Kimmel Shoe Repair has been saving the soles of men and women's shoes since opening in 1942 at 733 Broad Ripple Avenue. They are one of Broad Ripple's oldest and most successful businesses.

Though owner Ronald Tomasello Sr. and his brother Anthony repair a variety of shoes, he said, "Our favorite shoes are Allen Edmonds, Aldens and Johnston Murphy. They are a pleasure to work on."

He described the usual shoe repairs they make. "All ladies shoes have plastic heels and tips on them that wear out, but we put rubber heels on them. With men's shoes, the heels and toes wear out. Men don't want to go through the hassle of trying on and picking out a new pair of shoes. A lot of ladies and men's shoes are comfortable, but need occasional repair. We also fix belts, boots, purses, luggage and leather jackets," Tomasello explained. In addition, they specialize in orthopedic shoe work.

"We have repaired various leather products, including a horse saddle. One time, we repaired a draw shade for a customer," Anthony mentioned.

Kimmel offers customers a variety of shoe-related products in addition to their repair business. "We sell dyes, all types of polishes, cleaners for fabric, suede, leather and nubuck. We also have a wide variety of insoles, including air cushion comfort insoles," he added. Electric shoe polishers, shoe stretchers, shoe trees, athletic and dress shoe laces are displayed in their shop, along with a Kiwi classic shoe care kit.

The Tomasello family history in the shoe repair business goes back several decades. His grandfather, Tony Tomasello, immigrated to America via Ellis Island during the 1920s. He owned several shoe repair shops from California to New York during his career, the last store being in Fowler, Indiana.

"My father was a shoe repairman and my grandfather was, too. There have been four generations of shoe repairers on both sides of my family. My father worked for Kimmel for 50 years and I learned on the job at L.S. Ayres in the basement of their downtown store. I worked with Kimmel for 23 years and had the opportunity to buy the location in Broad Ripple six years ago. It's been going very well," he explained.

His daughters, Mahogany and Rhonda also work in the shop, whose hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Shoe repair questions can be answered by calling 255-0740. Free parking is available behind the store.

Indianapolis Monthly Magazine recognized Kimmel as the city's best shoe repair store in 2007, along with Angie's List. Many of their customers live outside Indianapolis, but remain loyal clients.

"We have people from surrounding cities that send their shoes to us for repair. There aren't many shoe repair stores in the surrounding areas. We have customers in Anderson, Brownsburg, Carmel, Kokomo, Noblesville and Zionsville," he said. Their clients include Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and general manager Bill Polian.

The local economy has had little effect on Kimmel's business. "For the last two to three years, we haven't had a down season. This would usually occur during the summer months, but business has been steady for the past two to three years," he emphasized. "The best thing about Kimmel is having the shoes ready when you tell the customer. This has been the key to our success. I think that's been our best strategy," he surmised.

A new generation of the Tomasello family continues the fine art of shoe repair and restoration as they keep Kimmel a step ahead of the competition.