Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our mail-in shoe repair and leather restoration services? Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about getting your shoes, boots, handbags, and other leather goods repaired by Nationwide Shoe Repair.

  • Nationwide Shoe Repair is an online, mail-in shoe and leather repair service serving customers throughout the United States. Instead of searching for a local cobbler, you can send your shoes, boots, handbags, and other leather items to our repair workshop for professional repair, restoration, and customization.

  • Yes. We specialize in mail-in shoe repair and leather restoration for customers across the United States. Whether you need a simple heel replacement, a complete resole, boot repair, sneaker restoration, zipper replacement, or specialty modification, you can send your item to us for evaluation and repair.

  • We repair a wide variety of footwear, including:

    • Men's dress shoes

    • Women's dress shoes

    • Boots and work boots

    • Cowboy and riding boots

    • Fashion boots

    • Sneakers

    • Loafers

    • Heels

    • Sandals

    • Specialty and orthopedic footwear

    • Vintage and select antique footwear

    If you're not sure whether your shoes can be repaired, send us photos and we'll let you know what options are available.

  • Our repair services go beyond shoes. We also repair and restore many types of leather goods, including:

    • Handbags and purses

    • Briefcases

    • Backpacks

    • Wallets

    • Belts

    • Leather straps

    • Cases and small leather goods

    • Zippers and closures

    • Specialty leather items

    Every item is evaluated based on its material, construction, condition, and the type of repair needed.

Getting a Repair Quote

  • Getting started is easy. Submit our online contact form and include clear photos of the item and the area that needs repair. Tell us what you would like repaired and provide as much detail as possible.

    We'll review the photos and contact you with the available repair options and an estimate.

  • Yes. We encourage you to contact us and send photos before shipping your items whenever possible. Photos allow us to better understand the condition of the shoes or leather item and determine the likely repair needed.

    For some repairs, we may need to physically inspect the item before providing a final price.

  • The more information you provide, the better. Include:

    • Photos of the entire item

    • Close-up photos of the damaged area

    • The brand or type of footwear, if known

    • A description of what is wrong

    • What you would like repaired

    • Any special fit, comfort, or customization requests

Shipping Your Shoes to Us

  • After contacting us and receiving instructions, securely package your shoes or other items and send them to our repair facility.

    We recommend using a sturdy shipping box and protecting the items so they cannot move excessively during transit.

  • Yes. Nationwide Shoe Repair provides mail-in repair services throughout the United States.

    You can send your footwear or leather goods to us from virtually anywhere in the country.

  • No. That's the advantage of our mail-in service. You do not need to have a quality cobbler in your local area. Simply contact us, send photos of your item, and follow our shipping instructions.

  • Lightly removing loose dirt or debris is helpful, but do not attempt aggressive cleaning or stain removal yourself. Certain materials, finishes, dyes, and delicate leathers can be damaged by improper cleaning.

    If your item needs cleaning or restoration, let us know when you request your quote.

Shoe & Boot Repairs

  • Yes. We replace worn or damaged soles on many types of shoes and boots. Depending on the footwear, we may be able to install leather, rubber, Vibram®, cork, or other appropriate sole materials.

    The best material depends on the shoe's construction, intended use, and your preferences.

  • Yes. We offer mail-in boot resoling and restoration for many types of boots, including work boots, fashion boots, riding boots, specialty boots, and other footwear.

    Send us photos of the boots and their soles so we can determine the appropriate repair.

  • Yes. We repair many types of damaged heels, including worn heel tips, damaged heel components, and certain structural heel problems.

    For expensive dress shoes, repairing or rebuilding the existing heel can often preserve the original appearance and construction better than replacing the shoes.

  • Yes. Depending on the construction and condition of the footwear, we can repair or replace damaged stitching and reinforce areas that have become weak or separated.

  • In many cases, yes. We offer shoe stretching and certain custom fit adjustments to improve comfort and fit.

    Tell us where the shoe feels tight and what type of adjustment you need when submitting your request.

  • Yes. We are a mail-in specialty repair workshop and can perform certain custom modifications and adjustments for comfort, fit, and specialty footwear.

    Please provide detailed information about the adjustment you need so we can determine whether we can accommodate it.

Leather, Handbag & Accessory Repair

  • Yes. We repair zippers on many types of handbags, purses, boots, luggage, cases, and other leather goods.

    Depending on the item, we may be able to replace the zipper, slider, or other zipper components.

  • Many types of leather damage can be repaired or restored, depending on the severity and location of the damage.

    We may be able to address problems such as worn areas, loose stitching, tears, damaged edges, and other leather deterioration.

    Send us detailed photos so we can evaluate the condition and recommend the appropriate repair.

  • Yes. We repair many types of leather belts, straps, buckles, closures, and related components.

  • We work with a wide variety of footwear and leather goods, including higher-end and specialty items.

    Because every brand and construction is different, we recommend sending photos before shipping valuable items so we can evaluate the repair possibilities.

Zipper Repair

  • Yes. We repair and replace zippers on many types of shoes, boots, handbags, cases, and other leather goods.

    We use quality zipper components and select the appropriate repair based on the item and its construction.

  • Sometimes. Depending on the problem, the zipper slider or another component may be repairable without replacing the complete zipper.

    We'll determine the best solution after reviewing the item.

  • More complex restorations, specialty repairs, custom work, or repairs requiring special materials may take longer.

  • The repair time depends on the type and complexity of the work. Simple repairs may be completed more quickly, while extensive restoration or custom work can require additional time.

    We'll provide the best available timeframe based on the repair requested.

  • Yes. If inspection of the item reveals a condition that changes the recommended repair or requires additional work, we will communicate with you before proceeding with significant additional work.

  • Not necessarily. Our goal is to restore the item while preserving its original character, construction, and appearance as much as possible.

    Because materials naturally age and every item has a different history, some signs of wear or previous damage may remain after restoration.

Repair Time & Return Shipping

  • Often, yes—especially when you have a high-quality, comfortable, well-fitting, vintage, designer, or sentimental pair of shoes.

    Professional repair can extend the useful life of footwear and preserve a fit that you've already broken in.

  • No. Some items may be too severely damaged, structurally compromised, or made from materials that cannot be successfully repaired.

    We evaluate each item individually and will let you know if we believe a repair is practical.

  • That's okay. You don't need to know the technical name for the repair.

    Simply tell us what is wrong—for example, "the sole is coming off," "the heel is worn down," "the zipper is broken," or "the leather is damaged"—and send photos. We'll help determine the appropriate repair.

  • We offer select antique and vintage restoration. These items require special consideration because materials, construction methods, and finishes can vary significantly.

    Send us photos and information about the item so we can determine whether restoration is possible.

Repair Quality & Recommendations

Don't replace your favorite shoes, boots, or leather goods before finding out whether they can be repaired.

Send us photos of your item and tell us what needs attention. We'll review your request and help you determine the best repair option.

Ready to Repair Your Shoes?

GET a Repair Quote
We repair leather boots, work boots, riding boots and fashion boots, including sole replacement, heel repair, stitching, zipper replacement, stretching and leather restoration.

Custom Fit Analysis

We communicate every step of the way to ensure your shoe fits you exactly how you want it.

Close-up image of two leather straps with detailed stitching on a textured leather surface.

Premium Sneaker Cleaning and Restoration

Technicians utilize pH-balanced cleansers, color-fast dyes, and meticulous hand finishing to revive materials, restore vibrancy, and preserve structural integrity.

Close-up of two adult hands holding and possibly sewing or repairing fabric together. The hands are aged, and the fabric appears to be a gray patterned material.

Zipper

Using high quality zipper parts to replace a worn zipper on a jacket, boots, or bag using detailed precision to give another life to your item.