Your guide to the best bag and shoe menders in Toronto

Perhaps the strap broke on your favourite designer handbag, or the soles of your vintage leather boots need some major TLC, or the heels on your new stilettos are just too high to walk in all day. Instead of tossing out or replacing these otherwise-great accessories, why not consider taking them to a local leather specialist, cobbler or bag mender? You'll prevent the item from going to landfill, potentially save money (compared to buying a new replacement), and be able to keep a treasured part of your wardrobe longer. 

If you've never seen what a professional bag mender or shoe-repair expert can do, prepare to be amazed. Distressed leather can be made to look brand new, heels shortened, rips and tears made whole, shoe straps repaired or added. From minor alterations to major surgery, almost anything is possible, with the right tools and a few hours of skilled work.   

Depending on what you need done, a quick repair or revitalization can cost under $20 and take just a few days. Of course, extensive and specialty requests might cost up to several hundred dollars — but most places will give you a quote or estimate before beginning work, and the better shops will be clear about what can realistically be accomplished or repaired. Plus, you could always take simpler projects to a well-priced local mender, and use a more expensive specialist for very delicate, designer accessories. After all, repairing red-soled Louboutin heels and adding basic rubber soles to a pair of slip-ons require different levels of expertise and attention to detail. 

Here are seven trusted spots where stylish Torontonians take their shoes and bags for repairs. 

Kaner's Handbags & Shoe Repair, 110 Bloor St West

Recommended by: Diego Fuchs, fashion designer and creative director

The review: "Kaner's specializes in all forms of shoe repairs and alterations; I have yet to take them a pair of shoes that they are not able to make look brand new. Their attention to detail is impeccable."

The insider tip: "I would definitely say that they specialize in more formal, high-end designer footwear due to their proximity to Holt Renfrew, David's and all of the designer stores on Bloor. They can resole a Louboutin better than anyone I've seen."

Rob's Best Foot Forward, 20 Toronto Street

Recommended by: Kimberly Lyn, digital editor and writer

The review: "I love supporting small, local businesses! Rob's Best Foot Forward is centrally located in downtown Toronto. The owner, Rob, has more than 30 years of shoe-repair experience and is well known for his expertise and megawatt smile. He's one of the nicest people you'll encounter and shares valuable advice on how he'll repair your footwear, as well as how you can keep it in good condition going forward. Prices for shoe repair will vary depending on the work you need done, but the quality of the work is undeniable." 

The insider tip: Lyn, who runs a blog called The Souls of My Shoes, recommends calling the shop in advance if you're not sure what kind of work you need done and to find out how long it may take.

Family Shoe Repair, 14800 Yonge St #155, Aurora, ON

Recommended by: Francesca Morfini, PR and communications consultant

The review: "Boris specializes in all kinds of shoe repairs — he is even trained to custom-make a shoe from scratch. I've brought in all of my more expensive shoes, especially boots and heels, to get soled. It protects the shoe and adds grip to it. I've also brought in shoes that were a little scuffed or had those awful bend marks to get freshened up. The location is [far from downtown Toronto] … but it's so worth it! He really knows what he's doing and I trust him to not destroy my shoes!"

The insider tip: "Boris usually needs about a week, so I usually wait until I have a few pairs of shoes that need a refresher." And according to the Family Shoe Repair web page, they specialize in equestrian boots and can also help with orthopedic tweaks and repairs.

Nick's Custom Boots & Shoe Repair, 167 Dupont Street

Recommended by: Kim Newport-Mimran, fashion designer of Pink Tartan and the Kim Newport Collection 

The review: "I am hard on my shoes; I like to put extra sole protection on my favourites before I start wearing them. I appreciate the quality and attention to detail at Nick's, and the location is very convenient for me." 

The insider tip: Newport-Mimran recommends taking in your shoes for touch-ups as soon as you see the signs of wear and tear, rather than waiting until they're damaged and need to be fully repaired. 

Bay Bloor Shoe Repairs, 1240 Bay Street

Recommended by: Cynthia Yan, Vice-President of ASC Public Relations

The review: "Bay Bloor Shoe Repairs specializes in mending both footwear and handbags. I've brought in Zara boots that needed to be resoled and the owner re-dyed them for me as well. The owner is a crafted cobbler who can tend to the finest detail of a Gucci loafer, Hermès Birkin bag or H&M boots — all items I have seen him work on. I appreciate the efficiency in their services from the moment you walk in, and the quality of work is top notch. The feedback provided is always honest and helpful, and they often provide after-care tips to help you extend the life of your items."

The insider tip: Yan has been going to Bay Bloor Shoe Repairs for years, and says that they will normally provide a quote and a time estimate for each repair (typically within 24–48 hours). "At times, they will do the repair on the spot or provide an easy DIY solution," says Yan. 

Fine Shoes Sales and Repair, 845 Danforth Ave

Recommended by: Afiya Francisco, lifestyle expert

The review: "They specialize in leather shoes but I did bring a pebbled-leather bag in a few years ago because I didn't love the length of the strap. They easily and quickly shortened the strap. I appreciate that they will look at pieces other than shoes and give you an honest assessment as to whether it's within their skillset. They were also pretty quick."

The insider tip: Head to this affordable​ Greektown shop ​for​​​ straight-forward​, uncomplicated shoe repairs.

Sole Survivor, 16 Kensington Avenue

Recommended by: Cole Douglas, Senior Account Executive at NKPR

The review: "They really are well-known for shoe repair. My favourite black Chelsea boots—which I wore everywhere—were starting to have a rip between the leather and sole, so I brought them to Sole Survivor for a fix. It's close enough to my place, but what was great was the price—very affordable. They were also lovely!"

The insider tip: This Kensington-area shoe and leather repair shop features an all-female team led by cobbler Lorena Agolli.

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.