Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our footwear repair services, pricing, and processes

We handle repairs for all types of footwear including leather shoes, boots, trainers, sandals, heels, and formal dress shoes. Our workshop is equipped to work with various materials such as leather, suede, canvas, rubber, and synthetic fabrics.

Whether you need a simple heel replacement on everyday shoes or restoration work on vintage leather boots, our technicians have the skills and equipment needed. We also repair specialist footwear including work boots, hiking boots, and designer shoes that require particular attention to detail.

Standard repairs like heel replacement or sole stitching typically take 3-5 working days. More complex work such as full resoling, leather restoration, or structural repairs may require 7-10 days depending on the extent of damage and materials needed.

We offer express service for urgent repairs, which can be completed within 24-48 hours for an additional fee. When you bring your footwear to our London workshop, we'll assess the work required and provide an accurate timeframe. We always contact you if any delays occur or if we discover additional issues during the repair process.

Pricing varies based on the type of repair and materials used. Basic heel replacements start from £12-£18, while sole repairs range from £20-£45 depending on whether partial or full resoling is needed. Stitching repairs typically cost £15-£25, and leather restoration work is priced between £30-£60.

We provide free assessments and quotes before starting any work. There are no hidden charges, and we'll explain exactly what needs doing and why. If we find additional issues during repair, we'll contact you for approval before proceeding with extra work.

We provide same-day service for simple repairs such as heel tips, basic stitching, or minor adjustments when brought in before 11:00 AM on weekdays. This service is subject to workshop capacity and the complexity of the repair needed.

For same-day work, we recommend calling ahead on +44 20 3718 5290 to confirm availability. More involved repairs requiring specialist materials or techniques cannot be rushed without compromising quality, so we'll be honest about realistic timeframes during your initial consultation.

All repairs come with a 90-day warranty covering workmanship and materials used. If a repaired component fails due to our work within this period, we'll fix it at no additional charge. This warranty covers the specific repair performed, not general wear and tear or damage from subsequent use.

The warranty does not cover issues arising from improper use, water damage, or normal deterioration of materials over time. We use quality materials and proven techniques, and stand behind our work. If you experience any problems with a repair, bring the footwear back to our Rosemary Road workshop and we'll assess the issue.

Yes, we regularly work on designer and premium footwear from brands including Church's, Loake, Tricker's, and various Italian manufacturers. Our technicians understand the construction methods and materials used in high-end shoes, and take extra care to maintain their appearance and value.

For designer items, we source matching materials and use appropriate techniques to preserve the original character of the footwear. We've successfully restored vintage shoes, repaired exotic leather pieces, and maintained expensive dress shoes for customers across London. Bring your designer footwear in for assessment, and we'll discuss the best approach to restoration.

We provide professional stretching for leather shoes and boots that are slightly tight or causing discomfort. Using specialist equipment, we can increase width in specific areas or provide overall stretching. This service typically costs £15-£25 depending on the extent of stretching needed and takes 2-3 days.

Stretching works best on genuine leather footwear, as synthetic materials have limited flexibility. We'll assess your shoes to determine if stretching is feasible and won't damage the structure. In some cases, we may recommend alternative solutions such as padding adjustments or modifications to improve fit and comfort.

If your shoes get wet, remove them immediately and let them dry naturally at room temperature. Never use direct heat sources like radiators or hairdryers, as this can crack leather and damage adhesives. Stuff the shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape, changing the paper every few hours.

Once dry, bring them to our workshop for assessment. We can treat water stains, recondition dried leather, replace damaged insoles, and restore the footwear's appearance. For severe water damage where stitching has loosened or soles have separated, we'll advise on repair options and costs. Acting quickly prevents permanent damage and mold growth.

We handle repairs on trainers including sole reattachment, stitching tears, replacing laces and eyelets, and fixing structural issues. However, heavily worn trainers with compressed midsoles or extensively damaged uppers may not be economically viable to repair compared to replacement cost.

Bring your trainers in for honest assessment. We'll evaluate whether repair makes sense based on the shoe's condition and remaining lifespan. For quality trainers or limited edition pairs with sentimental value, we can often extend their life significantly through targeted repairs and reinforcement of weak areas.

Regular maintenance extends footwear life significantly. Clean leather shoes after each wear with a soft brush, and apply cream or polish monthly. Use shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture. Rotate your shoes rather than wearing the same pair daily, allowing them to dry completely between uses.

Protect soles by avoiding excessive walking on rough surfaces, and address small issues like loose stitching or worn heel tips promptly before they worsen. Store shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Waterproof leather boots before winter, and check stitching and soles regularly for early signs of wear.

Currently, we operate from our workshop at 37 Rosemary Road in London, and customers bring footwear directly to us. This allows us to assess items properly, discuss repair options in person, and ensure you understand the work being performed and associated costs.

For customers unable to visit during regular hours, we can arrange appointments outside standard times by calling +44 20 3718 5290. We're exploring courier options for the future, but find that face-to-face consultations lead to better outcomes and fewer misunderstandings about repair expectations and pricing.

We accept cash, all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as contactless payments up to £100. Payment is taken when you collect your repaired footwear, not when you drop items off.

For larger restoration projects exceeding £150, we may request a deposit to cover materials. We'll discuss this during the initial assessment. Receipts are provided for all transactions, and we can issue invoices for business customers who need documentation for expense claims or accounting purposes.

Occasionally, footwear is beyond economical repair due to extensive damage, deteriorated materials, or structural failure. In such cases, we'll explain why repair isn't feasible and return your items at no charge. Our assessment service is free, so you're not obligated to proceed with repairs.

We'll always be honest about whether repair makes financial sense compared to replacement. If only partial repair is possible, we'll explain what can be done and expected outcomes. Our goal is to provide value, not perform unnecessary work. If we can't help, we'll tell you upfront rather than taking on jobs that won't meet your expectations.

About Kigivo

Our Foundation Story

Kigivo began in 2008 when master cobbler James Morrison opened a small workshop on Rosemary Road in London. With 15 years of apprenticeship under Italian craftsmen, James recognized that quality shoe repair was disappearing from local communities. His workshop started with basic repairs but quickly gained recognition for restoring vintage footwear and luxury brands.

What began as a one-person operation grew into a team of five certified cobblers. We expanded our services to include orthopedic adjustments, custom dyeing, and restoration of heritage footwear. Today, Kigivo serves over 2,000 customers annually across South East London.

Kigivo shoe repair workshop interior

Mission & Expertise

Our mission is straightforward: extend the life of quality footwear through skilled craftsmanship. We believe that well-made shoes deserve proper care rather than disposal. Each repair is handled by cobblers with minimum eight years of hands-on experience working with materials from full-grain leather to synthetic composites.

We specialize in resoling using Vibram, Dr. Martens, and Goodyear welted construction methods. Our workshop handles everything from simple heel replacements to complete upper reconstruction. We maintain partnerships with material suppliers in Northampton and Italy, ensuring access to authentic components for brand-specific repairs.

Professional cobbler working on shoe repair
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Skilled Craftsmanship

Our cobblers complete 60+ hours of annual training in modern repair techniques and traditional methods.

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Sustainability Focus

We repair rather than replace, reducing footwear waste by approximately 800 pairs yearly in our community.

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Quality Materials

All repairs use certified leather grades, branded soles, and adhesives meeting European EN standards.

2008 Established
5 Master Cobblers
2000+ Annual Repairs
15 Years Experience