Recently, I walked into Danel Shoe Repair in midtown Manhattan with a pair of shoes whose heels had completely imploded. Alex Plishtiev, the owner, took one look and quoted me a price: $20.

It's one thing hand stitching a torn seam or tightening a loose coat button but a whole other kettle of fish when it comes to figuring out how to mend shoes so loved the toes are flapping.