AT SANTANA LEATHER CARE WE WOULD LIKE YOUR EXPERIENCE TO BE EXCEPTIONAL. OUR REPUTATION IS BUILT ON OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN BOTH OUR REPAIRS AND OUR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.
Women’s Shoes/Boots
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Soles
- Half Soles and Full SolesDepending on design and style, we can replace the entire sole or just a “half sole,” of leather or rubber. We keep in stock an extremely wide variety of soles and half soles of both leather and rubber in order to best adjust the repair to the original in design, material, thickness and color.
- Sole TipsSole tips and heels suffer the most wear and abuse on a shoe. Thin soles also wear quickly, especially at the tips. Such thin soles offer a compromise between high-fashion “airiness” and the bulk needed to foster longevity. We recommend special care in order not to cause undo wear of the tip. We can replace the toe tips with the same material as the original sole.
- Tip ProtectorProtectors can be added to the front tip or to tap heels, which are the most sensitive areas of wear on a shoe. Protectors can be added to the toe tips on high heels and on ballerinas, flats or boots with either low or high heels since it is placed on the front part of the sole, and not the heel. Let the tip protector take the brunt of the shoe’s tip wear, and change the tip protector before wear begins in the sole itself.
- Louboutin Red Sole Re-lacquersWe have our own proprietary method for renewing Louboutin’s famous high-gloss, red-lacquer soles, Note that if the soles are worn and as a result the sole is too thin in some areas we may need to replace the half leather sole. In other words, paint or lacquer won’t fix a sole that is too thin.
Sole Protection
- SoleguardOur soleguard service consists in adding a half sole of thin, high quality rubber to leather-soled shoes in order to extend the life of the sole. Our sole protector layers are produced to our own specifications. They will not alter the feel or look of new shoes, while adding a layer of comfort and safety. We specialize in adding color-matched, non-slip, nearly invisible surfaces to the famous red soles of Christian Louboutin shoes.We also have material in black, brown and beige that goes well with virtually any shoe.
Heels
- Heel TapsThe heel is the weakest part of a high-heeled shoe, since the wearer’s entire weight is concentrated onto such a tiny area. Our rubber taps are as good or better than the original materials built into the shoe itself. Heel taps can be made of rubber, leather, or both combined. We can match any size and color for adding heel taps to your shoes.
- Heel Repair or ReplacementWith use (or abuse), the heel can break or come loose from a shoe’s sole, or it can be scraped, tearing or marring the leather surface of the heel. We can reattach the heel or replace it, or rewrap it with original-quality leather, matching the style, color and look of the original, The full service that we offer covers whatever is necessary in order to keep you walking well and looking great.
- Shortening High Heels or PlatformsIn order to get more comfort from a shoe, sometimes a little shortening of the heel or platform makes all the difference. If needed, we can cut heels up to a quarter of an inch. Any more than this amount is not recommended since it may affect the original balance of the shoe. For platforms please go to custom repairs.
- Heel ProtectorProtectors can be added to the shoe tip and to the heels, but these can only be used to protect wide heels, such as ballerinas, flats or low-heeled boots. Protectors cannot be added to the heel taps on high heeled shoes.
- Custom Repair of Accidental DamagesStairs and escalators, salty slush, pet bites or scratches, fire or water damage can leave your shoes in sad shape. We may be able to reconstruct them to their original state or modify them in such a way as to make you proud again.
Cleaning Shoes and Boots
- Materials that we cleanWe can clean boots and shoes made of virtually any material—even exotic leathers. We use a variety of methods and products that are plant-based and eco-friendly. We use steam cleaning, dry cleaning and gentle water-based cleaning (on some surfaces). After cleaning we also condition leather and exotics such as lizard skin, ostrich, alligator and additionally, we can touch up and refresh color, while adding stain resistance with an invisible coat of water proofing.
- Touch UpsThis service consists in restoring the original color and sheen to shoes or exotic leather products. We mix our own tints in order to match the original color. Shoes should be cleaned before being touched up. If heels are ripped or scratched, they can be rewrapped. We can match the replacement heel with the original color and texture of leather on the shoe.We normally include touch ups as part of our cleaning packages.
- Reconditioning and ReglazingWe recondition leather and exotics of all types. We have in stock industrial versions of leather conditioners from the best leather care product manufacturers in Germany, Italy and elsewhere. Another service we offer is reglazing of exotic leather. This consists of reestablishing the original sheen of the leather.
Alterations
- StrapsWe can both lengthen or shorten front straps, insteps, and ankle and sling-back straps. We can take the measurements at our store, or we can explain to you how to take your own foot’s measurements.Note: Santana Leather Care is not responsible for the measurements you provide in order to re-size a belt. The instructional video is for reference only. If, as a result of watching the instructional video, you decide to take your own measurements on your belt, we will follow your instructions precisely as requested with the understanding that you are solely responsible if the measurements turn out not to be correct.We can also reinforce straps (before they break) or replace straps once they’ve overstayed their visit on your shoes. Of course, we strive to match the shoe’s original color and style in every way such that your repairs are virtually invisible.
- PadsAt Santana Leather Care, we believe that the beauty of the original design should go hand in hand with creature comfort. To ‘snug up” your shoes’ fit, often it is enough to place pads strategically under the insoles in order to cushion the ball of the foot. We can do this with both half and full pads.
- InnersolesInnersoles should be changed regularly in order to avoid their flattening out, which reduces comfort. Old innersoles can also waft odors which a wearer would rather not waft. A rule of thumb is that when the innersole no longer matches the color or form of the outsole, it’s time for a change. We keep our inventory stocked with a wide variety of colors in leather innersoles in order to match your originals.
- Stones and BeadsWe keep in stock a wide variety of stones, beads and Swarowsky crystals, as well as metal, wooden and fabric ornaments in order to replace what you may have lost from your shoes. If we don’t have exactly what you need, we can do a replacement operation on both shoes leaving the pair identical and virtually without variation from the original.
- ZippersWe keep stocked with a wide variety of zippers in myriad colors and lengths. If the zipper itself is not damaged, we can usually reuse the same zipper with new stitching. If the zipper is damaged we can match it. The most common colors for zippers are gold, silver, antique brass, black metal and black nylon.
Shoe Stretch
- StretchWe can add up to a full size or size and a half to your shoes and boots with special machines that we have on the premises that can gently stretch your shoes and boots to more comfortably accommodate a wearer’s feet or calves. We can also fix gaps in zippered boots or “relax” the fit at the calf to make the boots easier to zip up.
Boots Adjustments
- FittingsThis sort of adjustment is made when a boot is too wide at the calf. Normally this is a job we do on new boots in order to give the wearer a perfect fit as well as a perfect look, as we maintain the style of the original stitching. If a zipper is involved, we can cut down the size of the calf opening and resew the zipper to match the original in every way.
- Add Elastic on CalvesIf boots are tight, we can inconspicuously add elastic to the boot opening. The elastic is unnoticeable when you are wearing the boots.
- Add Leather on CalvesAnother option, aside from elastic, is to add leather to a boot that is too tight. We use leather that is the same color and texture as the original. We also copy the original stitching and even use the same stitch holes in order to provide you with a boot that looks as good on you as it did on the original models who walked the boot’s prototype down the runway.
Mens Shoes/Boots
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Soles
- Half Soles and Full SolesDepending upon the design and style of the shoe, we can replace complete or half soles with either leather or rubber. We keep in stock a large number of replacement rubber and leather soles. With leather replacement soles, we pay particular attention to the thickness of the soles in order to match original styling. We purchase our leather soles from the best Italian tanneries.
- TipsProtectors can be added to front sole tips of men’s shoes as well as women’s shoes or boots. Heel taps can also be protected on non-high heeled shoes. High heels won’t take an additional protector.
- Tip ProtectorProtectors can be added to front sole tips. Protectors can be added to the toe tips on shoes or boots as it is placed on the front part of the sole.
- Louboutin Red Sole Re-lacquerWe have our own proprietary method for renewing red soles, applying the famous red lacquer to your Louboutins. Note that if the soles are worn and as a result the sole is too thin in some areas we may need to replace the half leather sole before re-lacquering.
Sole Protection
- SoleguardThis service consists in a thin (1mm) half-sole of rubber which doesn’t affect the look of the shoe or sole in any way. It adds longevity and comfort to the soles and provides a non-slip surface for leather soles. The sole guard we use is made to our specifications by an Italian firm. We keep in stock the most common colors: black, brown, tan and beige. In general, this type of sole goes well with a large number of styles and brands of shoe, particularly John Lobb, Berlutti, Tom Ford, Prada, as well as many others.
Heels
- Heel TapsHeels can be of rubber, leather or a combination (English heels). If the heel becomes worn it can be replaced or built up.
- Heel ProtectorAdditional protectors can be added to tap heels. Protectors extend the life of the most sensitive areas of wear on a shoe.
Cleaning Shoes and Boots
- Materials that we cleanWe can clean boots and shoes made of virtually any material—even exotic leathers. We use a variety of methods and products that are plant-based and eco-friendly. We use steam cleaning, dry cleaning and gentle water-based cleaning (on some surfaces). After cleaning we also condition leather and exotics such as lizard skin, ostrich and alligator. We can also touch up and refresh color, and add an invisible coat of water proofing and stain proofing. For more information see our cleaning packages.
- Touch UpsThis service consists in restoring the original color and sheen to shoes or exotic leather products. We mix our own tints in order to match faithfully the original color. We normally include touch up service as part of our cleaning packages.
- Reconditioning and ReglazingWe recondition leather and exotics of all types. We have in stock industrial versions of leather pastes, sprays and liquids. These products come from the best leather care companies in Germany.Another service we offer is reglazing of exotic leather. This process consists in reestablishing the original sheen of the leather.
Alterations
- StrapsWe can reinforce straps on sandals and boots if they are weak or loose. We can often repair the original strap. If not, we will replace it with one that looks as good as the original design. We can add patches and reinforcement inside the shoe that are virtually invisible.
- PadsAt Santana Leather Care, we believe that the beauty of the original design should go hand in hand with personal comfort. To get your shoes to fit more snugly, often it is enough to place pads strategically under the insoles in order to cushion the ball of the foot, while allowing for additional comfort. We can do this with both half and full pads. And they won’t show!
- InnersolesThe innersoles of your shoes should be changed regularly. As these flatten out, your shoes will feel looser, and if the innersoles crack you might find your shoes emitting odors that you wish they wouldn’t. Fresh insoles can minimize such occurrences. Although no one sees the insoles while you are wearing your shoes, we recommend that when the insole fades such that the discoloration is noticeable when compared to the shoe uppers, it’s time to change the innersole. We keep these in stock at all times.
- Stones and BeadsWe keep in stock a wide variety of stones, beads and Swarowsky crystals, as well as metal, wooden and fabric ornaments in order to replace what you may have lost from your shoes. If we don’t have exactly what you need, we can do a replacement operation on both shoes leaving the pair identical and virtually without variation from the original.
- PatchesWhen leather is cut or sliced, we can usually repair it with a thin patch on the inside of the shoe. Our ability to make this work will depend in part on the leather pieces of your shoe and how the whole shoe holds together. The easiest situation, and the most common solution—from a repair point of view—is a thin internal patch. We grind the edge of the patch to keep an otherwise uneven edge from irritating your foot as you walk.
- Heel CounterIf the shoe is weak, frayed or ragged at the heel on the inside of the shoe, while the outside still looks good, we can replace the inner heel counter to add strength and comfort.
- ZippersWe keep stocked with a wide variety of zippers in myriad colors and lengths. If the zipper itself is not damaged, we can usually reuse the same one with new stitching. If the zipper is damaged we can match it. The most common colors for zippers are gold, silver, antique brass, black metal and black nylon.
Shoe Stretching
- StretchWe can usually add width to men’s shoes. We can also add a size in length and raise the toe box as well if your shoes cramp your toes.
Handbags
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Bag Cleaning and Re-Dye
- Clean and Re-dyeWe clean handbags and briefcases of all sorts made of leather or other materials. We use a variety of methods, as we do with shoes—steam, dry cleaning or water washing with eco-friendly vegetable-based solvents. We can re-dye your purse or bag to its original color. We have special conditioners for exotic leathers—like those of lizard skin, ostrich or alligator—even boa constrictor or python. These conditioners will help restore the original sheen and the look of your exotic leather products.Our cleaning service of any material also includes waterproofing, stain proofing and touch up at no additional cost. See our cleaning packages.
Alterations
- Purse and Bag StrapsAt Santana Leather Care we recommend replacement of the entire strap or handle, if damaged. We can recreate any handle with the same or similar material and texture. Continued use can cause undue wear on purse straps or handles, especially in places where metal and leather come in contact.
- ZippersWe keep stocked with a wide variety of zippers in many colors and lengths. If the zipper itself is not damaged, we can usually reuse the same zipper with new stitching. If the zipper is damaged we can match and replace it. The most common colors for zippers are gold, silver, antique brass, black metal and black nylon.
- Rips and PatchesWe have a lot of experience in repairing purses of all kinds with problems in the stitching, in the reinforcing, with cuts, scratches, punctures, etc. We can replace entire pieces of leather, or whatever else might need to be done to make your item as good as new.
- LiningsWe can replace the entire lining of a bag, recreating the same look as the original. We have a wide range of lining materials, fabric or leather.
- HardwareMetal pieces like studs, rivets, eyelets, clasps, hooks, etc. can come loose from your item. So if you have a loose Gucci or Prada buckle, SAVE IT. We can plate it and reattach it, or if you lose your hardware we have a wide range of pieces, both name brand and generic.
Electrolysis
- Precious Metal PlatingHardware over time, even with normal wear, may get tarnished, scratched or lose its luster. We renew the surface of the metal hardware with our plating service for bags or purses]. We can plate with nickel, sterling silver, and 14kt, 18kt and 24kt gold. We do quality electrolysis. This is absolutely NOT spray paint.
Wallets
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Cleaning
- CleaningWe clean wallets of all sorts made of leather or other materials. We use a variety of methods as we do with shoes—steam, dry cleaning or water washing with eco-friendly vegetable-based solvents. We can re-dye your wallet to its original color. We have special conditioners for exotic leathers—like those of lizard skin, ostrich or alligator. These conditioners will help restore the original sheen and the look of your exotic leather products.Cleaning of any material also includes waterproofing, stain proofing and touch up at no additional cost. See our cleaning packages.
Alterations
- ZippersWe keep stocked with a wide variety of zippers in many colors and lengths. If the zipper itself is not damaged, we can usually reuse the same zipper with new stitching. If the zipper is damaged we can match it. The most common colors for zippers are gold, silver, antique brass, black metal and black nylon.
- Rips and PatchesWe have a lot of experience in repairing wallets of all kinds with problems in the stitching, in the reinforcing, with cuts, scratches, holes, etc. We can replace entire pieces of leather, or do whatever else might need to be done to make your item as good as new.
- HardwareWe have a wide collection of snaps, buckles, beads, Swarovsky crystals etc. to replace in your item.
Belts
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Cleaning
- CleaningWe clean belts of all sorts made of leather or other materials. We use a variety of methods as we do with shoes—steam, dry cleaning or water washing with eco-friendly vegetable-based solvents. We can re-dye your wallet to its original color. We have special conditioners for exotic leathers—like those of lizard skin, ostrich or alligator. These conditioners will help restore the original sheen and the look of your exotic leather products.Cleaning of any material also includes waterproofing, stain proofing and touch up at no additional cost. See our cleaning packages.
Alterations
- Re-sizingWe can re-size a belt to fit as needed. Watch our video on how to measure the amount to take off from your belt. If you have a buckle, we can redo the entire leather part of a belt.Note: Santana Leather Care is not responsible for the measurements you provide in order to re-size a belt. The instructional video is for reference only. If, as a result of watching the instructional video, you decide to take your own measurements on your belt, we will follow your instructions precisely as requested with the understanding that you are solely responsible if the measurements turn out not to be correct.
- HardwareWe have a wide collection of snaps, buckles, beads, Swarovsky crystals etc. to replace in your item.
Garments
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Cleaning, Recondition and Recolor
- CleaningWe clean garments of all sorts made of leather, fabric or suede. We use a variety of methods as we do with shoes—steam, dry cleaning or water washing with eco-friendly vegetable-based solvents. We can re-dye your garment to its original color. We have special conditioners for exotic leathers—like those of lizard skin, ostrich or alligator. These conditioners will help restore the original sheen and the look of your exotic leather products.Cleaning of any material also includes waterproofing, stain proofing, recolor and touch up at no additional cost. See our cleaning packages for further information.
Hardware
- HardwareWe have a wide collection of snaps, buckles, beads, Swarovsky crystals etc. to replace in your garment.