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November 11, 2008

Celebrating the Shoe Repair Shop

shoe-repair-1108.jpg Some Brooklynites see the shoe repair shop as a dying institution, replaced by bank branches and cell phone stores. So Brooklyn Based has tracked down the borough's best, extant, cobblers: Yelena in Greenpoint; Express in Boerum Hill; Roman’s in Windsor Terrace, to name a few. Their list continues here. You got nominees? Photo by gkjarvis.




Posted by lisa at 9:45 AM | Comments (74)
Categories: Retail

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One of the few businesses that will never be replaced by the internet along with barber shops and, unfortunately, nail salons.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 9:48 AM

Magic Joe Shoe Repair
500 Franklin Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 230-0629

They are good and fast. they also make keys and sell shoes.

Posted by: 11216UK at November 11, 2008 10:14 AM

Magic Joe Shoe Repair
500 Franklin Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 230-0629

They are good and fast. they also make keys and sell shoes.

Posted by: 11216UK at November 11, 2008 10:14 AM

"One of the few businesses that will never be replaced by the internet."

True, Dave, but once none of us can afford shoes any longer, which some posters here think will be the case, this business might be in trouble!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 10:15 AM

Not true, Biff. We'll be taking our old shoes to get re-soled again and again, like we used to do before we just replaced everything. Some of us never stopped getting shoes repaired. Besides, a good pair of shoes is worth saving. And it's a green thing to do.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at November 11, 2008 10:19 AM

My shoe Repair Shop is on 3rd Avenue and 78th Street. A little old italian man.

(I used the following line here before..but I think it's a winner)

I like knowing that an Italian man is fixing my sole.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 10:22 AM

MM, you know I was kidding, but what you say is so true. I love walking so much, I'm always wearing away my soles and re-soling my shoes (once I find a pair I like, I hate to toss them too).

MM, you may have to get new soles periodically, but you have enough soul to last a lifetime!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 10:28 AM

they wane but don't fade way because they're there when you look for them - near subways, bodegas, and dry cleaners.

Posted by: cb6 at November 11, 2008 10:28 AM

I wonder how Carrie Bradshaw will deal with the implosion of the MAB and her fetish for the most expensive shoes. Does Big still have his job? Will he get a bonus this year?

Jobs these days are searched for online. There's no more "pounding the pavement" and, as such, soles last longer. Mr. B you should call all of these shops and do an interview about whether business has fallen off.

The best sign I ever saw was in one of these shops in Chicago. "Time wounds all heels."

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:30 AM

Biff, some may think you are soleless!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 10:31 AM

BRG...can these shops replace your clear heels??

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:32 AM

BRG, it's true. I sold my soles to the devil.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 10:33 AM

DIBS, plastic is recyclable. No guilt in tossing them aside.

I have a favorite pair of flats that I've had re-soled twice now. I can't part with them. I paid a fortune for them and continue to do so.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 10:35 AM

DIBS, what a turn of events. You've gone from talking about frottage to talking about footage!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 10:36 AM

I stopped going to the cobblers about 5 years ago when the prices they charged for re-soleing came close to the cost of a new pair. Of course if you bought a fancy pair that cost plenty, its still worthwhile.

Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 10:36 AM

In 1982 I bought a pair of Bally loafers. Adjusted for inflation, I'm sure they were the most expensive shoes I ever bought. I've had them resoled at least 5 times until the tops finally wore a whole through them. They are now my "painting" shoes.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:37 AM

There are cobblers and then there are good cobblers. I am an idiot because I kept taking shoes to the guy on Clinton Street, between Joralemon and Remsen, even after he did some really questionable work. What can I say? He is convenient. But when he took a pair of Ferragamo's and made them look like they came from Payless, he was done. I then tried the guy on the south side of Ninth Street, across from the Y, and I really wanted to like him. Sweet guy, works with what I presume to be his wife...but the last set of new soles fell apart almost immediately, and although he fixed the shoddy (no pun intended) work for free, the soles wore out completely in weeks. Weeks! People recommended the guy on the north side of Montague (down near Connecticut Muffin?) and I have given him his first try-out. So far so good, but expensive!

Posted by: altervoce at November 11, 2008 10:39 AM

I'm waiting to see which one of our posters has a real foot fetish. I had a great frotttage experience standing next to a young latin guy on the 5 train about a month ago.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:39 AM

altervoce...you are correct. I won't skimp on new soles for my expensive shoes....I take them to the guy in Rockefeller Plaza...probably around $60 or so but I know they'll be done like they should be. That place is also the best shine in all of the five boroughs I'm sure.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:42 AM

'I'm waiting to see which one of our posters has a real foot fetish.'

I think it's Ppark.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 10:47 AM

van gogh's shoes are a pair that will last many a lifetime.

Posted by: cb6 at November 11, 2008 10:47 AM

Who's shoes would you like to walk in?

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 10:49 AM

BRG...how many pairs of shoes do you have under your desk at work??

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:50 AM

i just buy 30 dollar pairs of shoes.

Posted by: Santa at November 11, 2008 10:51 AM

"There are cobblers and then there are good cobblers."

Truer words were never spoken. I take mine to the Russian guy at the shop on Flatbush between St. Marks and Prospect. I don't know the dude's name or even really the name of the store. He's a little pricey, but you can't be too careful.

Posted by: East New York at November 11, 2008 10:52 AM

I thought Santa wore boots?

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:53 AM

I'm going to wear my best pair of shoes and have them all shined up for the Keep Fucking Around Party. I hope all of you do too.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 10:55 AM

DIBS...most days I work from home, and if I go to an office, I can dress very casually.

Today at office, wearing flats...not my favorite ones, ironically, they're at the shoe repair being resoled; along with a pair of heels.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 10:55 AM

For Carroll Gardens posters, there's a little shop on Degraw about two doors in from the corner of Degraw and Court St. (so between Court and Clinton) that is wonderful. Owner is a permanently depressed Russian, does wonderful work. He knows how to make boots from scratch, although I doubt there is anything that would motivate him to do so. Prices are very reasonable. Unless, of course, it's been razed and turned into a slivers Fedders building since I moved out of there. Entirely possible.

Posted by: mopar at November 11, 2008 11:01 AM

Mopar - why would you share that info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he's already insanely busy as it is. I've had to wait 10 days for my shoes (granted I brought him about 7 pairs).

Posted by: gkw at November 11, 2008 11:06 AM

'I'm going to wear my best pair of shoes and have them all shined up for the Keep Fucking Around Party.'

I have a doozy of a come back. But I'm trying to show some reserve here after the lashing I got yesterday.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 11:07 AM

I think that guy on 9th St stinks - shoddy work & expensive. I like the guy on 5th between ?Carroll & Garfield?

Posted by: Arkady at November 11, 2008 11:11 AM

You're a tease BRG.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 11:12 AM

'You're a tease BRG.'

I have a come back for this one too....but I can't use four letter words here....oh, well. They remain on the tip of my tongue.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 11:16 AM

Ever had that tongue tip on anyone's shoes or boots??

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 11:18 AM

Cobblers are near and dear to my heart. Once you find a good one it doesn't matter if you move away you keep going back to them. That said, I ALWAYS take my shoes to George who has a shop underground at the subway stop at the 3rd Avenue exit of the E/V in Manhattan. He is a true craftsman. He has completely rebuilt shoes for me that I thought were beyond repair. I think he undercharges for the work he does.

I love shoes and thank god I have a husband who appreciates a well shod wife (his particular favorite being open or peep toes).

Posted by: TownhouseLady at November 11, 2008 11:21 AM

DIBS!!!!!
You are encouragable.
It's still early, I haven't had my cup of tea yet...scone?

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 11:22 AM

BRG...its almost lunchtime.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 11:24 AM

he's incorrigible

Posted by: dittoburg at November 11, 2008 11:36 AM

Biff, is going to be so upset, he didn't pick up that spelling error.

Ditto - thanks for putting your foot down and correcting it.

Is there such a word as encouragable? I could always look it up, but why bother, I'd rather feel like a heel.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 11:46 AM

"Biff, is going to be so upset, he didn't pick up that spelling error."

I did pick it up, but some mistakes are so obvious even I won't bother mentioning them. After all your teasing yesterday, BRG, it's nice seeing the shoe on the other foot today.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 11:55 AM

Yes BR. You are encouraging me now. I'm usually very "straight-laced". But you do something to bring out the worst in me.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 11:56 AM

The shoe repair shop on the E. side of Flatbush Ave., between Maple and Midwood Streets in PLG, does very good work.

Posted by: Bob Marvin at November 11, 2008 11:58 AM

'But you do something to bring out the worst in me.'
Ooooh, damn you Ppark...for making me so self conscious about every thing that comes out of my mouth. If only I could write what I'm really thinking!

Biff, Should I go back to everything that was written and see where it all started. I trust you'll agree with me that it was you that started it all.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 12:02 PM

"I'm usually very "straight-laced". But you do something to bring out the worst in me."

Yep, BRG has a way of making us all flip-flop our naturally reserved personalities.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 12:03 PM

BRG, I think it started with DIBS' reference to foot fetishes and Latin men (albeit that was instigated by my mention of frottage, for which I'm still not unsure of the meaning since the Death Star continues to block any website that includes a reference to it).

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 12:07 PM

BRG, take a gander at the Restaurant of the Day! I'll await your review.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 12:09 PM

Are you baiting me Biff?

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 12:10 PM

Biff, I was refering to yesterday...or was I??

'Yep, BRG has a way of making us all flip-flop our naturally reserved personalities.'

You use the word 'us' - are you (mis)leading us to beleive that you are 'naturally reserved'?

Don't be so footloose and fancy free with your use of words.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 12:12 PM

Us = DIBS and me. Please follow the plot. Sorry, I shouldn't be so callous; I'm walking a fine line and treading in very deep water.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 12:15 PM

Stay on course here BRG. One false step and you're already off track.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 12:17 PM

I love all things chocolate.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 12:18 PM

Biff, I'm following the plot! I'm putting my best foot forward and walking ahead.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 12:32 PM

I go out walking, after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just like we used to do
I'm always walking, after midnight
Searching for you

I walk for miles, along the hyihway
Well that's just my way
Of saying I love you
I'm always walking after midnight
Searching for you

I stop to see a weeping willow
Crying on his pillow
Maybe he's crying for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I'm lonesome as I can be

I go out walking, after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hoping you may be
Somewhere a walking after midnight
Searching for me

I stop to see a weeping willow
Crying on his pillow
Maybe he's crying for me
And as the skies turn gloomy
Night winds whisper to me
I'm lonesome as I can be

I go out walking, after midnight
Out in the moonlight
Just hoping you may be
Somewhere a walking after midnight
Searching for me

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 12:38 PM

These boots were made for walking after midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at November 11, 2008 12:46 PM

Wasn't Kevin Spacey so appropriately cast in that movie Snark!!!!

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 12:47 PM

Don't judge me
You dont know me
Don't think I'm some small town phony
Got nothing, up on me
You ain't walking in my shoes
I'm just one out of many
Hailin from a third world country
Got nothing, up on me
You ain't walking in my shoes
No I won't stop,
Gotta make it to the top.
Hell no i won't stop,
Aimin for the sweet spot.
Powers to the bald heads and the dread locks
Let me make it clear
No we won't flop.
Got a plan, got to make anyway I can
Putting in the work with my own two hands.
Better check it, respect it

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 12:52 PM

All the old paintings on the tombs
They do the sand dance don't you know
If they move too quick (oh whey oh)
They're falling down like a domino

All the bazaar men by the Nile
They got the money on a bet
Gold crocodiles (oh whey oh)
They snap their teeth on your cigarette

Foreign types with the hookah pipes say
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh
Walk like an Egyptian

Blonde waitresses take their trays
They spin around and they cross the floor
They've got the moves (oh whey oh)
You drop your drink then they bring you more

All the school kids so sick of books
They like the punk and the metal band
When the buzzer rings (oh whey oh)
They're walking like an Egyptian

All the kids in the marketplace say
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh
Walk like an Egyptian

Slide your feet up the street bend your back
Shift your arm then you pull it back
Life is hard you know (oh whey oh)
So strike a pose on a Cadillac

If you want to find all the cops
They're hanging out in the donut shop
They sing and dance (oh whey oh)
Spin the clubs cruise down the block

All the Japanese with their yen
The party boys call the Kremlin
And the Chinese know (oh whey oh)
They walk the line like Egyptian

All the cops in the donut shop say
Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh
Walk like an Egyptian
Walk like an Egyptian

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 12:55 PM

http://www.fetbot.com/Articles/featured/bootboy-465.shtml

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 12:56 PM

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry, I'm just not as deep as the rest of youze folks!

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 12:56 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1QF-my2638

Divine....Walk Like A Man.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 12:59 PM

By the way, it was for DIBS' benefit that I threw in a song that mentions Japanese, Chinese and party boys in the lyrics.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 1:01 PM

Biff, 12:55 post - the Corny Meter is on overdrive.

I don't get it??? What is this supposed to reference.

But I do like this line: 'So strike a pose on a Cadillac'

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 1:02 PM

^^^People, before you get up in arms or afoot that I'm using lewd language.

I have a caddy!!!

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 1:05 PM

I knew that. We had the Brougham/Coupe deVille discussion a few weeks ago.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 1:07 PM

DIBS, when I said 'People'...I didn't mean you, I meant the FCC patrolling this site. Don't want people to think I'm using crude language.

So far, I've shown retraint, but I'm slowly loosing up. For prudish people DO NOT READ further.

'I knew that. We had the Brougham/Coupe deVille discussion a few weeks ago.'

DIBS, you can borrow the caddy. It's nice and roomy. You can fit 3 adults comfortably in the back seat.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 1:20 PM

"the Corny Meter is on overdrive."
Officially, it's a Corn-O-Meter, BRG. Not to be confused with my Fromage-O-Meter.

"What is this supposed to reference."
Shoes, feet, walking...sheesh! C'mon BRG.

I had such a crush on Susanna Hoffs back in the day...sigh...

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 1:42 PM

Corn-0-Meter??? Not going to touch that one.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 11, 2008 1:44 PM

DIBS...please don't

'Susanna Hoffs' - Bangles, not going to touch that one.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 1:47 PM

Wow peeps, I'm impressed at how much response our article got! I had no idea people were so into cobblers. We'll update our post with your suggestions. Thanks!

http://brooklynbased.net/everything/cobble-me-this/

Posted by: chrysanthe at November 11, 2008 2:17 PM

Are you sure you want to use some of our suggestions...they were, um, suggestive.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 11, 2008 2:35 PM

this blog has really fallen apart. I hope you're happy brownstoner.

Posted by: gkw at November 11, 2008 4:04 PM

gkw, I couldn't agree more. It's disgraceful.

Posted by: Biff Champion at November 11, 2008 5:37 PM

gkw, I miss the disgruntled Russian guy.

Posted by: mopar at November 13, 2008 11:51 PM

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