Neon sign for shoe repair shop — The Homewood Shoe Hospital is closing after more than 50 years in the shoe repair business. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

A long-standing Homewood local business will close its doors in December.

Homewood Shoe Hospital, which has been in operation since the ‘60s, announced on Facebook on Friday, Oct. 10 that the business would retire from shoe repair to move on exclusively to a shoe lift service.

Shoe lifts are inserts or modifications to accommodate those with differences in leg length.

“It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for the support, laughs and memories shared with all of you over the years.”
Homewood Shoe Hospital, Facebook post Oct. 10

While the shoe hospital originally specialized in shoe repairs, owner Victor Costa told “Birmingham” magazine in 2016 that there was a much higher demand for orthotics.

“I get a lot of doctor referrals, and I take Blue Cross. Helping each individual is what grows the business. I’ve built it one patient at a time. When you work on an individual and you do a good job, they are going to tell other folks.”
Victor Costa, “Birmingham” magazine, March 2016 issue

In that interview nearly 10 years ago, Costa said he wanted “to go strictly into the orthotics end of it” — and it seems he finally found the opportunity to do so.

In the meantime, the Homewood Shoe Hospital is “looking for the right person to take over this space and continue its legacy.” The store, including all equipment and inventory, is for sale.

Homewood Shoe Hospital: 205-879-2329 | Facebook | Website | Email
Address: 2900 Central Ave.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 8:30AM to 5:30PM

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