Fixing Purses to Boot: Arthur and Sons Shoe Repair

Last week, a woman dropped off a pair of soft, Dexter brand leather shoes - moccasin style, and worn through the soles. She had them for 18 years, and said, “I can’t imagine living without them.”

The love of footwear. That’s part of what keeps alive a business such as Arthur and Sons Shoe Repair.

Tucked in with other small businesses along Marlborough’s downtown, the store at 107 Main St. specializes in repairing fine leather goods, which includes sandals, shoes, jackets, handbags and more.

Owner Roman Kimyagarov immigrated to the United States in 1996 from the Soviet Union, where he honed his craft in restoring shoes. He’s owned Arthur and Sons for more than 18 years.

While it may be a dying art, there still is a strong enough call for it, particularly since stores like Arthur and Sons are few and far between in Massachusetts.

“It’s working,” said Kimyagarov. “We’re very busy doing this, especially during this season. If you look online and search for shoe repair, there are only a few left.”

Kimyagarov said his customers come from the many who simply don’t want to let go of their favorite shoes, or boots, or purses.

“It’s about comfort,” he said. “You think you can’t even live without your favorite shoes.”

Kimyagarov said the shop repairs lots of dance shoes, riding shoes, and constructs orthopedic builds for specialty prescription shoes. The store, too, is lined with brand new U.S. Army surplus boots, as well as supplies such at shoe lotions and laces. Kimyagarov also crafts custom leather belts, cut to any length.

“These are nice belts, and they go like hot cakes,” he said. “Everything is junk out there now.”

Know of a business that deserves the spotlight? Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com.