6 Best Cobblers and Shoe Repair Stores in Melbourne

By Janie Medbury - Guide

Published: 26 June 2023, Last Updated: 27 Jan 2024

Many of us get our finest clothes tailored, steam cleaned and ironed, but what about our shoes? Apart from a polish every now and again, our shoes tend to get neglected, and before you know it’s time to throw them out and go see what the best shoe brands have on sale. Or is it? Wear and tear, broken bits, faded leather and more can be fixed by simply taking your shoes to a cobbler or shoe repair store. When it comes to shoe repair, Melbourne CBD and surrounds have plenty of options. We’ve put together a list of the 6 best cobblers and shoe repair stores in Melbourne (in no particular order).

1. Evans
2. Felix’s Shoe Repair
3. The Cobblers Last
4. Manfreds Shoe Lounge
5. Sole Service
6. Alexander’s Shoes
Alternatives to the Best Shoe Repair Stores in Melbourne

1. Evans

Evans have been repairing heels, patching up tears and re-sizing shoes for over 60 years in the Royal Arcade, in Melbourne CBD. Evans was founded by Evan Skliros, known as “Mr. Evans” to locals, a highly renowned leather craftsman, so it’s no surprise that this shoe repair store specialises in leather – yes, your Oxfords will be in very capable hands. In fact, many of Evans’ clients are designers, fashionistas and retailers. Evans can also clean and restore your other leather accessories, such as luxury bags and leather jackets.

Address: Shop 50, Royal Arcade, 150 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 03 9650 2405
Hours: Mon-Thu & Sat 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm

2. Felix’s Shoe Repair

Felix is a Russian man from St Petersburg who has trained extensively in the art of shoe making and shoe repair; his customers know him as someone who is careful with his work, who takes the time to talk with you about your expectations. As you approach his shop, Felix’s Shoe Repair, you will see a 100 year old sewing machine in the window. Felix can also repair bags, belts and other leather goods that need a pick-me-up. Open six days a week as early as 7.30am, Felix’s Shoe Repair makes dropping off and picking up your shoes as easy and convenient as possible.

Address: 166 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: 03 9429 4629
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 7:30am-2pm

3. The Cobblers Last

With over 45 years of experience, The Cobblers Last are confident that they can take care of any shoe or bag repairs. They are probably the best cobbler Melbourne has to offer. This shoe repair store was founded in 2010 by John Coburn and Luke Cuskelly – two very friendly, skilled cobbers who are always happy to help. Their reputation is built on fast, professional service and competitive prices. Specifically, they offer full leather soles and half leather sole repairs, professional shoe dyeing, shoe shining and cleaning, goodyear welt and Blake stitching, zipper repairs and replacements, shoe stretching and custom leather work. They also sell a range of shoe care products.

Address: 13a/50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 0429 351 697
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm

4. Manfreds Shoe Lounge

Manfreds Shoe Lounge do it all – not only do they offer shoe repairs (and are in fact widely considered the best shoe repairers in Melbourne), they also sell handmade shoes of exceptional quality from brands like Loake, Barker & Jefferey West and boots by Harold. Manfred, the head cobbler, comes from three generations of shoemakers, so his talent for shoe restoration is, quite literally, in his blood. In fact, he recently restored a pair of 30 year old John Lobb goodyear welted shoes! Whether you need resoling, gluing, patching, stretching, polishing, zip replacement or something else, Manfreds can take care it for you.

Address: 62 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Phone: 03 9329 0715
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-4pm

5. Sole Service

If you know anything about who’s who in the shoe repair business, you probably won’t be surprised to see Sole Service on the list, widely considered as Australia’s best concierge cobbler. Sole Service makes getting your shoes repaired easy as pie – you don’t even have to leave the house. You simply click onto their website and get a quote, and they’ll arrange to pick up your beloved pair of shoes, work their magic on them and have them posted back to you (free of charge) before you even notice they’re gone.

Phone: +61 488 386 580

6. Alexander’s Shoes

Alexander’s Shoes is an old-fashioned, highly-skilled shoemaker and shoe repair store. As you stroll down Smith Street, the quaint shop will stand out among the new retailers and cafes. If you walk in you will see the two cobblers sitting behind the counter, busy at work on repairing old shoes and sculpting new ones. See what they can do to rejuvenate an old, favourite pair, or check out their small range of classic leather shoes that are available to purchase at surprisingly low prices – simple in style but with an old-school charm that many will appreciate.

Address: 124 Smith St, Collingwood Victoria 3066

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