I had some severe damage to a pair of shoes I did not want to discard. Having had unsatisfactory results previously with shoe repair beyond the usual heels and soles, I set out to find an artisan. Considerable web research led me to Mike Vallee, who was featured in one article as something of the last old world shoe cobbler anywhere. If Yelp permits link pasting, that article appears here: http://patientsprogress.blogspot.com/2009/07/last-cobbler-mike-vallee-should-be.html I called Mike to explain the situation and the fact that I'm not near his shop in Bristol, CT and would like to send him the shoes for evaluation and possible repair. Yes, send them in he says. So I do. Promptly after delivery, Mike gave it to me straight. It's really bad, but here's what I can try, and hopefully it keeps for at least a year or so. Mike was very honest and meticulous assessing the shoes. It was important to him to ensure that I understood what to expect and the cost benefit against other options. Take the weekend to decide, he said. I called the following week to say let's do it. So he did. Quickly, in fact. Opening the box on return you would have thought Mike returned the wrong pair of shoes. Mike repaired the severe damage, applied brand new heels and Vibram soles, and of course shined them. They came back looking substantially new, all for less than 25% of what these shoes would cost new if you could even buy them any more, which I could not. You will note that I have exactly one review on Yelp. I signed up to write this review and probably will never write another. If you are trying to save a special pair of shoes and fear that they will be butchered by a mere mortal shoemaker, call Mike and send him your shoes. read more

My apologies to the proprietor of this place for taking this long to write a review, my experience was in May 2016. I was traveling through the area and had a leather hand bag belonging to the missus that needed a zipper replaced. He first told me he didn't do that, but looked at it and said he might be able to repair the old zipper. He told me to leave a cash deposit, come back next day, and if he was unable to fix it he'd return my cash. Okay, fair enough... Well he did fix it, and fixed it good as new (maybe better)! I was surprised too as I didn't know those zippers could be repaired. I was happy as hell, the missus was ecstatic to have her favorite bag to use again, and all at an extremely reasonable cost. And now over 3 months later it's still good as new. Guys providing service like this are rare these days, workmanship and price were as good as it gets. I can't recommended Vallee's Shoe Service highly enough! read more

Mike is absolutely amazing! I would recommend him in a heartbeat over anywhere else! I recently used him to fix my best friends tap shoes. I wanted to get them fixed as a surprise for her birthday, but only had 4 days to take them from the studio when she didn't need them. I called 4 local places who all told me no way could they get it done in less than a week. I called Vallee's Shoe service because of the great reviews on yelp, and Mike lived up to them! He told me to come right over and that he could have them done by Monday (it was Saturday morning). He came in on his day off to make sure they were done, and he did an amazing job! My friend was thrilled. Thank you so much again, Mike! read more

I have been going here for many years Because my family has been going here for years. Best I have Found he's fas, friendly and affordable. He's kept my Italian leather boots looking brand-new for literately the past 10 years. I would not trust my shoes to anyone else. If you can't do something he will flat out tell you it can't be done. Rather than just take your money and do the job halfway. His shop is very neat, clean and tidy and that tells you how he runs his business. I cannot even imagine what I will do when he decides to retire! read more

I brought 2 pair of expensive shoes to Vallee's and couldn't have been more pleased. This gentleman takes pride in his work, is professional and does a BEAUTIFUL job. I am so thrilled to have found someone of this caliber to bring my shoes and leather goods to. He has a customer for life! I am on my way there now to see what he can do with my husbands favorite briefcase....sentimental value but wearing out. Maybe it can be saved! read more

I was referred to Mike, at Vallee shoe repair by one of my clients. He just kept telling me NO ONE does a shine like Mike. I said, "okay, I'll go see him." What a shine!!! Since then I have been bringing my shoes, my wife's heels, & my clients shoes. He is very reasonable with price and has an exceptional personality. What a great small local business. Vallee is a staple in the Bristol Community. read more

This guy has it all! The talent he has is a lost art. He has saved me many times. See as a rodeo clown, we need rear protection( if ya know what I mean) and Mike developed a light leather butt protector inside my coveralls. Works terrific! Go see him and you will be happy. Saved my ass for sure :) read more

Mike is the BEST! If you grew up in a time where shoe repair was the norm, but you can't find a good, "cobbler" these days, your search has ended! Personable guy that makes you feel like you're dealing with a pro. Highly recommended! Thanks Mike! (from the guy with the little white dog. ;) ) read more

S Stopped in as my boots stitching came loose. Fixed it on the spot for 10 bucks. Old small time America still alive and well here. Best cobbler in CT! read more

Incredibly knowledgeable, up-to-date and talented artisan! No one could've done a better job on my boot repair. Highly recommend!

Absolutely the best shoe repair any where. I've been a customer for more than 12 years.

Great service. Great attitude. Great price. Great place. Margaret