Sam the Shoe Doctor

I showed up at 5:15 and they were closed. (Don’t advertise your hours as being until 5:30 if you close early.)
So I walked to the drop-​off location near Merch Mart. Dropped off 2 pairs of shoes, one with a scuff, and one that needed re-​heeling. I had a Groupon for each pair (one was a friend’s pair).
Three days later, I went back to pick them up. Mine were returned to me in the same condition I dropped them off in. («They said they couldn’t do anything for these shoes,» the lady said. Lies. I had them re-​heeled perfectly at Beehouse.) My friend’s shoe that was scuffed was patched up with a heavy glob of shoe-​shine. It wasn’t even applied evenly! They took her $ 10 for $ 20 Groupon, too — and I KNOW that wasn’t $ 20 worth of service. They could have at least FINISHED shining the pair.
Absolutely terrible.

I invested in some leather boots a few years ago and wore the soles and heels down to nothing. I took them to a dry cleaner/​shoe repair place in my neighborhood and they did a crappy job. They just put a flimsy pad on the bottoms of the boots.
So I brought them here and the guy working was totally sweet and understanding. They were expertly fixed and I havent had a problem since. And only $ 20 for the pair!
The boots are back in business!

I’d worn several pairs of heels down to the metal nubs, and I finally motivated myself to do something about it. I came to Unilocal to find the closest place to work, and this happened to be it.
I will definitely agree with other reviewers – NOT the friendliest place. The lady mumbled so much I couldn’t understand what she was saying, and made it seem like me giving them business was a bother to her. Definitely rather awkward. And she refused to take my out of area cell phone number – really?! So two stars knocked off for that.
In terms of the work done, I can’t complain. I’ve been walking on the new heels and they appear to be good quality. Two pairs of shoes were also done same day, which I definitely was not expecting.
Pricewise, I assume it’s comparable to other places (though I haven’t been to another cobbler in Chicago). $ 12 for new tips on heels.
So they get the job done. I just wish it was a bit more friendly of an experience. Jury’s out on whether I’ll be a repeat customer, or if I’ll try another place.

Scenario: Fri. ⁶⁄₂₅. On vacay. Stopped by this location in hopes of dropping off heels to be repaired.
Potential problem: Last day of vacay. Usually work M-​F from 7:15 am to 5:30 pm. Noticed the store is open M-​F from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Yup, conflicting hours. My only hope was the closing time.
I ask the woman behind the counter if those store hours listed in the shop were correct, specifically the closing time. She just smiled and said, «Oh, nooooooooo… we’re walking out the door no later than 4:45 pm!» Thinking that statement sealed the deal (or lack thereof), I said, «Well, I probably shouldn’t have my shoes repaired here then because it conflicts with my job.» She says, «Oh no, honey, I’m here M-​F every morning at 6:30 am! Just come on in!»
She didn’t quite look like a morning person to me (don’t ask me why, gut feeling), so I asked her, «Are you SURE?» She says, «Oh yes, honey, your shoes will be ready by Monday morning! Just stop by in the morning, I’ll be here at 6:30 am!» I ask AGAIN if she’s sure. Same response. I pay my $ 12, grab my receipt, walk out the door.
Fast forward to Monday morning at 7:00 am (note: 30 min LATER than the time she gave) and the store was absolutely dark. No sign of ANYONE. I was livid. That lady that worked behind the counter flat out lied.
I ended up having to take leave from work to pick up my shoes later that afternoon (at 4:30 pm). Ridiculous. That lady better be glad she wasn’t there when I stopped by to pick up my shoes. The shoes looked great, but nothing can compensate for the absolute poor customer service and inconsistent hours. Will never be back.

above and beyond!
went to them with a legitimate custom shoe emergency.
am a high heel, high end lady, who broke her foot and needed help!
help i got. al rallied the troops and took care of me in no time.
kindness, respect, fair prices and a genuine knowledge of the craft of cobblery is what i found as i went to several of their loop locations.
can’t wait to use them again, hopefully for less of an emergency.
thanks to all!

So… I walk. A lot. In heels. And often times, before I realize it, I am walking on the little metal nub of my heel. I tolerate it for as long as I am able until I nearly wipe out while cutting through the Thompson Center. I then retire these shoes to a drawer in my office «to be repaired.»
The other day, I realized that I had seven pairs of unwearable shoes. So, Sam to the rescue.
I dropped my shoes off at around 10:00 a.m. and on Monday, they gave me a call, letting me know they were in tip-​top shape. No metal nubs here. (I suspect they were ready on Friday, but I just plain forgot to go pick them up.) Hooray! All for the very reasonable price of $ 12 per pair.
I’m gonna go take a slip-​free stroll through the Thompson Center.

Took two pairs of boots here to be re-​heeled They did a great job at only $ 12/​pair, and best of all they were done the next day.

I have had shoes & sandals repaired here and my shoes shined as well!
They do a helluva job!!!
After they finish, my shoes are like mirrors!!!