Sole Man

Highly recommended — I just picked up two pairs of shoes that Sole Man brought back to life — a pair of black Bally loafers, and a pair of brown Sperry Gold Cup loafers.
The Bally pair is old, but they were a high end shoe and in relatively good shape when I brought them in. Sole Man repaired an area at the front of one shoe where the sole was beginning to detach, and replaced the bottom of the heals, which were showing some wear. They were cleaned and polished to look completely fresh.
His work on the Sperry’s was even more impressive. I honestly planned to throw those shoes away, given how bad they were and what I had originally paid for them. My last job had a business casual dress code, and these shoes were my daily pair. I wore them through rain, un-​shoveled sidewalks, salted parking lots, etc. They were BEAT. The welting was coming apart in places, and the leather was dirty, dried out, and discolored by salt stains. But I read about Sole Man in Buffalo Rising and thought I would give him a shot. Sole Man completely brought them back to life, replacing the heal, adding a front tap, re-​stitching the welting, and somehow cleaned all of the dirt and salt stains and reconditioned the leather. I can’t say that they look brand new again, but they can definitely go back into my rotation.
Glad to have this business in the Elmwood Village — I will be back with future repair jobs, and to check out his rotating selection of re-​crafted shoes for sale.

WOW!!! This is a great new store for Elmwood. Especially for men, but makes a woman’s job easier if she’s looking for a gift for that man. The space feels great. The owner has clearly worked hard for that feel. Comfortable. Inviting. Open. Wares nicely displayed. Fabulous things on the walls. Nice display cases.
The owner is a fairly young guy, especially for a shoe repair man. He learned the trade because of his own shoe wear. Its awesome to see people learning this skill, especially as its harder and harder to find stores like this anywhere.
Walking in it may take you a moment to orient. To the left is the counter. You can drop of your shoes for repair here (men’s and women’s).
Behind the counter is a collection of sunglasses. This is not sunglasses hut, it’s a small collection of glasses that is sure to have something for everyone. Different shapes, styles and sizes.
Under the counter are the Visconti pens, which, if you ever used one you remember.
To the right are shoes. All men’s. Boots. Boating. Work. Play. Again, small collection with a nice variety of choices. They seem to have a small line made for them by hand, but I’m not sure of the details there.
Going upstairs you will find more shoe options. But also some belts. And men’s socks (low and high) in various colors and patterns. The socks felt great. There are some nice men’s bags up there and a few rugged coats rounding it all out.
This store is beautiful. And useful. Well worth a visit if you are «shopping local» on Elmwood.
Street meter parking. Elmwood and Anderson Place.
2034