I can't say enough good things about Shoe Smith in Willimantic. I originally purchased a pair of HOKA Challenger 7s after they took the time to evaluate my feet with their scanning equipment and listened carefully to my orthopedic history, including a knee replacement and an ankle fusion. Their recommendation was spot on. I wore those shoes on a full day walking all over New York City, and they were the most comfortable walking shoes I've ever owned. I was completely pain-free. Unfortunately, the shoes developed a manufacturing defect after only a week. I brought them back expecting an exchange for the same model. Instead, they stood behind the product and upgraded me to a pair of HOKA Bondi 9s at no additional cost. That level of customer service is becoming increasingly rare. They treated me with kindness, professionalism, and genuine concern for making sure I left with a shoe that was right for me. If you're thinking about buying shoes, skip the big-box stores and support this local business. The personalized fitting, expert advice, and outstanding service are worth every penny. They've earned a customer for life. read more

I've always been very satisfied with their repairs. They carry excellent shoes for every need. They also have many sales for people like me who are on a limited income. They are the only shoe repair business in the state that I am aware of and it reminds me of the past when shoes were of the best quality and we always brought our shoes and other leather goods to be repaired, not cheap shoes thrown out and have to buy another pair of much less quality. I would recommend them to anyone and especially to those with special foot needs. read more

Best service, very welcoming, so helpful, such good work, fair pricing!!!!! It's always worth the nearly two-hour round trip.

Hands down the best! Old school shoe shop. Individual attention to your needs. Friendly & knowledgeable staff!

I'm about three years into a pair of work shoes and a pair of sneakers. They have both been worn every day (maybe a month less on the work shoes) for the last three years. I'm on my feet at work usually for a full eight hours each day. No back problems and I even feel somewhat energized when I get home. By the way I'm sixty three and work in remodeling. I still swing a hammer and and operate power tools. The Shoe Smith added who knows how many years to my working potential. I know when I finally retire I'll be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor thanks partly to The Shoe Smith. Try it for yourselves. It's worth the trip and it's worth every penny. read more

I went to the Shoe Smith because I had a pair of Birkenstocks that needed to be resoled. I did a bunch of research online and most places wanted to charge around $70 for the repair. I found the Shoe Smith and they do the resole for $48. I initially called because their hours are almost exactly the same as my work hours and I was wondering if I could mail them in, but they notified me that they are now open until 8pm on Thursdays. I stopped in on a Thursday and had a great conversation with the owner. I had two styles that needed some work. One was the Mayari and the other was the Gizeh. Mayari only needed a sole replacement and he told me it'd take a week and be easy. The Gizeh was a little more complicated. He said that the cork would also need to be replaced but he hasn't found a good way to do it for the Gizeh because there's a button that hold the center toe part down that he hasn't been able to level out after replacing the cork. He also said he could try but for cork and sole it would be around $101 and for that price I could just buy a new pair. I really appreciated his honesty with me and not wasting my money. I know to take good care of my cork but better now that I know that tidbit! I got my Mayari back today and they're awesome. The sole looks perfect and they're just as comfy as I remember them being. I'd recommend them to anyone. One tip though - park on the street if you can. When you pull in the parking lot it's tight to get around the other cars and incredibly narrow around the back on the way out. read more

This store is amazing. The kind of old school store that used to be. You know. where customer service is priority and the people love what they do. Yep, this is one of those stores. Came in to see John, to find insoles and shoes for my flat feet. To say he went above and beyond is an understatement. He tried and he tried, but nothing was right for me. Even though I didn't make a purchase, he maintained a professional and pleasant attitude, even inviting me to stop back anytime. I felt bad I couldn't make a purchase. But I have and I will continue to recommend them. If you are in need of expert shoe and insole help, this is your place! read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable people. I'm a customer for life. Thanks for making my old shoes new again! read more

The Shoe Smith - Shoe Repair Near Me - Willimantic, Connecticut

Best place to go for comfortable footwear. Only quality footwear and the individual attention is bonus!

Stopped by on a Monday and did not know they were closed. One Gentleman was in the store anyway and took the time to help me find the proper boots, insoles and made sure I was walking level with the well boot I am currently wearing. Can not thank them enough for going out of the way to help me on his day off. read more

Came in to get 5 pairs of shoes shined and repaired. They finished them same day, shoes came out beautifully. Thank you, Shoe Smith!

The shoe repair service is fine, as long as you don't bring in shoes with leather soles and expect them to be resoled with leather. My one and and most likely only pair of Farragamo shoes was ruined by a replaced rubber sole. Other repairs to mine and my husband shoes were fine. I always pay way too much for shoes when I shop there. I asked about returns when I paid more than $200 for a pair of Merrell sneakers. They started squeaking just after return period ran out. These folks were very clear about returns. The sales people are supposed to know what they are doing, but I find them pushy. I have to think hard about buying more shoes there, but without a doubt I will continue to have my ordinary shoes repaired at the Shoe Smith. read more

Always superb work and a friendly atmosphere. Affordable and has never let me down... thanks for the great job!!!!

My dad goes here and keeps telling me I have to try them. I work on my feet all day and have spent so much money on shoes and thought id give them a try. They measured my feet and were very thorough and knowledgeable. I got new shoes and inserts for around $150. My feet feel great! my ankles do not swell anymore and this is the only shoe store I will be going to from now on. read more

The reviewers mentioned shoe repair. The Shoe Smith might be ok for that. But I went in there for orthopedic shoes, and the owner is totally creepy and unpleasant. The store is also dark and dirty. I found out that the New Balance store in Evergreen Walk also has certified pedorthists. They are pleasant and the store is spotlessly clean. Easy decision for me. In addition, the prices at the New Balance store are the same as the Shoe Smith, but they have a much wider selection of athletic shoes. read more

I can't imagine that no one else has reviewed this place yet. I have been going to the Shoe Smith for years, but last week I had the best experience yet. I need to wear expensive German shoes for work (I'm on my feet all day) and they were falling apart after some years of wearing them. Jose repaireds the uppers, replaced the soles with a superior Italian material, and generally made them look like new, in three days time, and for a fraction of what they would cost to replace. What more could you ask? Oh yeah, he's hot also..... read more

Extremely knowledgable and friendly service. Makes you feel like part of the community. John helped fit me for a brand new pair of dress shoes and even showed me a better way to tie my shoes after seeing how I currently did mine! He also helped me polish my shoes and did it all with a smile. Fair prices and going above and beyond are why I won't go anywhere else to buy shoes. Thanks John! read more

I took my 97 year old mother for shoes or sneakers that would fit her very hard to fit feet. They swell up sometimes so the shoes have to be very wide. The store was very busy on Saturday, but they had at least 4 people helping so the wait was short. The fitter was Jessica, and she was very patient and kind to us. We tried on at least 10 different shoes and sneakers and came up with the ones that fit her best. New Balance 6x wide. We put elastic laces on (which they had a nice selection of) to make it easy on and off plus expand when swollen. We also got a pair of slippers that opened wide, easy on and off and good support and sole. She loves both and says they are very comfortable. Not cheap, but worth it if you have hard to fit feet or special needs. Several people there bought 4-5 pairs of shoes and raved about the fit and help the Shoesmith provides. I've also had riding boots and shoes repaired there and they did an awesome and quick job and the price was reasonable. Good selection of high quality shoes, sneakers and boots. read more