I've been very happy with Northside and I find Emmanuel to be a pleasant person with whom to speak. He's running things on his own and seems most gracious to those who also treat him with kindness and respect. He is a very talented cobbler and works fast and effectively. read more

Northside Shoe Repair - Freshly shined - Shoe Repair Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Good work, kindly staff. It always feels like stepping into the past and speaking with a true craftsman.

This place doesn't even deserve 2 stars. The dude behind the counter was absolutely disrespectful and super RUDE because I had the nerve to walk into the store with my 2 pairs of boots while he was eating. i Got such a hostile vibe while he was writing my ticket that I said "sorry if I was bothering him" and then he says.... " I just fucking hate this shit! I'm trying to eat lunch and I keep getting interrupted ". I SWEAR!! So I took my boots and left. I will not put up with that crap. It's too bad because I have taken my shoes and boots to northside a few times for service. I don't know the guy's name but i think he's in his 30's, wears glasses and is a bit on the " husky" side. Another reviewer described him as passive aggressive. I would agree on that. STAY AWAY!, Go Somewhere else!!! read more

Wow! I have used Northside for years. I just had a terrible experience with the guy who runs it now. I brought in some boots I love that my dog had chewed the heel and part of the sole. They were in bad shape I knew and I was just asking if they were worth repairing. He said he'd work on them but the damaged shoe wouldn't look like the undamaged one. I tried to understand what he was proposing and he got irritated with me. I asked him what I did wrong and he told me that I wasn't getting what he was saying and he wasn't going to fix them. I left so confused. read more

The guy feels passive aggressive. One minute he's really nice in the next minute. He's very angry. I could not immediately find my ticket for pick up and he said that's too bad. It's not my responsibility. And then he charged me to pick up the shoes which I already paid when I drop them off but because my ticket did not have a stamp on it I had to pay again. It just doesn't feel good. I won't go back there. If you do go there make sure you keep your ticket and you get a red stamp on it when you pay when you drop them off. read more

For Christmas, my mom wanted to restore an old pair of my boots that came back into style. I had some diesel boots from the late aughts, great leather, black, classic styling but with an added zipper on the side making them easy to pop on and off without re-lacing. I had really beaten the leather and I walked through the original soles at the tip of both big toes. I wore them a lot. They had those thin leather soles that were popular 15 years ago. Now, they're cool again - except they need a big rubber sole. Got them resoled here with a large rubber sole - giving them a more 2020's look - and the leather was well restored. They glued down parts tiny tears and polished it a deep shiny black. They look awesome. I'm stoked. Will be back. read more

Incredibly rude, absolutely no desire to understand customer's needs or perspectives. Feels like going to someone who hates their job and hates their customers. Go to Santa Barbara Shoe repair on Anacapa instead. You'll be glad you did. read more

Worst experience ever, I've never been so disrespected. I went to pick up my 2 pair of shoes and I noticed Emmanuel didn't do anything. I had left the shoes for 10 days and it was absolutely disappointing to see no difference. From the moment I walked in I was greeted with an eye roll. That's when I noticed he didn't do anything to my shoes, when I asked, Emmanuel proceed to tell me to grab my shoes and leave and never come back again. I was very nice the entire time, never once raised my voice or gave him a look. Good luck because I'll be telling all my friends to take their business elsewhere. read more

I had an excellent experience here! Brought a pair of boots with a missing heel cap to have the cap replaced. Not only did he replace both, and they look great, but also recommended filling the hollow heels to reduce noise. The fill didn't add any weight, and they're so much quieter to walk in now - no more clomping around! I really appreciated the suggestion, they were done quickly, and the price was beyond reasonable. read more

Northside Shoe Repair - Heel caps replaced and hollow heels filled. Great job! They're better than new! - Shoe Repair Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I was almost ready to toss my well-loved, well-worn black Dansko clogs...but decided to see if something could be done. I was greeted with a smile and a promise of "let me work some magic." Less than a week later, and at a VERY reasonable price, I received my beloved clogs back looking BRAND-NEW. They were actually damaged when I handed them over; I have no idea how he did it. THANK YOU, Northside Shoe Repair. read more

Not sure why the lack of love for this business. But my experience has been excellent. I bright a pair of well worn loafers that needed some TLC and Emanuel said he was up for the task. So I had the heels replaced and he did an excellent job. I mean they look so good that I don't even want wear them now, So don't let the low star reviews fool you Northside is back and they are here to kick butt, read more

This shoe repair business has completed 3 pairs of shoe services that consisted of placing front and back taps, replacing the leather soles, replacing the rubber bottom soles and 2 shoe shines. All good quality and I will continue with their service. read more

Manny is the best! He takes great pride in his work and the quality is impeccable! My husband and I both had work done by him and we were thrilled. Excellent customer service. The work was done quickly and priced extremely fair. Way to go Manny! Thank you read more

I took a leather purse in for repair on a Monday and told a week for everything after he walked me through what needed to be done and quoted my price. I went back eight days later, and it hadn't even been started. I was told to come back the following day, I called two days later, and it still had not been started. Called again, agreed on Saturday at 1pm for pickup (12 days after drop off). When I asked for my purse at the counter, he said, "oh I flaked on that too," in reference to the customer in front of me who's order also wasn't completed (she asked if she heard him wrong for her pickup date; he said "no, I'm just a liar). At this point I asked for my bag back and left. I would write for zero stars if I had the option. read more

Worst service ever- Left my fathers shoe for small patch and they told me to leave them for week. When I came for them shoes were still not repaired. They told me to come back. Worst service, attitude-don't use them! read more

Amazing service and prices. Also I paid and had a $20 bill stuck to a $10. I had already left, and the owner chased me and gave me back the $20. Wish we had more stores and owners like this!! read more

I don't get the low reviews on this place either, that is absolutely not my experience. Emanuel who runs the place is an absolute gentleman and did a great job for me. I brought in my wife's beloved and timeworn Prada backpack which has a lifetime of travel on the clock and was definitely in need of some TLC. It's her go-to bag, it's been around the world a few times and is the one thing we'd bring if we ever had to leave a burning building - everything we need is in it. One of the main shoulder straps had broken, the other needed fixing, the three main front straps were torn and frayed, outside pockets needed stitching and the inner lining was ripped down both of the main seams. Emanuel fixed straps, replaced leather, sewed silk, stitched frayed edges all over the place and generally did a great job. When I picked it up he even offered to discount the cost as the repair had been delayed a couple of days, but of course I paid him in full for a great job done. Excellent service from a true pro, I heartily recommend this place. read more

Wanted to clean up and restore an old purse for my girlfriend. The other repair shops quoted me a ridiculous price and didn't give me their time of day. Northside shoe repair took their time to go over the realistic options and even showed me a sample of what I could expect. Prices were more than reasonable and he delivered on his promise. I was initially hesitant because of the reviews but I'm so glad I checked it out! I highly recommend at least checking it out and seeing for yourself! read more

Wrecked a pair of expensive shoes by polishing a part he wasn't supposed to (and was told not to) then proceeded to tell us that he didn't and that we don't know leather as well as he does. He tried to tell us that the color was actually fine when we had photos to prove that he had discolored them. While trying to show him photos of the original color he starts making personal attacks on us and saying we are being aggressive and that we must have a terrible home life and that my wife should leave me. We actually laughed about it after because of how shockingly and hilariously offensive he was. How is this guy still in business? He painted the shoes back to their original color, free of charge. read more

I dropped off a pair of boots to have the back seam repaired (the leather was split open) when I came back on the afternoon of the appointed day of readiness (Friday), the guy working seemed surprised, and the boots had not been repaired, he said it would take him 20 minutes if I had time to wait. I didn't have time to wait around but I said I would be back Monday to pick them up. Monday: I came in the afternoon and the woman at the counter found my boots, and let me know that they were not repaired, and maybe I wasn't supposed to come until Friday? I explained that they were supposed to be ready LAST FRIDAY. The guy working there said could have them ready in TEN minutes. I said okay, and came back in 15 minutes. The boots were indeed repaired, but it was a shoddy job with white thread sticking out everywhere, and when I got them home, there was a new break in the inside leather at the heel of one of the boots, making them very uncomfortable to wear. I would take them back in, but I'm afraid the next 'repair' job will only make them worse... :( read more

Well, the work looked fine, but I came on the day it was promised, and despite saying "I am here for the red clogs, " they asked me what color the shoes were. First, they weren't done. They had to search for them. They said "after two," so I came back at four, and they had to search for them, again. I agree with the reviewer who said they looked disorganized and dirty in the shop. They take cash only now, claiming their card reader is broken. The signs stating cash only are pretty tattered and old, so I'm guessing if they had a card reader that broke, they just never bothered to have it fixed or replaced. They may never have had one, for all I know. Hours are very flexible there. Posted on the window is :00AM - 5:00 PM, :00-AM-2:00 PM Saturday. Not sure when :00 is... When I first arrived to drop off the clogs (buckle repair), they had a sign on the door that said they were going to be back by 4:15. It was 4:20 before they showed up. The only benefit was that the work was decent (how hard is it to sew elastic?), and the cost wasn't too bad. read more

Took my shoes in for repair. they lost them . when I asked about them, the owner got mad and wanted to throw me out of the store. had to leave to prevent a fight. never got my shoes. Burt and D. read more

I'm mystified by the one- and two-star reviews; I can only guess that they relate to a prior owner or were submitted by competitors. In my experience, the work is first-rate (they have saved shoes that I thought were beyond repair) and very reasonably priced. Highly recommended. read more

Took my favorite pair of suede boots in for heel repair. He made them look as good as new. Owner is kind and easy to work with. Very happy customer. Also note this isn't my first time there. I've always been pleased. read more

Northside Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

If there was less than one star I would use it. I took a chance on going to this guy and regret it immensely. I brought in a brand new pair of vintage cowboy boots that were in perfect condition and he said he could soften the heel by "tenderizing" it. I asked if it would damage the heel to do that and he said no. Had a second pair of boots that had a loose inner lining and he gave me a quote to take apart the back seam and glue the inside back together. We had a very pleasant interaction, gave me a quote and said to come back in a couple days. I came back a week later (several days after the date he wrote on the tag) and he was acting irritated that I came and couldn't find my boots to then find out he hadn't even started doing anything. Then I said no problem and would come back the following week in which I came back to find my new black boots damaged from him hammering on the pristine leather and he hadn't even tried to fix the other pair and then tried to say it would cost more to do the job. I just said no thank you and that I would just take them home and he didn't charge me anything which was the only redeeming act on his part. His personality swing was the most disturbing part and he seemed genuinely upset that I had come back for my boots. I would NOT recommend this guy and I should have taken a hint by the condition that his shop was in but tried to give him the benefit of the doubt! Honestly have never had a worse interaction with any kind of service read more

Run away from this place. A zero star is more accurate to the utterly horrible service here. I had a very simple job- glue the rubber soles on my Merrill's. Went 2 times and was told " the glue was not adhering and to come back in 2 more days" looked like they were using regular ol Elmer's glue rather than a cobblers glue for rubber. Plus the lady working there ( the matriarch) was extremely rude. She said " no paper ( to claim shoes) no shoes. In the end the soles were not completely glued down. read more

The service here is truly horrible and the shoe repairs never get done. I dropped a pair of shoes off, along with a wallet and belt for what seemed like 15 minutes of repair work. I returned to the store twice, once when the items were supposed to be fixed AND two weeks after. Both times, they had not even begun fixing my items. The lady at the counter told me I should have called before coming in to check if the items were fixed. This is absolutely crazy for anyone that wants their customers to be satisfied. read more

Not Good!! Took a pair of shoes in to be stretched. Had to pay upfront...waited a week as told, and then went to pick them up and was told that they may have been stretched enough, but then they also might not have been???? Was told to take them home, try them out, and bring them back if not stretched. Took them home, and sure enough, no difference.....waited a few days, returned to have the job done properly and was rudely told that I was too late and would have to pay AGAIN.....unbelievable and an insane waste of time and money. Horrible experience! read more

Not that you'll read my review after seeing the others and getting the gist, but I can't help myself. I'm a nice person, but even I have found and been busted for my inner bitch at Northside Shoe Repair. My tale: I went in with three pairs of shoes I desperately needed fixing and Wes's shoe repair was gone, so I went here. There was an old lady asleep on their little bench. A bit ghetto, but I overlooked it. I dropped off my shoes got a receipt and was told to come back Tuesday. I arrived Wednesday and the old lady was behind the register looking vaguely at my receipt and said, "No next Tuesday." Me, "the man said this week!" Next Week, "no they aren't yet ready." Me, "when will they be ready?" Her, " next Tuesday." I went back again. They couldn't find them. I finally yelled at them. "I live 15 miles away, this is the third time I've come back to pick up my shoes." A customer comes in and says, "Stop being a bitch." I apologized. (Karma?) He found my shoes. I left. I felt bad. I don't like yelling and it does make me seem horrible. Not going there again. read more

I should have listened to all the negative reviews; but it was hard to imagine a business could really be this bad. This one is. Almost two weeks to have a pair of shoes repaired; just a bit of stitching on one heel. Returned today to find my shoes had not been repaired, had not even been looked at. It took me 5 trips to this store; each time ensuring me that the shoes would be done the next day.... DO NOT TAKE YOUR SHOES HERE FOR REPAIR! It is really the worst customer service I have had in my life. read more

DO NOT GO HERE! When you walk in it looks like an episode of Hoarders. I was in a hury so I dropped off two pairs of boots to be reheeled against my better judgement, and came back 3 days after the date they were to be finished. The woman working couldnt find my shoes (the place is extremely dirty and disorganized) and asked to keep my ticket so she could look and call me back. She never did so I came in a few days later. She wasnt there and the man working wouldnt help me ("read the sign, no ticket no shoes!") I went back in several more times and got the same response. Basically my shoes were held hostage for about 3 months until I finally caught the lady while she was working and forced her to search. The staff is rude, work is expensive and its a gamble whether you will ever see your shoes again. read more

I am only giving this company 1 star because Yelp doesn't have an option for zero stars. They do shoddy, lousy work, they charge a ridiculous amount of money and they cant repair seams, or covered heels,,,, so basically they can only fix a heel. Well at least they claim they can! Don't waste your money, save your shoes and your time. By the way if your lucky enough to be treated rudely at least you were helped by someone who could actually speak English. How they are still in business is a mystery .... DON'T TRY TO HAVE YOUR SHOES REPAIRED HERE read more

This is the worst business I have ever dealt with! I took my boyfriend's boots in for a shine and resole. They told me it would be ready by the following Wednesday. I went in Wednesday afternoon and the boots weren't ready. They told me to come back at 5, I came back the next morning and they still weren't ready! They told me another day. Finally when they were ready they didn't even shine them and charged $65!! Stupidly I took them back for a new liner a few weeks later, I asked them to shine them as well. They told me they would be ready a week later, Friday. I came back to get them the Wednesday following the Friday they were supposed to be ready and guess what!? They weren't ready. I waited while they finished along with the rest of the staff sitting there watching TV like they always are! The lady charges me $25 for the lining and $10 for the shine. I asked for a discount this time due to them being late twice. The lady immediately cut me off and yelled "No discount! you weren't here to get them Friday!" Ridiculous!! Then I told her that is not how to do business and she rudely said "go to the lady on State and see if she'll give you a discount!" I've never been treated so poorly!! Do not go to this business for anything!! read more

Wish I had read the reviews before going here! My light tan pumps looked like were cleaned with a rag that had dark brown stain on it and now they are discolored and ruined. The lady behind the counter could have cared less. My $12 was refunded, little consolation however. read more

This place used to be great. The male owner was a delight. I often brought him little promotional items as gifts and he attended my neighborhood garage sales. I ADORED him and the work was great. He is gone, and I believe the woman mentioned in all the reviews as negative is his daughter. She is indeed non welcoming, and asks for payment before services. I politely said I don't generally pay before I get my items fixed and returned and with that she says nothing and pushes my boots back at me. I appreciate small business and the memory of my good owner friend, now gone., but after I pick up my items, I am DONE. read more

Despite reading these poor reviews, I still went by here because it was the only place I could find in SB. I can only repeat others recommendations not to go. I went in on a Tues for new linings in my shoes. Was told to come back on Friday, and that it would be $25 (seemed a little high but I have little experience with shoe repairs). Returned Monday to pick up the shoes - spent 10 mins waiting around while they randomly and idly perused the shop looking for my shoes. They had no idea where they were. Finally 10 mins later they found them, and they hadn't been touched. I took them back and walked out. Nuff said. read more

Horrible!! Bad service, messy operation and gave away my $300 Pliners! What kind of business operates by giving away expensive shoes instead of repairing them? DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!! read more

If I could give 0 stars I would! I brought my boots here to have strap tightened and was told I needed to pay before work was done. I paid cash and was given a card to pick them up and that if I didn't have my card I would not be able to get my boots. Fast forward to pick up day, I came in to pick up my boots and was told to pay! I said I was forced to pay WHEN I DROPPED OFF MY BOOTS, but apparently I was not given a "paid" stamp on my ticket. Since I paid cash I have no recourse other than to post this and never go back. What a scam! BEWARE!! ...and make sure to get a "Paid" stamp if you pay cash, since they only accept cash and checks!!!! read more

Love this place, places in LA wanted almost three times as much to do repairs on a 15year old pair of Dr Martens, they did more for no extra charge, they have worked on another six pairs of shoes for me and have done excellent work. Mom is a bit cold, sone is awesome, but phenomenal work. read more

I have gone to this place for years since it is in my neighborhood but the service is really not friendly at all. The lady at the counter is so grumpy. She never smiles or say anything to make you feel welcome. The work is ok but a bit expensive. This is too bad because I don't want to drive too far to get my shoes repaired :( I hope they sell their business & some new owners will take over. :) read more