Family Shoe Repair

I arrived and there was a sign up that read «emergency, return after 5». I waited 2 hours and when the owner arrived at 5:25 he said it was going to take almost a week to do some new heels and polish 5 pairs of shoes. So, I left. I was lucky to find AJ’s down the street. He is going to have my shoes done in 1 day.

When I lived in the Bay Area and worked in the City, there were cobblers a plenty within a walking distance from my office. And they were usually able to fix shoes while you wait (we’re talking full resole).
Living in Salt Lake is a bit different especially since I work in a suburban office park. I googled a few places and ultimately found one close to my office.
I have a pair of Hugo Boss slip on dress shoes with a leather sole that I wore a hole through. I took it to Family Shoe Repair on a Tuesday and picked it up on a Saturday (earliest date it would be done). Can’t give it props for expediency. But maybe this is just what to expect. However, he did a mighty fine job on my shoes. I had him replace half the soles on both shoes and also do a new heel (didn’t need it but why not have a whole new walking surface). Total was about $ 50 and I have new and improved shoes.
His ability to blend the new half sole into the existing sole is pretty solid. Ran my hands along the sole and completely smooth with no ridges. He used a leather sole from some Italian manufacturer that I’ve never heard of. But hey, it’s Italian. Aren’t those guys known for making great shoes? Bad and unnecessary stereotype I know. The heel is a rubber Vibram one. I really like how this has made the feel of the shoe so much more comfortable. Original was a harder material that clicked like heels when I walked. I didn’t mind the clicking but very harsh on my heels. This sole have muted the sound a little, but more importantly, it has made my step a lot more comfortable. As part of the service, he also cleaned up and shined the upper leather part (it was in overall good shape to being with).
Man of few words that operates the shop. I can attest that he does value his craft and delivers a good product.

Tin was the only guy in the shop. He might be the owner.
He did not appear very happy when I came in the shop with my leather shoes
with holes in both soles. He reluctantly agreed to resole them and put new heels on them.
He said it would be $ 45.
When I picked up my shoes they had beautiful new soles and heels and they had been shined and polished to a very high gloss. They looked better than when I originally purchased them.
Tin is not very personable but he is incredibly good at repairing shoes!
I recommend this business if you need your shoes polished or repaired.

Apparently, if you’re not dressed in business casual, the Asian man, whom i believe to be the owner, won’t give you the respect or bother to even «give a shit» about you or your shoes. So if you’re an elitist (like our friend here) by all means go right in. Hopefully you’ll be able to get your shoes done on time and/​or correctly.