Leon’s Shoe Repair

Leon is incredible! He pays attention to detail and has yet to tell me he can’t fix a pair of shoes, or a purse, etc. His prices are also very reasonable and he can turn hints around quick if you need him to. One of the most friendly guys I know!

Leon is indeed not only super friendly, but a true craftsman. I noticed that he often doesn’t actually start work until about 1:30, but in those cases he does post a sign in his window indicating that’s when he’ll be in. The fact he’s open well into the early evening is very convenient for working residents of DC. I had a fairly cheap satchel to carry papers and books which had acquired some sentimental value to me repaired and patched, and although it took a couple more days than expected (due to a need to fix a piece of his machinery), the rate was very reasonable, and he summoned a true cobbler’s repertoire including a fine patch and stitching, returning my satchel not only to full functionality (no worries about losing anything) but giving it the look of something that has received careful attention — the patch unquestionably adds to its character. The place reminds me of little craftsmen’s shops in Japan that survive for generations making incredibly efficient use of a tiny space. Now that his equipment is up and running, I’m assuming he’ll warrant five stars from now on!

I’m going to have to go out of town without the shoes I wanted to bring because the store is not open during their posted hours. I’m fine with stores having unconventional hours. But if you’re going to have unconventional hours, stick to them! Hopefully I will get my shoes back when I return… but I won’t be returning to this store.

I wasn’t sure what to think coming in to Leon’s Shoe Repair, but all I can say is that I’m so glad I did! I had a pair of white satin shoes that I had managed to cover… and I mean cover… in dirt from a photo shoot. And yeah, you read that right, white AND satin, so good luck. I wanted to use them as my wedding shoes, because I’m classy like that, but knew I needed to somehow get at least a good portion of the stains off if I was planning on making that happen.
In spite of his initial concern at how much he would be able to do to save them in their original white color, Leon handed them back to me a week later as if they were brand new. I don’t know how he cleaned them so perfectly, but they were white as snow. If someone had handed me those in the store, I would have bought them. At the end of the day, after all that work, the repairs only cost $ 22. So worth it to completely revitalize shoes I thought were done for.
In short, this guy is awesome and, in my humble opinion, you should give him a try. Leon is super friendly and well deserving of the community’s business.

This was my first time going to the shop and I’m so glad I did. Leon fixed the heels of my boots for only $ 15 and also did a fantastic job cleaning and shining them. As an added bonus, I was able to get a pair of keys made right before I checked out (something I had needed to do forever). Leon is a super nice guy and it feels great supporting someone who has such a unique craft and is in Mt.P. I would advise that he only takes cash and he does like you to leave a deposit.

Leon fixed my favorite pair of boots for $ 20 less than other nearby shoe repair shops. He was respectful of my time by texting me when the job was done so that I could come by and pick up my like-​new pair of boots. This is a family business that has been around since 1979. I love Mt. Pleasant and am always happy to support local business. Thank you, Leon!

Not sure what all the other bad experiences are like but I did read the reviews prior to committing my «costly» shoes to Leon. And he did not disappoint! I brought in a pair of brown shoes and he literally returned the leather to the color and softness of when I first got it two years ago. The same with my other pair of black shoes.
I spoke to him too about his hours. They are 1−8pm, except Sundays, as he has a family… Sometimes, stuff comes up with his family and he has to close up the shop. Unfortunately, he’s the only one that works there. I think if you understand small businesses, you’ll understand the challenges he has.
I suggest that you plan ahead with dropping off your shoes. His craftsmanship is unmatched around here. And so far, he has not disappointed with the store hours.

Leon held my boots hostage!!! I dropped the boots off to be resoled and six weeks later, still no boots. My husband FINALLY tracked him (after calling and visiting the store more than 10 times!) just to learn that one of the boots has gone missing. How does that even happen? He promised to look and call by the next day, but nothing. Every time we went to the store for the next week it was losed and he was not answering his phone. When I told him if he didn’t find the boots, I expected to be compensated he just said — I’ll find the boots. The WORST customer service ever. Happy ending — the missing boot turned up several weeks later. Can you believe he expected us to pay for the work when the pair was collected? I don’t think so, buddy. I already shelled out another $ 200 so I could have boots in NYC on a winter weekend.

I just had my shoes repaired there for the first time. Granted he said I could pick them up Thursday, and they weren’t quite ready. Nor the next day. Then took some time off for Easter. BUT he was very nice about it. Gave me a discount for my troubles. (Only takes cash, BTW.) And my shoes look awesome!
I had 2 pairs of sandal-​y heels. The heels were torn up… nails sticking out and everything. The sole was flapping on one. Scuffed. I had red ones that were all scuffed up and gross and flappy. They both look as good as new now!
I will definitely go there again– but won’t be expecting a quick turnaround.

I needed to get a zipper replaced on a favorite clutch and had been putting it off for awhile. Against my better judgment (given some of the other reviews and Leon’s attitude/​state of the shop), I left my clutch with him on a Monday. He told me the repair would cost $ 10 (seemed a little high) and that it would be ready Wednesday. He asked me for a deposit and I was like… no…the deposit is my purse… He then said he would waive it for me because I was a new customer.
I came back to get the purse on Wednesday and no one was in the store. I called the number he had given me (202−491−1997) and was unable to reach him. I called back later and he did answer with no explanation of where he was or why the shop was closed. I told him that I was going out of town on Friday and needed the purse before then. He promised multiple times that he would have it done Thursday. I’m not really sure why I believed him, but I really wanted to be able to take the purse with me on my trip so I said okay and we both repeated several times that I would come on Thursday at 1pm.
Shocker — Leon wasn’t there on Thursday. I began calling the number every 5 minutes — which he never answered. I went by the store several times and he wasn’t there.
I just got back into town and went by the store. He wasn’t there and wasn’t answering his phone. I was finally able to reach him and he seemed unconcerned that he had promised me the purse would be ready 2 weeks prior. I told him I was standing outside his shop and he needed to come and give me my purse right now. He said he would be there in 30 min. 50 minutes later he showed up. My purse was finished, although in the wrong color zipper and smelled funny. He did say I didn’t have to pay, which was good because I wasn’t going to anyway.
DO NOT GO HERE. The store is never open, Leon doesn’t answer the phone, and it’s not worth it to spend so much time and energy on getting in touch with him to get your item back.

They lost my shoes, which turned up at their HOUSE, supposedly in a pile of orders that hadn’t been picked up for a long time. The owner blamed his mother for not recording the orders properly. But they found them after I’d spent OVER TWO MONTHS trying to pick up my shoes! The store was never open when advertised, and I didn’t get return calls when promised. The only person who seemed to have it together was a young woman who was polite and helpful. The owner? Don’t get me started. He was going to charge me full price for minor repairs on the two pairs of shoes they’d taken all summer getting back to me.

I took my tan leather boots that had oil spilled over them due an oil– drenched pasta from Pasta Mia (see previous review). I came in on a Monday and Leon, the cobbler, told me to come back on Friday, four days later and that he closes at 7 pm. I came back on Friday at 5:30 pm but not only was the place closed, I had to call numerous times during the weekend to find out that they were open again for business on the following Tuesday.
When I finally got a hold of him, he told me that he was working on the boots. What was he doing for the past week?! He told me that some family stuff came up and then the huge snow storm prevented him from coming to the shop. Shit happens in life and I understand. I only wish he would have picked up his phone or set up a voice mail to tell customers when he was going to be in again so, it wasn’t a big guessing game for four days.
The oil stain was not removed, which may not necessarily be Leon’s fault since he said oil is hard to remove from leather. He made the boots a little bit darker so that the stains aren’t as apparent and fixed up the back heel. Whatever solution or glue he was using left a protruding mark on one of the boots.
Next time, I’m finding myself another cobbler.

Always take my shoes here and make sure my friends do as well. The prices are what really make it worth it. Leon is a cool dude, and if you give him a few pieces at once you may get a discount. The shop is pretty small and, honestly, I don’t know who works there and who’s just hanging out. Sometimes they get quite backed up, so if you really need your shoes on time, call ahead and give Leon a heads up – the neighborhood regulars never seem to mind and will just pop in whenever to pick up their stuff. If you’re on a schedule and took a bus to get there, definitely do yourself (and Leon) a favor though and call ahead.
Every shoe repair comes with a free clean and shine.
(prices are for pairs)
Men’s:
Basic shoe shine -$ 6
Total re-​sole (men’s shoe) was $ 40
Just the heel (men’s) $ 20
Women’s:
high heel tip replacement -$ 12
high heel tips and sole — $ 24

i took my brown leather pumps here to get the heels redone. took about three days and cost $ 12 which is a pretty good deal. they polished the shoes too – they looked almost brand new again when i picked them up.
the place is tiny… so small that you have to wait outside if there are already two people standing in there. they also make keys and do some other repairs (purses, luggage).
friendly service, cash only, closed sundays.