I had 3 pairs of boots, one pair with significant damage (hole in the sole, bottom coming off). He repaired them so well, they look like a new pair of cowboy boots. He also worked within my time frame for when I needed them back and helped fix some things I was picky about. Amazing! read more

Dropped a pair of 20+ year old Church's monk straps, and a few other items, in need of a significant rejuvenation. I got them back, a few weeks after, and they look like new. Just amazing I have not seen this level of leather and shoe care in a long time. BB - Minneapolis read more

Very grateful to live so close to Old World Cobbler! They've fixed many pairs of my shoes, and always do a great job. I appreciate how flexible and fast they are. The prices are also very fair. When a pair of shoes was damaged after I got them repaired, they took them back and did the same repair again at no cost. I will definitely be bringing many more pairs of shoes here. read more

Dropped off my Frye's in the hopes of being resoled and they turned out amazing! The heels were fixed, slip-resistant soles were added, and boots look wonderful! Would highly recommend bringing your boots to be repaired vice replacing them--they're worth the investment. read more

Breathtakingly superb quality. I repaired my shoes and boots all over the US - simply nothing compares to the quality of work performed by the Old World Cobbler. Just spectacular. I live in Florida tho will be back in Minneapolis to get more of my boots worked on! Thank You! read more

I was excited to drop off my bag here, considering he had a good amount of reviews. I sent out a text beforehand asking if he had bag cleaning/restoring service since he clearly he had experience with leather. I have never dealt with someone as unprofessional as this man, he did NOT budge to clean the bag at all and I received it in a worse state. Initially I requested for the bag to be cleaned because it had a very strong smell. No stains in the bag whatsoever. Upon giving him a week to work on it, I received the bag with the same smell, staining/creasing, and with a strong smell of men's cologne. He told me, "for what you paid me, this is what was done". I paid him a total of $83, I did not negotiate pricing, this was HIS quote. He stood there and tried gaslighting my partner and I that there was no smell and all was perfect. He told me to "put perfume in my bag, if the smell is still there". If he wasn't competent for the job or had no expertise in this area, I would've been more than happy to happy to pick up my bag. I will always be happy to support my local small businesses, but this was some of the worst work I have ever seen in my life. (Before & after pics are included) read more

It would be great if the world ran a little more like this place. A friendly owner who knows what he is doing. Came by to get a leather watch band modified. He did it while I waited, we had a nice chat, and the price was less than it should have been. A+. read more

You know how you have that perfect pair of boots? The ones that you can walk in all day, look good with everything in your closet, and fit just right? After a dozen years of heavy use, mine were not only worn out but also irreplaceable. They were no longer made. Old Alex brought them back to life and they are now better than brand new. I am so happy that they could be restored. Service and communication were great and the pricing was quite reasonable. I am very happy and will definitely be back! read more

Alex is a master at his craft. He was able to bring my boots back from the dead, replaced heels, added traction/grip soles, removed scuffs, touched up the coloring. He also is at expert at cleaning leather, my thrifted leather jacket looks brand new. Would highly recommend. He is also great at working around your timelines! read more

Remind a pair of shoes That I needed back rather quickly. The work was pretty extensive as far as I could tell, We talked about what needed to be done. End the cost upfront. The work was finished in record time and I was able to pick them up. I'm a day that he was actually closed. The work was beautiful!! I highly recommend this business. They definitely know what they're doing here and I will be back. read more

Alex did a great job repairing my shoes. Good communication. They like almost like new, he was even able to replace the zippers.

When I received these boots as a gift, I was so sad that they didn't fit my wide calves! Due to the design of the boot it was a tough project to take on - Alex was the man for the job! He was very helpful and friendly - GREAT service! read more

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Sent a text to Alex about my shoes and he got back to me right away, fixed them exactly how I asked him to, and my shoes returned to me in a timely manner. There's usually street parking right out front. I adore these shoes and they were scuffed up, I ripped a strap, and they were quite dirty. They were returned to me and I can tell they were taken care of for the longevity of my use and love for these shoes!!! thank you! read more

Old World Cobbler - Shoe Repair Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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DO NOT go here- scam artist who lacks professionalism and integrity. I brought in a pair of shoes to be resoled, prepaid the price he asked, and was told to call him in 2 weeks to schedule pick up. 2 weeks later I call and get no response, 3.5 weeks later I try again and get a text saying that the price he'd agreed to fix my shoes for wouldn't be enough with a picture of my shoes in pieces tossed on the floor. It seems like he thought he'd either be able to pocket my money or get more money from me to fix my shoes. I'll be taking all future services to George's in St Paul. read more

I did not get service done because I didn't trust the person I spoke with. He didn't seem to know basic leather terminology, interrupted a lot, and wanted to rely mostly on spray dyes. The shop also smelled badly of cannabis. read more

Old World Shoe Cobbler Alex is a genuine human who shows up fully. Being in his presence is like a throwback to a probably imaginary time when people always had meaningful I-Thou encounters. And his work is as thoughtful as his affect. read more

Old World Cobbler does an excellent job on shoe and boot repair! The only reason I didn't give them five stars is because it takes quite a long time, which is probably good because they are so busy, but I did have to call them a couple of times to find out if my shoes were done and to get a time when I could go pick them up. But, the work is impeccable and the service is exceptional. If you have the time, this is by far the best shoe repair in the Twin Cities. read more

Great service! Did a great job of repairing a destroyed boot. They were very honest and up front about cost of shoes/repair which is much appreciated. Would definitely recommend! read more

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I was unimpressed with the owner's used car salesman approach. When you run a business and have a $25 minimum, that is fine, but the owner tries to wheel and deal with you and act overly "nice" like he's giving you a great deal doing things I told him I didn't even want done, like adding in conditioning the leather and fixing the rip in the seam of the lining. I just wanted a simple fix to a bag, and it turned into a lengthy uncomfortable back and forth wheel-and-deal I didn't want to have a part in. Be professional. If I can't afford the minimum price, let me bring my item somewhere else. Also not professional how they replied to another 1 star rating- starting off the reply with "lady..." . This is sad that the owner is so rude- the employee they have working there is very nice and should find a better place to use his skills. read more

Alex is awesome, and works actual miracles. I brought two pairs of boots to him, one of which was a more straightforward zipper fix, and one which turned into a bear of a project (I had brutally abused a pair of boots in my twenties, and had always regretted it but never took them in to get fixed, so the damage wasn't clear to us until he started to fix them). Alex literally brought my boots back from the dead, and he was great to work with. As a non-Minnesotan, I appreciate Alex's straightforward nature. He tells you his wait time (it's extensive--he's a craftsman in high demand, and shoe repair is tough on the hands) right up front, and he tells you the price immediately. He won't coddle you, but he will be honest and work with integrity. When my boots needed way more work than expected, he refused my offer of more pay--I had agreed on a price, and he "only makes customers pay once." Don't expect speed, but do expect excellent service and skilled work. read more

This guy can work magic! My dog chewed a shoe of a very expensive pair of boots. He was able to match the leather and cobbled the very best job! You can't tell they have been repaired. I highly recommend his service. read more

Go here! This was the best customer service and quality experience I have had! The owner is personable, attentive, really thorough, and very quick in regards to the variety of items (shoes, purses) I brought in for repair. When I picked up the items they were so well done- this is my go to from now on! read more

I am soooooo satisfied with my dog chewed brand new shoes. I was going to throw the shoes away but I found Old Cobbler. This was a tough repair job and he did a fantastic job. I can wear my shoes and not be embarrassed by the bite marks. Thank You! read more

First time taking a pair of shoes to a cobbler and I cannot stop smiling. Nate and Alex at old world cobblers did a fantastic job on some 12 year old leather boots which were handed down to me by my aunt. And at a reasonable, affordable price (I was honestly expecting to spend more- and I'm on a budget!) They got out a spray paint stain, cleaned the leather, fixed the seams, and repaired the interior. They even went the extra mile and weather proofed them for me without me asking which I really appreciated. Since these shoes are sentimental I was naturally hesitant but I will swear up and down to anyone- dont throw away new shoes and just buy a new pair. Instead go green while supporting small local businesses in your community. read more

Awesome work! I had a wedding in Texas and I dug up some old Frye cowboy boots I bought at a garage sale for like $9 ten years ago. They were a complete disaster, needed new soles and heels, but the leather was still good so I thought I would give it a shot. Brought it in and Alex said he could do it and for an extra charge would rush the order so I could have them in time for the wedding. I went back a week later and was amazed by the look of my old boots. They were now re-soled with new heels, but still had that great vintage look and patina. He also made them two-toned which I love the look of! However, I was the only person wearing cowboy boots in Houston. My hosts informed me that everyone usually wears their boots during "rodeo season" which is in March. Oh well! I'll have to go back and show off my boots again. read more

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Amazing work on sandals I thought could not be repaired! DEFINITELY recommend them! Best in town!

The gentlemen working there were super friendly! I just went there to have a few holes added into my belt and they did it on the spot! It took just a couple of minutes and they did a great job! I was putting it off for so long and I'm so happy I went. I will definitely be going back next time I need any leather repaired. Highly recommend read more

Alex is a great guy and quite the craftsman. He performed the work sooner than expected and it was perfect. He receives my highest recommendation, and I would refer anyone who needs work done to him. read more

I stopped in for the first time to see if Alex could punch additional holes in two belts. He gave me two options: 1) shorten the belt and use the holes already in the belt or 2) punch additional holes and leave the belt. I was impressed as I didn't know shortening the belt would be an option. I opted for the additional holes and he did it right then and there. I was in and out in less than 15min. Alex is knowledgeable & friendly. Highly recommend! read more

This was a fantastic experience. We had a bunch of shoes that needed repair before our daughter's wedding. We got our shoes back on time. They look like new! We will DEFINITELY return! Thank you!!!! read more

Recently I stopped by OWC with a purse strap that was coming apart. I was amazed that OWC took that strap and fixed it then and there with a smile and an air hug. I have been a customer there for a number of years. Do you remember the guy who fixed your mother's shoes so she could wear them for another season when you were a child? OWC is that guy! He's in the neighborhood. Highly recommended. read more

I been conning to the shoe shop for about 10 years now. I am a shoe collector and collected many nice pairs of shoes through out the years. I generally keep them in good condition and polish and condition each of them after each ware. Some shoes were expensive and some purchased just because I like the style but I generally follow two rules. It must have a leather sole and the uppers must be leather and not pattent or suede.  My first impression of the shoe shop was that it was busy and every time I go i glance around to see what else is in the shop. You can tell the quality of work by the shoes around. I saw some bespoke shoes as well as some high end women's shoes in the pile. Some including Christian lobutains, jimmy choos, guuchi and pradda and some very old shoes that people wanted to save. This brought a smile on my face today's shoes even the high end woman shoes are build so poorly and bringing them here will make then better or improve the life.  I glanced around some more for men's shoes and well I did see lots of older men's shoes being restored. I aldo did see lots of faragamos and older cole hanns. I peeped In the special closed boxes to see what goodies I could find and some times you find some nice high end shoes or sometimes some very old shoe needed restoration.  When I walk in the shop the smell of leather clams me down as well as the  smell of the meltonian polish and blams used on the shoes. Over the past years i have learned many things at the shoe repair shop.  I have learned that I can soak my shoes in a bucked of water to get out the salt stains from my shoes. I have also learned new techniques to polish some of my shoes. The shoe shop reminds me of an old barber shop. You can come in and just chat with Alex and his apprentices and just watch them work. From haning out at the shoe shop i noticed Alex treats every customer the same if you bring in a $100  pair of cole hanns or a 3000 pair of berlutis he closely examines and  evalutes the shoe and then gives you a estimate. The numbers seemed all random at first. Then after a few visits I started asking myself why does this same repair cost so much more so I decided to ask Alex. He broke it down and said it cost time and materials then he has to calculate how much it may cost to replace the the pair of shoes if he damaged them. It does not cost the same to fix a Ford as it does to fix a masaratti. The shoe repair shop seems to be like an old barber shop where you can go and visit and walk around and strike up a conversation with Alex or his apprentices. Every one is extremely friendly and loves to talk about leather, shoes or even ways to maintain your expensive investments. I was also amazed by the amount of custom cow boy boots he gets in from all across the country. Alex also does work on other leather goods such as purses, hand bags and even some apparel. My first pair I got worked on were some of my old monk strap mezlans that were in need of new soles. They also had a squeek in them that ended up being a broken shank. These shoes came back looking like new and the sole he attached was far superior to the original ones that they came with. He also did some bespoke loafers i got made in rome and they came out looking great.Over the years I have dropped off many other mezlan shoes along with some of my faragamos, santonis, David Edens,  Fennix, and some mauris. He has worked on 3 of my church custom grade shoes and a pair of custom Saint Crispins. He has aslo done a patch job on my belvedier  horn back shoes that if you have never seen the shoe you would not notice thr patch. My most recent work was another pair of church custom grade and a pair of Allen Edmonds  and now a pair of comfy zellis. Alex has also done wonders to my wifes shoes. That included some manolos, jimmys, and faragamos. He is now doing some restoration to one of her shoes she purchased in Japan years ago. Over the years I have had soles, top lifts, patches on the uppers, sole savers as well as customize work done. All the work was very good and he has made sure that I was always happy with the work. The shoe repair shop is a local business and we should support our local business. Each year we have been losing such artisans and eventually we may and up having to send our good out of state or even out of the country. There are very few leather repair shops available now and all the work I have received had been top notch. Sorry for the long review i placed one a long time ago and I thought I would place one review to cover everything. read more

I had my rare leather Doc Martens repaired here after I broke the zipper. He cleaned them up for me, added new laces, and put in a new zipper for a reasonable price and they look great! Would definitely go here again for future work read more

I've never written a negative review for a business, but the poor customer service and general disregard for standard business practices at Old World Cobbler lead me to create a Yelp account to encourage others to avoid this place at all costs. We dropped off a two purses and a pair of shoes for repairs and were told they would be done in a month. The month passed and we called to confirm they were done. He hadn't even started the repairs. When we told him we wanted to pick up our stuff and get a refund, he said he would do no such thing and that we were taking food out of his children's mouths. We stopped by to reclaim our possessions and he would not procure them. We told him we were not leaving without our stuff and a refund and he called the police. How a place like this is still in business is beyond me. read more

Fantastic experience getting my leather carrier's bag fixed! Friendly, reasonable time frames in terms of getting items back, knowledgeable, does not in the least appear to be a place to overcharge, and likely one of the only cobblers that you will find in the area. read more

I feel sorry for all the small business owners who are trying to make it in this economy using old business models. I had a minor repair and was told there was a $25 PER PIECE MINIMUM to fix anything. When I struggled to find anything else to add to my minor repair, the owner clarified, it was not a $25 MINIMUM... it was $25 PER ITEM to make ANY REPAIR. That would be $50 for 2 repairs that would take under five minutes for him to do. I told him I had to think about it. Then he told me I owed him $5 for his time. He thought that was funny. I had it repaired the next day on the spot in New York City for $6. Sadly, it feels like a business that's about to close. Maybe it's time to close or consider a new way to grow your customer base. read more

I brought a pair of Lost Cause boots to this shop. They were a total disaster: heel ground down to nothing, worn-through, cracked sole, salt stains, worn leather, broken zippers. I was half expecting to be told they were beyond repair, but Alex told me that, while it would take some time, he could get them to a wearable place. He even offered to itemize the repairs since all of the work was going to be pricey. The price he quoted was nowhere near what it would cost to replace the boots, so I handed them over. As some other reviews have mentioned, it took a bit of time, BUT I know that other less-complicated repairs were moving through the shop--my husband's shoes came back in the promised amount of time looking better then they did brand new. My boots on the other hand, had to be totally taken apart and rebuilt. When I picked them up, I was so excited I made a fool of myself. My boots are beautiful--far better than I could have imagined they would be. They feel great and look fabulous, and I am so glad to have them back and ready to wear. Alex earned my loyalty and I will bring any future shoe repairs here. read more

I walked in with a beloved pair of shoes I wear to the pool. The owner swiftly repaired them- although he is backed up with two weeks of work orders. This shop is professional, efficient and super clean. Get your favorite shoes repaired, save yourself money and support a local business. read more

I was traveling to Minneapolis for the weekend and my bag ripped right down the seam in transit. I had called and visited three sewing and alteration shops and struck out because they said they did not repair bags. Then, I found this shop and decided to give it a try. While he does not normally repair things other than leather, Alex agreed to do his best. He completely repaired the seam and the bag looks good as new! He also did the repair for a very reasonable price. Thank you Alex! read more

I brought in a Belstaff bag and asked for some bespoke changes and upgrades, essentially a task no one would want or be able to do. In 3 weeks, and for a reasonable price, Alex did such an outstanding job that I'm falling short of being able to describe what is perfect. Craftsman, artisan, master. Do not hesitate to patronize Old World Cobbler. read more