Save your soles

From the Community…

• 
  Posted by mark Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:04pm PST

  I was caught totally unawares by american heelers.

  I had a wonderful pair of goretex lined winter boots that were 100% great except for some sort of defect which made their heels - not the whole sole, but just the heels - sort of fall apart from the insides out.

  I spoke with the owner on the phone - explained this, packaged them carefully in their original box and included a clear note in large enough type so it could not be missed.

  I got back boots unceremoniously stuffed into a USPS mailer - sent to the wrong address, and worst of all with mis-matched soles which then started falling off when I tried to wear them.

  Called and was told to send them back - paid for another shipping charge and they came back no better.

  Determined to at least get my money's worth as there are no more cobblers less than 90 minutes drive from here - I called again and made a deal with him to replace the entire sole with an equivalent Vibram Logger's sole/heel. I packaged them up and shipped them again. Made 100% sure they were alerted NOT to mess up the internal goretex booties which must remain whole or

  they will not work anymore.

  What came back is ruins.

  The goretex liners are ripped, the soles/heels are definitely counterfeit, wimpy and so poorly

  attached that they came apart after 2 attempted wearings - the boots are no longer waterproof and above all, they no longer keep my feet warm here in Vermont where warm boots are not optional.

  I gave up - and I strongly advise any and everyone to completely avoid these unskilled thieves or you will not only lose your money, but your shoes as well.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by mark Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:53pm PST

  Fascinating. They lasted all of 2 days too - that first time, and oddly, the 2nd too.

  (Perhaps cheap glue that lasts only 2 days ?)

  I was FAR too quick to offer praise, my bad - it won't happen again I promise.

  But better still - they made a total of 3 full trips to the heeler dudes and only got worse and worse.

  My comments today, ALL this time later were prompted by getting spammed by these folks.

  I have repeatedly 'unsubscribed' from their spam and still it would come.

  When direct action yields no results, it is time to spread the word.

  I adore and enjoy good footwear - the heelers took in boots with ONE flaw and proceeded to ruin them so badly that they cannot ever be winter boots again.

  That is info to share in my opinion.

  Now that you have spread my full name about I shall embark upon a mission to spread yours.

  Kindly notice it is a (badly) Americanized Russian name.

  Yes Mr. Heeler - I too am 100% Russian.

  My dear old grandfather warned me about 'the bad ones' who also came over - but I never had the displeasure to be exposed to such a one until you totally ruined my $250+ Goretex lined boots.

  Sadly he did not live into my adulthood or he would have taught me how to say all this in the mother tongue...

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by mark Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:58pm PST

  PS: All the email lists the heeler dude is now subscribing me to (illegally) collect IP addresses - very useful for prosecution after contacting law enforcement to press charges. Go for it dude. Watch for uniforms too....

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by mark Wed Nov 25, 2009 4:41am PST

  Just in case anyone is inclined to read this far and gets the impression that I am a crazy person, babbling about nonsense -> that is not the situation at all; you see - there was a nastygram added (guess by whom...NO - not me !) after my 1st comment that has now been removed by this site's agents because it broke their TOU (it included personal info about me which was very uncool to post.)

  Details and explanation:

  The nastygram mentioned the incident in question being a while ago, and that is true.

  It also mentioned the email full of praise I'd sent immediately upon seeing how pretty my boots looked with their new soles the very 1st time they'd had them -> which I'd foolishly sent before I'd even put them on at all (and THEN had them fall apart after a mere 2 wearings...).

  Please, dear reader - bear in mind that those poor boots made THREE trips back and forth before I felt 100% beaten by their ruin.

  My making comments at this later date was prompted by being continuously irritated by spam from the heeler folks which I could not stop no matter how I requested for it to cease.

  (I'd stop one email ID and they'd soon use another-> heelers...info...orthopedic...etc.,etc.,etc....)

  So finally; it seems that when my responses to the nastygram were noticed, they must have angered someone (the heeler dude ?) beyond all reason for I suddenly found myself getting confirmation emails from spam lists in which I was enrolled (by some very angry person...) who embellished my name with obscenities.

  Not cool at all - and also quite illegal and prosecutable AFAIK.

  Hence my added comments - and yes, I ->{am}<- wordy, but not even close to insane.

  In conclusion:

  The craziest thing I've done was to send my then still fixable boots BACK to be ruined, now THAT was a crazy/stupid thing to do and I have now learned the hard way - and I hope others may be spared such hardship and expense by seeing my info here.

  Peace Out, and Best Wishes to All.

  mark

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Loosh Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:07am PST

  I guess you can not please everybody. We have repaired thousands of boots and shoes and have never had someone like this. We have offered to make it right.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Loosh Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:10am PST

  The accusation this guy "mark" is making are preposterous! I guess he makes enemies all over the Interent with his incomprehensible babble!

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by mark Wed Nov 25, 2009 2:08pm PST

  Such desperate, small-minded people; so intent upon self-promotion as to refuse to openly own the distrust they have created.

  In this man's life it has been clear that it is always best to steer clear of anyone who is patting themselves on the back so much and so loudly - snake oil was once sold that way...

  And today (knowing it is illegal AND fully traceable) they still amuse themselves by subscribing my email to spam.

  Pity.

  Good thing I do not get angry.

  Once I have collected enough data to please law enforcement they shall have their hands full with no further effort on my part, and I already have about enough collected, thanks.

  Alas such hurtful, greedy sorts are ultimately below my personal concern and a total bore.

  I now and forever wash my hands of this angry mob, and will not post again.

  Good riddance to me I say !!!

  To any who shall read this and DO have broken shoes for mending, I strongly advise that you look for independent reviews (as I did - but much too late) of these and other supposed 'online cobblers'.

  Do not take either my or their words for granted, and spend some of your valuable time looking into what you may commit your valued footwear to before making any leaps of faith.

  If any good may come of this it will be if just one, single person avoids the sadness of such loss.

  Bye !

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Loosh Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:15pm PST

  HOW LONG DOES YOUR SERVICE TAKE?

  From the time American Heelers Shoe Repair Services receives your shipment of shoes to the time they are back on your feet is usually 5-7 business days.

  WHAT IF I DO NOT KNOW WHICH REPAIR TO SELECT OR WHICH SOLE TO CHOSE?

  That is OK, not everyone is an expert in shoe repair services. What you can do is simply request a shipping kit (http://www.americanheeler.com/contact.asp) from American Heelers Shoe Repair Services and we will make the determination of what is best for your footwear when we receive them, after all we are the experts!

  CAN YOU LOWER THE HEEL HEIGHT ON MY FAVORITE SHOES?

  Many women love their high heeled shoes but are too uncomfortable and afraid to wear such high heels. American Heelers Shoe Repair Services are experts in lowering the heels on your favorite shoes and making you more comfortable and safer walking in them. Even a small amount will make a huge difference as you will notice.

  CAN YOU REPAIR ANY BRAND OF SHOE OR BOOTS?

  American Heelers Shoe Repair Services are authorized by most major manufacturers as the repairer or their brands. In the tens of thousands of shoes sent to us we have never met a challenge we could not tackle.

  DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR SHIPPING CHARGES?

  No, American Heelers Shoe Repair Services incurs all shipping charges to and from our facilities. By using our USPS account label which you can print on our site (http://www.americanheeler.com/label.asp) or request that we send one affixed to a shipping container, you will not have to pay any shipping charges.

  IS YOUR SERVICE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN A LOCAL COBBLER DUE TO SHIPPING COSTS?

  No, we pride ourselves on offering a better service at a lower price than your local cobbler (if you are lucky enough to have one) due to the fact that we are able to take advantage of economies of scale due to our high repair volume and we have the best cobblers in the world working at American Heelers Shoe Repair Services.

  HOW DO I PAY YOU?

  You have the option of paying when you use our automated ordering system on our web site or you can wait till the repair is finished, we will then send you an email with a link to a Pay Pal screen where you can use any credit card or even an electronic check.

  IS PAYPAL A SAFE PAYMENT METHOD?

  PayPal is considered to be the safest way to pay or be paid on the web.

  I DO NOT HAVE A PAY PAL ACCOUNT IS THAT A PROBLEM?

  No, you have the option of signing in as a guest on their web site, you do not have to sign up for an account, all you need is an email address to use it. You also have the option of send American Heelers Shoe Repair Services a personal check or money order made out to American Heelers 27309 Chagrin Blvd. Woodmere, OH 44122.

  I WENT TO A LOCAL SHOE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN NOT HELP ME, CAN YOU?

  Unfortunately most local cobblers do not have all the capabilities as American Heelers Shoe Repair Services do to tackle some of the hardest shoe repair problems. 9 times out of 10 we can do what they can not.

  HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RESOLE A PAIR OF BOOTS?

  Usually the cost for the whole nine yards job is $69.99. This includes shipping, shine, and conditioning, waterproofing, and cleaning of the uppers. The boots will be better than new after American Heelers Shoe Repair Services is done with them.

  CAN YOU REPLACE OR REPAIR A ZIPPER ON A PAIR OF BOOTS OR SHOES?

  Yes, we replace broken zippers on shoes, boots, and purses all the time.

  DO YOU REPAIR SPERRY TOPSIDERS?

  Yes, we do a great job with them and have the perfect sole to match!

  DO YOU RESOLE AND REPAIR BIRKENSTOCKS?

  Birkenstocks are of the most popular brand we repair, we have a perfect sole and for a small extra charge we can repair and replace cork, belts, and suede.

  MY DOG CHEWED ON THE HEEL SHAFT ON MY FAVORITE SHOES AND BOOTS, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO?

  Yes, this is very common. In these situations we perform what is called a recovery heel operation. We will replace the leather around the heel stem to make the heels look like new.

  MY HEEL STEM BROKE IN HALF, CAN YOU HELP ME?

  Yes, in this case we will usually need to replace both heels from the pair. We have hundreds of heel stems to chose from and will match the replacements as closely as possible to the original.

  DO YOU DYE SHOES?

  Yes, but remember this is only possible when going form light to dark.

  I HAVE A HOLE IN MY SHOE IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO?

  Yes, we can patch it and cover up. Problem solved.

  CAN YOU REPLACE THE SOLE OF A SHOE WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY RUBBER WITH ONE THAT IS LEATHER?

  Yes we can!

  IF I HAVE MULTIPLE PAIRS OF SHOES AND BOOTS IN NEED OF SHOE REPAIR CAN I HAVE A DISCOUNT?

  Yes in cases where you have many pairs you would like to get done at once we will work with you to give you a discount.

  CAN YOU REPAIR WORN OUT SUEDE AND SUEDE THAT LOOKS OLD AND FADED?

  Yes, we have techniques which will bring that suede back to life!

  CAN YOU REPAIR AND RESOLE TENNIS SHOES LIKE NEW BALANCES?

  DO YOU RESOLE BOAT SHOES?

  Yes, we repair tennis shoes all the time and can resole these shoes with great success.

  Report Abuse
• 
  Posted by Loosh Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:15pm PST

  "If you’ve ever had a puppy destroy 5 pairs of shoes, then Alex is your guy.

  In particular heels - high heels or boot heels.

  American Heelers makes it so easy.

  They send you a prepaid bag in the mail, just put your shoes in and seal and drop in any mail box, which is super convenient if you work full time like me.

  The customer service is great and they respond to e-mails super quick.

  When your shoes are ready, they mail them back expertly repaired and good as new.

  Even if you don’t have puppy-damaged shoes, American Heelers is great for all types of shoe repairs. Which reminds me, I have another pair of shoes to send in!"

  Jessica Novak

  Concord Township, OH

  “Thank you. I have received my shoes. I am very pleased with the shoe repair.”

  Vera Madlinger

  Tallahassee, FL

  “Just to let you know that I couldn't be more pleased with the work done on my favorite boots. They are..literally...like new and over 15 years old! Thanks SO much for the boot repair!!”

  Adrienne Hitchcock

  Cambridgeport, VT

  “Thank you so much for such a nice job and quick delivery, Alex. Wish you well, hope you have a good holiday.”

  Tatiana Coapman

  Dunnellon, FL

  “Thank you for always doing a good job and taking care of your customers so well, I hope your business continues to grow and that you and yours will prosper.”

  Patrick Craig

  Austin, TX

  “I would just like to thank whom ever repaired my shoes. They did excellent, excellent work. I thought I had waited too long and ran the soles so far down that the shoes would have to be thrown away. Then American Heelers came along and made them like new again. I had these shoes at least 15 years and hated the thought of throwing them away, and now I won't have to. Thanks again for a job very well done.”

  James Hartig

  Adams, WI

  “Dear American Heelers:

  I want to thank you!! I was unable to find anyone in my area that would replace the heels on a good pair of my shoes. Your service was incredibly easy, the workmanship was impeccable, and the cost extremely reasonable! If no one has told you yet today. . . you are awesome! Thanks again.”

  Cyndy Rastovski

  Demotte, IN

  “Alex, Just thought I'd let you know that I received my boots today and have already walked a mile and a half in them. The soles you chose for the boots are just the ticket and will work well for this winter as well. Thanks for the great service. You are welcome to count me as a satisfied customer and use me as a reference any time. All the best to your shoe repair operation.”

  Jeff Wilde

  Harrison, MI

  “You guys do great resole jobs. All future shoe repair jobs will go to you, no doubt.”

  Louis Landry

  New York, NY

  “I've been telling everyone about you! We absolutely love your shoe repair service. And you can use our name as a reference whenever you wish.”

  Jan Hippe

  Hartland, MI

  “Dear Alex,

  I got my favorite pair of shoes back today and they are lovely!

  Peace and good things.”

  Gerry Twomey

  Uniondale, NY

  “Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for putting the zippers in my English riding boots... they look and work GREAT. Can’t wait to use them, and to use your services again! Just wanted to let you know how pleased I am. Thank you again!”

  Amy Ferguson

  Findlay, OH

  “My shoes returned a few days ago. I removed them from the packaging and found myself impressed. Immediately, the superior quality and fit of the materials was evident. Further inspection revealed workmanship and techniques found only in the better cobbler shops of days gone by- old school at it’s best. Both materials and workmanship were much better than the original construction (and these were pretty good shoes from the outset). I remained impressed all the way through a good spit-shine. Job well done gang.”

  Alan Casson

  Somerset, KY

  “I RECEIVED MY SHOES. I COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASED WITH THE QUALITY OF YOUR WORK AND SERVICE. THANK YOU.”

  Art Thivierge

  Signal Mountain, TN

  “Alex, I appreciate the job you did on the Pikolinos. I hope the fix will work for the long term. I didn’t expect the polish you all did on them, so thanks, and I know there was a paint spot too that you all removed and I couldn’t tell where it had been. Thanks. Now you have my boot business.”

  Michael S. McNair

  Fairview, NC

  “Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I received my shoes and I very happy. I have been telling everyone about you. I live about two hours north of NYC and use to work in NYC. It was a pain to try to remember to bring my shoes into the city for repair and there is no one around here that does a good job. THANK YOU!!”

  Abigail Smith

  Scottville, NY

  “Thanks Alex! You did wonderful job on the shoes. We have more coming. I've told my family and others. They are preparing to contact you as well. Thanks so much for being there.”

  Charlie Taylor

  San Antonio, TX

  “I used your services for the first time in Sept. 2008 and ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE RESULTS! I would like to "build up" the sole on another pair of boots so I can use them for riding my Harley Davidson motorcycle as well. Basically, I'd like you to remove the sole and add the "build up", so that in total the heel will be about 2 1/2" and the toe part 1 1/2". Please send me a mail envelope! Thanks so much”

  Colette Haywood

  Littleton, NH

  “Your repair was fabulous on my pair of Timberland chukkas and my Rockport boat shoes”

  Bernie Munk

  New York, NY

  “Just a note to let you know the boots you repaired-- rebuilt-- arrived in the mail today and they gorgeous... Thanks for doing a good job on them- I expect to get another 10 years out of them now”

  William Payne

  Three Oaks, MI

  “I want to thank you for doing such a great job on my boots and shoes. They looked like brand new! I never was able to keep them looking that good when I was in the Air Force.”

  Greg Martino

  Du Bois, PA

  “I am sure you hear this all of the time, WOW!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH. Just to let you know, the boots I sent you were in service since 2001. I have not had time or found it convenient enough for me to get my favorite boots repaired. Then I found your web site! I got my Danner Acadia boots back looking brand new! I had everyone in the department almost excited as I was to see how well they would turn out. Even my wife, she would not let me open the box until she got home from work. To my surprise my boots are as good as new. I was so worried I would have to toss them. BUT WOW!! VERY NICE!! I will be recommending you guys as much as possible! Great shoe repair work”

  LT. David A. Fischer

  Blaine, MN

  “Alexander, I haven't had a chance to thank you for your wonderful orthopedic shoe service. Having shoes I can walk in without pain has been a true God send. I have recommended your service to other hip replacement surgery patients, my doctor's office and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Your services were top quality (no one can tell but me!), outstanding price, quick and complete. You will definitely be hearing from me again. Thank you so much!”

  Elizabeth Krenik

  Garland, TX

  “I think you are offering a wonderful shoe repair service and I would be happy to recommend your work. Best wishes for every success.”

  Patricia Otis

  Savannah, GA

  “"Ilya Romanov does a fantastic job - always friendly and reliable. I highly recommend American Heelers as a service provider - I have used Ilya's service for over a year and am always pleased with the exceptional quality of the shoe repair service provided."

  Saskia Baur

  Santa Cruz, CA

  "American Heelers is a reliable alternative to your neighborhood shoe repair guy. The quality of workmanship is high, and the turnaround is FAST. Actually a "better mouse trap"! Someone should have thought of this years ago."

  Steve Batty

  Diamond Bar, CA

  “"I sent in two pairs of shoes which was made very easy by the prepaid packet sent to me, and they were returned promptly. This is the first shop I have ever found that could lower the heels on shoes that were too high...I am very happy with American Heelers!"

  Linda Pierce

  Jamestown, NY

  "The knowledge of his craft was key, and I found the ability to work with him on the web to be helpful for my schedule."

  Mike Casile

  Raleigh, NC

  "I was extremely pleased and delighted with the service from American Heelers Inc. The online "mail order" shoe repair service exceeded my expectations. Ilya is on to a great concept. I will certainly use his service again, and recommend him to others. He exemplifies what entrepreneurship is all about."

  Marnie Minnich

  Ann Arbor, MI

  "A true craftsman! Rare these days."

  Brad Castellano

  Atlanta, GA

  "I strongly recommend American Heelers to everyone that wears shoes. ;) Not only they have done a perfect repair, my shoes came back with extra cleaning and such. These people are real professionals!"

  May Horimoto

  Santa Clara, CA

  Report Abuse