This place took over 2 1/2 weeks to repair a suede jacket. They charge me upfront and then when I went to pick up the jacket, they told me they didn't even work on it because they forgot about it. And talking to the older gentleman who I guess is Carl he let me know that he was really sorry, but it wasn't his fault that he forgot to work on it because it was his assistance's fault because she did not give it to him. It's a shame this place does not care anymore about customer service or working with clients. I've been coming here for years and this was awful regarding how they treat people who pay in advance. read more

See all

I was very disappointed in Glenn and his assistant over at Carl's Boots in El Cajon. First, the assistant took my shoes in after I paid for them and went on vacation without telling Glenn they were due to be done in a week. I had to wait another day for my shoes which by the way, only on had dirt on them, no grease or other kinds of stains that wouldn't come out. I had just decided to have them cleaned instead of buying new ones. Well, after Glenn hurriedly cleaned my shoes, I received them the day after they were originally due to be finished. Look at the photos I uploaded and you can decide for yourself what kind of "cleaning" job he did on my tennis shoes, which by the way, he charged me $15 for. read more

See all

Place has gone downhill big time over past few years. I used to love them. This year, I dropped boots off for service. Was told it was a 6 week wait time and cash only. Inconvenient but not a deal breaker. I return to pick them up and they did the bare minimum. Couldn't be bothered to say hi or even look up when I walked in. Lost the shoes and had to wait for them to be found. Didnt have time to put the laces back in or polish at all. There has to be better options out there. read more

I got heels replaced on a pair women's pumps. When I got home, I noticed that glue was smeared along the side and bottom of one of the shoes and at the heel area on both. Also, I was quoted $14 on the phone but told $19 when I went in person. read more

My friend Karen needed some sandals modified because the strap was too long and the Velcro that was used when they made it was not enough to keep the strap in place. These guys were very friendly, they fixed the sandals and had it ready quickly, very professional, and reasonable. read more

This is an amazing place! The owner is a wonderful guy! Straight up old school and high quality craftsman! This place is jewel in El Cajon! Hard to find a shoe cobbler shop anywhere so treasure it El Cajon! While it's here! Thanks for the straight up high quality product and customer service! read more

Good dude and does great work but attitude is sketchy. For me I would take a little grumpiness to get quality work then great service and BS work. read more

I would not recommend going here. My husband had a tool pouch that he wanted to remake so he took it here. That was over a year ago (which is not the businesses fault since my husband said he was not in a hurry) but he would call multiple times and leave a voicemail asking for updates without a call back. Once I went in there myself since my husband is working out of town's, the man at the front desk informed me that he could not find/call for updates in regards to the tool pouch because he lost the ticket (please note that this place was a pigsty and had boxes/ product all over and very unorganized). We paid $100 (which we did not receive our deposit back) for his tool belt to not even be started and then lost but was told the reasoning why we did not receive any updates was because the ticket fell off and the man at the front desk, brushed it off like I was having a bad attitude about it... Note to this business-- Please update your organization system, provide reliable ETA to your customers and if you cannot do the job, please reimburse and do not steal your customers, hard-working money! read more

5 stars based on my initial experience for a minor ask today. This is a small, local shop that looks quite busy judging from their shop packed full of boots and saddles and purses and belts. It's kind of cool to be surrounded by lots of leather goods. It's a quaint operation. The gentleman at the counter today was professional and kind. I can see how some people would think being professional and getting to the point would be considered off-putting, but I'm someone who likes to get in and get out, so I was happy to get straight to why I came there. I needed some extra holes punched in the strap of my purse and he took my purse back and came back about 3 minutes later and it was done. Best part? No charge. He could have charged me $10 and I was ready to pay a fee, but he was nice enough to do the work for free. 5 stars until this business gives me reason to rate otherwise. read more

this place did such quick and great work, they have fixed not only my shoes, but my watch's too. Always recommend!

Don't go here! from the start the older man white beard was unprofessional when speaking at me. I went for a specific add to a bag. after discussing my wants he gave me a verbal estimated cost. I asked for a receipt of leaving my bags and what services we discussed to include estimate. he said they don't give any type receipts. this was RED FLAG I wish I didn't ignore. I took a few pics proving I left my bags here but that's all I had. I was told 2 week period to complete. each time I called they were not ready! i finally picked up 6 WEEKS LATER! AND THEY DID NOT PROVIDE THE SERVICE I ASKED FOR! IT WAS WRONG NOT WHAT WE DISCUSSED! Then he tried to blame it on me saying I didn't ask for that. I went in there with a specific agenda I know exactly what I asked for. He was very rude! You've been warned Don't use this business! UNPROFESSIONAL read more

I took a pair of cowboy boots and a pair of hiking boots to this shop for repair. The cowboy boots needed to be reheeled and cleaned up. The hiking boots needed the soles to be glued back on. After paying $70 and waiting a week I went in to pick up my boots and all I can say is... Meh They did an exceptional job reheeling my cowboy boots. However I asked that they also polish them up and make them look nice again. They seemed to have only polished the toes of the boot and left the top untouched. The leather on the upper part of the boots looks dry and there are loose strings. The hiking boots have visible globs of glue. In short, if all you care about is function go here, if you want craftsmanship this is not the place. A little bummed, but happy to have working boots in time for the spring. read more

See all

Dang! This place is AMAZING! Their work is so professional and well done! They also get it done quickly! I am very impressed! I will be bringing in more items, that I would trust them to do because, they are real professionals. My shoes came out way better than I expected! Which is Awesome in itself! I will definitely be back! Thumbs up for this business! read more

Absolutely not had my boots for over 2 weeks when I showed up to pick them up they had not touched them and had failed to reach out to me to let me know that they where behind schedule read more

These guys are pretty nice they guarantee there work. I want to thank the man that helped me with my boots You guys did what I can only assume was a rushed job with all the adhesive that was on my boots still. I was given a date almost 2 weeks out when they're going to be finished, I was fine with that because I wanted a good job done. It took them almost a week longer to get a rushed job done. Unfortunately I wanted a wedge and that's not what I got. read more

See all

I had a great experience. I brought in a leather coach mini backpack that needed some repair. I held off on getting it repaired because I had no idea who I could go to. I came here to Carl's Boots & Leather because it was close to where I live, and honestly I'm really glad I did. The lady there was really helpful and communicated that it would be a couple weeks, which was totally fine with me. I wasn't in a hurry. I got my purse back and it looks great! And the price to fix was way less than what I was expecting to pay. I highly recommend this business. Thanks again! read more

Glenn is the best!! Can fix or Fabricate just about anything ‼ His profession is is Truly a dying profession... enjoy him while you can ‼

Had a favorite belt that clasped with a metal rose, the belt after years of use fell apart and I didn't want to discard it. So, I took the belt to Carl's Boot and Leather with another belt for them to use to replace the trashed belt. Wow! They did such a great job! I have my favorite belt back and the young lady who did the work was kind, attentive and her work was terrific. And the cost was less than a new belt. Go to Carl's for all your leather repair needs. I'll be going back, for sure. read more

Day 2 of repair work after wearing the shoes a total of 10 hours. Glad I removed the wax laces the boots fit nicer and are more comfortable but this repair is already taking in soil and becoming fully a soil bladder. I can now actually kick rocks- out my toe! Wax laces were bad enough but this is a bummer. read more

Carl's Boot & Leather - Repair work day two (10 hours in) - Shoe Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

I was assisted by Glen and Karlenn, small business and good people to work with. They were able to accommodate my needs at a timely manner.

Small business, nice people. The work that I had performed was just mediocre. Had a pair of sneakers re-glued/attached to the soles. Not the best looking final result when completed. Yellow glue coming out so around. They are functional, but look like they were re-glued obviously. Also, had a belt buckle repaired with new pins and already came apart again. It was ok, but also not very expensive. read more

Don't bother to go here. Poor customer service. I brought boots in to be cleaned. My boots look the same as when I brought them, still dirty. Also very unfriendly. It took a week to get them cleaned, and I wasted $25.00. I would give 0 stars, but you have to give at least one star. Would not recommend this place. read more

Excellent quality work, very friendly & caring...I recently took in a leather tote bag to see if it could be converted to a backpack: Carlin did an absolutely outstanding job! Can't say enough about her helpfulness, efficiency, kindness & help!!!! This shop is a "dying breed"...check them out for your repairs, you won't be disappointed!! read more

Needed to get my boots resolved and was recommended this place by a friend. I am more than pleased with results, highly recommend read more

Carl's Boot & Leather - Before Carl's - Shoe Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Friendly service and quick repairs made. I think their pricing is fair but I don't have any other recent shoe repair work to compare it to.

went to get my boots resold, nice resoling job. It's customary to oil up the boots. This is the second time they handed them back to me dry. I'll be going somewhere else that has better service. also they have a very strange policy of charging you $40 to try on boots. Never seen that before. It's like a sign that says don't buy your boots here. I would not recommend them. read more

I have been here several times. They are always very nice and helpful. The "young girl" who someone said I'd stupid is not! This is an old fashioned place, be prepared to take your time not run in and out. This type of craftsmanship is a dying art. Yes the small shop is messy. But for me it is not a problem. read more

WOW, WOW, WOOWWWWW! This place is one of the most perfect examples of why I love and trust Yelp! as much as I do. I am pretty much always in heels, so the toss up is usually "Do I get these shoes fixed or just go buy another pair?"... and up to this point I have never been satisfied with shoe/heel repair for the cost. This time, it was to save the life of my most favorite pair of stilettos, I just couldnt bring myself to give them up. While I was at it, I threw in two other pairs of work heels that needed a polish and cap replacement. I arrive and have Carl take a look at my shoes. He tells me $8.50 for the heel replacements, and I think to myself, per SHOE or per pair...? It was per pair! shweet. (Unlike others I called that were $25 a pair!) The cleaning/polishing was only 4 bucks a pair. He asked if I would pay now, and although hesitant, I did. I never do that for my drycleaner or tailor until its all done, but whatever works for these folks. I would never abandon my beloved shoes, I would come back and pay I swear!! Today was pick up day and I felt totally compelled to come home and write this review. I am SO amazingly happy. All three pairs turned out so beautiful, they look like brand new shoes, not old shoes that were fixed. He took such great care to make them look perfect and touch up spots I didn't even mention. He even polished a pair of non-leather pumps with permanent dyes or something that just made them shine and, again, look brand new. That was the most impressive pair too, because they were so worn. Not anymore!!!! Thanks Carl, I will be back again and again! My total for a 3 pair makeover was under $40, better than buying a new pair! :) (Did I mention, that I brought these on a late Monday afternoon and picked up on an early Friday afternoon, with no wait or delays?!!! Rockin!) read more

Carls was quick to get the job done. There prices were reasonable and I would go back. Thank you!

Carl's was AMAZING. To be short and to the point, professional, extremely knowledgeable and skilled, honest and affordable. I highly recommend. read more

Don't not take your shoes to this place especially your expensive shoes. Not only they they ruined my boots the owner or who ever he was had a very bad attitude and very rude the worse customer service ever. I will never go back to this place again. Trust me shop around read every review before you go to this place. If I can give this place 0 star I would read more

Carl's Boot & Leather - Shoe Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

I brought in a pair of Danner Acadia boots that are over 20 years old. The inside heel liner was completely worn and torn, they were unwearable. I could not find any place to have them fixed until I called Carl's. Right away the young woman who answered explained that my boots could be fixed. I drove from south San Diego that same day. It was explained to me what the repairs were going to be and it was only 30.00 bucks. I paid and picked up my boots 8 days later and they were ready to go. I was completely satisfied with what they did to my boots! A piece of leather was sewed into the inside of both boots and it is so comfortable! I wear these boots for 12 hour shifts and they feel new again thank you! I have another pair I will be bringing in soon. I really like supporting small businesses like this. I recommend Carl's Boot and Leather to anyone who needs repairs on their duty boots! Great work! read more

I read the bad and the good reviews. Still gave this guy a chance. Late on his promise date. Calmed his "helper" did not polish them yet. Finally came back to pick up boots. They looked bad when we dropped them off. Look a little better after he was done. My wife asked if he could trim a little piece of loose frayed leather. His reply "you mean the white frayed piece?" (The boots are brown). Yes, the white frayed piece. Lol He snatched the boot out of my wife's hands. It took everything I had not to flip out. This place is dirty, unorganized, Carl is rude! Don't make the same mistake we did! Go somewhere else! Anywhere else! Oh, and we paid $50+ for repairs. Not like I just bought $4 of laces. We spent a little money. read more

Fantastic little leather shop with a skilled artisan. I had a pair of shoes with stitching that had come out on the top and needed to be repaired. Carl examined the shoe, explained why the stitching failed to begin with, stated it would take overnight to repair the shoe and requested payment upfront to perform the service. Even though this was my first visit to Carl's, I felt comfortable with his abilities based on what I could see in the shop and happily paid the very reasonable fee upfront. I have no issue paying first as I can only imagine the number of times a shop that does repairs has likely performed the work only to find the customer never returns or refuses to pay; leaving the shop out of time and money on the deal. I returned the next day as scheduled and found my shoe was perfectly repaired. Looking at the shoe you would never know it had come undone. The work is flawless and I am beyond happy to find a local shop with quality performance. I highly recommend Carl's. read more

The girl that works there is seeming only able to fog a mirror and almost nothing else. The two men that work there seem perfectly nice. The young girl however cant seem to count, understand increments of time, or read. The repair to my saddle took WEEKS longer than she quoted and my boots are ridiculously past when they were supposed to be ready but still are not done despite her assurances they would be...I'm hoping the quality of the repair is far better than the customer service which is abominable. read more

Maybe good for saddles but not polishing boots or sewing purses. Dropped off my items and tried to pick them up a week later and one day after they were to be ready. I had paid up front in cash when I dropped them off and I believe prices were high. When I asked for my items, I had to explain my purse and she went to the back and found it after looking for a while. My two pairs of shoes where in a bag on the floor and ready and my other pair of boots were no where to be found. I described them and after searching, through the piles of stuff, they were located and not polished. First I was asked if I could come back in 20 minutes but then they decided to polish them while I waited. The polish job was okay but not worth $9 for a pair of boots. I'll take my business elsewhere next time and get better service. read more

This shop has got to be the slowest, most unorganized shoe/leather repair business around. Unfortunately, because they are also one of the ONLY shoe/leather repair shops around, I am forced to endure the looooong wait for repairs (whatever date the repair is promised....count on at least another 3 to 5 days....and then hope your shoes, et. al., can even be found)! The work quality is "average" for what I believe are rather high prices....like I said....there's no where else to go and they know it! read more

Ended up stretching the wrong part of my boots and when I tried them back on the zipper broke and I will have to take them to another shoe repair place. Do not recommend. read more

Best man for the job, amazing knowledge about everything to do with leather, tack, saddle you name it. Not a rip off, family owned. He can get busy so sometimes you may have to wait but it's worth it. Just don't be a jerk about Lol Peace and Love read more

Had 2 pairs of boots fixed here. One was just a zipper replace and the other one was quite a task. My grandma had given me these awesome vintage boots that had seen much better days. I really wanted to wear them but they were almost falling apart. Both pairs were fixed amazingly and I am very happy. I plan on bringing in a purse that I need repaired soon. I noticed while I was in there that they also sell ugg boots for a really good price. Something worth looking into. I highly recommend this shop. Plus it's always great to support small local businesses. read more