If they're extremely worn and damaged, it might be more cost-effective to replace them. However, if the damage is localized, like a worn-out sole or a broken heel, shoe repair could be a viable option.

Fortunately, as long as the rest of the shoe is in good shape, repairing the sole can be an easy way to make your shoes good as new. With a little sandpaper and some shoe sole adhesive, you can replace worn-out soles or fix holes or loose soles in just a few minutes, and wear them again within 24 hours.

History. British tradition distinguishes the terms cordwainer and cobbler, restricting cobblers to repairing shoes. In this usage, a cordwainer is someone who makes new shoes using new leather, whereas a cobbler is someone who repairs shoes.