Best Shoe Repair in New York City

Fall in New York City means two things to me:

1. Unabashedly consuming copious amounts of pumpkin flavored goodies

2. Wearing boots ALL the time

I will leave my love of all things pumpkin for another post and focus on my affinity for sliding on a great pair of boots and listening to the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot as I traipse down the street. Few things bring me greater joy. Unfortunately, all my traipsing does a number on my footwear. I realized a few weeks ago that on two of my favorite pairs, the heel had completely worn out. Not wanting to retire my beloved boots to the trash and unwilling to buy another pair (did I mention that I purchased both of them just last winter!), I decided to look into getting the heels re-soled. At the suggestion of my roommate, I decided to check out Hector Shoe Repair.

Hector Shoe Repair is a hole-in-the-wall establishment located at 11 Greenwich Avenue in the West Village. Open 6 days a week, they offer several services including heel repair, shoe stretching, and polishing. I was doubtful that they'd even take my boots since they were in such bad shape. After looking them over, the attendant (wish I had asked his name!) assured me that the damage was fixable and told me to come back in a few days.

I did just that, and the results were AMAZING! Not only did they completely replace the heel, but they polished my shoes free of charge. They looked better than the day I bought them! At only $20 dollars per pair, it was well worth it! Getting shoes repaired a really wise financial decision. First, because it saves money on buying new shoes and prolongs the life of footwear. And second because it could save you medical expenses. Seriously, though! I got tendonitis in my knees from the strain caused by walking on uneven shoes. It's a thing, I promise. 

So before you decide to chuck a pair of your favorite kicks because they're worn out, stop by Hector. You won't be disappointed! 

Hector Shoe Repair

11 Greenwich Avenue

(212) 727-1237

Queens Goodwill Outlet Brings the Bargains!

I used to consider myself a thrift store aficionado. I would frequent Housing Works, Angel Street, Buffalo Exchange, and countless hole-in-the-wall consignment shops hunting for bargains. Little did I know, I had been missing out on one of the city's greatest second hand shops: the Queens Van Dam Goodwill Outlet.  A friend of mine told me about it a few months ago and I finally took my first trip out there this Friday.

Just a few blocks from the 33rd St/Rawson Street 7 train stop in Queens, the Van Dam Outlet is one of the city's best kept secrets. Just like any other retailer, Goodwill receives new (well, actually used) merchandise via donations on a continual basis. Merchandise that isn't selling in a Goodwill store is taking up valuable floorspace that could be occupied by better selling products. This slow-moving merchandise needs a place to go. And that place is their outlet store.

It's a no frills venue. Unsorted clothing is tossed into large blue bins and customers take their chances rifling through the hodgepodge of men's, women's, and children's duds. Clothing sells for 1.69 per pound. Several scales are placed throughout the warehouse-style store so that customers can weigh their finds. There's also several bins filled with shoes, bags, and belts. These items sell for 1.79 per pound.

I know what you're thinking: a store full of Goodwill's rejects probably has very little to offer. But on the contrary. A little digging uncovered an All-Saints vest, Burberry slacks, and Tory Burch blouse among the bins. Unfortunately, none of those fit me, but keep reading to see the amazing stuff $10 bought me at the outlet.