We’re Paying Tribute To The Village Cobbler For 50+ Years Strong At Town & Country Village.

Join us as we celebrate the accolades of this remarkable VIP Merchant.

The Village Cobbler

The Village Cobbler is everyone’s favorite shoe repair shop. They’ve been serving Memorial area residents since their opening in 1967. The family business was founded on the dreams of Johnny and Mary Diaz. Their son, Steve Diaz joined the business in 1980. Under his management the shop continues to prosper with second and third generation customers. Steve’s a diligent craftsman who continues to provide the superior service and repair excellence originated by his family. The shop not only restores shoes and boots, it fixes prized leather goods like belts, designer bags and luggage.

What do Cowboy Boots, Prada Bags & Manolo Blahnik Pumps have in common?

Steve Diaz makes them all magnificently new again. Steve’s more than your average cobbler. He’s a neighborhood marvel and a master craftsman who makes your much-loved shoes, boots and accessories wondrously new again. Over the years his loyal clientele has entrusted their stylish footwear, chic designer bags, belts and luggage to Steve for repair. Steve credits his long-term success to the remarkable residents in the Memorial area. The soccer-moms, fashionistas, socialites, writers, artists, business pros, oil field workers even a famed astronaut who’s walked on the moon, all frequent the shop for their shoe, boot and leather restorations.

The Beginnings Of The Village Cobbler At Town & Country Village

The story of the business began in 1967 when Steve’s parents risked their life savings to open The Village Cobbler. Back then the shopping centers location was far-west from Houston’s center, out near the old Katy Rice Fields. There was no Beltway 8, only a two-lane road called Westbelt.

Dan Moody, Sr. originally developed the Town& Country Village shopping center in the 1960’s. It was then that Dan Moody, Sr. took a chance on Johnny Diaz’s dream to open his cobbler shop. Johnny made the bet to establish the business in a then remote unincorporated area of Houston. He had faith that Dan Moody would be successful in developing the original 63-acre site and that west Houston would grow and prosper. And grow it did. Later in the 1990’s Dan Moody, Jr. and Dan Moody, III of Moody Rambin redeveloped Town & Country Village into its current 42-acre project that includes 1 million square feet of retail and office space at the northeast corner of Memorial Drive and Beltway 8.

Serving The Memorial Area In Houston For Generations 

Steve emerges from his Town & Country Village shop and suggests we go for a walk. His workshop splattered apron and dye stained hands point to his craft-based occupation. As we walk through the lush garden-scaped center, other store front merchants give Steve a wave. “Since the shop opened we’ve seen wars, devastating hurricanes, floods, recessions as well as area development and construction including the Houston toll road (Beltway 8) and the expansion of the Katy freeway. This is the first time we’ve had to deal with a global pandemic,” he explained.

As we walk, he recalls other merchants who have come and gone over the years. “One thing that has endured is the community feel that Moody wanted to create. We’ve been fortunate to have lots of repeat customers. There’re grandparents, their kids, and then the grandchildren coming in.” He notes, “customers who grew up in the area and then moved away still send their shoes and boots in for repair, from as far away as Alaska and California.”

Steve’s philosophy has always been to treat customers with a smile and a handshake. (Although for now, handshakes are out.) “Our customers have become good friends over the years. As my dad taught me, you don’t just make a sale, you make a customer,” he said. “I want to thank the Memorial area neighborhood and Moody Rambin for helping us. They’ve always gone above and beyond in the good times as well as the bad. I don’t know what the future holds, but we will be here as long as possible.”

Whether you’re a sneakerhead or stiletto fanatic, shoes say a lot about personal style and they can make or break an outfit. Keeping them well maintained makes you look good and your shoes last longer. Now’s the time to get your footwear and leather goods cleaned, sanitized and ready to wear. Head over to The Village Cobbler and drop them off to Steve. Safety and social distancing measures are in place at the shop and curbside service is available. Call 713.468.2206 for service.

Learn more: What Can Shoe Repair Shops Do?

Thank you for supporting neighborhood merchants like Steve. We’ve loved The Village Cobbler for decades.