At a Shoe Repair Shop in Brazil: Describe a Broken Sole or Heel
Use practical repair vocabulary to explain a loose sole, worn heel, or broken zipper to a Brazilian sapateiro.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
A shoe repairer is a sapateiro, and a shoe is a sapato. The sole is sola; the heel is salto; a zipper is zíper. Point to the damage and explain whether a piece is loose, worn, or broken.
Show the problem and name the part
A sola está descolando. Dá para colar de novo?
The sole is coming unglued. Can you glue it again?
O salto está gasto e precisa ser trocado.
The heel is worn and needs to be replaced.
Ask what repair is possible
Consertar means to repair. You can ask whether it is possible to replace one part or whether the repairer recommends another option. If the shoes are leather or a delicate material, identify that before agreeing to the repair.
Você consegue trocar o zíper desta bota?
Can you replace the zipper on this boot?
Qual tipo de conserto você recomenda?
What kind of repair do you recommend?
Confirm the estimate and pickup date
Ask for an estimate (orçamento) and a completion date before leaving the shoes. Repeat the pickup day and ask whether you need a receipt or order number.
Quanto fica o conserto e para quando fica pronto?
How much is the repair, and when will it be ready?
Preciso guardar este comprovante para retirar?
Do I need to keep this receipt to pick them up?
Put it into practice
Name the damaged part, ask which repair is possible, and confirm the estimate before leaving your shoes.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Can you replace the zipper on this boot”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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