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Julio Delgado has been saving soles in the community for many decades as owner of Shoe Rescue Saving Soles shoe repair, one of Miami’s oldest family-owned businesses.
The humble storefront, which quietly has served the community for more than 60 years, is located in the heart of Westchester, tucked behind the iconic La Carreta Cuban restaurant on Bird Road and 87th Avenue.
“For nearly 40 of those years, my father has been its proud owner, artisan, and heartbeat,” said Maria de Lourdes Delgado, Julio’s daughter. “This shop is his entire life. My grandparents also ran a shoe repair business at another location for over 40 years.”
Maria said her grandfather passed away in 2018, and shortly after, the challenges of COVID-19 forced the family to close another location on Sunset Drive and SW 87th Avenue.
“By God’s grace, we were able to keep this one open. A true blessing and a testament to my father’s resilience,” Maria said.
“This isn’t just a business — it’s a family legacy. It’s incredible to see the work pass from one generation to the next. Family businesses like this are becoming rarer, and I’m so grateful to continue serving the community alongside my father.”
Maria said that as a child, she was embarrassed by his work.
“His business van looked like a giant shoe — a ‘Shoe Rescue,’ complete with painted laces and flashing yellow lights. I’d ask him to park down the street when dropping me off at school.”
She said that now she sees it differently.
“That van, that shop, that craft — they paid for my education, our home, and our lives. And they did so with dignity and grace.”
Delgado has repaired shoes for thousands of loyal customers, including many celebrities — one being the late Celia Cruz.
“He’s the most honest, hardworking, humble, and selfless man I know. And I’m not just saying that because he’s my father. He’s truly an incredible, kind, big-hearted human being. To know him is to love him,” Maria said.
She noted that working alongside him in the shop in recent years, she has witnessed the relationships he has built with customers who return not just for repairs, but for connection.
“His shop is more than a business; it’s a place where soles are saved and souls are seen,” Maria said. “Many of his customers have been coming for decades. Some first arrived as children and now return with children of their own. It’s more than just customer service; it’s family. The trust, laughter, and loyalty shared across generations is truly beautiful to witness.”
She emphasized that in a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, her father’s work reminds us of something deeper — that repair is an act of care.
“Although shoe repairs may not seem like the most exciting topic, it’s easy to forget how important shoes are to people. They walk with us through all milestones of life. Shoes can be for medical purposes, sentimental reasons, or simply a source of confidence.”
She said the shop not only repairs shoes, boots and purses, but also belts, jackets, luggage, and much more.
“He treats each item with reverence, no matter its purpose or condition,” she said.
Shoe Rescue Saving Soles is located at 8534 SW 40 St.; phone 305-221-1954; send email to shoerescuemiami@gmail.com.
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