great little family-owned shop. recently brought in 2 pairs of wedge heel sandals for repair. they were up front & completely honest by fixing only 1 pair. they said the other pair would likely not hold & break again and didnt recommend paying for it. i was really sad to see my 2nd pair go, but its better than the alternative. this store also has tons of really cool little knick knacks to check out too, very cool!! read more

Brought in a pair of brand new, unworn leather ballet flats to get half soles installed. Received them back with multiple nicks on the leather and black powdery substance on the insides of the shoes. Disappointed with the sloppy job and will not be returning for cobbling services. read more

It's that time of year where I have to get new heels for my boots and Mel's is definitely my go to place. They always render quality service with a professional touch. I've had them take care of my flats, which needed a lot of work done, and I've always been satisfied with the repairs. Shoe repair stores/cobblers seems like a lost art that is slowly disappearing and I'm so glad that Mel's Shoe Clinic is around! read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - Sandal that had to be repaired - thanks Mel! - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Hello Helpers and people in the know. I found this Business on Yelp because I needed a pair of shoes repaired. One of the shoes soles came loose and I needed it glued. The Business Owner said that both shoes needed the soles glued and also pointed out the shoe are actually worn out but they would glue both soles for $30.00 total cost and I seen a new pair at Macy's for $79.00 so I decided to buy a new pair. The reason for the 5 Stars is the Honesty by the Store Owner and the business has a Large variety of different things from belts to Knifes. Zippo Lighters and other items. Great Business in the Castro Village Shopping Center. Thank You for Reading. Reviews Help Consumers. read more

This is a really cute shop, I've brought in some leather Boulet's before to get rubber soles and they did a fantastic job. No issues - The receptionist is so lovely, I adore her. However - I did bring some Maison Margiela tabi ballerinas and tabi loafer mules in and I can't say that the workmanship was just as phenomenal. They were fairly new shoes -- only worn a few times prior to bringing in. Some of the leather towards the bottom of the shoe where it meets the sole had been rubbed/sanded off (painful) I had to cut a piece to smooth it out. The rubber sole was cut unevenly and black marks inside the shoes. Overall, a very sloppy job on these IMO. Heartbroken. If you care about your designer shoes maybe reconsider. read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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It was my first time trying this place and I haven't been to a shoe repair shop for years. I was told when I picked up my pair of Gucci shoes that I was under charged for the kind of repair that was needed. Both attendants were pleasant and professional. I was happy with the service. Please was very organizing clean. I definitely will continue to support this local business.. read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Great job on getting my house running again. A bit steep on price but I just can't put a price on comfortable shoes.

This is a wonderful old school "mom and pop" shoe repair, and the owners are just lovely, kind, and gracious people. I've brought over purses to get new straps, and they do excellent work. Their costs are also reasonable. I always enjoy seeing them when I come in to drop off and pick up my item. I highly recommend Mel's Shoe Clinic. read more

What a great little gem! Outstanding service and prices are simply frozen in late 80s. Highly, highly recommend this place. read more

My shoes are now brand NEW!!! Great price and service! I had four pairs of boots repaired! Two of the boots were Cole Haan and they looked amazing after the repairs. The other pair was an older Enzo but totally quality made that I bought in the early 2000s so I didn't want to get rid of them. Took a week and they looked brand spanking NEW!!! read more

Brought in my birks to get resolved. Greg, who's been a cobbler for more than 40 years, did a great job to not just resole (opted for vibram) but also reseal the cork and clean the suede leather. Feels great and better than new! read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Great business with lovely owners, a truly talented cobbler! I have had my Christian Louboutins and their red bottoms sealed every near pair I get so they don't scuff, unfortunately the prior cobbler I went to in SF has closed down business. I brought a new pair of Louboutins & a pair of Jimmy Choos in to get their bottoms sealed. 100/10 job, excellent work and my red bottoms look amazing! I will be coming here for all my future designer shoe and bag repairs/ when I buy more red bottoms to have sealed this is the place to go! He buys the material from Italia, the same red material but stronger so that it doesn't scuff the bottoms. The prices are fantastic, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this hidden gem! read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - Great job sealing the bottom of my Christian Louboutins with sturdy material from Italia so they don't scuff! - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I went to get my Tevas re-glued and to polish a pair of boots that had been soaked on a rainy day. Upfront they told me the water stains were not removable. They fixed the Tevas and polished the boots, which minimized the visibility of the stains. I liked their straightforward approach and the results. read more

A friend recommended this place to get my knives sharpened. Knives sharpened at a shoe store? $5 a knife. When I walked in, it was like a throw back from the 5 & Dime store I used to go umpteen years ago. This place sells all sorts of treasures, I.e., knives, jewelry, trinkets, etc. And they do repair shoes. I browsed through the store & cherished everything I saw. The best thing about the clinic is the owners. They are both so sweet and kind. The knives were kept overnight. Omg, what an improvement! I love my knives again read more

A really cute local shop where we had our cleavers sharpened. Got them back in a few days. They sell various knives, cozy slippers, lil' purses and of course a typical shoe shop that you can being in ones for a fix or shine. We'll be back again when there's time to explore. read more

I brought in a pair of fresh leather mules so that rubber protection and grip can be added to the leather sole. The shop owner was friendly and patient as he listened to what I was seeking, making sure he understood my goals fully. Service took about 3-4 days, and the results were outstanding. A thick and durable rubber sole was expertly added, and was applied so perfectly--including a color match and finishing to ensure everything looks polished and neat. I will be coming back here again! read more

After trying to find a nearby cobbler to fix my red bottoms I am super happy I found Mel's! I came by on a Saturday and dropped them off easily. I mentioned I needed my heel stems replaced due to wear down. You could hear me walking from a mile away from the metal part clanking on the ground. I dropped off my heels and was given a tag. Mel's was so accommodating and easy to work with. They really cater to their customers. He asked when I needed them and he would have it done. Since I was in the area I called just to see if my heels were ready and they were a day early! Woo! Parking can be tough since there's tons of shops and eateries. Pricing is affordable and they do an awesome job. I tried to fix them myself using YouTube and totally failed. Don't be a hero and let the professionals do it. read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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My first time going and it was a great experience. The female owner was very welcoming and kind. I needed two purse repairs and two boot repairs. I was very pleased with the pricing and the quality of the repairs. I will be back! read more

Fantastic shop! I originally stopped by to see if they had any black shoe polish. Since then I've bought a Montana Silversmiths belt buckle, a couple of Spyderco knives, and gotten a watch strap sized and replaced! They have a great selection of many items and the staff is always friendly and helpful! Definitely a nice gem that has many other things other than just shoe related items or services. Definitely a must if you're in the area and a one stop shop for gifts! read more

If you're in need of shoe repair this is the place! Greg and Aida are professional and experienced. Greg has been in business for 42 years. He is a master craftsman. I grew up in Castro Valley when Mel started the shop. I have a leg that is shorter due to polio so I need to have my right shoe lifted. I now live 2 hours away but I still take my shoes to Greg in CV. I tried local places but the quality was lacking. I know that Greg will get it right! This is also a beautiful shop for specialty items and leather products. You really need to see to appreciate. Located in Castro Village. Photo of his craftsmanship on my Eddie Bauer boot. He removed the original sole, added the black lift, and replaced the sole. Perfection!!! And one HAPPY CAMPER read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - Greg and Aida - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I am so grateful for this place. There have been so many broken items that they have been able to fix. It's saved me a lot of grief & money on having to buy something again. Every time I come in I'm met with kindness and care. Both the man and woman whom run the shop are kind and warm, thank you so much for helping me fix my shoes & bags. I appreciate you and your shop and I hope you continue to stay here in Castro Valley. read more

Wow Greg saved my shoes! I originally took brand new Italian-made suede slingback flats to another place to repair the back strap which ripped, and the other guy butchered my shoe. I thought it was a lost cause since it had been ripped apart and glued and sewn in such a bad way that it ripped again. I brought them here and Greg said he would try and if it didn't work, he wouldn't charge me. So I took a risk. A week later, I went in and he fixed it! He dyed a new elastic to match and it looks so much better! I can actually wear then and he gave me the extra elastic in case the other shoe rips. He also added a new tip to my black heels and polished the shoe so it looks brand new. Also, they are honest people that don't just want to take your money. His wife told me that it might cost $70 to fix my Birkenstock sole. So instead of just taking the shoe, we decided it might just be better to buy a new Birkenstock. Everyone there is so nice and friendly. The icing on the cake is that I asked if they knew a watch guy to fix my son's watch strap and he did it on the spot for free! I'm definitely taking all my shoes here! read more

This is one of the few honest places left . I just love going here. I went in today to get a watch battery replaced and instead of just putting in a new battery he checked my old battery, told me it was still good and that maybe just cleaning the inside of the watch would take care of my problem. Well, it did !! They did not charge me anything !! It made my day. They are always so nice and friendly. I have not had any shoes repaired there yet but I know several people that have and all of them are very happy. read more

Neat shop. Fixed and shined my Birkenstock clogs up. I brought my knives in for sharpening next; turned my 8in butter knives to operable again. They have knives there for sale, but no pressure salesman tactics. All while getting a lesson in shoe care and just good old healthy conversation; they have earned my business. read more

Needed show cleaning. Unfortunately I needed it within 2 days, but they were able to accommodate and got it done in one day. Definitely will be back for other services! read more

I had gone to Ace hardware in Menlo Park dropped my knives and they promised would be ready either that day or the next day. I drove there from Hayward because I had a good experience previously. The Russian woman at the register talked it up and said they did excellent work. I went the very next day to pick up the knives and they weren't ready. They weren't picked up by the contractor that does their knives and I got no call from them to let me know not to come. Suffice to say I wasn't happy. After a Google search I found this business 15 minutes away from my house! I dropped them knives off and picked them up the very next day and was elated at what a wonderful job he did. So good that I cut my fingers twice. I will be using them from now on. Ten stars read more

Excellent service. Greg fixed my backpack while I waited and it only took a few minutes. It cost a very reasonable $10.

They are the best you don't find small businesses like that where they are there for you if they are not sure they can help you they try or if they can't they tell you what to try. They are just wonderful people . It's a pleasure to go in there and spend money. read more

Support this great local business! The owners are so friendly and generous. They repair a range of items from shoes to luggage zippers. The prices are inexpensive and the service is great! read more

I originally took my "dog chewed" Dansko ankle boots to a shoe repair business up north. That guy kept them for 3 months ; tried to glue them & ended up making a mess. I was visiting family in Castro Valley & took the boots to Mel's. The very nice man (Mel?) told me he'd do his best but he'd have them ready in a week (I was leaving CV in a few days). I planned to have my sister pick them up. The very next day, he called to say they were ready! I picked them up. He did an absolutely amazing job repairing them to the point where, while worn, the repair is barely visible. This experience with Mel's was so awesome!!!!! read more

I cannot believe this man had the nerve to charge me $10 for a battery for my keyfob that costs $5 for a pack of 10 on Amazon.

Great customer service! Fixed my boot in a reasonable time and cost was reasonable ! Looks to be a family run business husband and wife very nice couple ! read more

Greg was able to glue the lining back on my purse after it had come apart due to wear and tear. He was so sweet and helpful. Thank you!

My review is long overdue! I love Mel's. Stationed in the Castro Village Shopping Center right next to Mod Pizza. Very great quality work. I've had classy dress shoes, boots and the strap of my genuine leather purse repaired. Exceptional Customer Service Quick Turnaround Affordable Great quality repairs read more

I took 2 pair of shies to have heals replaced and repaired. The owner did an excellent job!! Very friendly too. Highly recommend!

I came here to get my bag's zipper repaired. I had no idea this place sharpen knives, too. I brought 7, and they only charge $5 a piece. What a deal!! After coming back to get my knives, they all seem brand new, and I'll never have to buy another pair again.The owners are so sweet, and why not support local mom and pop shops. I'll definitely come back. read more

Surprising it's 1st visit for someone local. Proprietors are so gracious. Brought 4 knives to be sharpened and amazed at the variety of products within the store. Bought a couple of purses and will certainly be back to look around for some good buys. read more

I brought in a clutch with a strap that was coming apart. For a very reasonable price, Mel replaced the strap with leather and it looks better than new! Quick turnaround and quality work! Very grateful read more

Mel's Shoe Clinic - New strap to replace old, peeling one! - Leather Goods Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I've been here twice and it was the same person who assisted me and I would say, he did a great job in helping me fix an LV belt and replaced the batteries of my watch at an affordable rate. He's honest, initially he told me that the belt I had is so old that it seemed irreparable, however I asked him that I can't let go of the belt, so he explained that he will extend it with a "newer" leather and I said to please do what he can. After 2 days, I picked it up and the belt was usable again! Of course there's a stiffer part where he sewn the extension but I didn't mind, it looked amazing to me! He also added holes to another belt for me with no charge! So if you needed your leather goods fixed, shined and brought to life, this spot is highly recommended! Might have to come back to buy a battery for another vintage watch. read more

Went in to get my boot strap fixed. Matched the color exactly and good price. I really appreciate the speedy and friendly service and will be back if needed. Thank you. read more