Short story: Leon's communication is abysmal, and the quality of work is even worse. I dropped my shoes off on 10/9 for a repair and didn't get them back until 11/8. I took a pair of boots on 10/9 to Leon that needed repair after my dog got to them. He came highly recommended from a trusted friend. He required payment up front, which usually I won't do as a first-time customer, but made an exception since he seemed like a good guy and my friend had excellent work done here. He promised an estimate within a few days. I waited a week before getting in touch by text, and got a very hostile response. We later talked on the phone and apparently he thought I was trying to scam him because his information has been "hacked", even though we'd already communicated in the same text thread. We cleared the air and he apologized for the misunderstanding. He got me an estimate 5 days later (for those keeping track it's now 10/21), and I went to the store immediately to pay. He took my money and promised they'd be done by the end of the month. He's just one guy, after all! Can't fault him for taking his time, especially if the work is good. I got in touch on 10/31 and he said he needed another week. I got in touch a week later and he says he's still not done, but says I can come by the store at 8pm that night to pick up. This doesn't work with my schedule, which is fine. That's on me. So today, 11/8, rolls around and I ask about when I can pick up. He texts to "come by 3pm", which means "come before 3pm". A typo, i realize in retrospect, and so when I showed up at 1:30 expecting him to be there I was surprised that the shop as closed. I called and was met with a stream of profanity about how he had told me to come AT 3pm. We bickered for a bit, I'm frustrated, and so I come at 3 to find him just starting the work on my boots. The resulting work is really bad. The patch leather is cut poorly and messily, the thread isn't properly sewn in, and there is glue all around the perimeter of the patch on the boots themselves. A cherry on top: when I was trying to leave the store, which is quite cluttered and small, I tripped over some detritus, and he laughed at me and then texted me "up yours" as I was getting to my car. read more

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Leon is great... odd hours but he does a great careful job on belts and shoes and all else.

Leon's store says 4 - 8 pm, but he regularly starts after 4 pm. When I called around 4:15 pm to ask when he opened, he said he was already open. I then walked to his store, but he had not yet arrived. When I said "you told me you were here," he told me he didn't want my business. read more

This is a multigenerational business that has serviced my family for 50+ years. Their prices, craftsmanship and personal love put into their work literally has made me a client for life. I don't care that the hours are sporadic for now because I know the owner was involved in a catastrophic accident where he is lucky to be alive. I am thankful he is still around to continue what Mr. DeLeon started. read more

My 30 year old Bostonian shoes were rebuilt from the insoles to outside sole and heel. Just a superb job. Great attention to detail including Leon noticing that the coloring hue between the shoes were different and making them "equal" yet still with the "personality" I absolutely adore with these classic shoes. I'll easily get another 30 years outta these buddies. As Leon said, I'll be rocking these shoes for a while still. No doubt in my mind!! Very reliable. He's detailed oriented and work fair priced. Don't rush him. Bill T. read more

I walked there 3 times before I found him open. He wasn't open the day he said my shoes would be ready to pick up. When I finally found him open, my shoes weren't ready. I had to wait 20 minutes until he quickly repaired my shoes. His work was not neat. The stitches didn't look secure but I didn't want to go through the fiasco of leaving my shoes there again. The stitches didn't hold and soon after I used my shoes, it unraveled. He should've paid me $18 for the aggravation I went through. read more

Leon's Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Took a chance on a local small business on getting my leather back pack fixed. I broke one of the handles from wear& tear. Came to Leon's shoe repair asked the owner if could work his magic. He replied with "yes I can. 42 dollars and give me 2 weeks." Thought is was weird that it would take 2 weeks for a simple repair. Nonetheless I said okay, but told him I need it sooner. I have a trip to take and wanted to use the bag. Which he agreed with. As I walked out, that's when I noticed the hours 4:00pm - 8:00pm. I turn back to him and asked if the hours are currant hours and not pandemic hours. He proceeded to tell me it's because he has to be with his son. Which then I smile and said okay. In reality in my mind I was like "fuck I'm never going to see my bag back." But my heart said just wait and see. Came multiple times to pick up my bag, but the store was closed. Finally gave a call to what number is listed. Leon told me he would be at the shop by 4:30. I came in to pick up my bag. Catching Leon walking out the door. Telling me give him 30 mins and he will be done. Came back within an hour time. Bag was still not done. Told him that it was okay. Asked for my bag back and 42 dollars back. Leon got very upset and started to speak in Spanish. Maybe thinking I don't speak Spanish but I'm Latino. Saying things like " he wants to take my money" " I knew not to accept this bag" then speaking me in English saying " you paid me for a service and I'm going to give too you." Very aggressively. Told him not to, it's cool. He won't let my bag go..and started going in on my broken handle. What took him less then 15 min. He quoted me 2 weeks. He finished and gave me awful job. He stitched into the leather inappropriate damaging the bag. Overlapped fabric and leather parts. He thought that was okay. I asked for my money back only getting 40 back. NEVER COMING BACK. Trust or instinct. read more

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Cannot speak highly enough of the service here. He was accurately diagnosed the problem with my boots, was upfront about the cost relative to the value of the boots, explained clearly what he was going to try to do to fix them, waited patiently while I went to go grab cash (and took significantly longer than I should have), and texted me to let me know that the boots were ready. Important to note that they open at 4 or 4:30, not 1, and they are cash-only, although there are a few ATMs on that stretch in Mount Pleasant if you forget cash. read more

Excellent cobbler/shoe repair service! Great workmanship + attention to detail, and fair prices. Leon repaired some detailed stitching on my wife's suede shoes and he did a complete heel + sole replacement (plus a fresh shine) for two of my leather dress shoes. I couldn't be happier! The quality of work was top-notch and he finished the job when he said he would. I highly recommend using Leon! read more

Leon's Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Been going there since 2012 for all my shoe needs. He even does luggage repair too. The business has been in his family for generations and his prices are fair. Also uses higher quality materials: Before I found him, I'd gotten soles replaced at a generic laundromat shoe service and they used a sole that lasted a couple months whereas Leon's lasted until the rest of the shoe died. Leon was in an accident a few years back (hit by a car) and I think most of his negative reviews are from that time while he got back on his feet. Highly recommended! When I briefly moved to another neighborhood, I still travelled back here to get my shoes done. read more

Good service IF..... you can find the shop open. Contrary to what's advertised, the shop doesn't open before 4:00pm. I've been there several times and found it closed. On my last visit, I was given an estimate ($60+) that was so expensive that it would be cheaper to buy a new pair of shoes!! I just wish the hours were more "reliable". read more

I took my tan leather boots that had oil spilled over them due an oil- drenched pasta from Pasta Mia (see previous review). I came in on a Monday and Leon, the cobbler, told me to come back on Friday, four days later and that he closes at 7 pm. I came back on Friday at 5:30 pm but not only was the place closed, I had to call numerous times during the weekend to find out that they were open again for business on the following Tuesday. When I finally got a hold of him, he told me that he was working on the boots. What was he doing for the past week?! He told me that some family stuff came up and then the huge snow storm prevented him from coming to the shop. Shit happens in life and I understand. I only wish he would have picked up his phone or set up a voice mail to tell customers when he was going to be in again so, it wasn't a big guessing game for four days. The oil stain was not removed, which may not necessarily be Leon's fault since he said oil is hard to remove from leather. He made the boots a little bit darker so that the stains aren't as apparent and fixed up the back heel. Whatever solution or glue he was using left a protruding mark on one of the boots. Next time, I'm finding myself another cobbler. read more

I wasn't sure what to think coming in to Leon's Shoe Repair, but all I can say is that I'm so glad I did! I had a pair of white satin shoes that I had managed to cover....and I mean cover...in dirt from a photo shoot. And yeah, you read that right, white AND satin, so good luck. I wanted to use them as my wedding shoes, because I'm classy like that, but knew I needed to somehow get at least a good portion of the stains off if I was planning on making that happen. In spite of his initial concern at how much he would be able to do to save them in their original white color, Leon handed them back to me a week later as if they were brand new. I don't know how he cleaned them so perfectly, but they were white as snow. If someone had handed me those in the store, I would have bought them. At the end of the day, after all that work, the repairs only cost $22. So worth it to completely revitalize shoes I thought were done for. In short, this guy is awesome and, in my humble opinion, you should give him a try. Leon is super friendly and well deserving of the community's business. read more

Not sure what all the other bad experiences are like but I did read the reviews prior to committing my "costly" shoes to Leon. And he did not disappoint! I brought in a pair of brown shoes and he literally returned the leather to the color and softness of when I first got it two years ago. The same with my other pair of black shoes. I spoke to him too about his hours. They are 1-8pm, except Sundays, as he has a family... Sometimes, stuff comes up with his family and he has to close up the shop. Unfortunately, he's the only one that works there. I think if you understand small businesses, you'll understand the challenges he has. I suggest that you plan ahead with dropping off your shoes. His craftsmanship is unmatched around here. And so far, he has not disappointed with the store hours. read more

Always take my shoes here and make sure my friends do as well. The prices are what really make it worth it. Leon is a cool dude, and if you give him a few pieces at once you may get a discount. The shop is pretty small and, honestly, I don't know who works there and who's just hanging out. Sometimes they get quite backed up, so if you really need your shoes on time, call ahead and give Leon a heads up--the neighborhood regulars never seem to mind and will just pop in whenever to pick up their stuff. If you're on a schedule and took a bus to get there, definitely do yourself (and Leon) a favor though and call ahead. Every shoe repair comes with a free clean and shine. (prices are for pairs) Men's: Basic shoe shine -$6 Total re-sole (men's shoe) was $40 Just the heel (men's) $20 Women's: high heel tip replacement -$12 high heel tips and sole - $24 read more

I just had my shoes repaired there for the first time. Granted he said I could pick them up Thursday, and they weren't quite ready. Nor the next day. Then took some time off for Easter. BUT he was very nice about it. Gave me a discount for my troubles. (Only takes cash, BTW.) And my shoes look awesome! I had 2 pairs of sandal-y heels. The heels were torn up... nails sticking out and everything. The sole was flapping on one. Scuffed. I had red ones that were all scuffed up and gross and flappy. They both look as good as new now! I will definitely go there again- but won't be expecting a quick turnaround. read more

I rarely need a shoe repair service but this one is a good place, I trusted the owner and his food and professional service. He is very kind and a good person also. read more

Don't waste your money. A zipper on one of my boots needed replacing. He said he would have to get a new zipper and it would take about a week. I paid 30 bucks in advance. Ten days later I went to pick them up. The repair he did was laughable, looks like he attempted to glue the zipper back? Regardless after 4 days the glue wore off and the zipper was once again broken. So ridiculous, going to try to get my money back but not holding my breath. read more

I needed to get a zipper replaced on a favorite clutch and had been putting it off for awhile. Against my better judgment (given some of the other reviews and Leon's attitude/state of the shop), I left my clutch with him on a Monday. He told me the repair would cost $10 (seemed a little high) and that it would be ready Wednesday. He asked me for a deposit and I was like...no...the deposit is my purse...He then said he would waive it for me because I was a new customer. I came back to get the purse on Wednesday and no one was in the store. I called the number he had given me (202-491-1997) and was unable to reach him. I called back later and he did answer with no explanation of where he was or why the shop was closed. I told him that I was going out of town on Friday and needed the purse before then. He promised multiple times that he would have it done Thursday. I'm not really sure why I believed him, but I really wanted to be able to take the purse with me on my trip so I said okay and we both repeated several times that I would come on Thursday at 1pm. Shocker - Leon wasn't there on Thursday. I began calling the number every 5 minutes - which he never answered. I went by the store several times and he wasn't there. I just got back into town and went by the store. He wasn't there and wasn't answering his phone. I was finally able to reach him and he seemed unconcerned that he had promised me the purse would be ready 2 weeks prior. I told him I was standing outside his shop and he needed to come and give me my purse right now. He said he would be there in 30 min. 50 minutes later he showed up. My purse was finished, although in the wrong color zipper and smelled funny. He did say I didn't have to pay, which was good because I wasn't going to anyway. DO NOT GO HERE. The store is never open, Leon doesn't answer the phone, and it's not worth it to spend so much time and energy on getting in touch with him to get your item back. read more

Terrible: Leon did not have my shoes ready on the date agreed, even though he said he had more time than needed to complete the job (three extra days). He then promised to have my shoes ready and be available in his shop; but told me I needed to come early because there was somewhere he needed to be. I made the mistake of leaving work early to just get my shoes back and get the whole thing over with, but when I arrived my shoes were still not ready. Not only that, I am pretty certain he did nearly the entire job in front of me. He also asked me which shoes were mine, and then tried to give me another customer's shoes. When I suggested a discount to make up for the problems, he began screaming at me, and blaming me for all the problems in his life... He also managed to make a homophobic comment during all of this too - what a gem. I am never giving this person my business again. read more

He is very honest and friendly and does great work, stop by mt pleasant for you shoes its worth it.

Great services and a wonderful owner - if you have a second to spare, make sure to chat with him! Reasonable prices for what you get which is high quality. Only change would be that my shoes took a day longer than we originally said they were. It was fine because we communicated about it so I wasn't surprised. Oh- because of an injury, the owner has irregular hours. He is usually there during his business hours but sometimes he's not. Just call his number and he will come in for you or tell you his hours - 202-491-1997 read more

I brought my shoes in 6 months ago, have never been able to get back in contact with them or find them open. Can someone help me with this?

I took in my soft sided dog carrier to get a new zipper and they repaired it as promised and at a great price! Now my dogs and I can travel safely back home. Thanks Leon! read more

I ripped the strap off my Coach bag while we were on vacation and happened upon Leon's Shoe Repair. He repaired my bag and it looks brand new! He was professional, very competent and fast -- and the price was very reasonable! Outstanding job! read more

Never there. Pleasant guy, but a week too late ( and I gad to pay up front!). The other businesses on the block say the store is just a front to launder drug money. I don't know, but the guy is a total flake! IF I had my shoes, I would run away from that place. read more

They lost my shoes, which turned up at their HOUSE, supposedly in a pile of orders that hadn't been picked up for a long time. The owner blamed his mother for not recording the orders properly. But they found them after I'd spent OVER TWO MONTHS trying to pick up my shoes! The store was never open when advertised, and I didn't get return calls when promised. The only person who seemed to have it together was a young woman who was polite and helpful. The owner? Don't get me started. He was going to charge me full price for minor repairs on the two pairs of shoes they'd taken all summer getting back to me. read more

Leon held my boots hostage!!! I dropped the boots off to be resoled and six weeks later, still no boots. My husband FINALLY tracked him (after calling and visiting the store more than 10 times!) just to learn that one of the boots has gone missing. How does that even happen? He promised to look and call by the next day, but nothing. Every time we went to the store for the next week it was losed and he was not answering his phone. When I told him if he didn't find the boots, I expected to be compensated he just said - I'll find the boots. The WORST customer service ever. Happy ending - the missing boot turned up several weeks later. Can you believe he expected us to pay for the work when the pair was collected? I don't think so, buddy. I already shelled out another $200 so I could have boots in NYC on a winter weekend. read more

i took my brown leather pumps here to get the heels redone. took about three days and cost $12 which is a pretty good deal. they polished the shoes too--they looked almost brand new again when i picked them up. the place is tiny....so small that you have to wait outside if there are already two people standing in there. they also make keys and do some other repairs (purses, luggage). friendly service, cash only, closed sundays. read more

Leon fixed my favorite pair of boots for $20 less than other nearby shoe repair shops. He was respectful of my time by texting me when the job was done so that I could come by and pick up my like-new pair of boots. This is a family business that has been around since 1979. I love Mt. Pleasant and am always happy to support local business. Thank you, Leon! read more

Brought in my shoes. They said they would be ready in a week. Then for a month after that they were never open, so I could not pick up my shoes. I resorted to putting a note under the door asking "Can you please tell me when you are open so I can pick up my shoes." Of course they didn't call. When I finally caught them when they were open, they hadn't done anything on my shoes. read more

This was my first time going to the shop and I'm so glad I did. Leon fixed the heels of my boots for only $15 and also did a fantastic job cleaning and shining them. As an added bonus, I was able to get a pair of keys made right before I checked out (something I had needed to do forever). Leon is a super nice guy and it feels great supporting someone who has such a unique craft and is in Mt.P. I would advise that he only takes cash and he does like you to leave a deposit. read more

I'm going to have to go out of town without the shoes I wanted to bring because the store is not open during their posted hours. I'm fine with stores having unconventional hours. But if you're going to have unconventional hours, stick to them! Hopefully I will get my shoes back when I return...but I won't be returning to this store. read more

Leon is incredible! He pays attention to detail and has yet to tell me he can't fix a pair of shoes, or a purse, etc. His prices are also very reasonable and he can turn hints around quick if you need him to. One of the most friendly guys I know! read more

Leon repaired my boots to perfection after I had worn them out in the blizzard. Look no further for shoe repairs.

I been going to Leon shoe repair for almost five years I love his work.. I love the prices they are reasonable. I have brought shoes to get fix for heels and jackets to get buss and put on zippers... And all the works has been done so well that they still are in good conditions... Thank you Leon for your good hard work.... read more

Leon is indeed not only super friendly, but a true craftsman. I noticed that he often doesn't actually start work until about 1:30, but in those cases he does post a sign in his window indicating that's when he'll be in. The fact he's open well into the early evening is very convenient for working residents of DC. I had a fairly cheap satchel to carry papers and books which had acquired some sentimental value to me repaired and patched, and although it took a couple more days than expected (due to a need to fix a piece of his machinery), the rate was very reasonable, and he summoned a true cobbler's repertoire including a fine patch and stitching, returning my satchel not only to full functionality (no worries about losing anything) but giving it the look of something that has received careful attention - the patch unquestionably adds to its character. The place reminds me of little craftsmen's shops in Japan that survive for generations making incredibly efficient use of a tiny space. Now that his equipment is up and running, I'm assuming he'll warrant five stars from now on! read more