Buying a pair of luxury dress shoes or boots is an investment you’ll want to see blossom for several years (of course, the same can be said of their slightly less luxurious counterpart) but with daily usages comes the inevitable wear and tear. Rather than throw your tired pair out and replace them with something brand new (only for the cycle to continue) you should consider taking them to a shoe repair shop or cobbler to breathe some new life into them.
Heading to a cobbler is the most logical idea especially if your shoes hold sentimental value. Ok, so replacing the sole will technically mean they’ll be rocking ‘new parts’, but deep down they’ll still be your lucky pair of Oxfords or a pair of Chelsea boots handed down to you.
Melburnians may be all too familiar with the breaking down of shoes, with the bustling metropolis being compact enough to walk to most destinations, meaning businessmen, hipsters and everyone in between subject their shoes to thousands of steps each day. Fortunately, there are a number of cobblers and shoe repair stores that are all too happy to take in your kicks and give them a new lease of life.
The same can be said of sneakers as well. While it’s commonplace for leather and suede shoes and boots to be put under the cobbler’s knife, your sneakers too can be repaired, sparing you the expense of heading to one of Melbourne’s sneaker stores and substituting them for something fresh.
So, for all your shoe repair needs, here are the best shoe repair cobblers in Melbourne.
In this story…
The Cobblers Last
The Cobblers Last is committed to offering the absolute best shoe repairs in Melbourne. With owner John Coburn boasting well over 30 years experience of repairing leather shoes and bags, there’s practically no problem he can’t fix. You’ll also be pleased to know that whatever footwear problem you do need repairing, The Cobblers Last will be sure to get your shoes back to you as quick as is humanly possible. Whether it be a polish, complete sole replacement or even simply a new pair of laces, this Melbourne institution is one you can trust.
Address: 13A/50 Lonsdale Street, Madame Brussels Lane, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 0429 351 697
Manfred’s Shoe Lounge
Owned and run by Austrian native Manfred, this Melbourne-based shoe repairer has extensive knowledge of the industry, which, coupled with the latest German manufactured machinery enables him to carry out even the most difficult of repairs. Manfred’s Shoe Lounge is a shop too, selling some of the most prestigious brands in men’s footwear, including Loake and Jerffery West. Whatever you see in the store can be repaired by Manfred and his team, so we encourage you to build up a rapport and never step foot in another shoe shop again.
Address: 62 Errol Street, North Melbourne, 3051
Phone: 03 9329 0715
Anter Shoe Clinic
Family-owned Anter Shoe Clinic not only has the facility to repair any pair of shoes or boots you take them, but specialises in orthopaedic shoe modifications and repairs to provide assistance with walking and to counter for overpronation. With regards to shoe repair, however, Anter can comfortably repair worn down heels, replace your old soles with new, non-slip variants and all repairs are carried out using sustainable methods.
Address: 535 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 03 9642 5453
Max’s Shoe & Bag Repairs
For honest service at affordable prices, head to Max’s Shoe & Bag Repairs. If the repair you need is a minor one, there’s a good chance Max or any of his team will be able to sort it right there on the spot. For more complex procedures, you’ll be walked through various repair options if applicable, letting you make an informed decision with regards to the length of time and cost. Max’s Shoe Repairs is yet another example of why it pays to go local.
Address: 318 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 03 9650 1842
Master Cobbler
Master Cobbler really is a master cobbler. A vast majority of repairs can be carried out on the spot and if you happen to have multiple pairs of shoes that could do with some TLC, owner Arthur will politely advise you which pairs are worth repairing and which really are better off being sent to Vinnie’s. This is a rare case, however, as Arthur is capable of restoring and rejuvenating virtually any pair you take him.
Address: 4/600 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 03 9614 0933
Cobbleron
Formerly Simon’s Shoe Repairs, this cobbler has since been inherited by Simon’s son-in-law Igor, who saw fit to give the store the modern spruce up it needed, bringing in new machinery and technology to better assist the ever-increasing needs of Melburnians. Today, the service list is nothing short of extensive, offering general shoe repairs, sole repairs and modifications, stretching and polishing. Igor can also work some magic on any other leather goods you have, offers a clothes alteration service and dry cleaning, along with key cutting and a number of watch repairs too.
Address: Shop 13 – Level 1/525 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 03 9614 3313
On The Mend Shoe & Bag Repairs
Residents of Fitzroy rejoice the perfect shoe repair shop is to be found closer to home than you may have first thought. Owned by Anna – a former apprentice of Max’s Shoe & Bag Repairs – who provides a uniquely feminine perspective into the world of shoe making and repairs. This makes her the perfect candidate for repairs to women’s shoes, but she also has extensive knowledge and passion for men’s footwear too, with virtually any repair being able to be carried out on virtually any shoe.
Address: 328 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, 3065
Phone: 03 9939 5483
Cobblers Of South Yarra
From Fitzroy in the north to South Yarra in the south, Cobblers of South Yarra is on call for all your shoe repair needs. No matter the brand or the issue, Eugene and his team will be able to provide a solution, meaning you can hold on to your beloved shoes for years to come. Not only specialising in the restoration of leather dress shoes, but Cobblers of South Yarra also works with leather sneakers and can dry clean suede fabrics.
Address: Unit 3/5 Murphy Street, Melbourne, 3141
Phone: 03 9867 8395
Evan’s
Evan’s is a great shoe repair business repairing heels, tearing up rubber soles and resizing shoes for over 60 years within the Royal Arcade, Melbourne. Founded by Evan Skliros, known as “Mr Evans” to his customers, Evan is known for his quality workmanship and friendly service while specialising in leather repairs, so you know your Chelseas will be in excellent hands. Many of Evans clientele are renowned designers and retailers who swear by Evan’s impeccable shoe repair services. Also, if you need any other leather accessories restored, throw them his way as he’ll be able to repair them too.
Address: 50, Royal Arcade, 150 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 03 96502405
Felix’s Shoe Repair
For over 30 years, Felix’s has offered quality shoe repairs while highlighting impeccable workmanship and great prices. At the helm of this business is St Petersburg native Felix, who has trained extensively in the art of shoemaking. However, not only is Felix renowned for being one of the best cobblers in town but his excellent customer service, as his devoured customers often note as sweet this man is. So what are you waiting for? Gather your old, worn-out shoes and make an appointment with this master of his craft.
Address: 166 Church St, Richmond, Melbourne, 3121
Phone: 03 9429 4629
Read Next