Award-Winning Shoe Repair and Leather Repair Services
Our Hours
McFarland’s Shoe Repair is open:
Tue. – Fri. 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Our Services
Our shoe repair craftsmanship has received awards at the highest levels in Europe and the United States. We also carry a full line of retail products to keep your shoes looking and feeling good.
McFarland Receives Two Gold Medals in German Shoe Repair Contest
Jim McFarland received two gold medals in the Inter-Schuh-Service (ISS) international trade show and competition in Wiesbaden Germany. The medals were presented for excellence in shoe repair craftsmanship. McFarland repaired a men’s shoes with a full sole and heel and a half sole and heel for his award-winning entries.
Forty-six master craftsmen from 16 countries participated in the competition. McFarland was the only award winner from the United States. He received his awards in June of 2023.
McFarland has won a dozen awards for craftsmanship in the United States and Europe dating back to 1990. He currently serves as the head judge for the Shoe Service Institute of America’s Silver Cup Contest and has won the association’s prestigious Grand Silver Cup.
This is the level of craftsmanship you can expect when you bring your shoes to McFarland’s Shoe Repair.
Quality Craftsmanship Since 1918
McFarland’s Shoe Repair has been serving customers in Lakeland, FL since 1967. Owner Jim McFarland took over the business from his father in 1986.
McFarland’s is a full service shop offering superior craftsmanship, top-quality products and friendly, timely service. Jim has received more than 20 awards for craftsmanship from around the world, including the prestigious Grand Silver Cup from the Shoe Service Institute of America.
In addition to a full range of shoe and leather repair services, we carry a complete line of shoe care and foot comfort products to keep your shoes looking and feeling good.
We are open Tuesday through Saturday each week. We also have a drop box for customers who want to leave shoes after business hours.
Not in Florida? You can ship shoes to us to make sure they are expertly recrafted. We serve customers throughout the United States. Click here for details on how to send us your shoes.
Another Satisfied Customer: “I won’t trust anyone but Jim with my shoes.”
Google Reviews: See What Our Customers Think
M Shotts
19:27 23 Sep 24
A Truly Remarkable Restoration - Thank You, Mr. McFarland!!I can’t thank Mr. McFarland enough for the incredible job... he did restoring my beloved Lucchese boots. These boots have been with me for years, and I was hesitant about trusting anyone with their repair. But after hearing so many positive things about America’s Cobbler, I knew Mr. McFarland was the right person for the job.The attention to detail and craftsmanship he demonstrated went far beyond my expectations. My boots look brand new, yet they still have that worn-in character I’ve grown to love. He treated them with the utmost care, and his passion for his work is evident in every stitch and polish. The service was exceptional from start to finish, and the turnaround time was impressive.It’s rare to find someone who puts this much dedication into their craft, and I’m truly grateful. If you need any kind of restoration for your boots or shoes, I highly recommend Mr. McFarland. He’s NOT just a cobbler – he’s an artist!Thank you again, Mr. McFarland, for bringing my boots back to life. You’ve earned a lifelong customer! (Hope you are recovering well from your recent incident)God bless!!!Marvin ShottsNashville, Tennessee/Houston, Texasread more
Ash B
11:55 31 Jul 24
I used to be about 20 miles away from this fantastic store , now have moved over 10,000 miles away , but won't go... anywhere else. Have been getting my shoes maintained here since 2008. Jim is an extraordinary craftsman and a very dedicated artist. I bring my shoes and boots here ,no matter if I have to wait for a year to do so. See you in a month or so Jim. Thanks a lot for being there. My feet thank you as well.read more
Michelle Lugo
18:21 11 Jul 24
Great set-up and very organized. They are friendly and thorough in their work. The price is right for their... professional service.read more
Eileen Johnson
12:51 28 Apr 24
I just saw you on the news and you are an amazing person with a huge heart. May God bless you and may your business... continue on.read more
Alexis Stevens
01:31 17 Apr 24
God bless you for what you do. Not only what you do but the spirit with what you do it. I know that I couldn't get by... without my local cobbler, and I just saw you on the national news. I hope you feel the love.read more
Armelle Akray
23:11 16 Apr 24
I just seen the interview on channel 2 great job! You made TV! If I am ever in Lakeland, I will stop by. A viewer in... Palm Coastread more
Bill Speziani
23:04 16 Apr 24
Seen you on the evening news. You warmed my heart. It’s so nice to see such talent. God bless. Keep up the great work.
Daryl Moss
23:01 16 Apr 24
I just saw you onTV national news. Congratulations! You are national and international.
Sophia Jensen
20:09 19 Mar 24
I sent in my Louboutins for mirror soles and they turned out beautiful!! They even custom color matched the trim on the... bottom perfectly. They were finished very quickly too. The communication from Jim was so personal and thorough, I will definitely be sending more to him. Can’t wait to wear these for my wedding!read more
Jay Gibilisco
21:41 15 Feb 24
Jimmy is an excellent cobbler, gives great service and always greats you with a warm smile and hello!
maladyhawke maladyhawke
00:25 23 Nov 23
They were honest! My shoes were fubar.. due to dry Arizona and days of walking on the cobblestones of the French... quarter in Nola. If they can't fix them using their old world craftsmanship, no one can! Will go back if I need shoe repairs.read more
Konner T
15:52 09 Nov 23
I had some stitching break on my Irish setter work boots. Obviously I can't be with out my boots for work so I payed a... 5$ rush fee and they had my boots done in a day!! They did a wonderful job on the repair, nothing less than professional. Highly recommend!read more
Marla McAulay
22:58 12 Oct 23
Needed a purse shoulder strap shortened. I’ve use McFarland before, very happy with the results. Got it back sooner... than expected. He is a true craftsman.read more
Greg
19:25 02 Oct 23
Absolutely fantastic experience. I walked in and was instantly greeted by the kind staff at the front... desk.Mr.Macfarland shortly came out to help me color match my boots with some polish. He spent the next half hour talking to me about proper boot care, and specific products in the industry in addition to his recommendations.He is a retired pediatrist which speaks legions for his ability to make sure your shoes are curated for your foot.I walked in only wanting to buy some polish. But after talking to him briefly, I actually upsold myself; inquiring about boot shaft savers and some metatarsal inserts for my cowboy boots.I'd actually like to spend a whole day listening to what this man has to say. Truly incredible amount of knowledge that he possesses.I've been to 3 different cobbler stores in the area. All of them were alright. This place stood out miles above the rest in how different the service and storefront was.If you're having any doubts about this place: get rid of them. He is a human, but I can tell he will absolutely back all of his work.Let this place make your shoes better and don't regret walking into this store.Update 10/30/23 - I actually had some work done on one of my boots. The insole was caved in and the boot was extremely loose on just my left foot as a result. Their skilled cobblers replaced half the insole with brand new leather for a very reasonable cost. The boot fits like a glove now and I'm even happier than before!read more
J Quinonesgonzalez
01:35 16 Sep 23
The finest work I have seen in shoe repair. Very pleased with the work done to 2 pairs of shoes. It was my first time... to McFarland's, but it will not be the last. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this seemingly disappearing trade. God bless.read more
Alyssa Compton
02:09 16 Aug 23
I reached out to McFarland’s after my Louboutin’s were botched by another cobbler. I was absolutely heart broken and... didn’t think anything could be done. They were very prompt in responding and after exchanging a couple emails I drove there and dropped my shoes off. I could immediately tell that this was someone who loved their work and took pride in it. He showed me several pairs of Louboutin’s that he just finished and they were stunning! I knew I was in good hands after that. He took my shoes and made them look like the were new again I can’t recommend this place enough. For any shoe repairs, go here!!!!!read more
Nathaniel Hill
01:49 16 Aug 23
Jim has worked on several pairs of my shoes. Even though I’ve come to expect excellent work and service, I’m pleasantly... surprised each time I get back an old (read: old!) pair of shoes with a new lease on life. Don’t hesitate to send your shoes to McFarland!read more
Ulrika Gripp
22:48 23 Jun 23
Generational owned. The owners are very professional and the store is very clean. Unfortunately they were not able to... help me. Had to go to NYC and that wasn't happening.read more
sammysing73
21:41 24 Apr 23
I’m so pleased with my Chanel wedges and another pair of heels I sent Jim. They look AMAZING!! I’m so glad I found you... on TikTok!! So professional, excellent communication, , top notch craftsmanship!!! A++++ will definitely do business and recommend to all my friends and family!!♥️ Thank you!!!read more
JahQuin Banks
18:58 15 Apr 23
Just received my shoes back and they look perfect. With purchasing dress shoes that are over $1000, I was worried to... bring them anywhere but I’m so glad I chose this place. Amazing work and you can tell they care about the quality of work.read more
Patrick Bransome
17:36 27 Mar 23
It’s not often that you are able to connect with a craftsman such as Jim McFarland. When I first reached out to... discuss what I wanted, he understood exactly what I was referring to. I’m not a cobbler although the specific details that I mentioned are “Old World” preferences that he immediately understood. The first couple of shoe’s returned are more than remarkable they actually fit better!I am more than happy with Jim’s work and the only setback is that he’s in FL and I’m not! However all great things take time! Cheers to an excellent craftsman who is truly an artisan.read more
Rob Rosenberger
16:18 15 Mar 23
We brought a pair of 4yr-old inexpensive women's boots for a minor repair. The shoe smith explained it was a man-made... material that can't be repaired, saying "I'd just be taking your money." He offered advice on how to maintain the boots until the end. No charge! I'll definitely return here when my leather men's boots need service.read more
Andrea Callas
21:07 30 Jan 23
I had emailed in with a question and for a quote. Even though he was unable to repair my shoe (it was an issue with the... manufacturer's material, not his level of skill), he gave me a thorough explanation and also gave me a tip to remove the scuffs from my suede heels. With this level of service for just an inquiry, they will be getting my mail-in business moving forward!read more
Wayne K
17:47 23 Jan 23
Looked around my local cobblers online and saw a lot of mixed reviews. Found McFarland's and emailed about my issue... with an ostrich boot no longer made. Response was quick and helpful. Sent my boots in, Jim called to confirm once received. Just got my boots back and they look great. Hands down great experience!read more
Judy MacSwords
04:15 07 Jan 23
I cannot say enough about this place. I have special needs and Jim did an incredible job. Even though I no longer... live in Florida, I still shipped my shoes for repair. It's obvious why the have stayed in business for 100 years. Customers come first. A big thank you! 👍read more
Scott Colter
21:25 01 Nov 22
Thanks to McFarland’s Shoe Repair I have my boots back in great condition. Jim replaced my soles and cleaned them up... nice. Danner does not make this model anymore so it was well worth the recondition to get my boots back. I highly recommend his service as he was very helpful in helping me decide the choices for repair.read more
Nathaniel Hill
17:03 16 Aug 22
If you’re looking not only for the finest craftsmanship but the most attentive customer service, look no further. The... work speaks for itself, but so does Jim’s going out of his way to sort out a hiccup in the shipping process (which was entirely caused by me).Cobbling like this is a rare thing to behold.read more
Starr Mann
17:39 08 Jun 22
I can't say enough about how pleased I am about the work that Jim McFarland and his staff did on my 27 year old... Lucchese caiman boots. I spoke to Jim about what I wanted and he counseled me on his recommendations. The results speak for themselves. I'm hard to please but McFarland Shoe Repair has won my business and I highly recommend them. If you have prized shoes or boots, this is your cobbler. Look no further.read more
melissa cerra
19:05 28 May 22
Was able to repair my heels in under an hour. Drove all the way from 4 corners and would drive there again. Very... friendly and pricing was what I expected.read more
Michael Gargiulo
15:26 28 May 22
Outstanding, as always.For anyone looking for an actual, factual, real deal cobbler, this is the only choice. Don't... waste your time, elsewhere. Jim is genuine article, with ALL services available.read more
J Morrow, MT
10:30 04 May 22
I have gone to McFarlands over the years to have dance shoes for a high schooler, and recently I went to have a zipper... on a purse repaired. The zipper functioned but wouldn’t stay together. It was a simple fix, and it took only a few minutes. My wife loves this simple purse and was elated by the fact it works again. It’s the little things and I’m thankful trades like this still exist.read more
q bui
15:02 25 Apr 22
Jim's work speaks for itself as he's been in the industry for many year. He is very knowledgeable and friendly. I... would recommend his shop to anyone .read more
Kristina Lynn
13:25 15 Mar 22
Very friendly staff. The store is kept clean and the service is wonderful. Highly recommended
Hokagé Ninja
03:08 01 Mar 22
I highly HIGHLY recommend McFarlands! 1st time customer and I sent in two Loake shoe/boots for Triumph toe plates.... Tracking shows delivery to them on Tuesday, February 22 at 10:55 A.M. at Front Desk. I received both back today Feb 28! less than one full week! And they are perfect! They will be getting all my shoes in the future!read more
Dennis Gangwer
20:57 26 Feb 22
John has been restoring my Alden’s for over 20 years. His work is unparalleled, truly an artist. Would never trust my... shoes to anyone elseread more
Vivian Blair
20:17 24 Dec 21
Brought in two pairs of shoes, one needing to be widened and the other needing sole reattached. They were honest about... the one for the sole in that it would probably not be worth the repair due to the construction of the shoe. The repair might not hold, so I really appreciate the honesty. The pair to be widened was perfectly done though! I can now wear them comfortably. Definitely recommend them!!read more
Maile Kuikahi
01:54 28 Nov 21
They helped put more holes in my shoe strap so it would fit me. 10/10 would recommend. Very nice.
Jabba San
23:51 13 Nov 21
I have sent a number of pairs of vintage Florsheim’s to Jim for recrafting. The quality of workmanship is top notch, If... you have a question or need his opinion on what to do. I have always found him fair and honest. Highly recommended.read more
kathleen schulz
18:26 18 Oct 21
I took a pair of boots that needed to be resoled to Mr. McFarland. They had thin soles to begin with. The first thing... he asked me was, "How do you feel about these boots?" Who asks that??? I said, "I love them!" He said, "Ok, here's what we can do," and he explained what he could do to save my boots! I picked them up polished and looking like new! I heartily recommend Mr. McFarland's Shoe Repair!read more
Rebecca Thompson
23:13 03 Oct 21
I've used McFarlands Shoe repair for sole replacements, shoe shining and shoe stretching. They do a fantastic job! ... They are professional and offer excellent services at fair prices.read more
Mandy Ferrell
20:23 30 Sep 21
They fixed my daughter's tap shoes into clogging shoes. The turn around was pretty fast.
Ron Thompson, Jr
23:26 19 Jul 21
After my shoes took an epic journey that took nearly a month and a half to arrive at McFarlands via USPS Express... Mail(!), Jim resoled my well-used pair of Allen Edmonds Walden loafers and sent them back nearly new and wonderfully polished in under two weeks (he used FedEx...!) This was the second pair he refurbished for me, and I can hardly wait to wear out my pair of chili Allen Edmonds Woodstocks, so they can get the McFarland treatment!Update...sent a second pair and had Jim blind stitch the soles and add toeplates. Note the extra details like the removal of the inside corner of the heel to prevent catching on the trousers. And they look fantastic!read more
IC Aus
20:08 08 Jul 21
Happy to have found this gem of a store! Thank you, and I totally recommend! 👌🏼
NUC 272
15:36 26 Jun 21
I requested to add restaurant-approved slip-resistant soles to new boots. They shaped the sole of the boot to best... marry a new sole to the boot professionally. The service was very friendly and they were very knowledgeable in questions I had asked. This is a business I would absolutely come to again for shoe-related needs.read more
Nathan Castle
18:33 18 Jun 21
McFarland's is simply the best around. I have used them several times over the past 7 years. Quality work and great... customer service.read more
Ray Church
23:08 15 Jun 21
I have had this repair shop work on several boots I own. Without fail their work is always outstanding. And I am an... actual customer!!read more
Stephen Henderson
15:57 31 Mar 21
I mailed from out-of-state my Tod's loafers to McFarland's Shoe Repair for new combination heels and stacked leather... heel blocks. Jim was immediately responsive in his helpful replies to my questions regarding heel selection and job workscope. The work was performed quickly and masterfully. Truly a world-class cobbler, with great customer service.read more
Seeking Truth
12:17 14 Mar 21
Found McFarland Shoe Repair through a friend of mine. After speaking with Jim, he assured me that my Vintage Florsheim... Shoes, (4) of them, would look like the day they came from the Original Florsheim shoe company. I sent them to him via FedEx, after 2 weeks he was finished and they were returned to me. I can attest that my shoes looked better than what I expected.I purchased the JR soles with JR heels and triumph toe taps. What a huge difference, I was 100% satisfied and Jim posted my shoes on Instagram. Highly recommend McFarland Shoe Repair, even if you’re sending them from a different state like I did.Thank you JimRespectfully,Homeroread more
Jeremy Huskins
18:25 23 Jan 21
The best of the best! Jim knows his stuff and his prices are great. A true craftsman and artist with his work. If you... need assistance, McFarland Shoe Repair is the place to go!read more
Bruce Sabin
22:06 07 Jan 21
I have been here a few times and the work always exceeds my expectations. They do amazing work and I highly recommend... them for not only shoe repairs but any other leather work. I've had them replace the zipper on a leather jacket and change the length of a belt that was too long, as well as repair shoes.read more
Ginger Sadek
17:16 24 Nov 20
So nice and they do a wonderful job. I have had many boots repaired here in the past and this last time I needed... additional holes in my belt and they were fast and kind. Def recommend.read more
Kay Sears
14:09 21 Nov 20
Amazing work, super nice people and great prices! I brought in a battered pair of Cole Haan loafers (my husband has had... longer than our relationship!) and they completely restored them. Fast too for such amazing work! While there i saw people picking up an antique picnic basket, boots and purses. I'm so happy to have found them 💓read more
scott snead
21:49 22 Sep 20
Mcfarlands is my go to placeA] family ownedB]personal servicec]high quality work all the timeKeeps me up and... running with all shoe and leather repair needs.Highly recommend to anyone needing a reliable shoe shop to go to!!Scott Sneadread more
Joanne
17:45 22 Sep 20
My husband is a US Marine in an infantry battalion and walks many miles in his boots. He came home on leave. So, I... took his boots in to get re-soled. McFarland's Shoe Repair did an amazing job on his combat boots. Now he can walk another 500 miles. Thank you for you outstanding service. Good Bless our Troops. Trump-2020read more
Jadrian Clark
09:01 22 Sep 20
Jim is an absolutely amazing craftsman. He has been at the top of his profession for many years and is extremely... knowledgable and talented. His ability to bring shoes back to life and in some cases even better than when you first bought them is remarkable. He uses great materials and products, so you will leave satisfied and feeling like you gained a lot of value. Aside from his great skills, his personality and customer service are what separate him from the competition. You would be hard pressed to find a more sincere, friendly and kind hearted man. He will do right by you!read more
Anthony Dellett
19:50 21 Sep 20
Jim and crew do nothing but the best quality work. I sent him a pair of shoes that I did a custom dye job on and he did... an amazing job resoling them in a way that matched the work that I did. Not only did he do an impressive job, he returned the shoes in less than a week!read more
denise griffin
18:54 04 Sep 20
Oh, my!Like better than brand new.Wish I had taken a "before" photo.My husband is so hard on shoes.Thankful a... friend recommended we try them out!read more
Michael Gillette
21:13 19 Jun 20
Sent in a pair of AE Walnut Strands to have toe caps and JRR heels put on. Could not be happier with the results! Quick... process, great customer service, and fantastic workmanship.read more
Dan Reed
18:15 28 May 20
Fixed up a couple pairs of boots I had overused. Cheaper than buying new boots and I ended up with a better sole than... if I were to have bought new boots.read more
David Levin
09:21 08 May 20
I first started using Jim after chatting with him on Social media, and expressing issues and concerns I had with the... last cobbler I used. Jim was quick to respond and more than happy to have the shoes mailed in. Once he received them, he provided regular updates, pictures of work, just top notch customer service which is just as, if not more important than the shoe repair work. Fast forward to today, he’s worked on at least 10 pairs of my shoes, never once, was the work or the experience less than impeccable. Jim values the relationship with his customers, and when supporting a small business I prefer to support those like Jim who genuinely appreciate and care for his customers. This was evident by the fact whenever I see my shoes in his shop, or packed and returned, he cares for the shoes. He doesn’t stack them on top of one another in a dirty closet or cabinet. He cares for the footwear just as if they were his own shoes.His knowledge of shoe repair may only be exceeded by his knowledge of the anatomy of the foot. No matter the request, no matter the issue with your shoes or the fit of your shoes, Jim is your man. Not to mention his pricing is extremely reasonable!To be honest, I have a pair on the way to him now!read more
Matt Winter
16:36 06 May 20
I had been looking for a cobbler that could resolve my pair of Allen Edmonds 6th Streets that I bought off ebay last... year. They were very comfortable but needed some life put back into them. By chance I found out that Jim's store was only about 40 mins from my house. Even with this pandemic happening Jim was very responsive via Facebook. I brought the shoes to him with an idea in mind and let him have free reign over the rest. He quoted me about 2 weeks but they were done way faster than that. The price was very fair and the end result was amazing. These shoes look new but still feel as comfy as a nicely broken in pair of AE shoes. I high reccomend McFarland Shoe Repair and especially liked dealing right with Jim. I also pick up a few essentials while there and I'll be back for refills and the next time I need a pair of shoes resoled. Thank Jim!read more
Geoffrey Russell
01:41 23 Feb 20
Had a pair of Brooks Brothers cap-toe bluchers resoled and reheeled through the Kirby Allison program, which includes... JR oak bark-tanned leather soles, JR dovetail heels (other options also available), complimentary shoe bags and shoe horn, and all work done personally by Jim McFarland.Received the shoes back in two weeks. The best work I've ever seen. Will definitely be using the Kirby Allison service again. Thanks for the great work.read more
Jim Real
15:15 27 Jan 20
Excellent knowledgeable service. I heard about Jim McFarland from the Allen Edmonds enthusiast group on Facebook. He’s... super talented, honest and has a world wide reputation for being among the best. I will keep coming back.read more
Reiss Lewis
16:34 07 Aug 19
I do not live in Florida, though I needed a cobbler, after searching I came across mcfarlands shoe repair. I made... contact, and the communication was top notch, and very friendly. I had the JR full sole and heel, which has lovely detail and stitching. I suggest the shoe shine service The prices are more than reasonable for the work you’ll receive and the customer service. Honestly, the service was really up there. I’ll be sure to send in my footwear. You’ve got yourself another customer!read more
lindsey towns
21:50 19 May 19
Super nice, great quality work! Saved my favorite leather travel bag! Great price and ready in a timely fashion. Will... absolutely use again!!!read more
John Doran
14:45 14 Jul 18
Cannot say enough about the incredible quality and knowledgable customer service offered at McFarland's. I've had them... completely resole two pair of Allen Edmonds in the past few months and they essentially hand you back brand new looking shoes afterwards. Adding some before and after pictures of my last drop off along with a shot of both pair after a morning of polishing.The staff here know their stuff and offer very high quality polishes and waxes to keep your shoes looking great. If you need any type of repair to your leather products, McFarland's needs to be at the top of your list.read more
An Unboxing Video From One of Our Satisfied Customers
Questions About Shoe Repair?
Do you have questions about who we are, what we do or an item you need repaired? Click the button on the right to contact us. You can also take a look at our “Footwear Facts” pages to learn about the benefits of quality footwear and how to maintain it.