Walter “Pops” Stallings, right, and son Jason at their Pop’s Shoe Repair at 2603 De la Vina St. in Santa Barbara. The local institution has been a go-to place for leather repairs and leather goods for years. “I get great satisfaction helping people whose feet hurt, and helping them remodel their shoes for a perfect fit,” the elder Stallings says.
Walter “Pops” Stallings, right, and son Jason at their Pop’s Shoe Repair at 2603 De la Vina St. in Santa Barbara. The local institution has been a go-to place for leather repairs and leather goods for years. “I get great satisfaction helping people whose feet hurt, and helping them remodel their shoes for a perfect fit,” the elder Stallings says. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo

Neighborhood merchants not only give a community personality but provide services we all need that aren’t flashy or glamorous.

When I find a good resource, I’ll drive across town to go there.

That’s exactly why I ventured from my Summerland home over to Pop’s Shoe Repair in Santa Barbara with a pair of too-tight boots I hoped could be saved.

Located in part of the former Jedlicka’s Western Wear & Saddlery store at 2603 De la Vina St. (the one with the infamous large horse out front), Pop’s has taken up residence in this historic space.

The iconic steed, Bondo, now lives inside the store, a delightful nod by owner Walter “Pops” Stallings to the building’s past while becoming part of Pop’s own lore.

  • Father and son with the horse they didn’t ride in on. Bondo was once a familiar presence outside the old Jedlicka’s Western Wear & Saddlery, and found a new home inside when Pop’s Shoe Repair moved in.
    Father and son with the horse they didn’t ride in on. Bondo was once a familiar presence outside the old Jedlicka’s Western Wear & Saddlery, and found a new home inside when Pop’s Shoe Repair moved in. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Pop’s Shoe Repair offers a designer consignment area with gently worn riding and cowboy boots that look brand new.
    Pop’s Shoe Repair offers a designer consignment area with gently worn riding and cowboy boots that look brand new. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • An array of leather goods are available.
    An array of leather goods are available. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • You can buy a new belt or you can design your own and the talented artisans at Pop’s Shoe Repair will create it for you.
    You can buy a new belt or you can design your own and the talented artisans at Pop’s Shoe Repair will create it for you. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo
  • Walter “Pops” Stallings, right, and son Jason at their Pop’s Shoe Repair at 2603 De la Vina St. in Santa Barbara. The local institution has been a go-to place for leather repairs and leather goods for years. “I get great satisfaction helping people whose feet hurt, and helping them remodel their shoes for a perfect fit,” the elder Stallings says.
    Walter “Pops” Stallings, right, and son Jason at their Pop’s Shoe Repair at 2603 De la Vina St. in Santa Barbara. The local institution has been a go-to place for leather repairs and leather goods for years. “I get great satisfaction helping people whose feet hurt, and helping them remodel their shoes for a perfect fit,” the elder Stallings says. Credit: Judy Foreman / Noozhawk photo

I’ve gone to Pop’s for repairs to my footwear and handbags for many years.

Stallings’ son and cheery greeter, Jason, has been running the Santa Barbara repair operation for years, first working out of Eco Friendly Cleaners downtown before COVID-19, then at the dry cleaners’ Five Points Shopping Center store on Outer State Street.

Pop’s opened his own place on De la Vina Street two years ago.

The main repair shop where all the magic happens is in Camarillo, at 2131 Pickwick Drive, where Pop has a staff of leather artisans who’ve worked alongside him for decades.

On this recent Saturday, I was delighted to find Pops himself behind the counter — the esteemed 84-year-old cobbler with his shock of white hair, wearing a red Pop’s logo T-shirt, welcoming customers with a great smile and twinkly blue eyes.

Born in Long Beach, Pops started a shoeshine business at age 12 when his family moved to the Cuyama Valley in remote northeastern Santa Barbara County.

For 52 years, he’s been cleaning, conditioning and repairing all manner of footwear and leather goods.

I had to wait my turn as Pops fielded a steady stream of loyal customers: a sheriff’s deputy with Danner boots needing repair, a man having his favorite moccasin soles reattached, a contractor who builds high-end retail stores getting new inner soles in his favorite cowboy boots, and a woman with over-the-knee boots that needed stretching.

Another customer with hammertoe and bunions needed custom stretching for her aching feet.

Beyond repairs, the shop offers custom-inspired sandals, leather belts, key chains, vintage handbags, and even a designer consignment area with gently worn riding boots that look brand new. They will even sharpen knives.

When I finally got my turn, Pops took time to chat despite my minimal needs.

“I get great satisfaction helping people whose feet hurt, and helping them remodel their shoes for a perfect fit,” he told me.

This great-grandfather’s dedication to craftsmanship and customer service is exactly why neighborhood merchants like Pop’s are treasures worth supporting — no matter how near, or far.

Pop’s Shoe Repair can be contacted by text at 805.843.7483 or by email at popssantabarbara@gmail.com.

Judy Foreman is a Noozhawk columnist and longtime local writer and lifestyles observer. She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. The opinions expressed are her own.