Swanson's history began with Swedish immigrant Bjorn "George" Swanson. The 19-year-old clog-maker became a boot repairer for the U.S. Army during WW1 and opened Progressive Shoe Repair in downtown Seattle in 1928. In 1947 the shop relocated to the Wallingford location under the name Swanson's Shoe Repair, where it still stands today.
Three more generations of Swanson's have trained and worked at the shop since its move to Wallingford, but it has grown into so much more than just a family business. From an era when George Swanson worked the shop alone to the shop's current employment of 7 workers, Swanson's Shoe Repair has developed into an important community service with a nod towards cobbler posterity.
Three more generations of Swanson's have trained and worked at the shop since its move to Wallingford, but it has grown into so much more than just a family business. From an era when George Swanson worked the shop alone to the shop's current employment of 7 workers, Swanson's Shoe Repair has developed into an important community service with a nod towards cobbler posterity.
Services
We can perform most types of repairs on many types of shoes. Some of the most common repairs are listed below. Prices are approximate and will fluctuate depending on the condition of the shoe and the type of material needed for the repair. We carry an extensive range of Vibram composite soles and JR leather soles as well as materials from many other manufacturers.
Reviews (22)
L. W.
Jan 07, 2022
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These folks have done many repairs for me over the years and I'm always pleased with their work. They're low-key and honest and have done a couple of quick fixes while I stood there thinking they were evaluating whether the shoe was even repairable! Only problem I've ever had was waiting a while for a repair because they're so busy. Such a great business!
Wave Blakely
Nov 27, 2021
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Lauren Sparks
Nov 20, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
I had a broken rivet on my pair of Birkenstock Boston clogs and one of Swanson's excellent craftspeople fixed it in a matter of minutes! It was my first experience soliciting a shoe repair, and while I realize it was a simple fix, I know that I will be back for resoling and other repair work now that I know it is so accessible.
I had a broken rivet on my pair of Birkenstock Boston clogs and one of Swanson's excellent craftspeople fixed it in a matter of minutes! It was my first experience soliciting a shoe repair, and while I realize it was a simple fix, I know that I will be back for resoling and other repair work now that I know it is so accessible.
Luka Phouvong
Nov 19, 2021
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I have a pair of brown leather FRYE I've become quite fond of and the bottoms started to split from the boot. I brought it in and they told me the stitch was not the whole bottom but they could repair it. I agreed and 3.5 weeks later pick them up today. It took longer than excepted but I'm sure it was because of the thanksgiving holiday and they are really busy. They were still very friendly. Shoe repair, boot repair, or advice if to repair your boot or shoe, you should go give them a try.
Simon
Oct 30, 2021
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This place is apart of Seattle history. It’s been around since 1947. I picked up my boots this week and was unsatisfied with the result after 3 weeks in the shop. The owner immediately noticed that they must have put them in the pick-up bag without a final look over. Brought them back and picked them up the next day. They corrected the issue quickly and did a good job on resoling my boots.
Kris R.
Oct 07, 2021
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My heel tip fell off one of of my high heel shoes and I didnt realize it until an hour before my event! I decided to swing by Swansons to maybe buy a replacement but they squeezed me and repaired it for me in just a few minutes min.
Such nice and kind folks! And didn't make me feel bad for waiting last minute! Will definitely take the rest of my shoes here for repair!!!
Thank you, Swanson's!!! Appreciate you!
Such nice and kind folks! And didn't make me feel bad for waiting last minute! Will definitely take the rest of my shoes here for repair!!!
Thank you, Swanson's!!! Appreciate you!
Emily E.
Jun 03, 2021
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Valerie Evans
May 25, 2021
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I have been going to Swanson's Shoe Repair for years and have had no complaints about their work or professional manner. Yesterday was totally different. I went in to pick up my shoes which were not done to my liking and the employees were completely unprofessional and verbally abusive. When I tried to explain the situation to the owner, he said he would not fix the problems with the shoes nor would he reprimand his employees, one of which is his son. Furthermore, he told me to never come back to his store. The employees are defensive and combative and not at all professional. Think twice before
Victoria M.
Apr 03, 2021
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Sam Coren
Mar 21, 2021
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Natalya Wood
Mar 02, 2021
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Great service, friendly staff and owners! They did an excellent job repairing and cleaning up some old leather boots of mine and replacing the soles. Also had a zipper and straps replaced on a leather bag that all looks excellent. Not easy to find a place that will do leather work locally on bags so I really appreciate your guys work! Thanks so much! I’ll be passing the word and coming back! :)
Gigi T.
Feb 28, 2021
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Jesse S.
Feb 27, 2021
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The Seattle streets were soaking into my socks and feets! My boots had cracks in the soles. The material or construction was apparently unconventional, because another shoe place refused to work on them. But they were no problem for Swanson's -- they repaired the soles using a better & stronger material, and even kept the brand logo intact! I got my boots back quickly, at a good price, and with a knowledgeable explanation of what they did. Will definitely come back if/when I ever need shoe repair again.
Adrienne B.
Feb 09, 2021
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Courtney Phelps
Dec 01, 2020
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Patty L.
Oct 04, 2020
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I've brought shoes & handbags here for repair & of course they're great for minor & more difficult repairs! But, Patty here does such a great job on shoes & handbag repairs that may require stitching!! You can bring in your repair & Daniel or Patty will happily take the time to consult with you & give you a quote!
Swanson does such great work & are so friendly! You'll love this place for all of your shoes & handbag repairs!
Swanson does such great work & are so friendly! You'll love this place for all of your shoes & handbag repairs!
Jon M.
Jun 26, 2020
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Highly, highly recommended! The family atmosphere and the sheer expertise at Swanson's is amazing. They are an invaluable group of people for the Wallingford neighborhood. They now feel like family after 4 or 5 years of getting to know everyone, and every modification they have made for me (probably nearing 60-75 in total) has lasted with zero issues or return trips. If you haven't gone in to see them yet, or just moved to the neighborhood, go say hello! And bring your old shoes and leather goods.
M. R.
Mar 15, 2020
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I bought Redwings not too long ago, fell absolutely in love with them, and then was super disappointed when the heel pads wore completely down in three months. Even though they were under warranty, I figured putting the same pad back on would result in more disappointment. I didn't know where to go, no one I knew was thrilled with their cobbler. Swansons was close and had decent reviews so I surrendered my every day boot to the unknown.
My boots were ready a week earlier than they said it would be and the pads are exponentially better than the originals. So stoked. They also fixed the visual
My boots were ready a week earlier than they said it would be and the pads are exponentially better than the originals. So stoked. They also fixed the visual
Esther De Monteflores
Sep 10, 2019
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Unfortunately regretting bringing my boots here for repair.
I had a mid-sole added to my boots and I'm not sure why but the repair has been very unsuccessful.
I picked up the boots and within a week the glue was coming apart and the sole was detaching. Brought them back, they were re-glued and now about two weeks later the sole is almost entirely separated again.
When I dropped off my boots for repair I was told by the folks at the shop that the best way to repair the boots was to have a mid-sole stitched in and that glueing them wouldn't work. So I was surprised when I picked up the boots to
I had a mid-sole added to my boots and I'm not sure why but the repair has been very unsuccessful.
I picked up the boots and within a week the glue was coming apart and the sole was detaching. Brought them back, they were re-glued and now about two weeks later the sole is almost entirely separated again.
When I dropped off my boots for repair I was told by the folks at the shop that the best way to repair the boots was to have a mid-sole stitched in and that glueing them wouldn't work. So I was surprised when I picked up the boots to
Amanda G.
Sep 08, 2019
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I brought my Birks here to get resoled. The folks who I dropped offto were pretty nice and gave me a ticket then let me know when to return.
My shoes were ready a few days before they said they'd be which was awesome!
The soles looked great, they tried to clean the tops which I appreciate but they felt a little rough. I'm guessing they tried to sand off my greasy footprint. I appreciated it.
They also resealed my sandals which was nice! There was a lot on some parts but it's clear and it's extra protective.
I'd absolutely bring my shoes back because it's way cheaper
My shoes were ready a few days before they said they'd be which was awesome!
The soles looked great, they tried to clean the tops which I appreciate but they felt a little rough. I'm guessing they tried to sand off my greasy footprint. I appreciated it.
They also resealed my sandals which was nice! There was a lot on some parts but it's clear and it's extra protective.
I'd absolutely bring my shoes back because it's way cheaper
S. M.
Mar 08, 2019
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TL;DR: Swanson's Shoes in Wallingford is the best cobbler in Seattle!
I have had these amazing Dromedaris boots since 2005. I wear them all the time and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned! So I was sad when, after 14 years, the soles were getting too worn. Having had terrible experiences at Ballard and Fremont cobblers (Rude! Smug! Expensive!), I decided to try Swanson's, which has been in business since 1947. The only other time I'd been there was when I bought the boots from Mirage in Wallingford and they told me to stop by Swanson's to get weatherizing
I have had these amazing Dromedaris boots since 2005. I wear them all the time and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned! So I was sad when, after 14 years, the soles were getting too worn. Having had terrible experiences at Ballard and Fremont cobblers (Rude! Smug! Expensive!), I decided to try Swanson's, which has been in business since 1947. The only other time I'd been there was when I bought the boots from Mirage in Wallingford and they told me to stop by Swanson's to get weatherizing
Ilana S.
Sep 06, 2018
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