Clairmont Shoe Repair

I’ve been using CSR for my shoe and leather repair work since the early 1990s. Yes, they are pricey. But given the convenience of a downtown Decatur location this shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody. They are dependable and they’ve kept my Alan Edmonds shoe collection looking like new for over 20 years. (I’ve had a couple of casualties, but that’s because I sweat a lot and the tops of a couple of pairs of shoes just gave up the ghost near the pinky toe.) I rarely give five stars to anyone. So my excuse for not giving five stars are the prices, which, again, are offset by the convenient location.

I’ve gone to this shop twice… no more business from me. The repairman did great work both times. However, the customer service was HORRIBLE! The lady who received my shoes was rude and didn’t appreciate the questions I asked. She demonstrated very poor interpersonal skills. They are also quite pricey. I don’t mind paying for good quality work; I take issue with poor customer service… unacceptable and unnecessary. VERY DISAPPOINTED!

Quite pricey, but needed the job done so… At least the owner was honest with me in telling me I’d be better off buying new shoes

I would put zero stars if I could. First of all, they use nails in heels and to resole and they are visible after repairs. I found out from another store that I started going to after the following bad experience that this is not the correct thing to do.
That bad experience? I left shoes to be resoled and heeled on a Monday, after being assured that they would be ready that Friday afternoon. I was leaving on a flight for an out of town wedding early Saturday morning. On Thursday, I called to make sure the shoes would be ready in time, and was again promised they would be ready on Friday. Friday morning I called and was told they were not ready, but was promised they would be ready before they closed. I showed up one hour before I was told they were closing. The closing time I was given was the same as the one posted on the door. They were closed! I couldn’t believe it. They had closed one hour early, and the lady knew I was coming to pick the shoes up.
I had to go buy another pair of shoes at Macy’s that night, which I really did not have time to do. (Needed to pack, etc.) I was back in town the next Tuesday and went by to pick up the shoes. I was pretty clear it had caused a lot of inconvenience that they had closed early the previous Friday. The lady said, «something came up.» I told them I wanted my shoes, and did not think I had to pay for them under the circumstances, especially as I had had to buy another pair of shoes for the wedding. I also mentioned that those new shoes had been really uncomfortable to wear at the wedding and reception as they had not been broken in before the weekend. The son and father came out and started screaming at me. Pay or leave the shoes.
A customer came in and witnessed all of this. They could have cared less. He left as they were yelling. Clearly, it was a no win. The shoes were Johnson and Murphy. I wasn’t about to leave them and I just wanted to get out of the store. I paid and promised I would never be back. Do not go here. Ever. I had been a good customer for five years before this incident.

A terrible, awful experience. Poor service, personified by the unbelievably rude proprietress of this shop. Refused to even try to fix a boot sole, and became visibly and vocally irate when I asked why. Avoid this place! I had the exact opposite experience at Bob’s Shoe Repair, just up the street– he could not have been more helpful or welcoming.

They do good work that lasts. Kinda spendy, but worth it if you have a pair of shoes you like.
Warnings:
1. They only take cash or checks — no cards. And they prefer that you pay when you drop off.
2. The parking lot is free for the first hour DURING THE WEEK. If you go on Saturday, you’re out of luck.

I brought in a pair of boots for them to fix, and the lady there said she wouldn’t even attempt to do anything because it would be «a waste if her time.» plus, the only parking option is the garage… the sign said it would be free if it was less than an hour. I parked for less than 5 mins and I was charged $ 5. Going there was a waste of my time and money. There are many other options in Decatur and I would recommend you try those first.

Great place, fair prices, quick turn around. I’ve been to other shoe repair shops where the repair didn’t last a week — this shop does great work.
Nice people — tricky to find, tucked behind the office building/​bank but if you turn down the one-​way alley between the music store and the office building across from the Holiday Inn, then go left, you’ll see it on the right. They have a few parking places in front — but it’s worth that slight hassle.

I brought in a pair of black Florsheim penny loafers for a half-​sole replacement and new heels. They did a really good job. The shoes look like new. The only downside was the price — $ 59.95 for the job, which was about what I paid for the shoes, IIRC. When I mentioned that the price seemed high, they said they would do a complete shine, which they did. Overall, very good.