1-2-Shoe Renew

I used to use 1 – 2 Shoe Renew all the time, but I went in today and the prices had more than doubled. Also, they refused to replace the buckles on my shoes because they «didn’t feel it was necessary»; I wanted them replaced because they had been difficult to use since the day I purchased the shoes. I also didn’t appreciate the rudeness when I asked why they wouldn’t replace the buckles rather than repairing them (she couldn’t provide an answer other than she didn’t feel it was necessary) and she was also very rude when I asked why replacing heel tips had suddenly increased from $ 8 to $ 18. Sadly, I’ve heard similar recent experiences from several of my friends who were also formerly loyal customers. I won’t be back — I would much rather buy a new pair of shoes than pay $ 50 for very simple repairs (though that probably won’t be necessary since I got a quote from another repair shop that will do all of the repairs for about $ 15).

I went in an hour before they closed and was greeted by a very friendly and helpful attendant. I have a pair of heals for a wedding and needed a few alterations. I literally spent less than 10 minutes in there while they proved quick service and gave helpful advice. I will definitely be using them for future repairs.

I’ve been using 1 – 2 Shoe Renew for many years and have had 4 pairs of shoes resoled and heeled a number of times. I’ve found them reliable and the work to be excellent.

This place is wonderful. The proprietors seem to be a husband-​and-​wife team who do excellent work in addition to being thoughtful, honest, and prompt .
When I bring items for repair, they communicate clearly about their plan (whether and how they can fix, whether anything will look or feel different) and then quote the price and time frame for pickup. I pay on the same day as drop-​off, so when I come back on the appointed day, it’s just a happy reunion between me and my leather goods, shiny and refurbished!

I had a pair of my husbands dress shoes soles replaced and they did a nice job; however their price seemed a bit high ($ 45) although it has been several years since I have had a resole done.
I also took in a pair of my heels to repair and the job looked like a 3 year old was handed my shoes to repair. I discussed my concern with the lady that works the counter, who is very nice, but she said that is all that can be done. Very disappointing — no wonder they have you pay in advance! I will not be using this shoe repair in the future.

Like the other reviewers have said – they make your shoes look great, are willing to take on dog-​chewed challenges, and are fair, kind, and honest to work with. Highly recommended.

These folks are amazing! I brought 3 of my most beloved pairs of shoes that were DESTROYED. I have a Great Dane, so really, they were bad. These guys made my shoes new again, even they were skeptical that they could fix them and they did. They are so sweet and do really high quality work. I’ll be bringing more of my shoes to them soon.

So… the woman that works the front (I assume the owner, but not sure) is really quite nice, and the shop itself is very clean and professional-​looking. Also, their hours are a lot more flexible than some of the other family-​run shops I’ve been to (I think they’re open until 6.30 or later at least one of the nights).
That said:
I brought in two pairs of shoes to be re-​soled, and was appalled at the result when I went to pick them up the other day. One pair had a cheap insole partially adhered to the existing insole (which should have been removed). The exisiting insole was actually pulled up (as though they had started to remove it, then decided to do otherwise), and was left just… flapping. The woman working the front told me that this was fine. When I told her it wasn’t, and that this was not the condition that I had left them in, she finally relented and went in the back to glue it back down.
The second pair, which I was quoted a price of $ 20 for a resole job, came back with just the front portion done. When I pointed out that I had specifically asked for them to be re-​soled, she told me it would be another $ 18 to do the heels. The outer sole that was (partially) replaced is actually quite smooth and slippery — which is why I had brought them in in the first place. It is not at all a rubber sole, which we had agreed to when I dropped them off.
To top it all off, there was dried glue left on the leather of the resoled pair.
All in all, I was really disappointed. I have read so many favorable Unilocal reviews, that I had thought I had found my new shoe shop. I guess I’ll keep looking.

AMAZING. I gave them my treasured leather boots which I am surprised even still function after years of wear because a decorative strap was broken. 1 – 2 was my last hope for my boots after others had said it could not be prepared. I paid in advance here but the owner could make no promises on how it would turned out but I had to give it a chance.
I came back and it was like I bought the same show new. I mean seriously. How do they do that? I am amazed and am planning to return with a precious leather purse and cannot wait to see the results.
This place and the owners are incredible and we are very lucky to have it in Durham!

While I would not go as far as other reviewers to say they always make my shoes look like new (for a basic heel replacement I’ve had better cleanings done) but they are reliable, friendly, and great at tackling a challenge. I brought in a pair of leather flat boots I got in Brazil and had worn the heel down to a hole in one side, three other shoe places had told me they couldn’t do anything for me but at 1 – 2 they did not hesitate to find some leather patches that were a similar color and even add a thicker heel so the problem won’t happen again. All that for $ 45 which is way cheaper than a new pair of brazilian leather boots. They have also fixed a leather handbag for me when the strap was torn ($ 30).
I have had four rounds of work done here and I will continue to bring them all my business. I trust them with my favorite items and feel no need to try another shoe or leather repair.

FYI, they do leather repair on other items also. I actually took my favorite leather jacket here which I’d had for about 4 years, was warn down really thin and had ripped. They were able to fix it and it looks great, almost the same as before it ripped. I would definitely go here again.

They did an awesome job with all of my shoes that I brought in — boots, dance shoes, dress heels. One pair of boots was water damaged, and heels that should have been taken care of months ago. they pretty much look like new now. The lady is SUPER nice, which I always give extra points for.
I took in 5 pairs of shoes, two of which had significant damage that required patching and re-​wrapping the heels. The others were simple heel replacement jobs. It cost about $ 75 for all.

I’ve been here twice in the past two months, and I’ve had outstanding service both times. They take the time to understand what you want done; they suggest solutions; they do quick work and they charge a fair price. In my case, one pair of shoes had recently received new heels; but they caused knee & hip pain when worn. They modified the heel so that the pain went away. Bottom line: if you want it done right, go here; if you have something special that you need done, go here. They’re a local resource that provides a great service.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I have a collection of shoes that are well-​loved and cared for, I frequently take them in to replace the soles and heels. They handle the shoes with care and are reasonably priced for the quality of work that they do. I took a pair of my mother’s shoes from the 1960’s to be repaired and they did a wonderful job — replacing the entire sole. They even gave me a present (green tea) for being a first-​time customer!

The service here was great. They repaired my pair of heels within 3 days and it only cost me 12 dollars. The quality of workmanship was admirable.

I’ve been using these guys for over 8 years. They’ve always done a great job with all of my requests, and aren’t afraid to tackle on tough jobs. They won’t over-​promise anything either. If it’s beyond their means, they tell you from the get go. Priced fairly, and will accommodate quick turnaround times if you’re in a rush.
Although I don’t have a comparison to the neighboring shoe repair service shops around the area, I see no reason to venture out when I have a great reliable place to take my shoes for cleaning/​repairs.