Bob Stevenson’s Shoe Repair & Leatherwork & Orthotics

Bob Stevenson is the real deal. He knows shoes, and he knows how to fix them.
I brought him a pair of boots with spiky heels, worn down way past the point at which I thought they would be able to be fixed. Much to my delight, Bob was able to put new heels on them. Now they are just like new!
On my next trip to his shop, I brought Bob a pair of my husband’s dress shoes. Those shoes were over 25 years old. Bob put new soles and heels on those shoes, gave them a shine. My husband was very pleased with his work. (My husband is very particular about his shoe work, as he has had beautiful shoes butchered by lesser cobblers.)
That same trip, I also brought Bob an expensive pair of Cork-​Ease sandals. The elastic at the ankle had stretched and frayed beyond being able to wear them. I could have returned them to Nordstrom, but a replacement was unavailable. Bob made a beautiful repair. I can’t wait to wear those shoes again in the spring.
Bob’s Stevenson’s Shoe Repair is a one of a kind place. Bob is a delightful man who is an expert in his craft. You might want to stop by just to see the amazing cactus collection in his front window — it’s a mini botanical garden!

Bob is an amazing craftsman. He took my favorite old worn out — worn almost every day Frye boots and refurbished them… rebuilding the sole and working quite a bit of magic. They are beautiful — maybe even better than their original condition:). I have a new pair of fabulous pumps that I want to last for a long time, so I am going to bring them in so he can put vibram soles on them this week. I live in Clayton and have other places much closer. Bob is definitely worth the drive for any shoe/​leather work. And I believe his prices are fair. I paid a lot to fix those Fryes (I think $ 120) …worth every penny.

This guy is a craftsman and a pleasure to deal with. Not only can he fix your shoes and boots, he can re-​stitch and repair ANYTHING leather! I have a leather briefcase I use for teaching. It started coming apart and ripping at the seams and Bob was able to fix it BETTER than the original handwork. I’ve had shoes done here too, and he gets what you need. I told him I used that pair for dancing, and he was able to help me find a composite sole that brought the «glide» back.
He’s been doing this 39 years. He likes to tell you a bit about his work, and shoes, and the old Southside, so be prepared to chat a while. I read a recent review where someone «dinged» him for that. This is what Southside businesses used to be like! These are your neighbors and they’re invested in the city. We old southsiders like to chat a bit so if you’re just used to having a Double Frou-​Frou Latte tossed at you by a hipster employee, then Bob Stevenson may be not your vibe. But there is no finer shoe and leather repairman in the whole damn city nor with a faster turn around time.

I brought in my Loubs to have protective soles installed. He does not carry red protective soles, so I ordered some to be delivered directly to him. He is obviously qualified and talented. I was impressed with his work and the turnaround time. I am pretty sure I have been to every shoe cobbler in town, and his work and turnaround are easily the best.
Having said that, it’s nearly impossible to get in and out quickly. I love my shoes, too, and I’m really glad that he appreciates all that goes into his work. But there’s only so much I want to learn about the construction and details before I need to get on my way.

Mr. Stevenson is the BEST cobbler in the Midwest! I have used several shoe repair merchants in the St. Louis area and he ranks #1. In today’s time, even some of the most expensive brand shoes come with poor/​cheap plastic caps for the heel so after awhile, the heel wears down and before you know it your pair of shoes is ruined. BUT if you take your shoes straight to Mr. Stevenson, he’ll cap your heel with the right product to help you maintain the quality of your shoes. Mr. Stevenson takes time to explain all of this to you whereas other merchants do not. I’ve recommended him to family and friends and all love the quality of his work and the great service he provides. Try him out… he’s one of St. Louis’ finest merchants!

Took my one year old Fryes in. They could learn a thing or two from Bob. He upgraded the soles and restored the heels. Best customer service. He is a true craftsman. Will definitely be back, and recommend him to everyone I know.

Bob Stevenson gives me hope for small businesses and skilled labor. He is one of the few practicing cobblers left in this city, a dying institution in an era of cheap imported fashion accessories, shoes in particular.
I had done a number on a pair of beautiful imported Italian dress shoes and needed to get them repaired, Bob made them shine once again! He repaired a hole in the sole, rebuilt both heels and hand stitched the soles near the toe. And he made sure that I learned a little about leather and shoe care in the process.
Bob knows what he’s doing and will take care of you. Honestly, he’d also prefer if you spent some money on your shoes in the first place.

I’ve had two great experiences having worn men’s dress shoes resoled. In both cases, they were almost worn through, and Bob replaced the heels with nice, high quality rubber heels. He also redid the rest of the sole in fresh leather with heavy stitching. I’ve worn them for several months since the last repair and they’re holding up great.
As an added bonus, my shoes came back polished and ready to wear.
Bob is a character, and he does like to chat for a few minutes upon drop off or pickup, but I appreciate that, and appreciate that he’s part of the neighborhood.
My shoes were made in China, and he fixed them just fine. I’m not sure what Kelly B. ran in to.

By the time I tried Bob’s shop I think he had read the earlier review and changed his tune a bit. Admittedly, I was a little spoiled my previous Jersey Shore cobbler and hesitant to rely on any of the (FEW) St. Louis shops I came across but I’ve become a regular here. He takes a little longer than I would like (apx. 1 week for most repairs) and you need to leave some extra time to chat when dropping off or picking up, but Bob has saved heels I was sure I had destroyed and even managed to find matching polish for my lovely green pumps whose toes were totally scuffed.

I cannot stand this place! It’s cheap (average $ 8-​$ 10), but it’s a dump and the shoe repair guy always has to make cracks about the shoes.
He’s not friendly or welcoming in any way and generally acts like you are interrupting his day by being there. If any part of my shoe is manufactured in China, he will not fix it. He has told me to go to China to have it fixed.