With the economic situation we are in, people are trying to save money as much as possible. Big Shoe Repairs claims that it offers that option. “It is cheaper to repair than replace. If the shoes are fixable, I can save them some money,” said Felipe Torres, manager and operator of Big Shoe Repair.
The Big Shoe was previously known as Deschwanden’s Shoe Repair Shop. It was built in 1947 and was in business until 1992. The owner passed away in 1992, and the shoe repair shop was closed for a decade. It wasn’t until 2002 that the shop re-opened when Salomon Olvera bought the building.
Torres said that when he moved to Bakersfield he used to live on 4th Street, and he would pass by the Deschwanden’s Shoe Repair shop every day on his way to work.
About a year later when the owner passed away, he saw it closed but never thought he would one day be managing this preserved landmark.
Out of the few shoe-shaped buildings in the United States, The Big Shoe is the only one with an actual shoelace, a 50-foot-long black rope.
Torres has had experience with shoes for many years now and that is because “where I came from, shoe manufacturing is the main thing.” Torres moved from Mexico to Bakersfield 20 years ago.
From the moment he arrived here, he has been working with shoes. Before managing Big Shoe, he operated a shoe repair shop at the Valley Plaza.
“I saw this place for rent around summer time one day,” said Torres. Torres made the call and when talking to Olvera, he stated his purpose for renting the location, and Olvera was pleased to hear that. “The landlord wanted to rent the shop for the same purpose that it was built for,” said Torres.
“I have been here since then, and so far I’ve been blessed,” said Torres. “People do not just come here for business; it is more a friendship thing.” Torres added that his regular customers are from a long time ago because they like his services. Nevertheless, new customers come into his shop occasionally.
Considering that Torres has worked at different shops throughout his years in Bakersfield, he got the opportunity to build up his clientele, and his customers have stayed with him despite moving locations several times.
Brenda Austin, a regular customer of Torres, said, “I met this wonderful man in Tehachapi at a shop, and I have been following him since. If he moves, I will go to him.”
Austin also mentioned the wonderful jobs that Torres does. “He can fix anything, not only does he do the typical shoe repair, but he also does fancy work such as fixing purses.”
Since The Big Shoe re-opened in 2002, it has remained open. Although some days may be slow, Torres is dedicated to his business. Though Torres’ business is not steady, he really enjoys it.
“One day may be a busy day and others may be slow, but if I didn’t enjoy it I wouldn’t be here,” said Torres. “Everyday changes.”
“It feels good when people come and compliment me. I help them save money and they help me stay in business,” said Torres. “We work together.”