Originally published in the 2015 Summer Kamm’s Corners Magazine

Gino’s Shoe Repair Working Magic for Nearly 50 Years Next May

Gino Nardo will mark 50 years repairing shoes in his shop at 17116 Lorain Avenue – a shop filled with polishers, buffers, stitching gizmos, and a Singer sewing machine from the 1940’s – still working! He has seen a lot of changes since opening here in 1966. Since then, his shop has remained virtually unchanged except for the addition of new linoleum and carpeting in 2000. “I like it the way it is,” said Gino, adding, “It is functionally perfect.”Born in Sicily, Gino was 14 years old when he came to Cleveland. Every day he walked from John Hay High School to his uncle’s shop on East 98th Street and Euclid Avenue to learn about shoe repair. Eventually, he opened his own shop in Medina, but after a couple of years there, he returned to Cleveland and worked at the Sears and Roebuck

store at West 110th Street. He had a little shoe shop in the arcade, and many of his current customers followed him here to West Park. Gino is carrying on a family tradition. Both his grandfather and his father were in the business. After his father retired, he spent some time working with Gino in Kamm’s Corners location. Besides shoe repair, Gino does orthopedic work, such as adding lifts to shoes. He fixes handbags, briefcases, and belts. He also sells waxes and cleaners, too. The most common request is for new heels or soles to be added to a favorite pair of shoes. Repairs may take a week or a day, depending on how much needs to be done. Gino is married and has grown children, none of whom are in the business.

His wife, Karen, helps out a few days a week to keep things going and free up his time to work his magic. But, as far as the future of shoe repair goes, Gino said, “I see more shoes that are plastic and vinyl than leather. Synthetics can be repaired, but when they are cheap, to begin with, many people simply throw them away and buy new ones.” Leather is still the best option for shoes that last. His advice? Keep your shoes clean and polished! Occasionally, waterproof them with a liquid or spray. And, avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. They need a rest every 24 hours for the leather to dry out and breath. “Plus, your feet appreciate the change in pressure points,” he said. See whether Gino can work his magic on repairing a favorite leather – or leather-like item – before parting with it. You’ll be glad you did!

Gino’s Shoe Repair
17116 Lorain Avenue
216-671-0660