Angelo’s: The Boot Experts
posted by: freePOrnaoa in General on January 29th, 2010
Angelo’s is the kind of place where the owner puts his wife on the phone to say hello to you and give you more information over the phone. It’s that mom-and-pop shop, truly a relic of the past. I worry that someday these shoe repair stores will turn all corporate, but with how difficult and unpleasant the job of fixing shoes can be, I think these small operations will hold out a little while longer. Angelo’s even sells faux-antiquey canes!
It’s located down in the E/V subway stop at 53rd Street and 5th Avenue. For years, I’ve been loyal to pricey Shoe Service Plus, where Vogue sends their shoes and where I’ve gotten many a designer purchase or designer thrift shop find retooled, but with a diminished income, I found myself looking for a new place to go.
Now, I’ve only had one pair of shoes repaired at Angelo’s, and nothing altering the leather. But so far, they did a winner of a job. My beautiful black leather boots with awful soles got a Vibram half-sole, a new rubber heel, a shine, and protective taps on both the toe and heel for a total of $35. They were brand new boots when they came out.
They’re known as the boot specialists, who can tighten or loosen the calf portion of the upper, lower heels and do various other repairs.
During lunch, all the businessmen of Midtown plunk themselves down in chairs like this, chairs that are in underground passageways to Grand Central, chairs in stores like this, chairs even on the street, and get a proper shoe shine. Businessmen in Midtown wouldn’t be caught dead with less shiny shoes than the businessman next to them in meetings. But rarely do I see a woman in these chairs.
Angelo’s also has orthotics, inserts of every kind imaginable, and polish and protectants across the spectrum. Much wider selection than at many other stores. As a shoe accoutrement junky, I’m loving it. I’ve been wearing Pedag inserts for years (despite owning custom-made orthotics that are uncomfortable), but I’ve been thinking about trying these.
And I know my brother will thank me if I get him some of this Sneaker Shampoo for his Dunks. Should probably pick him up some Odor Eater too. You know, it’s the subtle hints that work. Haha.
