A Full Service Shoe Repair, Supply, and Shine Shop!

• The Riebe family has been in the shoe repair trade for 6 generations and almost 150 years. Downtown Shoe Repair is owned and operated by Bob Riebe who has been fixing shoes in Boise for 36 years. He learned the trade from his uncle and grandfather, who learned from their parents and grandparents before them.

Riebe's Story

• James Riebe, the son of a basketweaver, immigrated from Germany and began making shoes in Junction City, KS in 1863. In 1906, he moved with his family to Boise, ID where he opened a shop with his son, Edward, at 823 Idaho St. A second shop was later opened at 720 Main St.

• Edward Riebe’s son, Dave, grew up in the trade and entered the business with his father and grandfather. In 1921, the shop was moved to 1517 13th St. in Hyde Park. 

• Dave Riebe later bought the old Blunt's Market building at 1413 13th St. where his son, Jim, learned the trade and entered the business with him. This shop is still in existence, and is operated by Jim's son, Ed Riebe.

• Bob Riebe began working with his grandfather and uncle at Riebe’s Shoe Shop in Hyde Park in 1981 when he was 20 years old. In 1987, he bought the existing repair business in the back of Nick’s Shoes at 1008 Main St. from Nick Dagres. During the years, he was joined by his brother, Karl, and niece, Amanda. Following renovation of the historic Gem Noble building, he moved around the corner to his present location in 2007 where his wife, Jennifer, and their two boys can sometimes be seen helping with repairs and shines.