I think a four-star review is fair based on my recent experience with Zinke's. My family has been going there since their earlier days in Pasadena on Colorado, so I trusted the name and didn't do much research beyond seeing their solid Google rating. On January 14, I dropped off my vintage Allen Edmonds loafers for a full resole and clearly explained that I wanted the new soles to resemble the originals (tan leather with a black heel and black around the welt). The owner assured me that's exactly what I'd get and even walked me through the process, including replacing the cork. At $120 with a one-week turnaround, it sounded like a great deal. When I returned, however, the shoes looked nothing like what I requested. They had an all-black sole with clumps of dye around the sole, heel, and even on the uppers. Not only was it not how I asked for, but the workmanship was poor. I asked for a refund, but the owner acknowledged the quality was unacceptable and promised to redo them properly for free. After another delay, this time to order a higher-quality JR leather sole, he called to let me know they were ready. The second time around, the shoes were done the way I originally wanted. They're not flawless, but for an old pair of loafers with new JR soles at $120, I'm very happy with the final result. Had they done this the first time, this would easily be a five-star review. Instead, the three-week timeline and initial mistake brings my review down slightly. To their credit, they took responsibility and made it right. My advice: don't rely on reputation alone, and if something isn't right, speak up. They will work to fix it. read more

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This place is terrible. DO NOT BRING YOUR SHOES HERE. I had a terrible experience. Dropped off my shoes asking for new heels. They told me to come back in a week. I returned about a week and a half later. First, the owner could not find my shoes. After about ten minutes, he finally located them, only to discover that absolutely no work had been done on them. They have no organizational system. There are brown paper bags with shoes in them strewn all over the place. The owner tells me to return in another week. There is absolutely no apology for wasting my time and not informing me that the shoes weren't ready. I returned two weeks later to get my shoes. They replaced the heel but didn't bother to buff out the scuff marks. I paid $80 for the heels! I asked the worker if he could do that. He did it on the spot while I waited. Why wasn't that already done? More of my time was wasted. This place is a joke. Overpriced and terrible customer service. read more

Absolutely terrible service. I brought my Dansko loafer in to repair a broken strap. After they were "repaired" the first time I wore them the strap completely broke again. When I took them back to have them repaired again I completely expected them not to charge me. Not only was he going to charge me he was also very rude. He - the older gentleman- told me that since I took them they were "fixed" - asked me why did I take them if they weren't fixed?" Also told me that is what happens when I buy cheap shoes. Dansko are not super expensive but I don't think $150 is a cheap pair of shoes. I have been going to Zinkes for years. The change of ownership certainly changed the pride they took in fixing shoes and their customers service. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

OMG!!! Why didn't I look at these reviews before going here???? I agree pretty much with what everybody says in their reviews. This is run by a couple of elderly folks who should know better after owning this business for so long . I took a pair of Marco Moreno shoes in (anyone who is familiar with brands understand that those are a well-made pair of Italian shoes that can be fixed with the right cobbler... Let me correct that, pretty much any cobbler that knows what rheir actually doing ) I waited 30 minutes while they hunted for my shoes (yes I gave them the ticket) as they had to call the person who took them in and apparently did the lousy job repairing them. There was dried glue everywhere around the black heel. The replacement heels were racket when I walked in the pavement. And the replacement heels on one of them fell off after one wearing. See photos and go here at your own risk. TERRIBLE service and horrible shoe repair. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Dried glue as seen above on shoe with heel that stayed on so far. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

It may look like a simple mini mall. But step back into the 1880's with one of the best shoe repair/beautifying shops on earth. One particular favorite person who works there dresses the part, tweed, suspenders, old school kanga... kindest neighbor and neighborly. The gift of mini malls. You never know the world you walk into. Great clean up on two pairs of boots - one pair of black work boots, the other fancy ostrich skin cowboy boots. They came back beautifully oiled and cleaned and some stitching fixed on the boots. Don't think i'll go anywhere else ever. read more

Great Service, staff was very helpfull Great price BUT wrong addess in YELP wrong web site in Yelp Real address I just went to Zinke's Shoe Repair 711 N Lake Ave, Pasadena 91104 read more

My previous visit was so long ago it was at the old location. I was delighted that they are still in business! Parked in the free parking in their lot behind the shop... Note, it's easy to miss if you are driving N on Lake. I brought in a pair of loafers to replace the rubber portion of the heel that had worn down. Price $20 paid at time of drop off. It was going to be a week until they were ready... seemed a little long for an easy fix, but hopefully it's because there are so many orders. I called the day of in advance to be sure the job was completed. The work was well done. Both employees, the day of drop off and pick up were polite and professional which is always appreciated. Business was clean, I've been to other repair shops that were not the case at all. So worth the investment to get more milage out of good shoes. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Tools of the trade - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

Great long-time service, always helpful. Zinke's was able to precondition 3 pairs of boots after the fires. A wonderful resource for our community. Thank you read more

I have brought in 3 pairs of shoes to repair: 2 boots and 1 chunky heel. The boots heel pad BOTH fell off after 1 wear. I wanted to make extra holes on the heel belt, they gave me back my heels with a broken buckle and refused to fix the issue saying the boots heel pads will break again so they have to charge again and they don't have a buckle to replace for the heel that I never even worn. Don't use this business. read more

This is a tough one. I have known them for many years. If the owner does the work, it's probably still good. If one of his employees does the work, not so much (you can't play videogames and fix shoes at the same time, surprise!). I dropped off a pair that came back smaller than when I left them. I never expected a refund for those. Separately, I had dropped off two more pair. After the first ones came back small, I asked them to hold off on the other two. When I showed up today and said that I would just take the shoes back without them doing the work, he melted down on me. He charges for the work in advance (which is unusual), and so that meant he would have to refund me, which seemed to have been a huge deal in his mind. He seemed to calm down when I told him that he wouldn't have to deal with me ever again. Me too. read more

The best shoe repair ever! I brought in two high-quality shoes both several years old one needed a heel and sole and it was brought back to perfection. The other pair I didn't think could be repaired because of the damages and it now looks as if it is almost brand new. Absolutely fantastic jobs read more

Spectacular rebuild of a very old boot. And such a lovely young man to discuss the fix for my old love. The a cobbler is truly an art that needs recognition read more

Lance Corporal Ahmad Ballard ALWAYS give OPTIMAL service with a smile. He has repaired the unrepairable. Thank you for your service both at Zinke's and to our country read more

Great service, honest and fair. I have used them in the past, and they have always done great work. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - ZINKES has moved to: 711 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 parking in the back - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

This business has relocated to 711 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104. I brought in a designer handbag to have it cleaned and repaired. When I returned a week later to pick up it was virtually unchanged. The owner insisted he had done "everything" asked. When I questioned what "everything" was, he accuses me of calling him a liar. I pointed out that he had not done something I had specifically asked (to remove lose strings on the strap of the handbag). He took out a cigarette lighter and ran the flame against the edge of the strap to remove a bit of the string. He did not damage the bag, but this action was clearly intended to be a statement of "f&$@ you" to me for daring to expect him to put an ounce of effort into repairing my bag--even as he is shouting to me that he had done "everything" I asked him to do. At that point I was done. I had paid for the service (they require payment at drop off), so I asked for the bag back. That was when the owner called me very rude and inconsiderate for not letting him "redo" the work. After I left I examined the bag thoroughly and I can say it's possible that the front flap of the handbag was cleaned, but that is being generous. No other part of the bag was touched. So he was right about one thing. I am accusing the owner of lying. And abusive behavior. And terrible customer service. I came here on the strong recommendation of a friend of mine who is a longtime customer. I didn't read any of the reviews in advance. Having now read the reviews, I wonder if something has changed over the last year or two or the business has changed hands. Someone notes in a review that they didn't seem to have the expertise to do anything complicated, and that tracks. Anyone who takes any kind of pride in their repair work would not have defended "the work" done on my handbag. I'm just glad they didn't do any damage. They took my $45 and then tried to bully me into believing them instead of my lying eyes. Beware. read more

Ahmad and the Zinke Shoe Repair Team are the best! I had a beloved pair of 20-year old Robert Clergerie shoes that they repaired and refurbished like new. I can't thank them enough. I recommend them highly. Not only do they do a fantastic job, but they are so reasonably priced for their excellent service. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - My favorite newly restored Robert Clergerie shoes! Thank you Zinke Shoe Repair! - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

Went in 2 weeks ago to drop off my brother shoes for his game . They said it would be ready 'said' Thursday . They weren't . I go the next day and they were redoing them cause they didn't like how they came out. Said it would be ready in an hour . They weren't . Sent my brother to pick them up. They apparently lost the tag . So now I have to wait for them to find the shoes I dropped off. It's a complete mess. I was hoping it would a good shoe shop. But no . Not organized at all. I will demand a refund if my shoes aren't ready tomorrow ! read more

I read the negative reviews AFTER dropping off my shoes, having fled the shoe repair spot on Green St. due an extremely unpleasant interaction with the owner there. After that exchange, the owner at Zinke's was a breath of fresh air, warm, friendly and humorous PLUS he agreed to repair my 25 year old semi destroyed clogs that I adore, that were pretty harshly rejected from 3 other shoe places. He did miss the self imposed one week deadline however I feel like blowing past the deadline is de rigeur for shoe repair shops, it's never NOT happened and I'm ok with it, in the scheme of life it definitely falls into the nbd category. When I went in to pick up my shoes the gentleman that helped me was also warm and friendly, and very helpful, we had a lovely, easy interaction. Plus he's a jazz pianist. Bonus! And my beloved shoes were perfectly repaired :)) read more

Zinke ruined a pair of Fry boots. Came in for a repair on the side tabs of a pair of cognac colored boots. One tab was ripped but perhaps could have been reinforced. They suggested all 4 tabs be replaced. When I picked them up, tabs were not even close to the original color. There was not even an attempt to match the leather. Tabs cut were not straight either & stitching which is hidden was poor. I do not recommend coming here. When I asked about the color was told "that was the best he could do." Obviously there is no care of quality. I now own a pair of 2-toned boots I never wanted. read more

Be careful with this place, sometimes you get your shoes back, sometimes they don't know where it is. Also, when they say they close at 5pm, it's really 4pm because they have to eat dinner. Yelps has them closing at 7pm, the sign at the door says 5pm, but it's really 4pm. Also, I hope you have thick skin, because they will blame you that your shoes are lost. Spend the money and go elsewhere. They wish they were worth 1 star. read more

This business has gone downhill....like a landslide. First of all, their prices are RIDICULOUS! Unless you over $500 for your item, it's not worth the cost of repair! It's a shame because they used to be a reasonable repair shop, with quality work and reasonable prices. NO MORE! Find a better place to bring your repair work. There are many available. read more

I brought in some Frye tall boots on 12.5.19. I received good customer service, the gentleman and I decided on a dark shade of brown to dye my boots. I bought the boots last yr, one was a display so one boot was noticeably lighter than the other. Was told my boots would be ready in 1 week. I called on 12.12.19 (10 am ) My boots were not ready but was told they would be ready at 4pm. I was not able to pick them up then, or the weekend because of a trip. Finally picked up the boots 12.16.19, they looked really nice at first sight, and out the door i was. When trying on the boots, I noticed that the job was rushed to be ready as promised. The job was clearly not finished. I paid 60$ for this... for that price this should' be a A+ job details and all !!. I found the negative reviews on 12.12.19 researching Zinkes number before my pick up.. too late ! read more

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Customer Service is HORRIBLE! I will never recommend this place. I dropped off 12 pair of shoes that had only been worn twice. The shoes were dirty from play at school. When I checked in the shoes I was told that they would do the best they could which is totally understandable but I did not expect to receive the shoes back in the same condition as I left them. I was charged $20.00 per shoe a total of $240.00 they claimed that their regular price is 24.99 per shoe which is a total rip off if you get your shoes back how I did. I waited a whole week to get the shoes back and when I did all of the shoes were still dirty and the shoe laces were untouched and tied in the same double knotted I had tied my self. The shoes even still had dirt debris on the bottom of the shoe. When I contacted the shop the first older guy tells me see this is why I did not want to do the shoes because they aren't going to look brand new. I agreed with him about that and asked did they even wash the shoe strings he then proceeded to say yes. (Which they did not) I then was left a voicemail stating to call them because they have questions about the shoes. I called back and got the younger guy in the store. This guy was beating rude and has no customer service skills. During this conversation while I am talking he is yelling " OH MY GOD " and talking while I am. He also then told me that if I didn't stop talking and let him speak that he would hang up on me. How does a establishment tell a paying customer that they need to stop talking or he will hang up ?! How unprofessional! How are you mad that I am asking did you wash the shoe strings. He tells me that he himself "scrubbed" the shoes and that he wash the shoe strings. I asked him how did he was the shoe strings if they were never untied. He then turns around and says that he told me when i dropped off the shoes he told me that they don't wash shoe strings. Which is a lie because there is no way any customer would pay that price for the shoes laces not to be included in the wash. Come on now sir which one is it did you clean the shoe strings or not . Once I realized he was changing his story he then decided to tell me that I won't let him talk and I'm over talking him and that I JUST DONT REMEMBER what he told me at the drop off. Which is a lie because the only thing we discuss at the drop off is that you guys would do the best you could on the shoes and that you normally charge 24.99 and would charge me 20$ per shoe instead. See the pictures below these shoes where not cleaned at all and the laces were never taken out of the shoe. HE THEN SAID TO ME "WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FOR US TO COMPLETELY UNTIE THE LACES AND PUT THEM IN THE LAUNDRY?' Why yes sir I expect for you to do what I paid for ! Which is to untie the laces clean them and clean the shoe properly how can you vent clean the shoe properly without taking the shoe lace off you can't even reach the tongue of the shoe. This place is so unprofessional and all they do is overcharge you while they do a half job on your items. I WILL NEVER GO BACK OR RECOMMEND AND I SEE NOW WHY YOU ALL HAVE BAD REVIEWS. I have been to this shoe repair multiple times and each time they disappoint! The first time I needed my heel strap fix. I went to pick them up and they couldn't find them and I had my ticket number. I had to come back a few days later once they found them to pick them up. On top of that I wore the heels once after that and the strap broke again while I was just walking. THEY GOT A EASY $240.00 from me don't be there next victim !! Not all shoes pictured but all of them untouched read more

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It's so odd that a business that says they do "buckle & hardware replacement" couldn't replace my hardware on my buckle. I had been putting off getting my dance shoes fixed and, after some research, thought this place would be ideal to fix them. I skipped off to try this place out and am sorry I did. I went into this place and stood for like 5 minutes while the cranky lady who was "working" the counter reluctantly finished her phone call. She already had the gas face when she came to the counter. I showed her that the tongue of one of my dance shoes had fallen out and needed to be replaced. She started going off on how the whole piece had to be replaced, including the really pretty hardware that was already on the shoes. My husband had already assured me it wasn't a complicated job and I agreed. It wasn't rocket science. This lady seemed to want to run me off which she did. Not sure how they've been in business so long with terrible "customer service." You can go back to your phone call, lady. I won't bother you again. read more

Best shoe repair in town! Been going to them for years and they always do such a grate job. Thank you guys!

Zinke's is highly recommend!! The owner family is super nice also responsive, and they get job done amazingly! I've used them several times and will keep coming back. Thank you!! read more

First let me say, I was a big fan of this shop until I noticed the slow degeneration of service and quality over the past few years. I recently found out the original owners sold the business a few years ago, this explains my latter observation. The original owners were "shoe makers" and craftsman but the new owners, I was told, can only do repairs. I have noticed simple repairs like replacing worn out taps on heels, replacing soles they can do on heavy duty, and pedestrian type shoes. But nicer crafted leather shoes and designer high heels are beyond their ability. I certainly wouldn't take a pair of my designer shoes to them. I love shoes. I have 150+/- pairs in my closet at any given time. I pay for quality shoes and take care of my shoes. I have beautifully crafted shoes that over years need repairing because they are classics and worth the investment. I wouldn't use this shop. I wouldn't trust them with the simplest of things like replacing the fine leather soles on my Audrey Hepburn ballerina style flats! So for those of you who want quality, find yourself a "shoe maker" because they will know how to repair the shoe(s) correctly. It's a skilled craft. Materiality is important as well, shoe makers can replace with equal or close to equal quality of material (it won't be cheap but it's all relative; $250 pair of shoes that has lasted 6 years and still stylish and elegant is worth the $75 to repair and extend its life). If you do use this shop, don't have high expectations of quality or craftsmanship. Your shoes may get fixed but it might be very crude. read more

$120 to repair the sole of a shoe! This is the starting price! RIP off and better off just buying new shoes! Unbelievable

Went in to clean and add taps to my favorite boots. WOW, received the most amazing service and the folks were super friendly and kind. Thanks!!! read more

Tried this place off a recommendation. Dropped off a bag to have handles sewn on, in which worker (owner?) indicated he could do, and 2 pair of shoes to have worked on. He told me to pick up items on Thursday. Came in after a week and worker couldn't find my order. He looked in the back, on the shelves, and when he found finally found it said, 'it's ready next Thursday.' I told him it had been over a week, and the date was last Thursday and he said, 'Oh well, that's the way it goes.' No indication of professionalism, no, 'I'm sorry, we will turn this around for you quickly.' He just say there looking at me. I asked for my money back. Based on my experience, I can not recommend this shoe repair shop. read more

My heels were damaged immediately from walking across rocks. Las Vegas wasn't convenient when looking for a shoe repair. I remembered living in Pasadena California and Zinke's Shoe Repair always provided excellent service. When I visited Pasadena this past week I took my S Ferragamo loafer for repair & all is great! read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Wow, I've been coming to Zinke's for 20 years, even when they were at their Glendale location. And my father was a customer 20 years before that. Customer service and quality has gone way down. I'm not surprised to see their low rating on yelp. I brought in my shoe to be repaired after my dog ate a part of it. They said we can fix it but it's going to look patched. Of course i said, that is understandable. When I went to go pick up my shoe the job was incomplete and shotty. When I explained I was a little disappointed in the quality, in a kind way, the young man defended their work. I tried to explain again how the job was incomplete. I assumed working in customer service they would say I'm sorry let me fix that for you. Instead he got mad at me and said "you know mam, most people would say thank you and not complain." Wow, I wasn't trying to complain I paid for service and would like it done correctly. I said I'll pay for it but your going to lose my business based off how your treating me. He didn't care and continued to get increasingly mad at me for not saying thank you as if I was obliged to say thank you for a bad job. I told him he wasn't my child and I'm not gonna thank him for a job not well done, that is something I do with my 2 year old son not someone I'm paying to do a service for me. Anywho, time to find a new cobbler, so sad. Any suggestions? Picture: See the top of the strap section middle of the photo, they didn't add black leather under the strap they attached so it was light brown and looked bad. It's hard to tell now since he angrily took my shoe and shot it with his black shoe spray stain to cover it up. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

First time there and experience couldn't ha e been better. Excellent workmaship , pride in work and a lot of experience. Will recommend and return in future. My shoes look brand new. read more

WoW! WoW! WoW! What amazing customer service! I can't believe the negative reviews on here because my experience was the complete opposite. I called-in ahead and asked if I could have a pair of shoes that I was currently wearing repaired the same day. The Gentlemen on the phone was very polite and said to bring them in. The bottom of a thick pair of bootie style shoes came off and I sounded like a horse galloping as I walked lol. Anyways, I walked into Zinke's new location off of Lake and Orange grove to a very clean and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone working said hello and greeted me. I waited maybe 10-15 minutes on very comfortable chairs and both soles were fixed. The shoes look better than when I bought them! The new soles are of better quality. I will definitely be coming back and bringing more shoe repairs to this shop. I highly recommend Zinke's to anyone. I've already told my coworkers about them who will be bringing their shoes in. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Bottom of Shoe repaired on the spot! - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

$24+ for a spit-shine boot polish job is a little extreme. They charge hal for a regular polish. The kicker is the spit-shine job looks horrible. It looks like a regular polish job. Save your money and go to a shoe shine guy at the car wash, those guys are great. This was my first time here. And my last. Very disappointed. I'm Updating this review... I took my boots to my car wash guy immediately after picking up my boots from this place. He said it wasn't a spit shine job, that they applied a liquid substance to make the boot look wet. I had him redo it. Charged me $10 for a real spit-shine job. So in essence, I paid $34 for a spit-shine polish because this place doesn't know how to do it right. read more

Excellent work on a very difficult briefcase repair. Looks almost better than new. This was a D-ring loop repair, the one in the photo with the rivet in the center. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Piece of leather holding the D-ring was replaced. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

Terrible service... misplaced items, non matching claim ticket stubs, partially filled in claim tickets, work not completed as promised, very poor counter help, yelling at customers and overall substandard customer service. The old lady actually told a customer not to come back !!! (Customer had been going for over 40 years!!). I'll never give them my business again! read more

Zinke's resoled two pairs of boots with softer, white soles. They also repaired a boot my dog had chewed through. Zinke's was my last resort before having to throw away my favorite pair of boots. Thank you for the excellent craftsmanship. I now use the shop for my shoe related needs, to include routine show shines. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Two pairs of boots resoled. The bottom shoe was repaired after my dog chewed through the top 1/3. - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

I was referred to Zinke's by my uncles but I was hesitant after reading some of these Yelp reviews as I'm sure many of you are. I'm glad I went with my gut and gave them a chance. Chris was great and he was more excited about my Allen Edmonds than I was when I purchased them, which is great because that shows how passionate he is about his craft. He gave me a bunch of great advice on how to care for them and how to make them last a long time since they're on the expensive side. Chris had put rubber tabs on the toe and heels of each pair. They did this within twenty minutes without an appointment which was great for me, but I would recommend calling in first if you're an impatient person- just in case. I will go back for replacement tabs and other shoe repair services as they arise. Advice: Give them a chance and make that judgment for yourself. read more

Zinke's Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Until a couple of months ago, I had been going to this place for a few years and I noticed gradual but steady drop in the quality of their work and even a steadier increase in their prices. In the past they did good work on many of my designer shoes. Although, I have only used them for adding a thin layer of leather soles to completely new pairs of designer shoes. And I was kind of willing to overlook their continuously climbing prices. My last trip to them was the clinch and I have decided not to go back. I took a pair of designer boots to them to add a layer of thin leather soles, after a week the soles were literally peeling off. I would have been better off super-gluing them myself. I also had them clean a pair of suede Oxfords that had stains of hot chocolate on them. They did warn me that they would do their best and couldn't guarantee that the stains would come off. But the end result completely changed the look of my shoes, delicate pinkish purple suede shoes literally turned dark unattractive purple leather as a result of the cleaning. I would have preferred wearing them with chocolate stains, at least they would bear an artistic chic look. At this point, I will only be wearing these Oxfords to take the trash out. And lastly, their prices have become exorbitant. I would not recommend this place to anyone. read more