Was wonderful to support a local minority owned business! Bert is so talented and a master of his trade! I wish I would have taken a before photo of the boots to show the full transformation. They were completely tattered with the sole hanging off and all scuffed up. He did a phenomenal job bringing them back to life! He upgraded the previous sole which had little traction for high end vibram soles. These boots are fairly large so he had to make a special order to get the heel and sole in. Despite that, it still only took 1 week for the full repair! He even cleaned up the boots with a little polish free of charge to finish the look. The repair was also extremely affordable. I've had boots and heels repaired elsewhere for much more money and time, I would definitely recommend to a friend! read more

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How can you beat a $7 shoe shine? Beware he does not take cash but if you need something done this is an affordable place to go. read more

Colonial Shoe Service - Shoe Repair Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

On the customer side of the counter.. it's fine. Beyond that, back where he plies his trade, the place is not tidy, his business is a dirty business. This guy is an honest man, who works hard, does a quality job, charges very reasonable rates, and does absolutely wonderful work. He can fix almost anything leather or shoe related. If he is at all concerned about how it will come out, he will tell you up front. Recently when I had some white leather deck shoes that needed attention.... "Man.. I don't know about that white shoe leather.. That may not clean up. Try some fantastic at home. If that does not work, bring them back and I will see what I can do." I did try Fantastic at home, and it did work. Meanwhile he worked his usual magic on everything I left with him. Be sure you keep your ticket. He is organized although it may not look it. If you have your ticket you are all set. read more

Inconsistent and overall terrible service. I was a loyal customer for about 6 months, and brought a total of 5 pairs of heels to be repaired. Initially I was displeased with his service because we would agree on a pick-up date (usually 2 weeks later) and when I would show up, the shoes would not be complete (or in some cases even started!) He would act surprised I was there and request I return the next day to pick them up and when I did return and the shoes were STILL not fixed, he suggested I call him before I come to make sure the shoes were done, even though over 2 weeks ago we agreed on a time and date for pick-up! All I needed on each pair I ever dropped off was a new rubber piece on the tip of my heel! I was extremely patient and wanted to keep a pleasant relationship with him but today was the final straw. I dropped a pair of shoes off to have the rubber piece be put on the tip of my heels over 3 weeks ago. I gave him ample time, and even called before I came to pick up the shoes. This time he notified me I would have to come in and take a look at the shoes because the strap was broken (which is wasn't when I dropped them off). When I showed up, the shoes looked as though they were thrown into a lawnmower! The interior was ripped apart, giant gashes in the shoes, and the straps were ripped off into shreds. I was speechless. All he said was he thought they came that way and that he couldn't fix them. I assured him I had worn the shoes two days before I dropped them off, so there is no way they were in this condition. He pretended to be clueless and didn't even offer to reimburse me. Terrible service, will not return. read more

Not a fan! Came here to have my purse strap lengthened. The guy seemed a bit apprehensive and told me it might be difficult, but said I could pick it up in a week. Called a week later to make sure it would be done and he said he's been busy, so didn't have a chance to get to it. Called back a week later and was told the same thing. This happened once more until 1 month had passed and I still didn't have my bag...The last time I called the guy said he didn't feel comfortable doing the job so I could come pick up my bag. Once I arrived he explained that he didn't want to do the job b/c he didn't think he could do it well and didn't want to mess up my bag. While I appreciate him not ruining my bag it would've been more professional if he would've let me know this before having me wait around for a month. read more

This is a great local business right on the city line of Hartford/West Hartford. When times are tight (like they are now) why buy new shoes when chances are this guy can make the old pair you have look great. He takes cash only, I believe, and make sure you specify when you want them back. read more

Burt is an honest, hardworking master of his trade. I have had 10+ pairs of shoes (one pair I have had done twice after 15 years wearing them) repaired and cleaned by Burt. Terrific service and amazing workmanship. I have nothing but praise for him. read more

I have brought four or five pairs of men's shoes to this shop for soles and heels over several years. The man does very professional work. I'm no longer in the Hartford area, but I need some soles on a pair of shoes and I'll go to West Hartford to have him do the work. Reasonable prices too. read more

CASH OR CHECK ONLY!!! Honest man. No frills. No sugar coating. No chi chi atmosphere. I have been a customer for 25 years. Good work. Good price. Nice guy. Anyone who says differently probably deserved what they got. read more

Left me boots to have the soles glued back on and leather tabs added to the zippers. I paid in advance and when I came to pick them up they were not done. each time i came back the shop was randomly closed. I finally had my husband pick them up (shop was closed again from 9am-1pm that day) and the back sole wasn't glued and the leather tabs were not on the zippers. Not worth the hassle of going back to have the shoes actually repaired. I would not recommend read more

I had taken my $350 wedding shoes to this place to get rubber protective anti-skid soles put on the bottom, and a toe protector on the bottom of the toe as well. My shoes were beautiful Bradgley Mishkas, white satin with natural leather soles (light colored, creamy taupe leather soles). The man was black, he was not very nice, quote a cheap price, 2 weeks before my wedding. And i left the shoes with him. When I asked that he complete them as soon as he can, he said he was going on vacation and would get to it when he can, but no sooner than 1 week. (Seriously, for getting soles put on shoes? My NYC shoe guy does it in less than an hour!) I came back a week later (less than 7 days before my wedding) and my SHOES WERE DESTROYED! He put BLACK TAR on the bottom of my beautiful Bradgley Mischka cream leather bottoms and the BLACK TAR got on the white satin above the shoe! I took them out of my paper back and started crying. And you know what the black man did? HE SCREAMED AT ME to get out of his store, told me I was HYSTERICAL, threw $10 in my face. So here I am, about to get married, shoes ruined, BEGGING him to fix it, and he is SCREAMING AT ME AND TELLING ME I AM EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED! Can you believe this? My fiancé went back and my maid of honor went back to tell him that he had no right to talk to me or treat me this way and he told them to "Get the F- out of my store" WORSE BUSINESS OF HARTFORD AWARD. This guy should be shut down for good. Wish I had the money to sue him, but his dinky shoe store isn't even worth the money I'd spend on lawyer. Save your shoes and avoid this pitiful man and his low grade business as all costs. read more

Worse customer service. I had a small job to have done and he refused me twice, saying that he was too busy. I would not have had an issue but the way he talked down to me when telling me he is too busy rubbed me the wrong way. read more

These guys are great! The place doesn't look like much when you walk inside, but they are very friendly and accommodating. When I dropped my boots of, I told the guy that I was leaving town in two days, and he had my boots ready the very next day! My boots now look like new, and for a good price. I think that he takes cash and checks. read more

DO NOT GO HERE. This guy is so rude. I brought in boots to be resoled. I asked him about the work he would have to do to replace the soles. He looked at me in the eyes and asked what kind of car do I Drive? I thought it was a joke, then he quoted me an outrageous price. I told him I was just trying to give him business. He told me to get out of his store and swore at me on the way out the door. What kind of a place is this? read more

Do NOT bring your shoes here for repair unless you are willing to wait nearly a month for a simple repair. Owner was rude, argumentative and came across as very angry. I needed heels fixed (one shoe), was told I needed to pay in advance as a deposit and now I know why. I went back after 2 weeks and he hadn't touched my shoes.. went back an entire week later to the same untouched shoes and was told there's nothing he can do about it, he's busy and too bad. I refused to leave until he fixed the simple repair (which ended up taking him 10 minutes!) I imagine he's made money off of people who pay the deposit for work that never gets completed and who eventually take their paid for/unrepaired shoes, elsewhere. I will NEVER return to or refer anyone else to COLONIAL SHOE REPAIR on Farmington Avenue, WH, CT. read more

Burt is honest and terrifically capable. His work is never shoddy - and that goes for the multiple family members who go to him only. And as a one-man shop, I like that it's cluttered with the tools of his trade! read more

Great service and fair price. Took in my old and worn out Allen Edmonds and got them back resoled and looking great. Leather soles ran $55. Shop is owner operated and you can tell the owner takes real pride in his work. I will be back! read more

Disappointed. He used to be good. Brought in a pair of boots that he said would need 7 days to have the heels done, minor repair. They weren't done for 12 days. A month later the substandard materials he used wore off. I brought them back, and he was very antagonistic when I asked for him to replace them. Repair was substandard and he does not stand behind his services. Avoid. read more

Bert is just the BEST! He has been repairing and shining my shoes for about twenty years. His work is always exemplary. He is always on time, meeting his commitments. He is always good spirited. He is a good family man. You cannot find someone better. I am writing this review on my own initiative, based upon many years as a most satisfied customer! read more

Owner is very friendly and skilled. My shoes were ready on time and the price was very reasonable. Old school small business, cash only.

I needed to get the heels replaced on my shoes in a hurry and they were able to do 2 pairs of shoes within an hour! They did a great job, and matched the heel color to the shoe as well. Very very pleased! I highly recommened this business. read more

We have used Colonial Shoe Repair's services over the last few years. The shop has always done an excellent job for us. Our repaired items have always been ready when promised. Most recently, I had thought one of my dress shoes was a "lost cause"; but, Colonial Shoe repaired the shoe beautifully and skillfully to my absolute delight. We will happily continue to patronize this wonderful establishment. The work done there is far superior to any shoe repair service either my husband or I have ever tried. read more