Frequently asked questions about shoe repair
COBBLER.CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our shoe repair services

Shoe repair costs in Canada vary by service: heel replacement typically costs $25-$45, full sole replacement runs $50-$120, zipper repair is $15-$80, and leather reconditioning ranges from $20-$150. Boot resoling for work or hiking boots costs $50-$200 depending on the sole type. Most repairs cost 20-40% of what you'd spend on new footwear. Contact us for a free estimate.

Most standard shoe repairs take 3-7 business days. Simple repairs like heel tip replacement or shoe shine can be completed same-day or next-day. More complex work like full sole replacement or leather reconditioning may take 7-14 days. We offer rush service for urgent repairs at an additional fee.

Yes! Blundstone and Birkenstock repairs are among our most requested services. For Blundstones, we offer full sole replacement, elastic panel repair, heel rebuilding, and leather reconditioning. For Birkenstocks, we replace cork footbeds, resole with original-style soles, and repair buckle hardware. We use genuine Vibram and equivalent soles that match or exceed factory specifications.

Yes, we offer free pickup and delivery in most major Canadian cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Hamilton. Simply request a pickup through our online form or by phone. For customers outside our pickup zones, we also accept mail-in repairs with prepaid shipping labels.

In most cases, repairing quality shoes is significantly more cost-effective than replacement. A $500 pair of dress shoes can be resoled for $70-$120, extending their life by 3-5 years. High-quality leather shoes are designed to be resoled multiple times. Beyond cost savings, repair is environmentally responsible. The general rule: if the upper leather is in good condition, repair is almost always worth it.

Absolutely. Zipper repair and replacement is one of our core services. We fix zippers on boots, jackets, handbags, luggage, and leather goods using YKK, RiRi, and Excella replacement zippers. Common repairs include replacing stuck or broken sliders ($15-$30) and full zipper replacement ($40-$80).

We use premium sole brands trusted by cobblers worldwide. For dress shoes: Vibram, Topy, and Continental leather soles. For hiking boots: Vibram MegaGrip, TC-4 Plus, and Litebase. For work boots: Vibram industrial-compound soles rated for oil resistance and slip resistance per CSA Z195 standards.

Yes, we specialize in luxury shoe and handbag repair for brands including Louboutin, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahnik. Our craftspeople use materials that match original specifications. Services include red sole refinishing, hardware polishing, leather reconditioning, and colour restoration.

Yes, work boot and safety boot repair is a major part of our service. We resole CSA-certified boots from brands like Red Wing, Dakota, Timberland PRO, and Keen Utility while maintaining their safety certifications. For construction crews and industrial employers, we offer bulk boot maintenance programs that save 50-70% compared to annual boot replacement.

The best indicator is the condition of the upper leather. If the upper is still in good structural condition, the shoe is almost certainly worth repairing. Soles, heels, insoles, and zippers are all replaceable components. As a rule of thumb, if the repair costs less than 50% of the replacement price, it's worth doing. Send us photos for a free assessment.