Master craftsman
Kirill Yurovskiy: Shoe Repair in London
For over 15 years, Yurovskiy’s Shoe Repair has been providing exceptional shoe repair and restoration services to customers all across London. Founded by master craftsman Kirill Yurovskiy, our shop prides itself on combining time-honored techniques with modern materials and equipment to breathe new life into shoes, boots, bags, and leather goods of all kinds.
About Kirill Yurovskiy
Kirill Yurovskiy was born in St. Petersburg, Russia into a family with a long tradition of leatherworking and shoemaking. From a young age, he was taught the meticulous skills and techniques that had been passed down for generations. However, Kirill’s passion for working with leather and repairing quality footwear went far beyond just upholding family tradition.
He attended the prestigious Leather Crafting Academy in Moscow, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of master craftsmen. It was here that Kirill developed his keen eye for detail and his deep respect for using only the finest leathers and materials. Upon graduating at the top of his class, he was awarded the Academy’s highest honor for his extraordinary talents.
In 2001, Kirill made the bold decision to move across the continent to London, drawn by the city’s thriving fashion and cultural scene. Though he started small by renting a modest workshop space, word quickly spread about the Russian craftsman who could work seeming miracles on damaged and worn shoes and leather goods. Prominent stylists, designers, and fashionistas soon became loyal clients as Kirill’s reputation for impeccable quality grew.
By 2008, the business had outgrown its original space, and Yurovskiy’s Shoe Repair relocated to its current location on Marshall Street in the pulsing heart of London’s Soho district. In the years since, Kirill has assembled a highly skilled team of leather workers and cobblers who share his passion for excellence and his commitment to preserving the ancient traditions of their craft.
Our workshop
Services
At Yurovskiy’s Shoe Repair, we offer a comprehensive range of services to keep your leather footwear, bags, belts, and accessories looking their best. We work on both men’s and women’s items, restoring pieces from top designer brands as well as repairing cherished family heirlooms. All work is performed by hand in our workshop by our highly trained artisans.
Shoe Repair
– Resoling and re-heeling for both leather and rubber soles
– Patching holes and repairing torn uppers
– Replacing torn or worn laces
– Applying topy soles for improved traction and durability
– Replacing or repairing heel lifts
– Replacing insoles and reinforcing shanks
– Restoring and shining leather uppers
Bag Repair
– Repairing handles, straps, and hardware
– Patching holes and reinforcing stress points
– Restoring leather exteriors
– Cleaning and conditioning
Other Services
– Repairing belts and accessories
– Cleaning, conditioning, and weatherproofing
– Dyeing and restoring color
– Custom leatherwork and orthotics
No matter how damaged or worn your leather goods may be, our team is committed to repairing them to like-new condition using the proper tools and proven techniques. We also have an extensive range of high-quality replacement parts and materials in stock to ensure seamless and impeccable repairs.
The Yurovskiy's Process
- Free Evaluation and Estimate
When you first bring in your shoes, bag, or other item, one of our master craftsmen will carefully evaluate it and provide a free, no-obligation estimate detailing the recommended repairs and costs involved.
- Determining the Scope of Work
Once you approve the estimate and costs, we’ll have an in-depth discussion to determine the exact scope of work required, any special instructions, and your desired timing. We keep you involved every step of the way.
- Expert Repair and Restoration
Your item is then turned over to one of our skilled artisans who will give it their full attention. Using a mix of traditional hand tools and techniques combined with specialized modern equipment, they will meticulously disassemble, repair, restore, rebuilt, restain, and refinish every component.
- Inspection and Delivery
Once the repairs are complete, your newly revitalized item goes through a thorough inspection process before we call or email you to schedule a convenient pickup or delivery time. We want you to be overjoyed by our workmanship.
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
We take immense pride in our work and stand behind every repair and restoration service we provide. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with our workmanship, we will gladly rectify the issue or refund your payment. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Get an Online Estimate
While we recommend having one of our experts evaluate your footwear or leather goods in person, we also offer remote estimates through our online form. Simply upload photos of your item from multiple angles and provide details about the repairs needed. We’ll respond within 1 business day with a preliminary estimate.
Visit Our Shop
While we recommend having one of our experts evaluate your footwear or leather goods in person, we also offer remote estimates through our online form. Simply upload photos of your item from multiple angles and provide details about the repairs needed. We’ll respond within 1 business day with a preliminary estimate.
Customer Reviews
"Kirill Yurovskiy is a true master of his craft. I brought in a beloved pair of Berluti loafers that were severely cracked and worn - they were nearly beyond repair. But the team at Yurovskiy's worked their magic, and the finished product looks brand new! The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is amazing. I couldn't be happier."
"I'm a fashion stylist, and Yurovskiy is my go-to place for repairing and restoring client's footwear and leather goods. No matter the condition, Kirill and his team always manage to revive pieces to an impeccable state. Their work is impeccable and their service is incredibly fast. I never worry when sending them items from top designers - I know they will treat them with the utmost care."
"As someone who has collected vintage luggage for decades, I can't say enough great things about Yurovskiy's. They have beautifully restored multiple worn and damaged suitcases for me, making them look showroom fresh. It's clear they have a deep appreciation for preserving the integrity and history of antique pieces. I trust no one else with my prized collection."
"I'm a recent convert to Kirill's shop after being let down by other cobblers whoovercharged and under-delivered. The difference is night and day! My boots were reheeled and resoled to perfection at a very fair price. I was also impressed by how quickly the work was completed. Yurovskiy's has earned a lifelong customer."
Highest quality
Materials & Tools
At the heart of every repair and restoration completed at Yurovskiy’s is our dedication to using only the absolute finest materials and tools available. It is this unwavering commitment to quality that allows us to breathe new life into cherished footwear and leather goods.
Leathers
We source our leathers from the most prestigious tanneries in Europe to ensure a perfect colour match and excellent durability. From sturdy Bavarian nut-brown to supple Italian calf skins, we keep a wide range of leathers in stock.
For rarer or antique pieces, we have access to sources for authentic shell cordovan, glazed kid, and even traditional Russian yemuran leathers to preserve the original material and era.
Soles
All of our replacement soles are made from high-grade, cut-from-roll leathers for a superior finish. We use both genuine Dainite and Vibram rubber soles sourced directly from the manufacturers to ensure quality.
Our comprehensive selection includes commando soles, triple-vamp soles, anti-slip soles, and more to accommodate everything from dress shoes to heavy work boots. We can also precisely reproduce the factory sole of nearly any designer brand.
Adhesives & Finishes
Only the highest quality cements, adhesives, dyes, and finishes are used for a flawless and long-lasting result. We stock imported products from renowned brands like Saphir, Tarrago, Bee Refinishing, and Fiebing’s to ensure proper colourfastness and durability.
All stains and finishes are extensively tested to be chemically inert and non-deteriorating to prevent any harmful effects on fine leathers.
Tools & Equipment
While most of our work is completed using meticulously maintained traditional hand tools like awls, pincers, and shave horses, we also invest in the latest speciality machinery to assist our craftsmen.
This includes industrial-grade sole stitchers, hydraulic presses, specialty knives and cutters, and even a vintage World War 2-era Singer patcher for flawless in-weaving of new vamps and quarters.
We also have a temperature-controlled dye oven to lock in colours, as well as a dehumidified leather storage room to protect moisture-sensitive materials.
No matter the task, we have the specialised equipment and are continually upgrading our tools to yield consistent, impeccable results. Combined with the decades of experience of our artisans, we have everything needed to bring new life to even the most damaged footwear and leather goods.
Our staff
Team
The skilled team of artisans at Yurovskiy’s Shoe Repair is the backbone of our business. Led by Kirill Yurovskiy himself, every member of our staff shares his passion for quality craftsmanship and his commitment to preserving the ancient traditions of leather work.
Kirill Yurovskiy, Founder & Master Craftsman
As detailed in his bio, Kirill brings decades of experience, advanced training at Moscow’s Leather Crafting Academy, and a lifelong immersion in the craft of shoe and leather repair. He personally oversees all major repair work that comes through the shop.
Sergey Fedorov, Master Cobbler
A fifth-generation cobbler from Aleksin, Russia, Sergey has been practicing the intricate art of shoe repair and resoling since childhood learning the trade from his father and grandfather. He specializes in repairs for athletic shoes and boots.
Anya Kozlova, Leather Artisan
Anya was trained in bag, luggage, and accessory repair at the legendary Russian Tannery & Leather Guild. Her careful attention to detail and eye for color-matching has made her a master at restoring damaged leather exteriors.
Viktor Abramov, Apprentice
The newest addition, Viktor joined Yurovskiy’s as an apprentice last year after completing coursework at London’s Leather Craft Institute. Under the tutelage of Kirill and the team, he is rapidly honing his skills in all aspects of leatherwork and shoe repair.
World of shoemaking
Leather Care Tips
At Yurovskiy’s, we don’t just repair and restore leather goods – we want to equip our clients with the knowledge to properly care for and protect their investments long into the future. Here are some essential tips for maximizing the longevity of your leather footwear, bags, jackets, and accessories:
Daily Maintenance
– Use cedar shoe trees when not wearing leather shoes to help maintain their shape.
– Rotate pairs every day to allow them to properly dry out.
– Avoid excessive moisture by removing shoes before entering rain/snow.
– Store shoes in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Cleaning
– Use only leather-approved, pH-balanced cleaner made for your leather type (aniline, semi-aniline, etc).
– Gently scrub with a soft, damp cloth in a circular motion to remove dirt and salt stains.
– Avoid over-rubbing and let leather fully dry before using any leather cream or polish.
Conditioning
– Leather is skin, so condition regularly (every 6-8 weeks) to remain supple.
– Apply just a thin, even coat of quality leather conditioner and let absorb fully.
– Buff off any excess to avoid leaving oils that could potentially degrade leather.
Polishing & Shining
– First, ensure any prior polish has been fully removed to avoid build-up.
– Use a polish or cream approved for your specific leather type and color.
– Apply with a dauber in thin, overlapping coats, brushing in-between.
– Finish by brushing vigorously with a horsehair brush to achieve a mirror-like shine.
Weatherproofing
– For leather boots and outdoor items, consider using a wax-based weatherproofing product.
– Apply a thin layer and fully wipe away excess after it dries. Repeat every 6 months.
– Avoid silicone-based products which can degrade leather over time.
With proper care, quality leather goods can last for decades. But no matter how well you maintain your items, regular professional cleaning and conditioning from Yurovskiy’s will vastly extend their lifespan and beauty.
Shoe Making Classes
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of shoemaking and leather crafting, Yurovskiy’s is proud to offer a range of hands-on classes taught by our master artisans. Whether you’re a passionate hobbyist, aspiring professional, or just seeking to learn a new skill, our courses provide unparalleled instruction utilizing time-honored techniques.
Shoemaking Fundamentals
This comprehensive 8-week course covers the essential skills and processes involved in crafting shoes from start to finish. Students will learn about leather selection, pattern making, hand-lasting, machine and hand welting, sole attaching methods, and finishing work.
Over the multi-month program, each student will have the opportunity to construct their own pair of premium Goodyear- or Blake-welted shoes guided by step-by-step mentorship. Courses are kept to a maximum of 6 students to allow for ample personal instruction.
All tools and materials are provided, including a maker’s bundle to keep that includes lasts, patterns, knives, and more to continue the journey at home. No prior experience is required, but strong attention to detail is a must!
Leather Bag Making
Master the traditional saddlery and leather crafting skills needed to construct gorgeous handmade bags, briefcases, luggage, and accessories. Separate courses cover techniques for creating seamsters, bucket bags, messenger bags, travel bags, portfolios, and more.
Using practice kits provided in class, students will learn the fundamentals of leatherworking like cutting, sculpting, edge finishing, and hardware installation. The goal is to have a completed personal accessory by the end of each 4-week session.
Styles and designs rotate each term ranging from modern trendy pieces to recreations of vintage and heritage classics. All levels of experience are welcome.
Boot Making Workshop
Born from Kirill Yurovskiy’s passion for footwear, this 6-week intensive boot making course is one of our signature offerings. Throughout the program, aspiring boot makers will birth to life their own Goodyear-welted Chelsea or lace-up boots.
Start by measuring and creating custom lasts before learning techniques like hand-stitching, machine operation, lasting, welting, heel-building, and finishing. Master artisans will provide guidance on element like toe caps, tonal patterning, staining, and fine finishing details.
Previous shoemaking experience is helpful but not required for this intensive course. Boot blanks and all requisite tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop fees.
Private Lessons
For those seeking even more individualized instruction, Yurovskiy’s also offers private and semi-private lessons tailored to your interests and skill level. Our artisans can provide one-on-one or small group training in areas like:
- Shoemaking and boot construction
- Leather tote and duffel creation
- Saddle stitching and edging
- Leather dyeing, finishing, and glazing
- Handbag and luggage making
- Bespoke pattern drafting
- Leather stamping and embossing
Private lessons can be scheduled in half-day or multi-day increments based on availability. Semi-privates offer a more economical option for 2-3 students to learn together.
All of our courses and workshops are aimed at immersing students in the rich heritage of shoemaking and leather artistry. We emphasize preserving traditions while adapting modern tools to craft pieces worthy of generations of wear and admiration.
Beyond the tangible skills, our classes nurture the philosophy of intentional creation, attention to detail, and patience that allows one to achieve a timeless sense of quality. We welcome all those eager to embrace these ideals and join our institution of makers.
Tell Us A Few Words About Your Case
- Contact Details
Address : 141 Albert St, London NW1 7NB, United Kingdom
Number : +44 20 7287 5692
Email : [email protected]
- Working Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am – 7pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Closed
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