Award-Winning Craftsmanship for More Than 100 Years
McFarland’s Shoe Repair is a fifth-generation family business founded in the early 1900s. Owned and operated by Jim McFarland, the business has been serving Lakeland, FL since 1967.
McFarland’s is a full-service shoe and leather repair business. In addition to shoes, we can fix your handbags, luggage, belts and other leather items. We use only the best quality materials so your items leave our shop better than new. We also carry a full line of shoe care and comfort products to help you keep your shoes looking and feeling better at home.
McFarland’s also features award-winning craftsmanship. Jim McFarland won the 2002 Grand Silver Cup in the Shoe Service Institute of America’s Silver Cup Contest. This is the shoe repair industry’s top award for craftsmanship and, having reached that pinnacle, Jim continues to set the standards for quality craftsmanship as a judge for the contest and a leader in the industry. In addition to the Grand Silver Cup, Jim has received more than 20 awards for excellence in craftsmanship from around the world.
Meet the Team
Our enthusiastic and talented staff looks forward to serving you.
Jim McFarland
Owner and Master Craftsman
Jim McFarland learned the shoe repair trade from his father, growing up in the business he took over in 1986. Jim is a master craftsman. He has received more than 20 awards for craftsmanship including the prestigious Grand Silver Cup from the Shoe Service Institute of America (SSIA).
Jim is a leader in the shoe repair industry having served several terms on SSIA’s board of directors as well as two terms as president.
Debbie McFarland
Owner
Debbie McFarland began work at McFarland’s Shoe Repair in 1982 and is knowledgeable in all aspects of the shoe repair business. Debbie is co-owner of McFarland’s Shoe Repair and is in charge of customer service.
Riley McFarland
Social Engagement Director
Riley McFarland is a graduate of the University of Central Florida where he studied digital media and sociology. He represents the fifth generation in the family business. We’re very proud to have him on board.
Tori McFarland
Social Media Marketing Director
Victoria McFarland is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and runs all of the social media accounts for McFarland’s Shoe Repair. She is also the owner of McFarland Media.
Kyle Crouse
Director of Operations
Kyle Crouse graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management with focus on small business and entrepreneurship. He has been working as a cobbler since 2022, and represents a fifth generation in the family business.
Questions?
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.
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.
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 Coast
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.
I just saw you onTV national news. Congratulations! You are national and international.
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!
Jimmy is an excellent cobbler, gives great service and always greats you with a warm smile and hello!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!!!!!
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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! 👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
Very friendly staff. The store is kept clean and the service is wonderful. Highly recommended
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!
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 else
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!!
They helped put more holes in my shoe strap so it would fit me. 10/10 would recommend. Very nice.
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.
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!
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.
They fixed my daughter's tap shoes into clogging shoes. The turn around was pretty fast.
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!
Happy to have found this gem of a store! Thank you, and I totally recommend! 👌🏼
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.
McFarland's is simply the best around. I have used them several times over the past 7 years. Quality work and great customer service.
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!!
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.
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,Homero
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!
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.
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.
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 💓
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 Snead
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-2020
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
Super nice, great quality work! Saved my favorite leather travel bag! Great price and ready in a timely fashion. Will absolutely use again!!!
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.
McFarland’s Shoe Repair is a proud member of the Shoe Service Institute of America. Founded in 1904, SSIA is the trade association for the shoe repair industry. Jim McFarland is a past president of SSIA. He has also won the association’s top award for craftsmanship.