G. E. Messinger Shoe Repair is a family business owned and operated by Randy and Terri Geroux of Medford, Oregon.
The business was started in 1969 by Terri's father, Gerald E. Messinger, when he moved to Southern Oregon. Gerald was trained by his father in the 1930's and was a master craftsman and repairman. Randy apprenticed with and was trained by his father-in-law and took over the business in the late 1980's.
““I want to say thank you to G. E. Messinger Shoe Repair for doing my 1/2” lift. It makes me feel normal again. It’s how Randy puts the lift on that makes me feel normal. Other shoe repairs put the lift on the very bottom. Randy Geroux splits the sole in half, making it less noticeable, and that’s why it makes me feel like a normal person again. Many thanks” — Keith Savercool”
Phone
(541) 772-9115
Location
221 E. Main
Medford, Oregon 97501
Hours
Monday-Saturday 9a–530p PST
Pricing
Additional Information
We are unable to lift Nike Air and Ecco brand shoes due to the air bladder inside the soles.
Only the shoe that needs correction should be sent. The exception is leather soled shoes.
Leather soled shoes must be sent in pairs. Please be sure to clearly label the shoe needing adjustment.
We take the shoes and split the sole so that the lift can be placed above the original sole. By doing so you are walking on the original sole of both shoes. This has the advantage of giving both shoes the identical feel and grip. This is not only safer but allows both shoes to wear at the same rate thereby increasing the life of the shoes.
Tie-on shoes are preferred to slip-ons with lifts over 1/2 inch in height. We will do slip-on shoes with lifts greater than 1/2 inch but please be aware that the adjusted shoe will tend to slip off your heel and will be less comfortable to wear.
For full sole lifts, we roll the toe (taper the lift at the toe) so when you are taking a step, the shoe will naturally follow along with your foot.
If the soling material does not match the original sole, we will color the lift so that it blends in with the original material as closely as possible.
On lifts of 1-1/2 inch and over, we remove plugs from the inside of the lift, thereby lightening the weight of the correction and making the shoe more comfortable to wear. We use a crepe material that does not crush down and is unaffected by the removal of the plugs
Examples of Work
Click on the pictures to see a larger view
1/4 - inch full sole on Asics shoe.
A half-inch wedge correction.
Inner border wedges on this pair of cowboy boots. This helps correct the customer's gait because he walks to the inside.
3/4 - in heel, 1/4 - in sole to zero at the toe, lifts on a child's shoe.
1/4- inch wedge lift on a Birkenstock sandal.
3/4 - in heel, 1/4 - in sole to zero at the toe, lifts on a child's shoe.
2 cm lift on a weight lifting shoe
Testimonials
What our customers from all across the country have to say:
"Messinger's has been accomplishing orthopedic alterations on my shoes for years. Messinger's has altered my tennis shoes, my boots, my dress shoes, and even my sandals. The alterations hold up superbly, usually outlasting the rest of the shoe. Messinger's service is very professional and his work is outstanding. I would recommend Messinger's to anyone I know who needs any kind of shoe alteration or repair."
-- Mark W. Bailey
"Messinger's keeps me on my feet. Due to an automobile accident 12 years ago that left me with my right leg one inch shorter, every right shoe I wear must have a lift applied to the bottom of the shoe. Messingers does the job and I am grateful they are right here in Medford." -- Barbara Hagen
"For thirteen years Randy Geroux has been adding a lift to shoes of mine. For the first seven of those years we visited our mountain home in Oregon only periodically, since our permanent home was then on the East Coast. Because of Randy's superior workmanship, his honesty, his dedication to his profession and family, and yes, even his reasonable rates, I saved all of my new shoes until I could bring them to the West Coast for him to work on. As long as Randy is here, no one else will ever work on my shoes." -- Nancy J. Bringhurst
"Thank you, Randy, for fixing my shoes so reasonably for me. I feel like the shoes are going to work fine now. My physical therapist was glad to get your card for referral." -- Dorothy Barnett
"Dear Mr. Geroux, You're free to quote me on this! After I suffered a ruptured disc, it became essential for my footwear to be elevated by 3/8" on the right side. Mr. Geroux has been a godsend in making this adjustment for me in several styles of shoe, and he has made the alterations blend with the existing soles. I was recently amazed by his transformation of my tap shoes! Thanks again!" -- Julaine Morley
"Just wanted to say a very special thank you for getting my shoes built-up so quickly for me. It is so wonderful not to walk with one leg 3/4 of an inch shorter than the other one. Thank you again." -- Mary E. Wilson
FAQ
What kind of shoes can be built up?
Men's and Women's dress shoes, sandals, athletic shoes, work boots and more. We are unable to make corrections on Nike Air or Ecco brand shoes, due to the air bladder within the sole. We only make corrections to new shoes, so please do not send us previously worn shoes.
Be sure that your shoes are good quality! The correction cost is the same, but a poor quality shoe will not last, and will cost you more in the long run as you will have to replace your shoes more often.
What kind of corrections can be done?
All corrections are made by carefully cutting apart the sole and inserting the correction within the existing soling material. This allows the wearer to be walking on the same soling surface in both shoes, affording better traction and safety to the wearer. It also provides for an unobtrusive correction, which in many cases is barely noticeable. We are able to do wedge (heel only), full sole, lateral and medial lifts, with your prescription.
How do I send you my shoes for correction?
Place your new shoes in a sturdy box along with the completed order form and prescription and ship them to our shop.
You may send your shoes to us by whatever carrier is best for you. They will be returned by Priority Mail, which is usually 2 to 3 day service, and is automatically insured for $50. If you would like us to insure the return package for a higher value, there is an additional USPS cost for that. Please mark on the order form.
How do I pay for my order?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express both credit and debit.
If you are paying by any other method, please go to the order page and follow the instructions listed there.
Please be sure that you complete and print the order form and include it in the box with your shoe. Payments made by credit or debit card will be charged for the price of correction and return shipping when the work is complete.