Sam the Shoe Doctor, Chicago

The cobblers at Sam the Shoe Doctor mend leather with a century of know-how, amassed since the first shop opened in 1898. Damaged footwear may be brought to one of six Chicago locations or sent in blue bags from across the country to a centralized repair center. The staff's handiness with footwear also extends to nearly all leather and some fabric goods, including tattered luggage and purses distressed by their own price tags.