Job Spotlight – Cobbler
Not everyone can wander the world barefoot. For most of us, shoes are a vital part of our lives. They protect our feet from the weather, the ground, and the things we don’t want to step on. After our shoes log countless miles and eventually they wear out. That’s when they need to be repaired by a cobbler.
A cobbler, also known as a shoemaker or cordwainer, repairs and restores footwear. It’s one of the world’s oldest professions that peaked long ago, but is still going strong.
In the United States there are 7,000 shoe repair shops that serve 300 million people – that’s more than 600 million shoes.
Originally cobblers made custom shoes. Today they spend their workdays repairing, restoring, and improving shoes, boots, sandals, clogs, moccasins, loafers, and stilettos. Fixing zippers, belts, luggage, gloves, handbags, buckles, and other leather products is also common work for cobblers. Some cobblers also sell shoe accessories like laces, polishes, shoehorns, orthotic foodbeds, and waterproofing treatments.
Quick Facts About Cobbler Positions
Job Title: Cobbler, Shoemaker, Cordwainer
Office: Shoe Repair Shop
Description: Repair, restore, and improve footwear
Certifications/Education: Apprenticeships
Necessary Skills: Manual dexterity, creativity, knowledge of footwear
Potential Employers: Shoe Repair Shops
Pay: $16,000 to $19,000 per year
Continue Reading…Cobbler
Picture Credit: gearpatrol.com
