Vance Shoe Repair has been a family run business for 40 + years providing the highest levels of service and quality craftsmanship. What makes us the best shoe repairers in Ellicott City? Our level of craftsmanship. Unlike some, we don’t take half measures; we use the best products and painstaking skill to return your shoes (and bags) to their original condition, or as near to it as is humanly possible. This has been our mission since Clarence Vance started the business 42 years ago, and it has helped to make us the leading shoe repair in the area. We also pride ourselves on our customer service. We stand behind our work 100%; if you are not happy with our service, we will do whatever it takes to make it right for you. We can give this kind of guarantee because we are confident in the quality of our work.
Business highlights
52 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
We perform a range of shoe repair services such as men’s soles and heal replacement, ladies heals, shoe shines, stretching, dying, tips and taps and many more. We also repair handbags, purses, suitcases, belts, jackets, orthopedic work and much much more. If you can carry it through the door we will do our best to fix it!
went above and beyond for a $5 repair - she made the effort to match a rivet on the strap
Description of Work: repair to a handbag strap
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$5
Jay E.
10/2016
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
Excellent, soles have not separated anymore.
Description of Work: Re-attach soles to shoes with epoxy
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20
J L.
07/2016
1.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
This is more like a shoeshine shop than a true shoe repair shop. I took in 2 pairs of shoes. 1) I took in a pair of favorite pointy-toed patent pumps that had damage on the points and needed new heels. It was a long shot, but I really wanted to salvage the beautiful shoes. I asked if the pointy toes could be capped with black or brown leather, which would change the look slightly but cover/repair the damage to the toes. The manager or owner said no, but she would fill in the tips with "matching brown". The shoes were tortoise, not brown. When the manager/owner called to say the shoes were ready she said the shoes were "better than new." That was surprising. How does a pair of truly exquisite Stuart Weitzman patent leather pumps become "better than new?" Well, allow me share. The semi-gloss goop she put on the toes looked like wood filler and didn't in any sense look like a smooth glossy part of the patent leather. There was a huge glop of shoe glue dropped INSIDE one shoe and I couldn't wear them even if I wanted to. I don't. The new heel caps looked good. That's the best I can say, but any shoe shop can do that. This phrase "better than new" is probably how you can identify positive yelp reviews that were added by the owner and her friends. 2) I also took in a pair of brown leather casual but upscale style shoes that were scuffed. I asked if the finish on the leather could be repaired. That is to say, I meant that the tanning should be repaired and the texture made like the non-scuffed part of the shoe. They came back looking like a novice (like me) had applied a home shoeshine kit with a DARKER color of brown!! What a waste. Both of these pairs of shoes were expensive but favorites, and I took them in on a long shot, so I consider it a cheap lesson at $26.
Description of Work: Repair to expensive pointy-toed patent pumps, and refinish casual but upscale leather shoes.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
5.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
$26
Charles M.
03/2016
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Repair multiple shoes and pocketbook.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Roselle B.
03/2016
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Repair boot heel
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$11
Julia H.
03/2016
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Excellent work replacing heels on one pair of boots and a button on another boot
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$25
Renette L.
02/2016
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
Chris C.
07/2015
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: This cobbler fixed the handle on a pocket book that has been unusable for several years. I am very pleased and have been using the pocket book daily since the repair. She also was asked to stretch one shoe because of a bunion problem. This problem is not totally resolved, but the shoe fits a bit better than it used to. I would recommend their service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$10
MARCUS F.
02/2015
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Quality work that is otherwise hard to find.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$70
Brook B.
02/2015
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: A small, out-of-the-way shoe repair shop of the old-fashioned kind--low tech, but high quality. The folks are friendly and their work is good.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Matthew C.
11/2014
3.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
The workmanship on the sole/heel replacement is excellent, and I was absolutely pleased with the quality of that work. However, some of the materials used were not when I specified or initially paid for, and a service was provided that I did not desire or request, which has likely altered the appearance of the shoes permanently. The shoes had a split or half-leather/half-rubber heel pad as originally manufactured. When I dropped them off, the repair person asked whether I wanted to go with a full-rubber heel pad, or pay $5 extra to replace in-kind. I opted to replace in kind, but when I picked the shoes up they had been repaired with a full-rubber heel. My ticket clearly specified the split heel pad, and I was charged the higher amount. When I pointed out the error, the repair person (the same woman I spoke with when dropping off the shoes) first questioned whether I had really specified the split heel pad - then after we checked the ticket and confirmed I had, offered to redo the repair or refund me the difference. The store has moved since I dropped of the shoes, and their new location is about a 40-minute round trip for me, so I decided to take them with the full rubber heel. Had this been the only issue, I probably would have looked on the transaction as an overall positive experience. However . . . These shoes had an and quot;antiquedand quot; leather, which looks aged and has a patina in places to suggest wear. I often received compliments on the shoes, even after 3 years of almost daily wear. Here's a link with photo: www.thefryecompany.com/james-oxford/d/84615 When I picked them up, they had been polished brown, and no longer look anything like they did. The same repair person mentioned above said that the shoes looked like they had not been taken care of, and that she had tried to restore the leather. I explained that this was how they were intended to look. She offered to try to take some of the polish out, but I declined. Even if she could remove some of the brown polish, the original patina is gone. I don't believe these shoes will ever look the same again. She added that, if I don't want shoes polished when having them repaired, I need to say so when I drop them off. Regardless, I do not expect to receive services that I did not specify or pay for. If there are unwritten conventions of shoe repair that specify a polishing is automatically performed for free, then the onus is on the store, not the customer, to verify that this is desired.
Description of Work: Replaced leather soles and leather/rubber heels on pair of men's Oxford dress shoes.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
3.0
$52
Sara H.
10/2014
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Loved their work and would go again. Had several pair of heels repaired and added rubber soles for protection. Work was good and worth the price.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100
Judy G.
07/2014
5.0
leather & vinyl repair, shoe repair
 + 0 more
Been using this service for 20+ years, always reliable.
Description of Work: Ongoing 2014: Shoe repair, leather cushion repair and suitcase repair.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50
Craig B.
06/2014
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: I asked Vance if they could repair my shoe. He was very open and honest and told me the repair would be too costly for the condition of the shoe and that I might be able to call the manufacturer and get something for the defect. I appreciated the advice.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Kent A.
12/2013
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
I was so pleased with the work that was done and the price that I paid. Great place, great people
Description of Work: I needed to have a hole repaired that had gone all the way through my 30 year old son's favorite expensive cowboy boots. I had two previous estimates that were over a $100 and it was not guaranteed whether he would feel an indentation where the hole was. I found Vance's on Angie's List, took them in, asked if they could be repaired by Christmas and they did a fantastic job, putting new soles on both boots, cleaning the leather,(which I had been told by another repair shop could not be done), and had them ready 4 days before Christmas!!! Love these people and love this place....
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$60
Karen R.
12/2013
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
Did an excellent job and suggested a way to do one repair that would save me money. Family business, nice people. Will use them again for sure!
Description of Work: Repaired 2 pairs of sandals & one pair of hiking shoes.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$30
KELEE N.
12/2013
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
I just picked them up and they look amazing!!!! they absolutely look brand new. No sign of the scuffs at all. I would definitely use them again and I will refer my friends to them.
Description of Work: I purchased a pair of boots off ebay and they had fairly deep scuff marks on them. I took the to Vance where the lady behind the desk said she could make them look brand new.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$10
James M.
09/2013
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
Shoe was fixed on the spot, no charge.
Description of Work: repaired shoe that was scraped
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Linda R.
08/2013
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
The job was beautiful and lasted as long as he said it would. I asked for new soles and he suggested just putting on pads, which was much less expensive and much quicker to do. I have had boot repairs done several times so far, and he has even repaired my horse's bridle for me.
Description of Work: Put new soles onto the bottoms of my riding boots
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20
Sharon B.
04/2013
5.0
shoe repair, leather & vinyl repair
 + 0 more
I just love going to Vance's. They are able to do what no other place would attempt to do. They have put new soles on shoes, repaired my leather purses and have restitched sandals that should never have come apart. Most importantly, they are friendly, honest and do quality work. They don't overcharge and the work thy perform lasts. I never think about going anywhere else to have work done.
Description of Work: Stitched sandals, mended 2 purses.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20
RITA M.
02/2013
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
They did a great job and would definately use this company again.
Description of Work: They were able to creatively repair the stiching that came loose from the sole.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$6
Greg K.
09/2012
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
This is a mom and pop store and in some ways it may not seem as stream-lined as a chain store. On the other hand, the mom and pop work well together. On my first experience, pop was grumpy and mom had to take over and I got what I needed. I have since only had good experiences. It is a very good business.
Description of Work: For shoe repair I use Vance Shoe Repair in the Normandy Shopping Center. I had my Birkenstocks resoled and a year later the sole started to come off. I was going to have him reattach the sole and he surprised me very much by doing the repair for free since he had worked on them a year before. This was in mid-July.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Howard / Elieen B.
08/2012
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
They have fixed my shoes, to leather sofa cushions and purses. They are very reasonable and timely.
Description of Work: They repaired a purse that needed re-stiching.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Gary V.
07/2012
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
It was excellent work. My wife has taken stuff there all the time in the past. They did an excellent job. I've never really priced around but the quality was so good. I have a really narrow foot and I've had these loafers for over 25 years. They are like in brand new condition. I have another pair of shoes that I'm going to be taking very soon.
Description of Work: I used Vance Shoe Repair to put new soles on a pair of my dress loafers.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50
Myra H.
04/2012
5.0
shoe repair
 + -1 more
Heel repair on high heel shoes - I had stepped in a hole and it tore the leather on the high heel. He repaired it at no charge and unless you look close, you can not see where the heel had been damaged.My husband also had the heels and soles replaced on a pair of boots. The craftsmanship was excellent. I would recommend this place for any type of shoe repair.
Description of Work: Heel repair on high heel shoes and heels and soles replaced on a pair of boots.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Shoe Repair,
Leather & Vinyl Repair
FAQ
VANCE SHOE REPAIR is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
No, VANCE SHOE REPAIR does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, VANCE SHOE REPAIR does not offer a senior discount.
No, VANCE SHOE REPAIR does not offer emergency services.
No, VANCE SHOE REPAIR does not offer warranties.
VANCE SHOE REPAIR offers the following services: We perform a range of shoe repair services such as men’s soles and heal replacement, ladies heals, shoe shines, stretching, dying, tips and taps and many more. We also repair handbags, purses, suitcases, belts, jackets, orthopedic work and much much more. If you can carry it through the door we will do our best to fix it!