Alexandria Shoe Repair, 124 N. Fayette St., Alexandria; 703-549-8133. The oldest continually operating shoe repair in Virginia opened in 1896 and still draws them in with reasonable prices, beautifully done repairs, and custom work. You can also have sandals made and leather jackets altered and repaired.
Bedo’s Leatherworks, 412 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-534-3233. Besides shoe, bag, and suitcase repairs, Bedo’s—owned by Steve Doudaklian, whose father opened the original shop in 1977—is known for its way with leather jackets and motorcycle chaps in need of new zippers, snaps, mending, and cleaning.
Bethesda Shoe & Luggage Repair, 7900 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda; 301-654-1860. Friendly service on both routine and challenging projects such as delicate stitching on those Guccis, slimming down too-wide knee-high boots, and, on one occasion, creating a Maxwell Smart–style shoe phone as a gift.
Corrective Shoe Repair, 1502 21st St., NW; 202-232-9749. Known for attention to detail on shoes and handbags, this Dupont Circle shop elicits comments such as “My five-year-old boots look brand new!”
Expert Luggage & Shoe Repair, 3808 Northhampton St., NW; 202-362-6681. Owner Joe Apkarian tells it like it is as to whether a shoe, bag, or suitcase can be salvaged at this Chevy Chase DC shop.
Fortuna’s, 7835 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-2533. Fortuna’s has a loyal following for good reason: It can resurrect lost causes such as Chanel suede boots muddied during the White House Christmas-tree lighting.
Johnston & Murphy, multiple area locations. This men’s outfitter offers three options on shoes bought at its stores: Refinishing, which restores the leather ($25); Basic, in which soles and heels are replaced ($90); and Premium, in which the shoe is taken apart and rebuilt ($115). The shop works on golf shoes as well.
Paul’s Shoe Repair, 9903 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls; 703-759-3735. Good workmanship on repairs of bags, shoes, briefcases. The family-owned store has been a Great Falls fixture since 1979.
Sam Torrey Shoe Service, 5267 Lee Hwy., Arlington; 703-532-4933. Chewed-up high heels seemingly beyond repair look good as new after a visit to the shop.
Simon’s Shoe Repair, 1309 Old Chain Bridge Rd., McLean; 703-893-8782. This shop knows its way around shoes; it’s especially good at fixing well-worn children’s shoes.
