I've been going here for years, moved away and came back again. I wear leather dress shoes always that require heel replacements, sole replacements and my favorite sole protectors as well as shoe taps. If you value yours shoes then this is the place for you. I also bring my wife's dress shoes here when they need attention and the location is convenient to downtown San Mateo shopping and dining. I'll be back read more

Third Avenue Shoe Repair - My new Stacy Adams - Shoe Repair Near Me - San Mateo, California

This Shoe Repair shop is great! Very convenient, walk ins are welcome & reasonable prices. We need to support local shops like this! read more

Need a pair of boots repaired; just stopped in and the gentleman was not very helpful. The price to resole the shoes seemed fine enough, but he wanted me to pay -- in cash -- before making the repair. I don't have cash on me -- it's 2024 after all. He just gives me a blank stare that his credit card machine is broken. Reading other reviews on google after the fact, it seems his credit card machine has been broken for over a year, despite the window display of credit cards accepted. Just seems sketchy; lots of other places to get shoes repaired in the bay area and I'm sure they have better customer service. read more

I pre-paid $20 for him to fix the heels on my favorite boots. The sides of the heel had chipped off. When I came to pick up, the quality of the fix was not great and the customer service was lacking. So I have take pictures, go online, upload my pictures, and write this yelp review, which I have no time to write but feel that everyone must know! Why you should take your business elsewhere: 1) You can tell where the heel is fixed by the lighter portion of the heel. 2) When I pointed out the spots he did not fix, he shrugged it off and did not care to fix it. 3) When asked for my foam inserts I have maintained inside the boots for YEARS, he did not have them anymore. Threw them out. Then he went on to recommend plastic inserts that he sold in the store. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Bottom line - poor quality and customer service. read more

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A++ craftsmanship. The shoes I took there are more than 20 years old and they turn back look like brand new. The hours may vary though read more

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I got heel caps replaced for four of my heels and front protectors for my flats. It took only two days and the quality is execptional. The day I went in to pick up my heels, I gave him the pair I was wearing to get heel caps replaced. It was that good! This will be my go to place for shoe repairs in San mateo. read more

This is my first time to go to a shoe repair store. I try to maintain my shoes. I add a bottom on my shoes. It looks pretty good and neat. He even helped to smooth the top of my shoes. I definitely give 5 stars. Thank you ! read more

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They have a great selection of items needed to maintain and care for leather shoes. The service was friendly and made you feel like you were welcome and not rushed. read more

I like this place. I had a small project that requires sewing leather -- got a product from Amazon that didn't fit so o got colored garter from Michael's and presented the small challenge. They took it, no questions asked. This is a pen holder for a journal -- I keep this planner handy and I didn't like ruining the pages by clipping the pens onto them. They understood the project easily & got it done perfectly in one try! read more

Third Avenue Shoe Repair - Pen holder for a journal/ notebook - Shoe Repair Near Me - San Mateo, California

$18 to replace heels on two pairs of platform booties. SWEET! However they were closed up when I showed up at 3:15pm on a Saturday to pick up my shoes. The sign says they close at 4! i was bummed. then one of the guys who were smoking in front of the shop asked if i was here to pick up shoes? luckily i caught them in the middle of their last puff before taking off for the weekend. work seems good. prices are right. just check before you come if you are visiting near the end of the day! read more

I was super excited to take in a pair of shoes to get some work done on them. Super old school! I went to the shoe cobbler. Great way to keep the local business man in business. My sandals at the front kept on sliding to the side, so I needed for them to be sewn down. It had to be done with a stronger sewing machine meant for shoes. He charged me for only two shoes, $7. This was real quality work and it saved me from having to throw away my shoes. Highly recommend this place. read more

Pros: - very convenient location where there is usually ample parking (even during lunch hour). Right now a quarter in San Mateo still gets you 30 minutes of parking.f - good work. I brought in a pair of pumps and a pair of boots. The pumps just needed the little rubber tip replaced ($7.00). My boot heels were shredded and he only charged me $10. Cons: - cash only - I dropped off my shoes on Wednesday and he gave me the option of Saturday or the following Tuesday for pick up. I selected Tuesday. When I went in, my shoes weren't ready. (I think this is why my boot repair was much cheaper than usual). I'd probably go back again and would recommend his work to others though I'd expect to probably pay more next time. read more

I have gone to this shop for years, and have always been very satisfied with the repairs of my shoes. The prices are very reasonable, and the owner, Jose, is a nice man. Lately, I went there and he was not open as posted, but he did come through, and had done beautiful work on the three pairs of shoes I had brought in. read more

I used to all my shoe repairs done at Anthony's in SF but needed to find a new place in the Peninsula. I actually called around to see the best price for red rubber soles (and good reviews) and found Third Ave Shoe Repair. They only charge $25 and he did three pairs of Louboutins and did an excellent job. This will be my go-to place - although based on angry reviews on their store hours I am not sure I would risk going on Sat to drop shoes off. Both times I dropped by was Friday around lunch. read more

I love the soles they add to my new shoes. They do an expert job! The leather bottoms on my shoes are slippery and get ripped apart within 3 months, so I take them here first thing. I can get years from a pair of shoes with the new soles. I stop by on my way to Draeger's Market, just down the street and they've always been open. But this is just a small shop and the same kind man is there every day, so if you're making a special trip, call first to make certain he's open. Parking has been the biggest problem for me. I've parked on the street but there must be a lot somewhere, I just haven't been able to find it. read more

Getting a pair (or two) of shoes fixed is almost as good as going shopping. Actually, I find it more gratifying since it's a sure thing (or should I say "shoe thing") since you get to fall in love with these bad boys all over again. Tested out a new cobbler in San Mateo, one who had excellent Yelp reviews from lots of locals that I already know and trust. And the service lived up to the hype, no question. I brought three pairs to fix, each with a different ailment. 1) Leather boots that were scuffed to hell, a few minor stains, and bottoms that needed to be re-soled. 2) Flats with the inside destroyed, but outside intact - wasn't sure if this could be remedied. 3) Patent leather pumps that needed new lifts and shining up. The cost for all three services? A mere $45, which had to be paid in advance. Anything over $20 requires up-front money, totally reasonable IMHO since many drop off, forget and the shoes get left behind like orphaned kittens on a farm. Less than $50 to fix three pairs of beloved shoes seemed like a steal, so I handed over the debit card and gave them a week to work their magic. Exactly 7 days pass before I head back to see what was done to my babies. The final product was better than I expected! 1) Boots were clean and had new bottoms, plus they kept the charcoal grey finish that I requested (there's a difference between black and charcoal, btw). 2) Insides didn't appear to be throwing up outside my shoes, wonderful. 3) Pumps looked practically new! So happy I trusted the fellow Yelp community on Third Avenue Shoe Repair, they did a great job and at a reasonable price. Yay to local businesses who live up to their reputation! read more

Consistently affordable quality service. Whenever I need a pair of shoes fixed/resoled/whatever, this is definitely that place that I go, without hesitation. There's just a certain heart and sole (pun!) in this place. They clearly take pride in their work. I just love to support a business like that. This most recent time that I visited them, I had a small fix on a pair of sandals. The nice man behind the counter stopped what he was doing, and just repaired them right then and there (for an extremely fair price), to save me an extra trip. I mean, all businesses should treat their customers like that, but that's just not the reality. These guys are gold standard. Seriously. read more

I brought the owner of this shoe place a much used and enjoyed pair of Alden shoes. I was thinking that I should get a full sole to properly repair them. The owner suggested that half soles cost less and when well installed work every bit as well as full soles. When I got the shoes back the soles and heels made the shoes look like new, and the workmanship was Excellent! Nice gentleman and a true shoe artist, something that is hard to find these days. read more

My puppy chewed on the heel of one pair of Steve Maddens. I didn't want to spend too much money for repair, since the shoes were pretty inexpensive. The owner is a sweet man and does excellent work. He charged me $10 and turn-around time was quick. I hope to not have to return for shoe repair (from my puppy at least) but at least I know the best shoe repair man in town!!! read more

I broke the heel on my favorite shoes, some Donald Pliner's. I love these shoes so much that I would happily buy them again but they are 5 years old, so not an option. The man was doubtful about being able to repair them, so I spent a week of angst trying to figure out how I could get Donald Pliner to make me a new pair... LOL Third Avenue Shoe Repair 100% delivered and my shoes are as good as new. I would have paid $100 to have them repaired but it only cost me $10!!! Love this place. They have more than earned my business. Thank you so much for saving my shoes for me. YOU ROCK! read more

First time getting my shoes repaired. I normally would not go out of my way to get shoes repaired because buying new shoes is enjoyable. I came here because the heel to my favorite shoe was wearing out. =( Long story short... great service great craftsmanship my old wedges look new great price read more

Ive been taking my shoes to Jose for years and within the last 3 years hes raised his prices from $15 to $16 then and now $20. Jose does a great job, but I was surprised to get slapped with a $40 bill for 2 pairs of shoes. Ive decided just to stop buying shoes. 5/3/2009 ================= Jose who owns this place does the best job at unbelievable prices! Jose is so nice and charges only $15 for Topy/Vibram. I wouldn't recommend taking your shoes anywhere, but here! read more

Really great service and price! Repaired a pair of b it's and they turned it great. José is super nice, too! Will be back! :)

A stitch near the handle of my purse had come undone, so I brought it to Jose for repair. Only $10 for what will make my purse look like brand new again! I can't wait to pick it up on Saturday. As I was walking out, I remembered a pair of Cole Haan loafers in my trunk. I somehow managed to get an ugly scuff/scratch at the heel, above the sole. Jose rubbed a little glue on the scuff, and said that when they're more worn, he could fix it. There's something about having your cobbler tell you that you shoes are still OK. :) read more

Needed new soles and heels on my dress shoes! They did great work making them look as good as new; great value! Will use their services again! read more

We dropped off my husband's sneaker that came unglued. The guy who works there is super nice, but he did read us a lecture about not trying to fix shoes ourselves in the future :) We picked the shoe up the next day, iNice guy who works there, a little expensive though. I brought in my favorite boots, whose soles were wearing off. He fixed them up, and even polished the shoes. I was very happy with the services there, very impressed. I will definitely come back with any shoe fixing needs. read more

After reading all the positive, great reviews on Third Ave Shoe Repair I gave it a try on Friday. I was looking for a new place after going to the Foster City shoe repair for years and tired of waiting a week and feeling overcharged (though the owner was nice). I went in around 4:30pm with a pair of my favorite pumps that needed the rubber heals replaced. The owner asked when I needed then back and I asked how soon I could get them. He then said, "do you want wait a few minutes now?" I immediately stated, "yes!" I was in and out of there in less than 10 mins. And it was $9, less expensive than FC Shoe repair. As others have said, this will be my new place! The owner is very nice too. read more

I usually go to the shoe repair in Foster City. Very overpriced and usually 10 days just for heels. I had a brand new (expensive) pair of boots that needed stretching and another pair that needed heels. I was quite nervous about the new boots being stretched. I wasn't sure if this could potentially damage the boots or if they could even be stretched. A friend suggested 3rd Avenue Shoe repair. The gentleman (I believe he is the owner) listened carefully when I described the problem with the new boots and explained that they were not designed to be stretched using the tool that he would normally use. He wrote a ticket for the boots that needed new heels but before giving it to me he looked at the other boots again. "OK, leave them with me and I will see what I can do". He asked how soon I needed them and seemed surprised when I asked if I could have them in about a week. I'm sure the usual answer is tomorrow. Picked up both pairs today. I was in a hurry and didn't have time to try on the new boots but the minute I got to work I did. Absolutely perfect! I am thrilled. I thought I would never be able to wear them. He did a beautiful job on the heels too and only $20.00 for both. A bargain. This is now my go to place for anything shoes. Highly recommend. read more

To the team at third Avenue shoe repair. I dropped in and needed a quick fix and they did it in an instant while I was waiting! Great service and another satisfied customer! I will be back! read more

Went in to have the same heels fixed again. AMAZINGG. This man will work wonders on your shoes. I see loubies in there all the time, so he's deff a pro with high end shoes as well. read more

I've walked by this place a few times but for some reason never really paid much attention to it. Recenlty, I noticed a couple pairs of my favorite boots and my pair of Michael Kors had terribly worn heel tips that needed replacing. :( So I searched for a shoe repair on yelp and this one is closest to my house. It had great reviews so I felt confident bringing my shoes there. The gentleman who took my shoes quoted $9 each pair of shoes and when I asked to make the scratches on my heels look nicer, he mentioned it'd be no problem to color them back in. I was in no rush and returned a week later to pick up shoes that looked pretty much brand new! They had been polished, repaired and heels colored in! The gentleman who runs the store looked proud when I told him the shoes looked great. I should've told him that they looked perfect! I'm very pleased with the result of the repairs and the cost was reasoanble. I will be returning to this store in the future with other shoe repairs! read more

Nice guy who works there, a little expensive though. I brought in my favorite boots, whose soles were wearing off. He fixed them up, and even polished the shoes. I was very happy with the services there, very impressed. I will definitely come back with any shoe fixing needs. read more

Tear in the upper of the boot. Dropped off one day, repaired by the next. Less than $10. Also, what everyone else four stars and above said. Don't change anything, Third Avenue Shoe Repair. Good thing you're not an app... read more

My shoe sole came partially off in a Friday afternoon and I was able to get a quick and friendly repair in this shoe repair shop. The man that tend to my shoe was not just kind and respectful to me (and my puppy) but to every single customer that came in to retrieve his/her shoes. I would definitely come back again. Thanks for the quick repair and letting my pup accompany me inside read more

Third Avenue Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - San Mateo, California

Can't exactly give more than 1 star when they're not open when they're supposed to. Was there today (Tuesday) at around noon. Sign says they're open Mon - Fri 10am to 6pm. Nobody bothered to pick up the phone either. And they have my pair of shoes in there. Welp. read more

I'm not sure why this place has such a high rating, my experience was less than stellar. Maybe my expectations are too high when it comes to customer service? I feel bad for leaving a low review, but... I took 4 pairs of shoes in for a variety of repairs - first shoes out of the bag my Michael Kors with a broken platform. The cobbler looks at the shoe, man-handles it (actually made the problem worse!) and then says he can't fix it (completely understand that). Then he tells me to return the shoe to the store! Um, I've had these shoes for over 3 years, no store would take them back, and I am not likely to find this style again. They're worn but besides the clicking sound when I walk they look amazing still, don't tell me to take them back, wtf?! Second pair out of the bag, a pair of Born mary jane heels with a broken strap. The strap doesn't buckle, it has a hidden elastic piece that needed replacing. I had both shoes there so he could see how the elastic is supposed to be when it's not broken. He was going to sew the strap on and not do any elastic... um, how would I be able to put the shoe on if that was done? No. Told him it needed elastic. When I picked up the repair 2 weeks later, there was elastic, but not enough of it there. It doesn't fit properly, but it's close enough I guess. Third pair, a pair of gold satin Adrianna Papell dress heels I bought for 90% off because the strap was broken. All that needed to be done was a simple stitch about 1 inch across on the heel. When I took the shoes out, he looked them over and saw they hadn't been worn. He looked at me in disbelief and exclaimed that they hadn't been worn, then told me to take them back to the store. I said, no, I purchased these shoes at a discount because they needed a simple repair, I was not going to take them back. What business of his is this anyway? Then he launches into a tirade about how I shouldn't buy shoes on the internet. I told him I didn't buy these on the internet. Again, why should I be defending myself to him? I'm the customer here, why berate me and tell me what to do? I don't get it. When I picked up the shoe, the repair had been done, but it caused a little damage to the satin, and there was a dirt mark on the toe as well. The fourth pair (Louboutins) never made it out of the bag. I decided to take them elsewhere. When I picked up the shoes I did leave, there was a women in front of me in line who brought in a pair of Louboutins for repair. And I know lots of other reviewers have left Louboutins here. I just didn't feel comfortable doing it. Paid $14 total for the two repairs I did have done. The price was fair. I handed him a $20, he places a joke Bill Clinton $6 ("Sex" dollar) bill on the counter. As a young-ish female, I found this offensive. Got my actual change and left. read more

AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Horrible customer service. Brought a pair of boots and a few heels that needed to be repaired and owner just gave attitude the entire time. He first said that boots were beyond repair, but he could do it at $60. Then he looked at heels and said, how could I wait so long to bring in heels. He gave me an outrageous cost for repair. I left immediately and glad i did... if you're looking for great customer service with exceptional work, I recommend The Cobbler in San Carlos. read more

First time customer here. Brought in 6 pairs of the following shoes: 4 pairs of Johnston & Murphy dress shoes; 1 pair of Bruno Magli dress shoes; 1 pair of Giuseppe Zanotti; If you are into shoes, you'd know that these shoes are nowhere near cheap. They are an investment, which will hopefully last me many years. As such, I only trust my shoes to be restored by a skillful cobbler. Jose, who's also the owner of this place, is very skillful and he does an AMAZING job restoring your shoes to their former glory - heck, the shoes look better now than they did when they were new. Don't hesitate to bring your shoes here for repair! Jose is very honest and he happens to really enjoy what he does! He'll advise you how to care for your shoes and how to tell when you need to bring them in for repair. Overall, I was very satisfied with the job that he's done, and will HIGHLY RECOMMEND his shoe repair shop to everyone! read more

I was a regular here for about 5 years while I was working in San Mateo. I always took my stiletto heels to get replaced, and the nice sweet owner would often do a little extra patch work here and there at no extra cost. When you take your shoes in, he examines them first, and if it'll require other repairs than the ones you're asking for, he'll tell you about them and the price. Also, at $8 per pair of new stiletto heels, it's much more affordable than Victor's on B St (last time he charged me $12). Also, the owner at this place is very helpful with shoe care. On a couple of occasions, I got some nasty stains on fine leather shoes. For whatever reason, I took them to Victor's first, and both times, the owner there would not take the shoes, saying that those stains wouldn't come out. And both times, I took them to Third Ave Shoe Repair, and the owner there just said "I'll try" and indeed got the stains out. This guy cares a lot about his customers and is conscientious. Definitely a regulars-driven business. Cash only! read more

I have been searching for a good cobbler for a while now and am so happy to have found Third Avenue Shoe Repair. I needed to fix and replace the soles of 4 pairs for shoes (2 pairs of boots, 2 pairs of heels). I just picked them up the other day and the workmanship is amazing! They look new again! And the cobbler (shoe repair man) Jose is so nice and friendly. I'll be bringing all my shoes here going forward. Thank you Jose!!! read more