Charles Shoe Service

Go here to get your shoes repaired like brand new! This place is a family business and Charlie does the best job of any cobbler. He's roughly 80 years old. He knows shoes better than anyone. And yes, he's a proud Greek national and his business is mostly all he knows. He's a very reasonable guy. Charlie knows what he's doing.

In efforts to embrace efficiency, I made the decision to cheat on my regular repair guy (Wayland Square Shoe Repair = 5*) and go near work.

Like stepping back into the 'old world ' secondhand smoke abounds as men play backgammon and watch the news in Greek. These are my people, and you would think I would feel at home, but no.

I had four different items: a belt that needed more holes, a purse that needed a new strap, and two pairs of shoes. The belt he punched in no time, and at no charge, but in a heaterskelter way. The purse was turned away, but what really got to me was the declining of the shoe repair. He told me he didn't carry an identical piece to the one that broke. I don't know...figure it out - just like my actual repair guy did when I brought him my rejects.

You do have to pre-pay, which I am ok with. The lone shoes that he did service, took two tries before my initial repair request was complete. I dare say some arguing transpired before I got what I wanted. Sorry Charlie - I don't think I'll be cheating again.

As another reviewer stated, this is a dying trade. I only got my shoes fixed because I find it hard to find comfortable shoes. Very rude customer service but did get my shoes fixed in a reasonable time. Work quality was not the best but also reasonable. Need to pay upfront. Price was more expensive than what I expected for a simple job. Convenient location but there's no parking near the store. Instead, you need to park on the street or across the street.

The place stinks and my shoes now stink. It was a fair price and good enough work but not sure if I would go back. Also, parking is on street or a lot across the street with a busy crossing. Not too convenient. Have to look for other places on South Shore.

I wish I read these reviews before I came here. The place really does smell like stale smoke and now my shoes do as well. When I dropped my shoes off, the guy wouldn't get off of the phone. I had to pay in advance in cash. At that point I should have run. Two pairs of shoes needing a simple plastic heel bottom. That's it. I just picked up my shoes and the heels are dented, sloppily glued, and one heel lookes like it was chewed up by vice grips. I have to either take them somewhere else or replace them. I'm beyond upset!

I'd echo the other opinions. I had a pair of loafers resoled and he kept trying to get me to switch from a leather sole to a rubber sole. Told me several times that it was no difference (there is a huge difference). Made me pay $40 in advance- which is BAD customer service. You provide a service? Then I pay when I have inspected your work. Which I should have done. My soles are welted- for those who may not know, I paid more for a sole that is sewn on. He GLUED a piece of leather to the bottom, in other words, now I can't ever have the shoes resoled unless I have them professionally salvaged. Stay away from this guy.

I don't pay for my food before I sit down at a restaurant, I don't pay for a car repair before they bring it in. And cash only (that part is understandable). When I picked the shoes up, from the same exact guy I spoke to twice- once in person and then on the phone about the stupid rubber sole that I did not want, he got upset with me that I did not have the ticket and instead had my identification.

For a store as slow as yours, you ought to remember my face. Don't go here- the guy is mean, and not in that charming old-world sense, he just doesn't seem helpful or care about service.

Super nice guy! Dropped off a pair of cowboy boots to be resoled and new heels. He was extremely courteous. It was the best price around. Took 2 days. My boots are spectacular. He went above and beyond. They feel like they are brand new.

Not sure what this issue is with paying first, of course you do! And every other shoe repair places charges at drop off not pick up. I got a pick up tag and had no issue.

Also not sure why people say he's unfriendly. He was talkative with me and funny and polite. I love him, l wish I had more shoes to repair to show him more support. He didn't strike me as the type of guy who is online reading review but I wish he could see this to know that I really appreciate his great work!

Great shoe repair place! Very nice man had my heels ready 2 days later. Only charged $9 to replace 2 heels not bad at all! Must pay with cash up front. I would recommend this cobbler to anyone who needs shoes fixed quick at a reasonable price.

Avoid at all cost. They were sooo rude. I went in to ask a general question about a shoe repair because i didn't have my shoes with me. I wanted to know how much does it cost roughly to change an out sole on my sneaker (basic converse). The man was simply got upset that i didn't bring my shoes with me and yelled "What shoes?" I tried to explain its just a converse and he wont listen. He then turned to his co-worker and said "No shoes and want a price?" and they both laughed at me like I am so stupid to even step my foot into the shop without my shoes. I will never ever go back into that shop again. BTW, I don't know how they stay in business..it is sooo dirty inside and worn down badly.

Old school. Knows his stuff, don't waste his time. Bring your shoes in, and he will let you know what you need. Not a people person, deals with smelly shoes all day. Give him your business, dying trade. Must pay up front, people seem to FORGET that they've left their shoes.