Getting Your Shoes Repaired or Custom-Made in Vietnam: A Practical Guide for Expats

Vietnam is famous for its skilled craftsmanship, particularly when it comes to tailoring and shoemaking. For expats and travellers, this offers a unique opportunity to repair, refurbish, or even custom-make shoes at a fraction of the cost in many Western countries. Here is an in-depth guide to the shoe repair and custom shoemaking industry in Vietnam, including where to go, expected pricing, and what to anticipate in the finished product.

Why Get Shoes Repaired or Made in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s tradition of craftsmanship, combined with a low cost of living, means that services like shoe repair and custom shoemaking are accessible and affordable. Many expats find themselves in need of shoe repair due to the country’s mix of humid weather, frequent rain, and high-traffic urban areas, which can take a toll on footwear. Additionally, if you have specific footwear needs, custom-made shoes offer an affordable way to get high-quality, durable footwear that perfectly matches your style and foot shape.

Where to Find Shoe Repair Shops in Vietnam

Shoe repair shops are common throughout Vietnam, particularly in larger cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. You’ll find these shops in local markets, alleyways, or even at the side of the road.

• In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – A variety of shoe repair and shoemaking stalls can be found in District 1, Nguyen Trai Street. In addition, small shoe repair shops can be found near Ben Thanh Market as well as around Cho Lon Market in District 5 (Chinatown)
• In Hanoi, the centre for leather goods and shoe repair shops is Hang Dau Street in the Old Quarter, with a small side of the street repair facilities being spread throughout the city.

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Types of Repairs Available

Vietnamese cobblers offer a wide range of repair services, all at very reasonable prices. This typically includes:

Sole Replacement and Repair – This is probably the most common service, with the cobbles sourcing high-quality rubber or leather soles to match your shoe and replacing or repairing them.

Heel Repair: For women's shoes, heel repair is another common service. This involves reattaching a loose heel or adding new heel tips for missing or worn ones.

Stitching and Patching: Particularly for leather shoes, loose seams can be re-stitched, which can be used to patch up worn spots or simply areas which have become loose.

Polishing and Waterproofing: With Vietnam's difficult climate, shoes often become faded or scuffed. In addition to mending, cobblers can polish, waterproof and re-dye shoes so that your shoes can receive a new life! Polishing, waterproofing, and re-dyeing services are available to revive faded or scuffed shoes. This is especially helpful for leather footwear in Vietnam’s rainy climate.

Pricing: What to Expect

Prices for shoe repairs in Vietnam are significantly lower than in many Western countries. Here’s a rough guide to the costs you might expect:

• Sole Replacement: Replacing the sole of a pair of shoes typically costs between 150,000 to 300,000 VND (approximately $6-12 USD), depending on the material and quality.
• Heel Repair: Basic heel repair often costs around 50,000 to 100,000 VND ($2-4 USD). For high-end leather heels, prices may go up to 150,000 VND.
• Stitching and Patching: Minor stitching jobs can cost as little as 20,000 VND ($1 USD), while more extensive stitching and patching work might reach 100,000 VND.
• Polishing and Waterproofing: Shoe polishing services are extremely affordable, often between 10,000 to 30,000 VND (under $1 USD).

While these prices are typical, it’s always a good idea to ask for an estimate before the cobbler begins the work, especially if the repair involves extensive stitching, premium materials, or customization.

Getting Custom Shoes Made in Vietnam

Custom shoemaking is a popular option, especially in cities like Hoi An, which is known for its tailoring and leatherwork. If you’ve always wanted a custom pair of shoes, Vietnam is an ideal place to try out the process without the high costs often associated with custom footwear in the West. Here’s what to expect in the process:

Choosing Your Design

The first step in getting custom shoes made in Vietnam is selecting the design. Whether you want a classic pair of leather dress shoes, stylish boots, or casual loafers, most cobblers or shoemakers will be able to create something tailored to your style. If you're unsure of what you want, many shops have sample designs or can offer advice on what would work best for your needs.

It’s also worth noting that some shoemakers specialize in specific types of footwear—such as dress shoes, sandals, or boots—while others may offer a broader selection of styles. Be prepared to browse through various designs or work with the cobbler to create a unique pair that suits your preferences.

Selecting Materials: Vietnamese cobblers are known for using a variety of materials, including high-quality leather, suede, and canvas. You will often be able to choose the type of leather for the upper part of the shoe, as well as the colour, texture, and finish. For example, if you are looking for formal leather shoes, expect a wide range of leather options, including smooth, glossy finishes or matte, aged looks. If you’re looking for something more casual, some shoemakers also offer canvas or fabric options.

The soles of the shoes can also be customized. Rubber soles are more common for casual shoes, while leather soles are typically used for dress shoes. If you're making a more practical purchase, such as a pair of hiking boots or sneakers, consider discussing sole durability with your cobbler.

Taking Measurements: For a truly custom fit, cobblers in Vietnam typically take detailed measurements of your feet. Unlike many Western shoe stores, where sizing is based on standardized charts, Vietnamese shoemakers will usually measure the length and width of both feet and assess the foot's arch, heel, and toe structure. This personalized approach ensures that the shoes will be a perfect fit, especially if you have unique foot characteristics.

Fitting and Adjustments: Once the shoes are made, you may need to try them on and make adjustments. Shoemakers in Vietnam are usually very accommodating when it comes to tweaks and adjustments. If you feel that the shoes are too tight, too loose, or uncomfortable in any way, many cobblers will offer free alterations or minor adjustments at no extra charge.

Keep in mind that the first fitting might not always be perfect, so it’s good to allow for at least one round of adjustments. The cobbler may need to stretch the leather, add additional padding, or adjust the stitching for comfort.

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Pricing for Custom Shoes: The cost of custom-made shoes in Vietnam is incredibly affordable when compared to Western prices. While prices vary depending on the style, materials, and level of customization, you can expect to pay anywhere from 800,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND ($35-130 USD) for a high-quality, custom pair of shoes. For a pair of handmade leather dress shoes, the price typically falls in the 1,500,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND range ($60-100 USD).

For more complex designs, additional work, or premium materials, such as exotic leather or custom embroidery, the price can increase, but it’s still far cheaper than what you would pay for similar products in Western countries. In cities like Hoi An, where custom shoemaking is a well-established industry, you’ll find even greater variety and competitive pricing.

Where to Get Custom Shoes Made: Hoi An is one of the most famous places in Vietnam for custom shoemaking, with a wide range of artisans and shoemakers offering their services. However, you can also find skilled shoemakers in other major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Here are some notable areas and shops to consider:

• Hoi An: The ancient town of Hoi An is known for its tailoring, and many cobblers here specialize in creating custom shoes. You can visit shops such as Dinh Shoe Shop or Yaly Couture for a high-quality custom experience.
• Ho Chi Minh City: In District 1, there are several cobblers and shoemakers who specialize in custom shoes. Look for places like Hien Shoe Shop or Tung Shoe Shop, which offer bespoke leather footwear.
• Hanoi: While Hoi An is the go-to for custom shoes, Hanoi also has a good selection of cobblers. Head to the Old Quarter, particularly along streets like Hang Bac and Hang Dau, where you'll find cobblers with decades of experience in custom shoemaking.

Getting your shoes repaired or custom-made in Vietnam offers an affordable and practical solution to footwear needs. Whether you need a quick fix for a worn pair of shoes or want a custom-made pair crafted to your specifications, Vietnam’s shoe repair and shoemaking industry is full of skilled artisans who can deliver high-quality results. By visiting local shops, asking for estimates, and choosing your materials carefully, you can have shoes repaired or made to perfectly match your needs, all while saving money compared to Western prices.