Ethan BrownAs much as I love shoe shopping in Ottawa, I can’t bring myself to let go of some of my pairs, especially when we’ve been through a lot of memories together. This is when I turn to shoe repair shops in Ottawa, which have never let me down.
However, shoe repair shops are a dying breed compared to their heyday, and it’s becoming more challenging to find them across the city, which is why I made this review!
Whether your shoe needs regluing, shining, stitching or everything in between, keep on reading to discover the best shoe repair shops in Ottawa you can trust!
What is the average cost of shoe repair in Ottawa?
The average cost of shoe repair in Ottawa ranges from CAD10 to CAD130, depending on the severity of the damage. For instance, simple reconditioning varies between CAD10 and CAD15, while stitching and seam repairs can cost CAD80.
1. Westboro Shoe Rebuilders
Services: Sewing, hole-punching, resoling, heel replacement, custom fitting
Location: 1867 Carling Ave.
Contact: +1 613-725-1012
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Westboro Shoe Rebuilders has garnered local fame due to its tenure in the industry, having been around for 20+ years. It has changed locations throughout its lifespan, but the constant is its owner and sole repairman, Mr Dang.
We reached out to some of the regulars, and the majority stated that Mr Dang is what makes the shop great.
For instance, a handful of our interviewees mentioned that Dang would occasionally provide quick and easy services for free. He would also offer shoe-caring tips to avoid getting the damage he had just fixed.
We also appreciate his efforts in explaining the repair process and providing an estimated timeframe.
Mr Dang has his own shop along Carling Avenue, which can be easily accessed by OC Transpo bus route 85. Additionally, it offers ample parking spaces.
Its only downside is it’s not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This doesn’t make it less legitimate, but some customers view BBB accreditation as a standard for trustworthiness and ethical business practices.
Will be coming here for any of my shoe issues
“Very sweet shop owner. I came in to punch some more holes in my Birkenstock straps. He did this quickly, and when I asked how much I owed him, he said, “Don’t worry about it”, since it was such a quick job.
He did tell me how to salvage my old beloved Birks. I will be coming here for any of my shoe issues in the future!”
-Sonam Maghera, Google Review
Best shoe repair in Ottawa
“The best shoe repair in Ottawa. Dan is deeply experienced in his craft and provides great customer service. I bring all my soccer boots here for repair.”
-Alex Removich, Google Review
2. Max’s Shoe Repair
Services: Sole/heel replacements, cleaning, polishing, stitching, handbag repairs
Location: 1261 Wellington St.
Contact: +1 613-422-0960
Business hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Max’s Shoe Repair was recommended to us by a friend who recently had their shoes restored, adding that the pair looked and felt brand new. Upon closer look, we discovered that the reason for this was that the shop featured complete machinery for stitching, regluing, and more.
We also visited their shop, where we saw these machines first-hand, but what caught our attention more was their selection of leather care products. They offer top brands like Médaille D’Or 1925 and Beauté Du Cuir, both of which are known for using natural ingredients.
The friendly and prompt customer service was highlighted in our customer surveys as well. For instance, the majority of them appreciated the constant updates Max would provide through the phone regarding the repair.
The main downside here is that they don’t offer guarantees. However, previous customers told us how they returned their shoes to the shop after being unsatisfied with the initial service, and Max would fix it again using a different method, free of charge.
Exceptional work
“Max does exceptional work. I have had multiple pairs of shoes resoled by him. The job he did to refurbish my wife’s Birkenstock was amazing. He also carries an excellent selection of shoe care products from Saphir.”
-C Tse, Google Review
An expert and a class act
“I’ve got a pair of fairly expensive leather shoes, about a seven-year-old Loakes. The right shoe never really fit well. It caused a lot of pain on the top of my toes. In those seven years, I’ve seen about three cobblers across the world.
None of them were able to sort out the issue until I gave the shoe to Max. He tried to fix it once, but it didn’t work. He took the shoe back and tried something different free of charge, gave me some advice on wearing it, and sent me on my way.
For the first time since I’ve owned the shoes, I can wear them for as long as I want. Max is an expert and a class act.”
-Arin de Hoog, Google Review
3. Bytown Shoe Repair
Services: Restoration, stitching, regluing, patching, cleaning
Location: 341 Dalhousie St.
Contact: +1 613-562-2141
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
ByTown Shoe Repair immediately caught our attention when we saw our interviewees’ before and after photos of their shoes. Most of the time, we couldn’t even tell which was restored—a testament to the quality of their workmanship.
What impressed us further was the affordable rates! We’ve even heard of the owner turning down full restorations because their issues could be resolved with a simple cleaning, which speaks volumes about their transparency.
We’re also impressed with the quick turnaround time of their services, which could vary depending on the severity of the damage. However, we’ve found in our surveys that customers’ shoes were ready for pickup the next day, even after a complete restoration.
We noted that the owners are extremely friendly as well. A handful of their customers shared how they were met with a warm welcome upon entering their store.
Our only gripe is that the shop is closed on weekends, which is typically when most people have free time.
Couldn’t tell any difference between the repaired shoe and a new one
“Recommend coming here for your shoe repairs; Joseph did an amazing job fixing mine! One of my Adidas shoes got torn and I brought it in to get fixed. It was ready the next business day!
I personally couldn’t tell any difference between the repaired shoe and a new one. Cash only, but very reasonable prices (I paid $17).”
-Aaron, Google Review
His honesty was greatly appreciated
“Went to Bytown Shoe Repair to have a pair of leather boots restored. The owner was very nice and told me they didn’t need restoration; they just needed to be properly washed and re-treated.
His honesty was greatly appreciated; he didn’t push to sell me anything I didn’t need. Very good service!”
-Audrey-Anne, Google Review
4. Paris Shoe Repair
Services: Belt repair, sole replacements, patching, stitching, cleaning
Location: 609 Centre St Unit A.
Contact: +1 613-746-5740
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Paris Shoe Repair is one of the older restoration shops in the city, and it’s still frequented by Ottawans today. We reached out to as many previous customers as we could, and the common consensus was the owner’s warm and friendly personality.
Furthermore, they highlighted the craftsmanship of the repairmen, stating how their pairs looked like they were straight out of the box. Some of them even shared how their shoes felt more durable thanks to the masterful stitching done on their soles.
We also visited the store first-hand, and we were pleased with the ample parking spaces in front. Plus, it’s relatively easy to reach, as it’s near the Montréal/Center Bus Stop, which is only a minute away from the shop on foot.
We were a bit doubtful at first because of the long waiting times we’ve heard from some of their previous customers. However, upon seeing how the owner works in detail with each pair he’s presented with, we immediately understood why.
Immense respect
“I didn’t make a purchase here, but the gentleman who runs the shop was so kind and helpful, I felt the need to leave a review about my experience anyway.
I had a pair of shoes that I loved to death (quite literally – I wore a hole right through the sole because I wore them so much), and I was hoping to revive them.
The price he quoted me to fix them was, in my opinion, very fair for the labour involved, but he was upfront and honest with me that while he could do it, given the low quality of the shoes, it really wasn’t worth it to fix them.
He was incredibly patient with me while I processed that and eventually made the decision not to move forward with the repair.
I have such immense respect for a business owner who has the integrity to be honest with people even if it loses them a sale. I would go back to him in a heartbeat if I had a quality pair of shoes that needed a fix-up.”
-Lauren Trick, Google Review
Affordable place with super nice staff
“I just got my boots fixed at this establishment.
They did such a great job. And the price was so affordable. I highly recommend anybody who needs their boots or shoes. Sandals, even cowboy boots, are fixed. Go to this place. The staff is amazing.
I’ve had these boots for a very long time. They’re my only Going Out. Boots, so to find an affordable place with super nice staff that is priceless”
-Robin Ducharme, Google Review
5. Joe’s Shoe Repair
Services: Belt repair, sole and heel replacements, cleaning, and restorations
Location: 18 Beechwood Ave. Unit 102
Contact: +1 613-748-1888
Business hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Joe’s Shoe Repair is a one-stop shop for all leather repairs, from bags to belts, and of course, shoes. The shop has garnered several regulars throughout the years because of the quality of workmanship of the owner himself, Joe.
We interviewed some of their regulars and asked if they could take before and after photos of their shoes, and we were impressed. For starters, we noticed that they could restore shoes to their heyday from just about every type of damage, from holes to sole separation, etc.
The store also sells a wide variety of shoe-care products, and more often than not, Joe is nice enough to recommend products from their shelves, without feeling like you’re being upsold.
Our interviewees also noted how quickly Joe works, often completing their shoes the next day.
However, one thing we noticed during our interviews was the dismay regarding the shop’s cleaning services. Although Joe makes up for this through refunds, we still think it’s worth noting here.
I’m glad I found this
“Stores such as this one hardly exist. I’m glad I found this one. It will save several of my leather items.
Owned and run by an Asian family. Nicely organised and pretty much all kinds of repairs offered related to leather goods.
They also make keys and have batteries for wrist watches. Got myself a nice shoe brush. Now, I can shine my boots.”
-Asif A. Ali, Google Review
Impressed with the workmanship
“Joe’s Shoe Repair did a really nice job repairing my footwear. I had the soles replaced on one pair of shoes and the heels on another. He also replaced a zipper on a cross-country ski boot. I’m impressed with the workmanship.”
-Evelyn Simpson, Google Review
