That kind of craftsmanship you won't find anywhere else! Theodore effortlessly gives your shoes second life, always make sure you are happy with the result. Been to other several places before to realize their sloppy job is just the waste of time and money. At Theodore's result is always solid and consistent. I'm an engineer, very picky and detail oriented but in this case I never had a chance to complain about the result. Thank you, Theodore! read more

Usually, Theodore does great work. Usually... When he doesn't, he will gaslight you and tell you that your eyes are wrong and that his work it is right. If what you want to take care to get repaired, you want to usually be good, then this might be a good option. If you want it done right or correct it in a way that's proper than maybe you choose somewhere else. read more

The zipper finally broke on my favorite boots. They fixed them up pretty quick and also cleaned up the cracked heel and shined them so they looked brand new. For $20!! Checks every box for me. Also I forgot the ticket in my other coat and was all the way there and they found them for me anyway. read more

Excellent, well priced work.. So happy I found this place! He resoled a sandal and fixed a zipper on my purse. The price was so reasonable that I said "are you sure?" It's such a thrill to be able to get an item fixed vs. throwing it away and spending a lot more on a new item. read more

I came all the way from Bridgeport to have the telescoping handles fixed on two carryons, they were both fixed within a couple days and for a much smaller price tag than expected! Highly recommend! read more

High quality work, beautiful craftsmanship, reasonable prices. Very straightforward. Cash only, so know that.

Theodore is a misogynist. I brought in a $1,200 pair of designer shoes and he cut into the wooden sole and completely destroyed the value and integrity of the shoe. When I asked him if he cut into the sole he at first said yes. When I said I was upset with the work he threw a tantrum and changed his story. He gaslit me and called me crazy. Threw my money and me and stomped away. DO NOT BRING YOUR SHOES TO HIM. read more

Theodore Shoe Repair is by far best cobbler around! Quality work and fair prices. I've been taking my shoes, boots and handbag/ purses here for years and he brings new life back to all:) read more

Fantastic first experience here. Tiny old school shoe repair store -- but don't let the name fool you. I saw an array of other merchandise they were repairing including coats and purses. It was a quick and easy drop off process. The staff was very nice! My boots were cleaned up faster (and cheaper!) than I ever expected. I'm looking forward to coming back and bringing more items that need some work! read more

Man this place is an old skool shoe shoe. No frills when you walk in the door. It looks like an old shoe repair place from when I was a kid. Total disarray and looks cluttered, but for me that is what I remember about the great shoe shops. While it may have looked like a bomb had gone off, the folks that ran the shop could put their hand on your stuff right away. Theodore's is no different. The gentleman behind the counter was pleasant and the prices are reasonable. Dropped off a pair of patent leather shoes that The Queen had scuffed up (still can't figured out how that happened since it was on the inside of each shoe) as well as a strap repair on a bag. Total cost was $15. If you look at the before and after photos of the shoes, you can see that they look brand new. The Queen was going to throw the out, so happy we found this place to prevent that. read more

See all

I cannot recommend Theodore Shoe Repair more highly. Following two negative experiences at Joesph Shoe Repair, I tried Theodore and WOW, what a difference. Not only were my boots expertly repaired, the service level and ahead of time delivery were exceptional! read more

We have been going here for about 15 years. They have done a great job replacing the soles of our shoes, replacing zippers, and repairing things such as my hubby's bike bag. This has saved the landfills and saved us much money through the years, allowing us to keep many of our favorite belongings. They have always showed us kindness with every visit. read more

This guy is a rude, obnoxious bully. I've taken a few items there now and he is always so unpleasant and makes me prove what I need done with pictures ALWAYS over the simplest things. It's almost as if he doesn't not want my business. His harassments worked. Never again. read more

They re-healed my boots. Fair price, quick turn around and they look great! I would highly recommend them

Love this place! Excellent work, very fair prices and timely turnaround. Highly recommend!

Very talented and capable staff ... craftsmanship on my repair was both high quality as well as affordable! After a quick conversation about details of my request and I received a claim check and instructions to wait for a phone call. It took a month or so but that included the holiday season and I wasn't in a hurry so I have no complaints. My patience was rewarded with great results! Highly recommend. read more

Awfull! was told my boots would be ready Monday which was a week after i left them but received no call. I was busy and I'm patient so I waited and called today, Friday. I was told by the employee that it still hadn't been started and a lie about needing to order soles. This was not mentioned either when I left the boots or 4 days later when I called to check when they would be ready. They said that the boots would be ready on monday which would have been a weekIt is now 11.5 days. AND THEY HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED TO FIX THEM! read more

I don't write many reviews, but when I do, they're well-deserved. I discovered Theodore Shoe Repair through "The Original" RUAN SHOW on YouTube and had no idea he was based in Chicago. Long story short, I had a pair of cowboy boots that needed more than just a little TLC--let's just say they were in rough shape! I took them to him, and he did a fantastic job. Highly recommended, 100%! Y acuérdense, mi gente... ¡que no cualquier harinaaa, hace hotcakes! read more

Theodore Shoe Repair - Ostrich Cowboy boots. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

The best shoe repair. You know your shoes are shot to sh*t because of Chicago winters... take them here! CASH ONLY He'll give you a price, you agree and pay at pickup. It's that easy. And your shoes are beautiful and wearable again! read more

See all

After much airline travel, one of the main carriers managed to mangle my large checked bag.I'd had this happen before but never made an issue of it. This time, I decided to make an issue of it. They gave me forms to fill out and after submitting them, the airline would select where I could go to get the work done. I told them where I thought they should put the forms. By the way, it was American Airlines, but I stopped flying United or Delta long ago. Someone in the neighbor recommended Theodore Shoe Repair on Damen. I took the suitcase there, a very large bag with roller wheels which had been mangled and torn beyond recognition. I asked the AA agent if my bag was outside of the plane and dragged on the ground when landing. Airline employees have no sense of humor. I don't recall what I paid for the repair but it was totally reasonable and the repair was amazing! I could barely recall what the damages looked like, but it didn't matter because it didn't look like that anymore! I have used it multiple times since then with no issues. I have no doubt the damage occurred at O'Hare, just because have you ever seen your baggage "handled" by their handlers? I rest my case. I would highly recommended Theodore Shoe Repair. In fact I took a shoe that I had damaged (long story) there today. I have complete confidence they'll do a good job. read more

if you want someone to be rude to you and charge you for it go here. He couldn't even handle the shoe repair I needed

All the shoes and sandals over many that I have brought to Milan for repair have been done expertly and quickly. His prices are remarkably reasonable for the quality of work that he does. He is an artist of his craft. Robert read more

They were super nice and quickly fixed a zipper problem I had with a Coat. Would highly recommend!

This is now my go-to shoe repair store. My colleagues at work joke about how enthusiastic i am about this store -- I recommend it to everyone. But it is just great. They offer top-notch work and good, reasonable prices. At this point, I must have brought shoes about ten times, some pairs multiple times (I have two pairs of boots that I wear almost daily during the winter and that always end up looking terribly by March. But every April, Theodore Shoe Repair brings them back to life). read more

Shop owner was honest with me about what could be done and didn't take advantage of the situation just to get my business. The work turned out perfectly and was ready for pick up very quickly. I live in the neighborhood and will be returning. Highly recommend read more

I brought a pair of Born sneakers in for reattachment of a sole and polishing. I was pleased the owner confirmed he'd be able to complete the work in time for me to take the shoes on a trip scheduled to begin in a week. When I returned to pick up the shoes - which looked great - I noted that the slip-in insole of the shoe with the sole reattachment was destroyed. It appeared that it had not been removed prior to the restitching work. The owner disclaimed responsibility, asserting the insole had two sharp cuts and trashed padding when I brought the shoes in. I would not have repaired them had this been the case since they're now unwearable. The owner went so far as to contend my weight was the cause even though the other insole is in perfect condition. I repeatedly offered to pay for the work (I didn't want to be accused of pulling a scam). To his credit, the owner refused my offers. I am disapponted the owner was unwilling to accept responsibility. Things happen, and that's understandable. His response, however, is not. read more

There is absolutely no reason for Chicagoans in need of high quality fairly priced shoe and luggage repair to go anywhere else other than Theodore's! The owner Milan and his assistant are total professionals who are experts in their craft and genuinely enjoy performing outstanding repair work for their customers. These courteous and friendly guys are a real pleasure to do business with and my only problem is that after experiencing their superb customer service, I now want that kind of excellence from every other business, which of course will only happen when hell freezes! Thanks again for your "old school" quality, Milan, and I will continue to tell everyone that I know about your fine business!! Kenny C. read more

My husband Adam has a lot of fine quality goods in leather (holster, belts, shoes- whatever. He loves going there as they are very personable and helpful. They always give us excellent service and we are happy to be considered "loyal customers." p.s. Thank you for always dropping everything to punch holes in my (cough, cough) cheap, fat lady belts. You are always so kind!!! read more

Had two high end purses and two pairs of sandals repaired here. The repairs were tasteful and well executed. The prices were extremely reasonable. I would highly recommend this business on the basis of quality workmanship and fair charges. read more

Very straightforward service. Good pricing and my shoe was fixed within a week--mostly because I said no rush, so I imagine some repairs might move more quickly in the shop. read more

They were really nice and performed the service (zipper replacement) that I requested each time with a quick turn around. They were very economical as well. read more

The tall man who took my order said he could take patches off one leather vest and place them on another without problems. When I picked up my vest the patches were incorrectly placed in the front and back. We politely asked the person if he could adjust the patches correctly because we have an essential national rally event in 5 days. He threw my vest towards me on the counter and said to take it as is because he didn't want to deal with fixing the mistakes. I don't care that he did not charge me the $40 dollars. I would have even understood if he said politely that the work was out of his scope of interest. This person was rude, incompetent, and unprofessional. Little does he know we are looking for someone to direct a lot of business to. We found someone on the south side to fix the patches "same day" for $20 and they sent me this picture showing that this incompetent establishment ruined a brand-new vest lining by gluing the lining instead of sewing it back. Shame on you for doing a horrible job and shame on you for being rude. read more

Theodore Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is great. They brought several of my shoes back to life. Excellent quality work. Reasonably priced. Went above expectations.

I had the zipper on a mini backpack repaired here quickly and inexpensively. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, it broke again so I took it back and they replaced it again and didn't charge me for it. It is going strong so far and I look forward to bringing other items for repair here. read more

Let the picture speak for itself! But seriously, they did a great job fixing my shoes and so quick, i dropped the shoe off in the morning and it was ready a few hours later. I was shocked to see how great the shoe looked. Highly recommend coming here for shoe repairs! read more

Theodore Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Can you tell these boots are 7 years old? I definitely can't. I wish the picture reflected just how much he did. He was able to get paint off of suede that had been there for years! This guy has seriously has magic hands. Even reinforced the back of the boots without me asking so as to prevent future tears which is what I had come in for. $45 was well worth the price, and I will definitely be returning in the future. read more

Theodore Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love having Theodore near by. He's done great work on multiple boots and the crew is always speedy and friendly.

Amazingly helpful little shop! Milan went above and beyond. He was extraordinarily attentive.

I went to Theodore Shoe Repair to have new souls put on my Birkenstocks. Little did I know that they would do much more than place new soles on them;rather they remade the entire sandal. This was surprising and wonderful. read more

Best shoe place in Chicago. Prompt service that is high quality. Milan says what he can and cannot do and I have always been happy. Helps to keep shoes out of the dump with quality craftsmanship, oftentimes with shoes that are made with less than quality materials. I take my Birkenstocks back every summer for a refresh here. I now live out of state, but still come back for the value and the price. Cash only. read more