Always remember to stop in and see what he's been working on. He's got great vintage pieces all the time. He performs cobbler miracles to those classic pieces, shoes and bags alike. Is it made of leather? He can likely make it even better! read more

Amazing quality work. I'm very pleased with the result. I brought in a pair of chanel flats that were damaged by another local cobbler, he was able to fix the damage, re-sole the bottom and buff out the scuffed leather on the toes. Absolutely beautiful, they look brand new again. They will last many more years. HIGHLY recommend !! read more

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I'd love to give a five star review. My initial impression of Brian was that he was a passionate entrepreneur who loved his trade. He was kind and personable to my husband as he bought $300 shoes and had them repaired and customized. We didn't have that kind of money for shoes, since we were actually in Buffalo going through IVF traveling from California. The shoes were finished just hours before we left to go home. All seemed okay. I even returned a year later with my miracle baby when we were in town visiting family. The shoes were great for awhile but didn't hold up well. They were made in the 1960's so i don't know how much blame we can place on anyone. We donated them to a homeless shelter for people trying to get employment. Slowly, I've noticed awful posts on Brian's private Facebook account. He is a QAnon believer. He is passionate about it! He is racist, though he claims since he knows black people and has hired them, it isn't possible . One minute browsing his page proves this. He is pretty rude to anyone who disagrees with him. He called me names, was a misogynist (said I have pretty eyes but I am "disgusting" and other things I won't repeat). He seems to have gone off the deep end. I actually feel sorry for him. His extremist views may cost him his business. I feel it's important to support businesses that operate with humility, kindness and empathy. Brian does not have those qualities. I hope he gets help or sees the harm He is causing himself. Soul Man won't exist if he keeps this up. read more

Sole Man - Shoe Stores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Brian is very nice, he fixed my zipper on my back pack, highly recommend, not that far from we're I live. Jumping on the #20 bus. Just type in the address ,and the bus app will let you know when to get off read more

WOW!!! This is a great new store for Elmwood. Especially for men, but makes a woman's job easier if she's looking for a gift for that man. The space feels great. The owner has clearly worked hard for that feel. Comfortable. Inviting. Open. Wares nicely displayed. Fabulous things on the walls. Nice display cases. The owner is a fairly young guy, especially for a shoe repair man. He learned the trade because of his own shoe wear. Its awesome to see people learning this skill, especially as its harder and harder to find stores like this anywhere. Walking in it may take you a moment to orient. To the left is the counter. You can drop of your shoes for repair here (men's and women's). Behind the counter is a collection of sunglasses. This is not sunglasses hut, it's a small collection of glasses that is sure to have something for everyone. Different shapes, styles and sizes. Under the counter are the Visconti pens, which, if you ever used one you remember. To the right are shoes. All men's. Boots. Boating. Work. Play. Again, small collection with a nice variety of choices. They seem to have a small line made for them by hand, but I'm not sure of the details there. Going upstairs you will find more shoe options. But also some belts. And men's socks (low and high) in various colors and patterns. The socks felt great. There are some nice men's bags up there and a few rugged coats rounding it all out. This store is beautiful. And useful. Well worth a visit if you are "shopping local" on Elmwood. Street meter parking. Elmwood and Anderson Place. 2034 read more

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I brought my favorite of all time ankle boots, was concerned they were too far gone. He was very knowledgable and gave me two options to repair, I opted for the less evasive one and when I came back to get them, I have to say, I got my favorite boots back. They were cleaned, oiled, and of course repaired perfectly with amazing skills hard to find today. Note to some of the bad reviewers: Covid19 is a hoax and Trump did win the Presidency, But what the heck does this man's views have to do with his ability to repair shoes? read more

Wife brought in 4 pairs of high end louboutin shoes to get fixed and the job that was done was above and beyond what was expected. Was pleasantly surprised when picking up the shoes that extra work that we didn't even pay for was completed at no additional cost. Only complaint was they took a little longer than expected to be completed. However, excellent work was performed, we will be back for more in the future and recommending this place to family and friends. Thanks read more

I'm not a go to negative review writer so it pains me to say I had a bad experience with this place. Paid somewhere between $30-40 for a simple glue job. Thought it was pricey, but figured it would be done well given their good reputation. The repair was faulty and the shoes started coming apart within two wears a few wks later. Went back to ask if it could be redone. The proprietor admitted to the mistake, but said it would be another $40. He then changed the wording to say it was actually my mistake not his. I'm not a professional shoe cobbler, so I'm wondering how that could be. Then again, it was indeed my mistake going there. He also tore the soles almost completely off, leaving the problem worse than ever. read more

Sole Man - Shoe Stores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

If you have a pair of ruined leather shoes that you're willing to pay a lot of money to bring back to life, Brian can probably give you the miracle you're looking for. If you're just looking to get your shoes resoled or for anything less than a literal miracle, find another cobbler and spare yourself the insufferable bravado of this certifiably nuts used shoe salesman. Listen, this guy is legitimately crazy. As in he's into QAnon conspiracy theories, believes COVID-19 is a hoax, and isn't psychologically stable enough to understand that he shouldn't parade those ideas around in front of his customers. Also he's hostile to customers who challenge him on it. He gave my 70 year old mother a hard time about wearing a mask in his store. When she told him she was being extra cautious because she lives in the same home as her 20 month old grandson who couldn't be vaccinated, he lectured her about giving into the "hoax". read more

I sit in my CUV baffled at the broken relationship between me and my cobbler Brian of Sole Man on Elmwood Ave, Bflo NY. Last visit he tried to tell me Trump was good for people of color and he was the best president. We had to stop talking and I left....fast forward debating on my return. I walk in once approached asked for my previous goods, after unknowingly interrupting a conversation with him and a customer, with the uncomfortable glare at me. We discussed one purse to be cleaned. He told that he can't clean because he would have to charge too much. I said well I will do it myself. I handed him another designer leather purse to fix the strap. After opening it further and pulling it apart. He tells me it can't be fixed. Laughing I say to him...come on work your magic and bond it, thinking that was the plan since you pulled it open to investigate. A woman from the back comes to see what is going on. Me, thinking he and I are in a good space as other occasions. The woman asked, "how bad is it"? I proceeded to tell her "well I could wear it before, but now I can't because he pulled it apart too much"...while laughing. Welp honey...Brian turned extremely angry...proceeded to yell and call me an "FUCKING LIAR", he's done with me, and not fixing anything for me ever again, it's the second time I have done this and to get the F*CK out of his store, all while leaning over the counter pointing in my face. huh? Leave or I will...he paused just f*cking leave. So I am like... are you serious?....He cursed me more for "lying on him", that HE didn't rip my purse. It was ripped coming in.. Duh...hence the reason I am here. I expressed my concern and asked was he really serious? While looking at he two twins Jekyll/Hyde... "Yup, get the F*CK OUT", he shouted and don't come back is what he told his customer.....ME! So I am like totally baffled to even go off, or Fuss him out. I said I know it was ripped but now it is unwearable. I am REALLY shook at the Micro aggression and Gaslighting behavior towards me while pointing and yelling his command to leave. I stand there like WTF is going on. Is he having a mental health break down I wondered...I proceed to explain that I didn't mean to offend him with the truth, but those are facts, now you ruined it further and won't fix it really?" He says, "He didn't want an apology today, because it would be forced, I am to come back another day to apologize if I want to continue business GTFOH.....Like you said WE ARE DONE DUNN! I get it now! The short Trump Man was mad that I called him out in front of another white male. You're mad because a BLACK WOMAN told you what to do in your store in front of your customer, even while still being polite! I gathered my things and said God Bless You! He screamed, "You don't mean it"..... And to think I told so many people about his business because of the great work. Well a level of integrity must be kept to get my money. PEOPLE OF COLOR... STOP! BOYCOTT...OR YOU COULD BE NEXT to experience the Gaslighting and Micro Aggression at Sole Man I think this was my first major attack in Bflo in a few years. Brian the owner yelled, pointed in my face and cussed me out, in front of a client. The former Robin would be in jail, yup the short crazy Yankee/Jamaican/Native almost surfaced in retaliation for my humiliation. Look at how I have grown into a LADY! BUT GOD and his works. Now I will merely hit him in his pockets! You won't see my coin! Or anyone that I am connected to until YOU apologize! #BoycottSoleMan read more

Made my Florsheim Imperials better than when they were new. Since there is no longer a shoe repair place in Lockport, I asked a few friends where I should go. I made a call and arranged to ship my shoes to Brian. I was very impressed with his knowledge about Florsheim and his passion about shoes. He sent them back. It was all easy. I'm looking forward to visiting the shop in person read more

He does great work. My Redwing 877s were in rough shape. And needed a re sole. They look and feel great now. I will use him again

Recently had a pair a shoes brought back to life by the artistry that is Brian, and his shop. The pair of shoes had a sentimental value to me and, that was and, is felt through the shoe now. A true piece of art that I will use daily. If your looking to bring new life to your old and best shoes, Brian is the man for the job. He will treat you with passion, care, and honest integrity. I will be a customer for life, even when I'm not based in buffalo. Support small business and restoration !! read more

Sole Man - Real craftsmanship - Shoe Stores Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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I recently bought a pair of refurbished dress shoes and the craftsmanship is truly great

My first trip there. Brian did excellent work! I took 3 pairs of Tecova boots and 2 rare pair of Venetian wingtips. The shoemaker before him did not do the right procedure on my wingtips and I didn't know if they could be saved. Not only did he repair them , they looked new! There's nobody better out there as I have been to a few. read more

I could NOT believe this happened!! I called on a Friday to make an appointment to have a new pair of boots polished the following day (Saturday). A very helpful, pleasant woman assured me that it was no problem and told me to come in at our appointed time. I arrived as scheduled and waited in line, holding the box with my heavy workboots while Bryan ignored me to fawn over a gentleman visitor who had recently returned from vacation. Several minutes later, it was finally my turn. I opened the box and told Bryan about the previous day's conversation and my appointment. Bryan chuckled condescendingly and said "I can't do that! I got a shop full of customers." (Note that the "shop full of customers" -- 4 or 5 at the most, who apparently knew each other and were helping themselves -- did not prevent Bryan from carrying on forever with his visitor while I waited, during which time he could have simply polished the boots as his assistant said he would. You know, business first.) He offered no apology for my inconvenience, no anything. I said I figured he wouldn't be able to do it, gathered my boots from the counter and turned for the door. Suddenly, Bryan was begging me to come back at close time. I calmly and politely explained that coming back would not be convenient for me, I needed the work done at our appointed time, and that I was content to go someplace else. Bryan became agitated and insisted that I SHOULD be willing to come back at *his* convenience! Again being polite and solicitous, I said that was a generous offer but that I would have to decline as I had other plans for my day. Now red and furious, Bryan began alternating bizarrely between spewing invectives and pleading with me to come back later! Each time I said "no thank you," he would wag his finger at me and shout "I am NOT going to cow tow to you!" and start firing questions, followed by another plea for me to return. ("Cow tow"? Where did THAT come from?) Feeling sympathetic, as he obviously has an emotional stability problem that has nothing to do with me, I tried to put him at ease by replying to his questions, but he would only mock my answers, even using air quotes. This unbelievable scene unfolded for a number of minutes until he was red-faced, sweating, and spitting involuntarily. Bryan's chest heaved fitfully as he gasped for breath. Truly bewildered by his crazed, rollercoaster outbursts, I finally thanked him again and said I would just go elsewhere. At that, he barked "You better GET OUTTA MY SHOP!" Remember, I was already angling towards the door and had been trying to leave on amicable terms. Now curious, I stopped, looked at him, and asked in a measured, level tone, "Is that a threat?" Suddenly unsure of himself, eyes shifting with his mouth open, he snapped "No! It's a directive!" He then snatched his landline phone's handset off its cradle and screamed "GET OUTTA MY SHOP OR I'M CALLING 9-1-1!" I told him to call whomever he likes, and left as I had been trying to all along. What we have here is an Elmwood merchant who will gladly leverage his whiteness and status as a shop owner to subject peaceful black customers to the criminal justice system if they do not bend to his unreasonable demands when HE reneges on his assistant's agreement. The responding police may or may not see things his way; but if you are a person of color, you already know that taking the risk at all is a reckless decision. ***Avoid this lunatic at ALL COSTS*** Consider yourself warned. Bryan's off-putting behavior is bad for Elmwood business in general, as his demeanor casts a pall over the entire district. One contact with him has me thinking twice about the rest of the area. Let's hope neighboring businesses recognize the threat Bryan poses from within the community. In the meantime, I recommend Evans Shoe Repair in the plaza on Evans near Sheridan. Or, really anyplace other than this one. #BoycottSoleMan #PeopleOfColorSteerClear read more

Sole Man is for those who value quality and have respect for timelessness. Brian is a craftsman, not a salesman. That's an important distinction. Stop by next time you need leather shoes, a brief case, or you want to resurrect an old pair. I beat the hell out of my shoes but he's got them looking better than the day I bought them. read more

I stopped in here recently to have heel tips replaced, and was very impressed with this shop! I had never repaired high heels before, but this pair of suede shoes has served me well as a staple in my work wardrobe. I stopped in on a random afternoon and was greeted by the owner, who was very friendly. He let me know he had time to repair the heels while I waited in the shop, and also agreed to replace the elastic loops that attach the shoes' ankle straps. The whole procedure took about 20 minutes and came out great. The owner apologetically let me know the metal clasp on one ankle strap was attached backwards, and offered to re-do it for me. There was no problem with function of the clasp and hardly noticeable when I looked up close, so I said it was fine-- he gave me a discount even still... And brushed the suede and re-colored part of shoe that was faded. They came out great and I really appreciated the owner's attentiveness to detail and passion for what he does. The price was reasonable, and the people are great. I would also recommend checking this place out to buy a nice pair of men's dress shoes. They have a big selection of unique re-fashioned men's shoes with a lot of character. read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE!! If you want Brian to lose your shoes, then come here. He has an odious temper and uses vulgarities at customers. I solely recognized that he was trying to give me the wrong shoe, instead of recognizing his err, he instead rebukes the customer and defiantly proclaims that my husband left a falsified name. The dismal disorganization brings Brian into volatile tirade, only reemphasizing this glaring issue. Unfortunately, the ever persistent small mindedness in Buffalo prevails where small fish delude themselves with being at a high echelon. Your better off going to Hamlet Shoe repair in Kenmore- better service, higher quality and great price. My husband made the mistake in coming here. read more

Brian is a good guy that has a lot of knowledge and passion for his work. I am happy with the pair of shoes I bought. The price was right and he took time to talk about the shoes rather than try to sell me whatever he had in stock. Although I am not from town, I will check this place out whenever I return. The stock is really cool and it's not just shoes, some vintage hats and ties as well. I was really happy with my visit here. read more

Brian is hands down the best cobbler that we have ever encountered - I've lived in DC and Chicago and he blows them out of the water. In addition to his world class knowledge his customer experience is bar none. We had purchased a defective pair of Gucci shoes and he could have just taken the money to re-sole them but he called Gucci customer service and spoke with them on our behalf. Not only are we lucky to have his skills in Buffalo he depicts what true customer service is. read more

Absolutely amazing service and really good prices, he also managed to help me find something that would fit once adjusted on the first try, just by looking at my foot for a few seconds (without even measuring). It turns out everyone else was just having me go 2 sizes up because they don't stock extra wide shoes anymore, and none of them bothered to tell me I was actually a size 8 to 8 and a half extra wide in the 6 years that I've been trying to replace my sneakers. read more

A scam man is what he is. I asked if he could stretch my brand new pair of shoes or I would return them he said yes. I came back a week later my shoes had not stretched and the soles had changed colors said he would try again attempted to get me to leave without a receipt. Again came back after a week shoes still not stretch he returned my $15 but I'm out the cost of a vibrant new pair of shoes $90. I would not recommend this store the guy is a scam artist didn't even know what material my shoes were made of which proves he didn't know what he was doing. I would've took him to small claims court but not worth the hassle. Do not go there find someone else. read more

Our wedding was on March 31st and I called Brian the week before because the custom, engraved leather cuff I had ordered online as a surprise for my husband was sent to me much later than expected and with the incorrect spelling. Brian welcomed me into his shop and assured me the cuff was something he could create. Thanks to Brian, I surprised my husband with the bracelet on our wedding day - it was beautifully crafted and far superior to the original bracelet I had ordered. Thank you, Brian, for your excellent customer service and for making our wedding day that much more memorable! read more

Highly recommended - I just picked up two pairs of shoes that Sole Man brought back to life - a pair of black Bally loafers, and a pair of brown Sperry Gold Cup loafers. The Bally pair is old, but they were a high end shoe and in relatively good shape when I brought them in. Sole Man repaired an area at the front of one shoe where the sole was beginning to detach, and replaced the bottom of the heals, which were showing some wear. They were cleaned and polished to look completely fresh. His work on the Sperry's was even more impressive. I honestly planned to throw those shoes away, given how bad they were and what I had originally paid for them. My last job had a business casual dress code, and these shoes were my daily pair. I wore them through rain, un-shoveled sidewalks, salted parking lots, etc. They were BEAT. The welting was coming apart in places, and the leather was dirty, dried out, and discolored by salt stains. But I read about Sole Man in Buffalo Rising and thought I would give him a shot. Sole Man completely brought them back to life, replacing the heal, adding a front tap, re-stitching the welting, and somehow cleaned all of the dirt and salt stains and reconditioned the leather. I can't say that they look brand new again, but they can definitely go back into my rotation. Glad to have this business in the Elmwood Village - I will be back with future repair jobs, and to check out his rotating selection of re-crafted shoes for sale. read more

Brian was amazing! Very nice and extremely helpful! I would highly recommend having your shoes repaired here! :)

So glad to have a neighborhood shoe repair shop! Do not be misled: while he sells only men's shoes and occasional apparel, he repairs men's and women's shoes. So, yay for those of us who don't throw out our shoes the minute we break a lace. read more

ARROGANT, WRONG SERVICE PERFORMED, UNPROFESSIONAL. I brought in two pairs of loafers and the owner performed the wrong service on the shoes, stretching out my favorite pair to be a size too big. I brought this to his attention when I picked up the shoes and noticed the error. He gave a half-hearted non-apology and basically just said "whoops." He agreed to fix the shoe, so I brought them back to him to try to fix the loafers. When I showed back up after leaving the shoes with him for a week, he clearly hadn't done any work on them and instead proposed new ideas he could use to fix the shoe. He told me I could pick them up in two days, but after two days the shoes still weren't ready. Finally, his employee called me a week later at 930 on a Saturday and said the shoes were ready but she was only going to be at the store for an hour longer and after that the store would be closed until Monday. As an aside, I had been to his store on two prior occasions during weekday business hours only to find a piece of scrap paper in the window saying "Sorry, emergency, be back later." In sum, I had to wait three weeks for this guy to make my favorite pair of loafers a size too big, and paid $50 for the inconvenience. I will not go back here and I recommend you don't either. read more

I stopped in to Sole Man because a zipper on one of my boots broke. They are old leather snow boots, so I told the owner (who was the person manning the shop) that I didn't need anything fancy. He was very fair and kind and fixed it for me in five minutes. But ----- that's not why I decided to write a review. His shop smells like GOOD leather, and all the shoes on display were beautiful - I would trust him to buy shoes for my dad or brother any day. He clearly knows his way with shoes. I will very definitely be going back to this shop if I ever need another pair of shoes fixed/touched up. read more

Brian is the man! His commitment to the customer is really something to behold. He bends over backward​ to ensure a job is done on time and correctly. Excellent​ quality and craftsmanship. I can't​ write enough to express how much I appreciate the level of service, kindness, and charm he brings to Sole Man. If you need a repair or want to pick up a fine leather-good, stop by his shop. Thanks Brian! You have a lifetime customer. read more

Brian has saved many pairs of my shoes. He has a quick turnaround time and I have boots that are four years old and look as good as they did when I bought them. I've also been in a few tight spots when heels broke right before I needed to wear them, and Brian was always super helpful. read more

Went in for a belt and came out out not only with the perfect belt but also a jar of his home-made boot grease. Great shop and great customer service. read more

I have had shoes repaired at Sole Man and found his work satisfactory. However is business practices (after my last, and I do mean last) visit, left a sour taste. I took in two pairs of shoes for minor repair. And a pair of suede ankle boots for major repair to the heel. The suede itself was in great condition but the heel on one boot was damaged. Unfortunately it was beyond repair. The owner was in the process of writing the ticket for my shoes when he gave me the news about the boots. I was disappointed but hey! It was at that point the sour taste appeared. He asked me what I was going to do with the boots, and I told him..."They can not be worn so I guess I will toss them". He then asked me if he could have them...telling me (with excitement in his voice) that the suede is in such great condition, he will make a pair of shoes out them (to sell). I did not have a problem with that. So, as anyone else would have, I waited for an offer for discounted or free services for my shoe repair in exchange for the suede. No offer came. He wanted to charge me full price for the repair and take the suede for profit at a later date. Yes... he would profit. He is a shoe maker after all. I guess he thought I was gullible. I left and I am not going back. Four stars for previous repairs. One star last visit. read more

I have now purchased three pairs of men's shoes from Brian and I am absolutely thrilled with his selection. For the quality of shoes he is offering (i.e., Allen-Edmonds and Alden's), the prices are extremely reasonable. Brian is a passionate guy about shoes, and if you have questions he will patiently explain things to you. Overall, a great experience! read more

Absolutely horrible experience. After remarking on the attractiveness of the customer in front of me and then noting that he was married, the owner, Brian tried to sell me a fake Gucci watch. I decided to purchase a working invicta which broke 3 hours later. Brian haggled me for a week about returning the broken watch he sold me. Very dishonest businessman who will rip you off, as he is desperate for money. Avoid this business at all costs. I would give it 0 out of five stars if that were possible! read more