Artistry, Community, Tradition

A good shoeshine isn’t just about cleaning up your shoes. It isn’t merely a transaction. It is a time for rejuvenation, relaxation, and renewal. A good shoeshine cares for the craft and employs only the finest products to ensure the life of your shoe. A good shoeshine honors and embodies those who came before, who worked diligently with their hands, who shared their knowledge, who made space for change, who believed that a beautiful pair of shoes or boots deserved to live on for generations.

This is the commitment behind every pair of shoes shined at Harley’s Shoeshine.

Where to Find me

DROP-OFF anytime at Fitzgerald’s or 1890 Men’s Grooming Parlour.

For SIT-DOWN shines, call or text 616.914.2519

MEET HARLEY

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ABOUT HARLEY & THE BIRTH OF HARLEY’S SHOESHINE

Harley Koons was my father. He was a musician, a champion boxer, and a trick gunslinger. He could soft-shoe dance, whip table clothes out from under 5-star meals, and sing every jazz standard ever written. He was a true showman. His style and panache carried over to his appearance. His clothes were always unique, tailored, and crisp. His nails were trimmed and pristine. His shoes and boots were always immaculate.

Growing up, I would watch him perform—dance, play, and sing. I can remember sitting with him, watching him shine his shoes. This, too, was a performance. There was motion and sound. Song and smell and shine. In those moments, there was restoration.

After he died, my mom gave me his shoeshine kit. On a whim one day, I took it to work and started shining my coworkers’ boots and shoes. Jaws dropped at each finished pair. They asked questions; they snapped pictures. They couldn’t believe how good their shoes looked. They couldn’t believe how good a shoeshine made them feel.

It was then I knew that this lost art needed to be a regular part of my life, and I needed to share it—and the memory of my father—with anyone looking for restoration.

 
Evan Koons Shoeshiner 1890 Men's Grooming Parlour

About Me

MY NAME IS Evan

I’m Harley’s son. I’ve been shining shoes for about four years. When I’m not, I’m usually at Fitzgerald’s Mens Store taking caring of marketing and event coordination. I’m also an actor and writer in film and video. Maybe you’ve seen me co-star with Gary Busey in the comedy Camp Manna, or as “Russell” on Chicago Fire. My writing credits range from reality television to commercial projects for Amazon, T-Mobile, and Auto-Owners Insurance.