The real AK Shoe Repair storefront in the Chanin Building arcade, with a neon "REPAIR" sign and a window full of shoe-care displays

Since 1994 · Chanin Building, NYC

Expert Shoe Repair for Every Style

From men’s shoes to women’s heels, boots, and handbags — we bring your favorite items back to life, one floor below Grand Central.

Call (212) 682-0910 Get Directions
Arsen Khochaba, founder of AK Shoe Repair, standing at the shop's repair counter with rows of soles and heels on the wall behind him

About AK Shoe Repair

A family-owned cobbler, three decades in.

Founded in 1994, AK Shoe Repair is a family-owned cobbler, proudly serving the NYC community with expert repair services for shoes, boots, handbags, and accessories. We are conveniently located on the ground floor of the Chanin Building, right across from Grand Central Terminal.

“Restoring shoes, boots, and bags isn’t just about saving your favorite pair—it’s about embracing a sustainable choice. When we repair instead of replace, we not only keep cherished items in use but also reduce the strain on our environment.”

— Arsen Khochaba, Cobbler & Founder

What We Repair

Complete services for every kind of repair

We offer complete services, including heel replacement, sole repair, and leather restoration. Whether it’s classic dress shoes or sneakers, we can replace footbeds, repair damaged stitching, and provide custom insoles for ultimate comfort.

Men’s Shoe Repairs

From replacing worn-out heels and soles to fixing straps and embellishments, our team ensures your shoes are ready for any occasion. We handle delicate materials like leather, suede, and patent leather with precision.

Women’s Shoe Repairs

From women’s heels to flats, we offer complete repair services, including heel replacement, sole repair, and leather restoration — with footbed replacement and custom insoles for lasting comfort.

Boot Repairs

Whether it’s hiking boots, work boots, or fashion boots, we provide full-service repairs, including sole replacement, zipper fixes, and heel restoration. We can replace footbeds, repair leather damage, and handle all types of waterproofing and conditioning.

Handbag Repair

We repair all types of handbags, purses, and luggage. Our experts can replace zippers, fix straps, and restore leather for all brands. We also provide custom leather conditioning to extend the life of your handbag.

Watch Battery Replacement

Fast and reliable battery replacement services for all watch brands. We ensure your watch is back up and running quickly.

Key Copy Services

We provide fast and precise duplication for home, office, car, and high-security Multilock keys. Whether it’s a standard key or a specialized Multilock, our team ensures quick, reliable service.

Our Work

See our expert repairs

Browse our gallery of completed repairs to see the difference our skilled cobblers can make. From fixing worn-out soles to restoring damaged leather handbags, we bring your beloved items back to life.

Black Gucci horsebit loafers, freshly resoled, resting soles-up on the shop's glass counter
Black leather cap-toe oxfords, freshly resoled, soles-up on the counter
A pair of men's dress shoes, freshly resoled, soles-up on the glass counter
Brown leather derby shoes, newly resoled, resting soles-up on the counter
Close-up of a repaired dark brown leather boot standing on the shop's glass counter
Studded black pointed-toe heels, resoled, resting soles-up on the counter
Leopard-print calf-hair flats with a red bow trim, on the shop's glass counter
Interior view of a leopard-print flat showing the worn insole before repair
Yellow and white slide sandals and a designer shopping bag on a shelf in the shop
A boot sole mid-repair on the workbench, surrounded by tools and patch material
A brown leather boot being reheeled on the workbench with power tools nearby
A worn sandal sole and insole material laid out on the workbench mid-repair

How To Find Us

Walk the arcade to our door

Follow these simple steps to locate AK Shoe Repair, tucked inside the Chanin Building’s underground arcade.

  1. 1
    Map showing AK Shoe Repair's location next to Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building

    Find the Location

    We are conveniently located in the Chanin Building at 122 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10168.

  2. 2
    Brass revolving doors beneath a sign reading CHANIN BUILDING at the main 42nd Street entrance

    Enter the Chanin Building

    Use the main entrance on 42nd Street.

  3. 3
    Marble corridor with a sign reading ARCADE, SUBWAY, PHONE near a stairwell

    Look for Our Sign

    Spot our “Shoe Repair” sign near the stairwell and head downstairs.

  4. 4
    Gilded, vaulted Art Deco arcade ceiling with storefronts along a marble corridor

    Head Toward the Subway

    Walk towards the 42 Street–Grand Central subway entrance.

  5. 5
    The AK Shoe Repair storefront window with its neon REPAIR sign, just before the subway entrance

    We’re Right Here

    You’ll find us just before the entrance to the subway station.

Get Directions Call (212) 682-0910

In The Shop

Shoe care products, available in-store

Discover a full range of shoe care products available in-store to help extend the life of your favorite footwear.

Cedar shoe stretchers and a bottle of shoe-stretch spray

Shoe Trees & Stretchers

Maintain the shape of your shoes and prevent creases.

A can of leather recolor spray for restoring leather goods

Leather Care

Leather conditioners, creams, and polish to protect and restore leather goods.

Wooden shoe brushes and two tins of shoe cream polish

Brushes & Cleaning Tools

Shoe brushes, suede brushes, and cleaning cloths for a perfect finish.

Three pairs of shoe laces in black, cream, and brown

Laces & Accessories

Replacement laces, buckles, and shoe clips for all styles.

A can of water and stain repellent spray for leather, suede, and nubuck

Waterproofing & Protection

Sprays and protectants to safeguard shoes from water, stains, and dirt.

Testimonials

Our clients say

“Wonderful shop owner very diligent, kind and extremely skilled in his craft! Was able to repair a pair of boots that I could not get fixed at 2 other places! Would definitely recommend to anyone needing repairs!”

— Jessica Forman

“This place is a godsend!!! I brought in two of my absolute favorite (but also totally destroyed) pairs of shoes. This place not only fixed them, these shoes are as good as new!!! I wish I had the ‘before’ pictures — one shoe had a hole in it almost all the way through.”

— Sofia Fayer

“I’ve had several shoes repaired here and stop in frequently for shoe shines. The repair work has been excellent, prices are fair and service is prompt and friendly. Highly recommended.”