jessy was able to create a strap for me based off the broken strap. I later came back with a vintage Dooney & Bourke purse. While not the fanciest or most expensive of my handbags is special since it is vintage and given to me by my mom (she had it for a long time). The plastic lining seemed to detach from the leather making white bubble spots appear on my bag. Jessy was able to repair (with paint) and the bag looks great. read more

UPDATE: My mother just called to check on the package. The man running the shop hung up on her. Original Review: These people are absolutely jerks. This is the second time I've gone to pick up a package - they are a UPS drop-off point, which they get paid to do - and this is the second time they have told me to look for the package on my own. When I looked (he literally told me to come behind the counter and look for my own package) and it wasn't there, he just said, "I told you so," and then told me to call UPS. UPS says the package is there. We have called UPS and verified. I can only assume that either someone picked it up and took it (since they don't verify that it's yours when you leave) or they have put it somewhere it can't be found. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Jessy's shoe repair - after I walked thirty minutes to get there during their normal business hours. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Jessy definitely knew what he was doing when opening my Givenchy Paris Shark Lock Boots. I've had them over a year and not able to wear them because my calf would NOT fit in this European Leather Boot. When I called to inquire he was impressively knowledgeable of the type of leather this boot was. I was convinced! 3Weeks later and POW! I can get in them! Thanks Again Jessy!!!!!!!! IG: pavipooh Tiktok: pavipooh read more

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While camping in New Mexico I stood on the fire and melted the bottom of my beloved blundstones. Jessy resoled them beautifully and I wrote this poem to celebrate. For weeks I walked on melted soles Until I found jessys shoe repair Jessy said "you're going to love this" And now I dance again read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had worn my favorite leather boots down way past the heel. It's the car equivalent of riding brakes right down to their calipers. Jessy's shoe repair was fantastic. They were enthusiastic about work and took extra care to make my boots not only good as new, but maybe even better. They were done on time and I was presented with friendly service throughout the exchange. I'll absolutely come here again. read more

Jessy’s Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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