Shoe and Leather Workers

Career summary

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Shoe and leather workers talk to customers about repairs they need. They inspect shoes and other items for defects. They estimate the price and set a date for the customer to return.

When making repairs they scrape or cut away worn or damaged parts. They sew rips and tears in luggage or wallets. They patch holes by hand or machine. They replace worn soles and heels on shoes and boots.

Shoe and leather workers may stretch shoes or boots that are too tight. They also apply protective coatings to protect leather from water damage.

When making new shoes or leather products, shoe and leather workers take measurements using calipers, tape measures, and rulers. They draw new patterns or modify patterns they have used before. They may make plaster casts to create and fit patterns.

They lay out or outline patterns onto animal hides. Using knives, shears, or scissors, they cut the leather along pattern outlines. They may heat and soak leather so it will cool in the shape they want it to take.

Shoe and leather workers drill or punch holes in leather and other materials to attach metal rings, handles, and other hardware. To join parts, they sew or glue pieces together. They also use leather laces, clamps, and rivets. They attach accessories and ornaments to finish their work.

In factories or on production lines, shoe and leather workers may specialize in one step of the manufacturing process.

Orthopedic shoemakers build or modify footwear according to a doctor's prescription. They attach insoles to wooden forms shaped like a foot. They may make inserts, heel pads, and lifts from plaster casts of customers' feet.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
• Furniture Finishers
• Jewelers
• Sewing Machine Operators
• Tailors
• Tool and Die Makers
• Upholsterers
• Watch Repairers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to shoe and leather workers.

• Speak with customers and other workers about work orders, prices, and measurements.
• Read work orders and prescriptions for custom shoes and other leather goods.
• Repair and recondition shoes, boots, saddles, trunks, or luggage.
• Inspect items for defects.
• Remove worn or damaged parts using hand tools.
• Sew torn leather and patch holes by hand or machine.
• Make new footwear, purses, wallets, belts, saddles, or luggage products.
• Measure items using calipers, tape measures, or rulers.
• Draw patterns based on measurements, plaster casts, or customers' directions.
• Select materials and cut parts along pattern or outline. Use knife, shears, or scissors.
• Trim and buff, bevel, or flare work pieces to desired shape and size.
• Drill or punch holes and insert metal rings, handles, and hardware.
• Align, stitch, or glue materials such as fabric, fleece, leather, or wood to join parts.
• Insert, arrange, and stitch padding, cushions, or lining in place.
• Put products together using sewing machine, needle and thread, leather laces, glue, or rivets.
• Dye, soak, paint, stamp, or engrave leather or other materials.
• Attach accessories or ornaments to decorate and protect products.
• Stretch leather shoes or boots to fit customers' feet.

Common work activities

Shoe and leather workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, shoe and leather workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They speak to customers on the phone or in person, but also spend time alone working on products.
• Are responsible for the work done by other workers and assistants.
• Occasionally work as part of a group.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are occasionally exposed to contaminants.
• May share work space with other workers.

Work performance

• Must be exact and accurate in doing their work, especially when making orthopedic shoes.
• Repeat the same physical activities over and over while remaining alert and interested in doing a good job.
• Determine most of their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Must meet daily and weekly quotas and deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• May work longer hours during busy times to meet orders.

Physical demands

Shoe and leather workers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for shoe and leather workers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for shoe and leather workers to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Skills and abilities

Shoe and leather workers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Precision Crafting and Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Crafts
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Fashion Design

Training

To work as a shoe and leather worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

A few shoe and leather workers learn their skills through formal training programs. In this type of program, you take courses in leather crafting, stitching, and dyeing. You also learn how to construct and repair items. Formal training programs take up to a year to complete.

On-the-job training

Most shoe and leather workers learn their skills on the job from an experienced leather worker. You begin as a helper and do simple tasks such as staining leather. You also learn to brush and shine shoes. As you get more experience, you learn to repair and construct shoes and other items. On-the-job training may last up to a year (a few months is most common). It takes longer to learn how to make saddles.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Clothing Design and Sewing

Many shoe and leather workers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require helpers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers look for helpers who are in good health and have stamina. Stamina is needed to spend long periods standing or sitting at workbenches. Employers also look for helpers who are dependable, patient, interested in the work, and will pay attention to detail. In small shops, it is important to have a friendly interest in customers and their needs. Many people who begin as helpers eventually own a shop. Good customer relations are essential.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by area of the country and the worker's level of skill. In addition, wages are affected by the quality of the products that workers repair. In general, shoe and leather workers earn more by repairing high-quality products.

Self-employed shop owners must provide their own health and retirement benefits. Shoe and leather workers who are not self-employed and work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 30% of shoe and leather workers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Shoe repair stores
• Shoe manufacturers
• Leather apparel manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. Most shoes are imported from other countries. They are inexpensive and as a result, people are more likely to replace shoes than have them repaired. Most shoe and leather shops specialize in high quality, expensive, custom leather products. Leather workers who can find a position at a busy, successful shop will fare best. As the population ages, there should be a demand for custom shoes made for health reasons.

Despite the decline, job openings will occur as current workers retire.

Other resources

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers (51-6041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Bootmaker, Hand (753.381-010) 
• Cobbler (788.381-010) 
• Custom-leather-products Maker (783.361-010) 
• Finger Cobbler (788.684-046) 
• Harness Maker (783.381-018) 
• Last-repairer Helper (739.684-114) 
• Leather Stamper (781.381-018) 
• Luggage Maker (783.381-022) 
• Luggage Repairer (365.361-010) 
• Orthopedic-boot-and-shoe Designer and Maker (788.261-010) 
• Pad Hand (780.381-030) 
• Repairer (753.684-026) 
• Saddle Maker (783.381-026) 
• Sample Shoe Inspector and Reworker (788.684-098) 
• Shoe Repairer (365.361-014) 
• Shoemaker, Custom (788.381-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic

COPSystem

• Consumer Economics