Mike's Shoe Repair is a true treasure in Evanston. The team has revitalized my favorite shoes, added new soles to consignment-store finds, and even worked miracles on handbags needing a fresh color palette. I especially appreciate their honesty--sometimes they'll tell me when a pair is beyond saving, which shows how much they value quality over a quick sale. With wonderful service, heart, and old-world craftsmanship, this shop keeps me coming back again and again. read more

My very necessary clogs were falling apart, and even though the Shoemaker could not fix them on the spot and would have charged me $38 to get them back to me in two days I needed a faster fix! So he mentioned that the Value hardware store across the street sells shoe glue... and for that suggestion, I am forever grateful!!!! that did the trick, and it would never have occurred to me had he not suggested it to me! One great big five star thank you to him (whether his name is mike or something else? I forgot to ask.) read more

Great shop & excellent service. My Doc Martin boots are so comfortable & have held up well for a long time...then the zipper went kaput. Mike's did an excellent repair job & the boots are good as new! read more

Best service ever. I have been going here for over thirty years. It's changed ownership but never let me down.

This shop has a new owner. I used to take shoes here to Mike, and had a great experience. This new owner ruined my sandals. (I'm finally throwing them away after a year of them sitting unworn in my closet.) He charged me $30 for the repair. I pointed to the shoddy work, and asked for $10 off (instead of simply leaving without paying). He said no, because the leather alone cost him. I wouldn't risk taking anything there that you care deeply about. read more

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They did amazing job with repairing my shoes. I would highly recommend this place for shore repair.

Very disappointing! Just picked up my moccasin that needed the toe area resewn, and rain boots needed reinforcing where the elastic is. I hope that I can upload a pic of the terrible job on moccasin which really was just a straightforward seam repair and then, can't understand why my rain boots have a coat of wax or some kind of product, which I didn't ask for. $18 dollars later after having to go to an ATM because they're cash & check only. blah, yuck, won't recommend. read more

Mike's Shoe Repair - Not even an amateur repair job on my moccasin. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Rating is 0-stars from me but I can't submit his review unless I put something down. WORST experience of my life. I brought in my favorite pair of knee high black leather boots after driving around with them in my car for two years trying to find a good shoe repair place in Evanston and decided to take a chance on Mike's since they had great reviews. I was told the price to replace the zipper on the boots, repair the soles that were separating from the upper, clean off the small mold spots and replace the heel on another pair of slip on black heels would be $175 and take approximately 2 weeks. I dropped them off, never heard back after two weeks so called and asked if I could pick them up and was told I could come in that day, so I did. I noticed the zipper was not replaced, the owner, Mike, told me the zipper just needed to be cleaned but he was able to repair everything else. I wore them once and the zipper started sticking. I wore them a second time and the soles started separating from the upper within the first two weeks. I called back right away and he said to bring them in and he would take care of it. BUT, my brother died in a fatal car accident and I did not go back until 10 or 14 days later. When I arrived, he said he had never seen my boots before in his life. He refused to return the funds unless I could produce a receipt. Well, in my excitement at thinking Mike was running a reputable place, I did not keep the little stub from the tag. I asked him if he could look up the $175 charge and he said no it wasn't his job. He even informed me, if I wrote a bad review, it would hurt ME more than HIM. So here a I am. Letting everyone know. Mike has no honor and is willing to steal $175 from someone who only paid that amount because they loved their boots they have had for over 15 years that much. He should NOT be trusted and you should ALWAYS ask for a FULL receipt and keep it for at least 6 months, like a mini-IRS. Good luck with your scams Mike. I hope that bring you as much joy as you have caused me PAIN. Back to Chicago I go for reputable shoe repair. read more

Update: I've downgraded my rating because the boots I took in for some repair have come unglued again (less than 2 months after bringing them in) and therefore the quality of the work was poor. Because this shop only accepts cash or check, and doesn't give receipts unless asked, I doubt bringing the boot back to have it fixed will be honored. I won't be visiting again and will take my shoes elsewhere for repair. Took several pairs of shoes for repair to this shop. The staff were friendly and responsive, but at the end of the day I just feel like I didn't get great value for the price I paid. For approximately 3 pairs of re-heeled shoes, one half-resoled shoe and one boot sole to be re-glued on, I paid $100! The quality was ok but not brilliant. Other shoe repair places have also included a shoe shine/ buffing up the shoes, but here it was exactly as ordered (again, not a problem but it just didn't feel like great value for the cost). read more

Local, specialty businesses almost always exceed my expectations, but this was one of the most negative service experiences I've had (and over such a minor issue). FIVE MONTHS to replace one suitcase wheel, deceptive communication, and they inappropriately charged me for covered warranty service (manufacturer later agreed with me in writing). Mike's is the only authorized Travel Pro repair shop in my area, unfortunately. One of four wheels on TravelPro Platinum Elite 25" broke after first use. TravelPro confirmed part was in stock and would ship 1-2 days to Mike's. Waited weeks, did not hear from Mike's, called and they said they didn't have the part; TravelPro said they did and when I called Mike's back they "meant to say" they did have the part but hadn't started repair yet. They promised to call me in one week, never did. After the 3rd time they failed to finish on promised date, I let them know my frustration and was told they couldn't get to it for at least 3 days...yet miraculously they called 3hrs later and said it was ready. Upon pickup, the store owner said I must pay $25 for the repair. I informed him of the TravelPro warranty but he insisted. I showed him the official warranty and an email from TravelPro rep confirming free parts/labor, and I pointed out that his own employee confirmed the repair would be covered by warranty and therefore she just gave me a pickup ticket with no bill or cost estimate. He disregarded all this information and insisted I paid, rudely, cash only, no receipt. I did so only because I was under a time constraint that day. I informed him I would report this incident to TravelPro and BBB. TravelPro wrote back apologizing for store manager's mistake and said I could go to the store to collect refund. Mike's never contacted me. $25 not worth the time, gas, and likely fight they'd put up again, but I may go back for the refund just on principle. read more

Under the previous owners, this was a great business with good customer service. Not so under the new people. Rude and incompetent is the norm now. I've moved on to another business now. read more

Mike's shoe repair may be the smallest shop one could think of. But don't let the size of his shop fool you as the shop is very well stocked with shoe products. The shop is nestled in between other stores on West Central street in North Evanston. This shop has been around for more than a decade and deservingly so. Work is done with great pride, efficiency, and a smile. read more

Great old fashion cobbler. I've brought a number of shoes there to be repaired that were reasonably priced. Also, he has a great selection of shoot care products. read more

no frills, reasonably priced repair for my luggage. Friendly staff in person and on phone. You may have to call in to check the status of your repair as mine was ready when I called. read more

I have used Mike's shoe repair since 2009, so, for more than a decade at this point. In that time Mike has retired and the business has been passed along to a longtime employee. Then and now, they always provide great service. I just took a pair of shoes I've owned for a number of years there for a second repair--not because of any defect in previous repair work but because I am the kind of person who tries to make a pair of shoes last a decade or two. I picked them up this week and the shoes look ready for another few years of hitting the streets of Chicago! For this work they charged the princely sum of $5. In the past I've paid up to $25 or $30 depending on the nature of the needed work but honestly they offer such great value and I trust their worksmanship. Do remember to bring cash or check. read more

I was quite disappointed in Mike's. I brought a TravelPro carry-on suitcase to replace 2 wheels. I brought the wheels and parts as required by TravelPro. There is only 1 person, Caesar that works on TravelPro suitcases and only works on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting at 11 AM. When I dropped off the suitcase, I was told it would be $16-$18 per wheel, fine. It would be ready on Tuesday 11.5.19. I waited until Wednesday to pick up since I live in Millennium Park in the City, 21 miles away. I tried to call on Wednesday but kept getting VM, no one ever picks up. I drove to Mike's only to learn 1 wheel was installed, not finished and they didn't use the wheels I left with them. Naturally it was 10 am and Caesar doesn't arrive until 11. The two men in the shop was like the movie "Dumb and Dumber" no help whatsoever, they just looked confused and couldn't answer basic questions. I returned today and picked up my suitcase, but I will never use this company again. I've called TravelPro to suggest they make another company their authorized dealer, since Mike's is the only one in Chicago area. Oh, I was charged the higher $18 per wheel, of course. Will not be back! read more

This place was recommended by an acquaintance. I took my shoes there to get re-soled on a Tuesday. Told me they'd be ready the next Monday (even wrote "MONDAY" on the ticket!). I couldn't make it in until Tuesday. They hadn't even started on them! Told me they'd be ready by 4pm...stopped in just a few minutes before 4, and they were just applying the glue!!! Told me they said "AFTER 4"!! So, I went out for a beer...came back at 4:45. Had to wait for them to polish the shoes... I'm looking elsewhere next time I need shores repaired. read more

Great job repairing the heels on my boots. He used quality grippy rubber soles and he threw in free waterproofing! He also did a fantastic job repairing my wallet. Very reasonable prices too! read more

I love this store! mike' shoe repair has fixed my horse riding boots 2 x so far. they have replaced the zippers on each boot once. i hope to get several more years out of this pair. they are quick and the boots look so nice after a professional polishing! read more

Travelpro sent me here for a warranty repair of my suitcase, which needed a wheel replaced. They didn't perform the wheel installation quite right on the first try, which resulted in an additional trip in for me. When I came to pick up the second time, they had trouble finding my bag as it somehow wasn't labeled. I ended up finding it in the shop for them and having to assure them it was mine. Then, they asked me what they did to it (??), then they tried to charge me for the wheel repair, which was supposed to be a free warranty repair. Like... they insisted multiple times that I pay them even when I explained the entire situation. In short--there seems to be a lack of organization/systems going on. read more

This place is hilarious. It's a tiny establishment and you walk in and every single pair of shoes is stuck on the wall somewhere in a sketchy wrinkled paper bag. I see brands from Jimmy Choo to sketchers, all in these bags. Bringing in a pair of mid-term beater boots with no heel left but that I love dearly, Mike didn't bat an eye at the dirty/holey/scuffed condition I gave them to him in. Just a ticket he told me not to lose and a date 4 days later for pick up. How much? $16. Great deal to me seeing how someone in Chicago downtown quoted me nearly $75 for basically the same job with a polish. I come back, expecting to see a shiny new heel on otherwise still scuffed and dirty shoes given the price I paid. He goes to the wall of sketchy brown paper baggies, fishes mine under a huge pile and hand them to me. I glance at the heel and they look like...well, a new heel as advertised, and I walk out the store. Out of the poor lighting of the store which feels like your grandfather's attic where the entire family store their forsaken belongings, I notice my boots look pretty darn good! He threw on a pretty thorough polish and appeared to have even tried to buff out some of the more severe scuffs. The heel is fine and blends great with the sole, which I did not replace. The same job in Chicago proper would've cost me 5x as much and ample snootiness. Would definitely come again for any shoes from beaters to mid-tier. He does good work it seems with a great price but I can see myself cringing watching him dig my delicate designer heels out of a pile and walking out of the store clutching a brown paper bag like a drunk trying to evade open container laws. That being said, others seem to trust him with their fine shoes and my boyfriend says his experience is whatever container you give him your shoes in (box, etc), he will return it in. Parking is easy (bring a quarter - it will be ample), don't lose the ticket, and bring your own box if you are worried about the paper bag mountain. read more

I'm so thankful to fellow helpers for helping me find this gem. I had a quality pair of winter boots and its sole came off. I wanted to have it repaired and that's when I turned to yelp. After reading reviews I decided to give Mike's a try and I'm pleased with the results. It was fixed within 2 days for $14 and my favorite pair is saved. They are cash only for payments so take cash. Price is reasonable and you also help the local small business. I know where to go for shoe repairs now read more

They do quality work. I had them do an eyelet on my wallet and a button snap on a knife sheath. Both turned out better than I expected. Really solid, sturdy, and they both look good. The people working there are also really nice, and friendly. I highly recommend going here! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES, PEOPLE!!!! read more

First, let me say that for a city dweller, Mike's is sooo far away. Just go west until you're almost out of Evanston and eventually you'll find it, and it will be worth it! Also since the hours are 8am-6pm on weekdays, it was a race against time! You walk in and it's busy, crowded, friendly, smells like shoes - all of which is a good thing! I needed new heels on a pair of stilettos and also I had a boot with a hole in it - after 1 wear. Mike fixed them up in no time flat for a reasonable price with fantastic customer service! read more

This place is cash or check only. Although it seems most of Mike's customers bring shoes, he can do all kinds of leather work, from ice skates to purses. It cost $14 to replace the heels of my ankle boots (which he also cleaned for free), and $8.75 to replace the tattered strap for my handbag. It's best to call ahead to see if your item is finished. When I dropped off my purse, Mike had originally told me it would be ready on in 1 week, but it ended up taking 2.5 weeks. Still, I was happy with the finished work. read more

I almost never take the time to write Yelp reviews, but in this case I feel compelled to. To me, Mike's is what shoe repair place should be. They are friendly, do a really good job, and the prices are so reasonable (much more reasonable than the shoe repair place that's closer to my home). I go out of my way to go to Mike's. It's the kind of place where if you don't have cash, they say "no problem, just pay me next time you're in"-- and trust you to do so. What more needs to be said? I hope these guys stay in business a long time. There are so few "old-school" shoe repair places anymore. This one is a gem. read more

It's not Mike's shop anymore. Crowded with candy machines, there is no Mike's warm atmosphere, prices up significantly. It's not a neighborhood place it used to be. Too bad. read more

Excellent, friendly service -- all completed on time, at an incredibly reasonable price. I dropped off literally 10+ pairs of Tory Burch flats, wedges & heels that I thought were well beyond repair with Mike. He repaired them expertly and brought them back to life -- in under a week. I was especially impressed with his repair of 2 pairs of wedges, both pairs had part of the heels totally ground away. Mike was able to re-build the heels, making them look brand new. I also had a pair of plastic flats that had torn on one side -- those were saved too! Mike was able to sew a piece of leather onto the side of the shoe to stitch the tear back up. I've been to a few other shoe repair places in downtown Chicago and have not been nearly as pleased with the results (for over double the price). The drive to Evanston is well worth it. You will not be disappointed. read more

Mike fixed three pairs of shoes for me. After three months of wearing the shoes occasionally the heels fell off again, when I went back to him to show him what happened he pretty much told me "what do you want me to do about it?" if I knew the shoes would only last for only another 3 months, for the price I paid for fixing the shoes I could have just invested into a new pair. read more

They never disappoint me for their quality of work and price. It is fast on both estimate and service. I have taken stuff more than zipper repairs. Unique buckles and other came back like brand new. read more

Mike & his staff are Fantastic - Very hard working crew and Mike always has a friendly word or a funny story to share. Its run the way it should be run - cash only! PS And a thump on the head to those customers who leave their shoes month after month. You can just tell when you go there's customer wares that linger for months on end. If it were me, I'd toss them out after 60 days! read more

Great place to repair any shoes, even for DANCERS! Highly professional service! Extremely reasonable prices! They will repair your laggage as well! I will never go anywhere else! read more

Mike has repaired shoes and luggage for the past several years for our family. Love the shop. Incredible repairs to both suitcases (mostly TravelPro) and duffles. Will sadly miss Mike as he retires this August but good news is the shop will continue! Always so happy when we can repair items vs replacing them. Save the Earth and visit Mike's Shoe Repair - and grab an ice cream at Hartigan's. read more

My dance shoe's soles were coming apart a year of use and Mike's was able to put it back together good as new within a week. Good price and service. It doesn't get better than this! PS It looks just like what I'd imagine an old-school shoe cobbler's place would look like. read more

Owner Felipe did a masterful job of new soles and heels on two handmade alligator loafers, in order to make them non-slippery

I have gone to Mike's Shoe Repair since 1985. Looking back, I really have no idea why. It's not like the work quality is anything special. It's what you'd expect and nothing more. During these many years the shoes were almost never ready when promised. Sometimes, they weren't ready on the second promised day. After 30 years of putting up with this ridiculous and rude business model, I decided last year: NEVER AGAIN. I writing this review because I opened Yelp to find a different shoe repair guy. read more

Dropped of a boot that needed the soul glued, and a Jacket that needed a button. They told me it'll be $18 and that they'll call me Monday or Tuesday to let me know it's ready. It's Friday and I still didn't get a call so I went in to pick the stuff up. They had glued the boot and decided on their own accord to not only put the button I had asked for but replace the one on the other side which was perfect, just so they match, and charged me $25. Which means an extra $7 for something I didn't want and/or asked for. They should have called and asked if I wanted the other button changed, it is my work jacket when I work and build cars, I don't need matching buttons especially when they are so small and not very noticeable. Will not use them again. I've been going to Lou's Shoe and Luggage On Dempster is Skokie for years, they are honest, very affordable, fair, they accept credit cards, and they call when things are ready or need any changes. Since I moved real close to Mike's Shoe repair and I can walk over I figured I'd give it a try. read more

I brought my Travel Pro suitcase in for a warranty repair. they told me they did Travel Pro warranty work. I received a call that my suitcase was ready for pick up but no mention that there would be a charge. Went in Saturday morning to find that they wouldn't accept my Travel Pro warranty and I had to pay $20 CASH ONLY to get my bag back. This place is a SCAM!!! DO NOT USE THEM. read more

I have been going to this shoe repair store for more than twenty years. Everyone is exceedingly friendly and honest with you about repairs, clean up and anything else you may need in the world of leather repair. The owner, Mike, retired recently but the two men who worked with him for years have taken the helm. Their work continues to be the best on the North Shore without mind blowing prices. Luggage, luxury handbags, orthopedic shoes, new stilettos-- they do it all! read more

I brought in a pair of boots to have one sole reglued and stitched. They finished it in the time he quoted me and restitched/cleaned both. When I found it was cash or check only and realized that I didn't have the $14 on hand, he just told me to come back tomorrow to pay if I needed to (I found an ATM right down the street). Great service and high-quality results. read more