I admit, this was my first time visiting a cobbler, so I really don't know what to expect, but I…read morehad a great experience here. I had purchased a pair of expensive leather shoes on clearance, and they ended up being way too small in the toe. Sadly, being on clearance, there were no shoes left in the next higher size. But I *loved* these shoes, and had read somewhere about stretching. I then turned to Yelp, and found this gem.
I was a bit worried, since stretched shoes cannot be returned, and again, these were a bit pricey. I was not looking forward to the prospect of having to E-Bay messed up shoes, but loved the design of these enough to take a chance. I'm so glad I did!
I drove out to North Lawrence, and came upon his shop. It is pleasant just to go there. It reminds me a bit of a tack shop, I guess, which reminds me of my childhood. That aside, it's cute. I went in, and was taken care of right away. If no one is visible, there is a bell on the door you can ring. I explained my predicament, and he seemed clearly well-versed in such issues. He gave me an estimate of about a week turnaround and ~$15 charge. I was so joyous!
I'm guessing the turnaround time for my work was short, since it was perhaps an easier, less time-intensive repair. Sure enough, he called a week later and I picked up my shoes, and they fit like a dream! Again, I was joyous. They also looked just fine; I was a bit worried about the effect stretching might have on them, but I noticed no marring of any sort.
He was a pleasure to work with, and it sounds like he does all sorts of shoe repair and also other leather good repair and cleaning - check out his website for more info. I may bring some of my ill-fitting belts for help. One thing to be prepared for - when he called with the official price of my work, he asked for cash or check, so it sounds like credit cards may not be an option.
*One note to anyone considering stretching, the shoe fit me fine lengthwise heel-toe, the toe was just very small in width. It sounds like changing the length is not so easy, so stretching is moreso for adjusting the width of a shoe. But I'm not the expert, take them here and ask for sure!