Steve’s Custom Shoe Repair

I like Steve’s. I think his prices are fair. Yeah, he’ll complain if you’ve worn your shoes way beyond an easy repair, but he’ll fix them and probably charge you less than he should. For modern men’s heels (molded plastic), bring them in before you’ve worn past the line, closest to the bottom of the heel. If you’ve never had shoes repaired, bring a pair in to him and he’ll show you when to bring them in for the least expensive heel and sole repair.

I read the reviews talking about how Steve is confrontational and rude but I thought I would give him a chance. After meeting him in person I couldn’t disagree with those reviews more. I just went in to the store for the first time to ask about getting my shoes resoled. Steve told me it wouldn’t be cost effective due to the nature of the shoe. He could have easily done it and taken my money. Instead he took the time to educate me about why I shouldn’t resole these ones and how to avoid running into similar problems in the future.
After meeting him in person and seeing the quality of work he does I will definitely be back! He was professional and extremely friendly. I would highly recommend this business.

Steve is AWESOME! My husband had a Harley boot that was losing the sole. It was pretty destroyed. I dropped the boot off and was told it would be 1 week. I asked how much (I had full intentions of paying $ 40 – 50), and Steve told me that he’ll probably have to hand stitch it, so it will be $ 16.
SERIOUSLY???
UMMMM…OK!!!
I came back the next week and the boot looked like new. I went to pay and was told it was $ 11. I reminded him that it should be $ 16, and he told me he didn’t have to hand stitch it after all. I would have never known. He could have charged me $ 16…or even $ 40, and I would have been ok with it.
Great guy who does an honest and amazing job. Highly recommended!

5 stars for Steven!
He did a Wonderful job on my pair of thick leather boots!
He’s awesome, just don’t try to be arrogant and you will have a great customer service.
I am definely coming back.

I had the soles of two pairs of boots repaired here and had a top notch experience. Steve, the owner, was very friendly when I dropped my shoes off. I don’t know much about shoe upkeep, but he gave me some very helpful tips and also recommended some durable soles that fit my needs (my leather-​soled boots fell victim to a wet, icy Danish winter and needed some real TLC before facing those conditions again). Because of his quality work, my boots won’t need to be repaired for quite some time. But, when they do, I’ll bring them back to Steve.

It was my 1^st time take my shoes to this place. This far have no regrets, my boots were cleaned and heels got repaired properly

After a recommendation from a friend I went here to drop off a pair of boots with worn heels. I was reprimanded immediately when I showed the shoes to the man at the counter. He insisted over and over again that I shouldn’t have worn them down so much and it will cost (gasp!) $ 10 extra to repair the additional wear. He kept going on and on about how badly worn they were and I had enough when he finally grumbled, «These are so worn I won’t even make my money back on repairing them!» So, I said, «OK, then I’ll take them elsewhere.» To his shock, I took my shoes and walked out the door. To complete the terrible experience, I heard him mumble an insult at my back as I was leaving. It was the rudest encounter I ever had with a Salt Lake business. I then drove to Midvalley Shoe and Leather where I was warmly greeted and not treated like a monster for actually wearing my shoes. The woman there even said they weren’t that bad at all. Long story short — if you want a cobbler to make you feel terrible for entering his store then Steve’s is the shoe repair for you! Otherwise, go to Midvalley and spare yourself the insults.

The owner is very rude. I’ve given this place multiple tries and never had a good experience. Not only is the customer service bad, but I’ve gone by at 530pm and all the lights are out when they say they are open until 6. It is impossible to pick up your shoes. At this point they can keep my shoes because I’m done trying and dealing with him when I do finally find a time he is there.

Steve did a great job for us. He repaired a wallet and two pairs of shoes.
I’ve had the wallet for almost twenty years, and was thrilled that I could keep the legacy going. He did some restitching and its been holding up very well ever since.
My wife had the heels replaced on a pair of pumps and a pair of boots, and the job was done flawlessly. He also cleaned and polished everything, leaving our items gleaming and supple, really like new.
We ended up paying about $ 14 per item, ultimately worth the cost. Some reviewers have knocked Steve for being «eccentric» but he’s a craftsman and managed to run a business that bucks our throwaway culture. If you want plastic smiles go to Bed Bath and Beyond (sorry BB n B, I’m using you for illustration only). This guy knows his stuff.

I went to Steve for some tiny leather straps for a camera restoration. He seemed to do a fine job with the task at hand. I’m writing to warn people of what others have referred to as his «colorful personality.»
I think he’s nuts — certifiably. I was picking up my straps (keep in mind they were 1.5″ long and ½″ wide little strips of leather), when the lady ahead of me coughed. Yes, you heard me. She coughed. Simple as that. Steve went on a tirade that she shouldn’t be in public and much less so in his shop. She left in a hurry leaving her shoes to be repaired. It was almost a scene out of a Seinfeld episode involving soup.
After she left, he proceeded to tell me he needed to run to get his spray. What? Yes. He ran out back and came back with Lysol and proceeded to spray his hands and the general area. OK.
I made conversation and he continued with his tirade against sick people. And… How he’d been sick 8 years ago because some lady gave him the flu. I asked if he had children, as mine are walking Petri dishes, bringing home the latest and greatest new bug. He pointed out that he didn’t really care.
I proceeded to ask him why he was only open 4 days a week. He told me he had some kind of osteoarthritis and that his knees were shot and so on and so forth. Remember he ran out back for the Lysol? Well, he told me he was on «disability» and that his attorney Robert J. Derby got him that status and payments. He then proceeded to tell me about the aquavie stuff he has to take to be able to be in the shop, and how expensive it was. I saw no apparent disability other than the psychological stuff.
I left with my tiny little straps and vowed not to go back. I’m sure he does good work, but I’m not really interested in supporting a nut job with poor interpersonal skills, health phobias, and faux disabilities playing the system.
Btw. My two little straps were $ 10.67. Hummmmmm.

I’ve been to many shoe repair shops around salt lake valley, this by far has the better quality and price. Steve is a great guy and passionate about his job, he does an excellent job. I’ve been coming here for years, never been disappointed.

Steve did a great job with my heels. I should warn new customers that he ONLY accepts cash, and he is a very «colorful» guy when it comes to personality.
I’ve read other poor reviews, but I haven’t had a bad experience yet. I appreciate him getting my heels fixed in time for a weekend wedding. I will be returning with more shoes!

Found this place thanks to Unilocal.
Local guy and his shop. Repaired my boots (scuffed toe, replaced heel pads) for $ 10. I would have paid more any where else I’m sure and not got near the quality!
He also has a resale section of coats and boots.
He works all things leather.
Friendly, nice, informative!

I’m new to Utah and have to have a ¾-​inch shoe lift on all my right shoes, because my right hip is higher than my left hip due to physical disability. I had bought a new pair of sneakers and saw this place. I picked it solely on the fact that it was the closest to where I lived.
When I got to the place, I noticed that his front entrance was barely accessible. I was surprised at this, since they do orthopedic modifications of shoes. When I get inside, there was no one at the front counter. I waited and waited. I didn’t want to yell to get anyone to come to up front, but I was tempted to.
When the older worker finally came up to the front, I explained that I needed a ¾-​inch lift. He insisted I needed a 5/​8-​inch lift. I know my body and my needs, so I kept asking for a ¾-​inch lift. He kept insisting, saying the lift on my prior shoe had been flattened down to its current width. I gave in.
Then, because I liked the grip of my prior shoe and it was the exact same as my new shoe, I asked him to do the exact same modification with the new shoe. This would require the sole to be cut, have the lift added, and then put the sole back onto the shoe. He told me a slightly higher price than before due to how I wanted the shoe to be.
Then, he told me cash or check only. Um, what business allows checks still and no credit/​debit cards? Even small businesses have some tech to accept credit/​debit cards. All this place had was a cash register from the 50’s or older.
I had a friend get my shoe, as he was gonna pay for it. When I saw the shoe, the owner did not do as I asked. He just put the shoe lift over the existing sole. I had wanted to keep the existing sole because of the traction it has. My new sole is too slippery. I need the traction to help transfer in/​out of vehicles and to adjust in my wheelchair.
So, would I go back? HECK NO! I need a place that listens to their customers, even if they can’t understand the reason for special instructions. As I’m sitting here, I notice, also, the height is not what I asked for. My spine can feel it. Plus, get with the times, people! Use basic updated equipment to run a business. A cash register needs to be able to handle customers of today, not of 50 – 60 years ago.

I had Steve do a small stitch job on a bag to replace a broken duraflex buckle. He seemed fairly in pain from a broken rib he’d mentioned. So he was not really at his best but he was friendly and personable. The stitch job was fine though a part of the component was backwards I noticed later (it doesn’t impact it’s function at all). I left him with a shoe to fix as well so hopefully he’ll be more himself and I can update my review.

I have this pair of boots that are my favorite… they’re old German military paratrooper boots. They’ve been wearing out the last few years, the sole separating from the foam midsole. For the last couple years I’ve used copious amounts of shoe goo trying to keep the soles on, but it finally got to the point where the midsole foam was too broken down for the glue to even bond to. These are my FAVORITE boots for winter time, very high quality leather, very warm, water resistant, etc.
So, I did my research and went to see Steve. I started telling him how I loved my boots, but my abilities to keep them usable had run out and I needed his help. He took one look at the shoe goo on the sides of the sole and before I could finish my sentence, he cut me off telling me he wouldn’t even touch my boots. I knew they looked like shit, I didn’t need him to remind me. I asked him if all that wouldn’t be removed for a resole anyway, and then changed his tune when he found out I wanted a resole job. I was very direct back at him that I was trying to tell him that when he interrupted me.
Long story short (but still pretty long), he wanted 70 bucks for the resole, plus 30 for rebuild of the foam midsole. I decided it wasn’t worth it and bought some new boots. I may do it sometime, but not with Steve.
The point of my review is to point out that Steve, before hearing the details of what work I wanted him to perform, cut me off rudely. He is in the business of repairing shoes. Perhaps he should listen to what the customer wants before insisting he won’t do it. This is not a review of his work, which from the looks of the shoes and boots on his shelves was very good. This is a review of his bedside manner, which, in a word, was shitty.

Steve is an honest businessman who genuinely loves the trade and cares about his customers. I brought in a pair of expensive boots that were pretty beat up — I wasn’t sure they could be saved. Steve did such a phenomenal job on the heels — couldn’t even tell there was ever a problem! And I worn them numerous times since — the materials he used will last for years and years to come.
Just picked up a pair of shoes today and once again Steve didn’t disappoint. Very competitive prices, quality work, and quick! Highly recommended as a go-​to shoe guy.

Been going to Steve for 10 years. While his personality is a little rough around the edges, he’s a hard worker & a true craftsman. In today’s day & age he’s one of the last remaining cobblers & the quality of the work is second to none. Yes, his hours of operation can be a little off but he’s a one man show. Work shoes are expensive & can be considered an investment. If treated properly good shoes can last decades. Steve understands this & his attention to detail is exceptional. He believe in doing it the right way & takes pride in his work. I highly recomend going into his shop & taking a look behind the counter. It’s old school… the way a shoe repair place should be!

I have a pair of work shoes that I love, but that are slowly dying. They’re starting to become uncomfortable and I noticed the bottom of one was worn almost all the way through. So I relied on my fellow Unilocalers for recommendations to find a shoe repair shop.
Steve’s store front is well-​marked and easy to find. There is a small parking lot to the right as you’re pulling in. When I walked in, I saw a sweaty man working diligently over a sanding wheel. It looked like he took shoe repair pretty seriously!
I did not end up leaving shoes to be repaired, but here is what I love– Steve was honest with me! He took a break from his work to really look at what I’d brought in. He said that although they were a good brand, that they had rubbery soles would make the repair difficult and very expensive. He further told me what to look for in a new pair, stating that he thought my money would be better spent that way. Any business owner who puts honesty over making money will get my business next time– I was very impressed!
They can also repair luggage and jean zippers!

Steve’s Custom Shoe Repair is the place to take your shoes, bags, etc. if you want it done properly. I’ve used this shop about 4 different times now. I tried Village Cobbler (closer to me — and a nicer shop) but found them to be expensive and not as talented.
Steve’s shop is nothing to stop and look at. It’s not geared towards those that want a Nordstroms Shopping Experience. It’s simply a guy that really knows his stuff. His prices are reasonable (and better than other shops) and I’m always impressed with his attention to detail. I brought him a pair of shoes that had been repaired recently elsewhere. A heel had simply fallen off — nearly new heels. He insisted on replacing both heels as he wants to make sure you walk evenly (he’s not trying to gouge — genuine concern). The shoes he’s repaired (which started off faulty) and had been re-​heeled a total of two other times besides this one are finally fixed. When he fixed them, they stayed fixed — and frankly had better heels than before.
I also had him fix a strap on a shoulder bag — which I wasn’t sure could even be repaired. He took the bag apart and repaired it in a way that I would never have known there was any issue.
Highly recommended. This guys knows his stuff and passionately cares about his work.