Shoemaker and Repairer
A Shoemaker and Repairer specializes in crafting and repairing footwear and other leather goods. They are skilled artisans, often working with various materials, and can operate independently or within larger establishments. The role involves a range of tasks, from replacing soles and heels to designing custom shoes for specific needs or fashion statements. This profession attracts individuals who enjoy working with their hands, possess problem-solving skills, and have a keen eye for detail and design.
Employment opportunities can be found in shoe repair shops, high-end retail stores, and even home-based businesses. While entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma, apprenticeships and vocational training can enhance skills, with many shoemakers completing moderate-term training to achieve proficiency. The job can also involve significant customer interaction, as practitioners assess footwear needs and provide personalized service. Median earnings for shoemakers and repairers are approximately $36,020 annually, although the field is experiencing a decline in employment opportunities.
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Subject Terms
Shoemaker and Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Repair, manufacturing, customer service, woodworking, metalworking, sewing
Earnings (Yearly Median): $36,020 annual $17.32 hourly
Employment & Outlook: -11 percent (Decline)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Shoemakers and repairers are considered leather experts, although they also work with other materials, and footwear specialists, although many branch out into other goods and services. Those who make shoes are considered manufacturers, even if they work by themselves. Pedorthists, or certified specialists who design and provide footwear and other devices for medical purposes, are considered professionals in the healthcare industry.
Work Environment. Shoe repair establishments may be found in just about every city and town. Additional employment opportunities may be available at high-end retail stores. Cottage industries and home-based businesses are also common.
Interaction with other employees and customers is highly dependent on the size and nature of the business. Those who wish to devote their attention strictly to the craft can seek employment with larger repair shops, where salesclerks handle customer service. Others may want to work independently, where the opportunity exists to work directly with customers in diagnosing problems through the delivery of the damaged shoes. Still others may prefer a factory setting.
Occupation Interest. Shoemakers and repairers can be attractive to people who enjoy working with leather, tools, and small machines on short-term projects. Problem-solving ability, manual dexterity, and a keen attention to detail are important qualifications, as is the ability to manage several projects at the same time. Those with a flair for design and fashion might find handcrafting shoes to be rewarding. (Others interested more in fitting customers with comfortable shoes that solve orthopedic or medical problems may find a career as a pedorthist fulfilling.)
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The typical shoe repairer spends eight hours a day replacing soles and heels, dyeing women’s shoes for special occasions, stretching loafers that are too tight, repairing sandals, purses, belts, or other leather goods, and handling other jobs. In many cases, the items are quality goods that cannot be replaced or sentimental favorites of their owners. In some situations, the repairer will also help with customer service and assessing jobs.
The experienced custom shoemaker may craft shoes, boots, and/or slippers for a variety of needs, such as special-sized feet, historical costumes for a movie set, or fashion statements for celebrities. They work with each customer to determine the style, color, and materials. The shoemaker then estimates the cost of the footwear based in part on the materials and the estimated length of time needed to complete the pair (or order); custom-made shoes usually cost much more than their factory-made counterparts. After measuring the feet, a pattern is created. From there, the shoemaker cuts out the pieces of leather and assembles the footwear by sewing, gluing, hammering, and other applicable techniques.
The typical day for a shoemaker may also include studying fashion trends, experimenting with new designs, and maintaining tools and machines. Owner-operators also usually handle all business responsibilities and, thus, put in more than a forty-hour week.
Custom Shoemakers (788.381-010). Custom Shoemakers make custom boots and shoes using hand and machine tools.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most shoemakers work in small businesses, with space dedicated to customer service and office responsibilities and a back workroom for production. Workrooms involve noisy machines, potentially toxic adhesives, and the ever-present aroma of leather, shoe polish, and other materials. The work may be solitary, or one may oversee other employees and be responsible to a supervisor.
Plant Environment. While most major shoe companies have moved overseas, a few dozen cottage industries continue to manufacture footwear in the United States. Factory jobs are specialized, perhaps limited to operating a sewing or die-cutting machine. The worker will answer to a supervisor and may oversee other employees.
Human Environment. Many shoemakers work directly with customers or other employees or both, often with a high level of interaction as space and job tasks permit. Customer service tends to involve handling complaints, praise, and fielding a wide variety of questions and problems.
Technological Environment. Shoemakers use many hand tools and machines, including ones for sanding, skiving, and buffing. The use of office and retail equipment, ranging from computers to cash registers, may also be common.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school degree is required for most positions. An academic program with vocational courses is the best strategy for aspiring shoemakers. Courses in mathematics will help with pattern-making and business finances. Studying English and communications will provide a good foundation for customer service, and design and art are essential for creative pursuits. Vocational courses that offer instruction in operating and maintaining machinery and tools and which build manual dexterity, such as woodworking or metalworking, are instrumental. Sewing courses can also be helpful.
Postsecondary. The typical shoe repairer learns the trade in an apprenticeship. Some vocational or technical programs also offer courses in shoe repair. It takes a minimum of six months of training to become proficient.
Many continuing education courses are available for those interested in designing and manufacturing shoes. These include privately taught workshops and programs offered through colleges and universities. A bachelor’s degree in fashion design or textile arts is helpful for those desiring to break into the wider world of shoemaking and design, while a bachelor’s degree in business provides a good foundation for entrepreneurs.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
“Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail: Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#Production%20occupations. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 51-6041 Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes516041.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.