Shoe Repairers replace soles and heels, make repairs, and sometimes completely restyle and modify shoes following customers' orders or orthopedic specifications. Repairers may mend or alter luggage, golf bags, handbags, and sports equipment as well as shoes.

JOB DUTIES

General duties of Shoe Repairers may include:

Remove old soles and heels and rough the bottom of the soles on sanding wheels

Select new soles and heels or cut them from leather

Cement, nail, or sew new soles and heels to shoes

Trim the edges of new soles and heels to the shoe shape

Stain and buff soles and heels to match the color of shoes

Replace insoles and stitch loose seams or torn portions

Stretch shoes by dampening parts and insert and twist an adjustable stretcher

Repair or alter orthopedic shoes according to a doctor's prescription

Dye shoes and handbags and polish shoes

Repair belts, luggage, purses, baseball gloves, and other leather, canvas, and plastic products

The tools, equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Shoe Repairers may specialize in these areas:

365.361-014 SHOE REPAIRERS replace soles and heels, make repairs, and sometimes completely restyle or modify shoes following a customer's order or doctor's orthopedic specifications. They may mend or alter luggage, golf bags, handbags, and sports equipment as well as shoes.

788.381-010 COBBLERS repair shoes damaged in the manufacturing process.

788.684-046 FINGER COBBLERS repair the outer surface of leather shoes that have defects such as scuffs, cracks, and blemishes.

788.381-014 CUSTOM SHOEMAKERS make custom boots and shoes using hand and machine tools.

Self-employed Shoe Repairers and Shoe Repairers working in small shops may also perform the duties of salesclerks, bookkeepers, and managers.

In large shops, repair work is often divided into a number of tasks. For example, some Repairers only remove and replace heels and soles; others may only restitch torn seams.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most small shoe repair shops are owner-operated. The owner may work alone and have contact with customers or hire and supervise sales clerks, helpers, and other Shoe Repairers. In large shops, they may work as part of a team supervised by a manager or owner. They may work in a back room and have no direct contact with customers.

Some Repairers work in crowded and noisy shops with poor light and ventilation, but modern shops tend to be more spacious, well lighted, and properly ventilated. However, odors from leather goods, dyes, and stains may be present. The work is not considered hazardous, but proper care must be taken when working with power machinery or sharp cutting tools.

Self-employed Shoe Repairers may work long hours to accommodate their customers. Their workweek averages 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. Salaried Shoe Repairers generally work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, Repairers might work on Saturday. Shoe Repairers' busiest times are spring and fall; however, work is steady with no seasonal layoffs. Repairers starting their own businesses are responsible for set-up and operation costs. Salaried Shoe Repairers may have to provide their own hand tools.

Shoe Repairers may belong to the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union. Union members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Using mechanical skills to perform your work

• Dealing with things and objects

• Seeing the physical results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Recognize differences in shades of color

• Deal with customers with courtesy, patience, and tact

• Work efficiently with hand and power tools

• Work independently

• Evaluate information against set standards

• Do quality work

• Demonstrate good business judgment

• Knowledge of basic business practices if self-employed

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you charged $20 an hour for labor, what would be the labor charge if you worked 4 hours on a pair of shoes?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A consumer is anyone who buys goods or services for personal use. At one time or another, everyone is a consumer.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining the reasons for any type of problem that might have occurred.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to repair a pair of shoes so that the customer will be as satisfied as possible.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH, 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan . For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script. 

    E-Learning Courses and Programs   

             
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Shoe repairing is a skilled job that requires specialized training. Summer or part-time employment as a helper assisting an experienced Shoe Repairer may be available.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Shoe Repairer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Shoe Repairer employer

community service work with an agency

The usual method of becoming a Shoe Repairer is to apply to shoe repair shops that offer on-the-job training. For assistance in finding a job, contact a local office of Michigan Works! or consult newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

             
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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Most Shoe Repairers are self-employed. Their earnings depend on the size and location of their shops and the quality of their work. In some shops, especially in busy locations, 50% of the income might come from sales of merchandise. Shops in good locations, such as shopping centers, might receive 60% of their income from sales of merchandise.

The earnings of salaried Shoe Repairers depend on their experience, skill level, and the type, size, location, and profit of the shop.

The annual income range for self-employed Shoe Repairers is very wide and may vary from year to year, depending on sales. In any given year some owners earn a minimal income, while others may net $30,000 or more a year. According to limited data, the annual income of Shoe Repairers generally ranged from $13,350 to $28,260 in mid 2006.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $33,852 in 2005.

Earnings of Shoe Repairers in Michigan are similar to national earnings, and generally range from minimum wage to $8.00-$10.00 per hour. Highly skilled workers and owners earned more.

Self-employed Shoe Repairers must make their own arrangements for retirement and pay the full cost of their medical and life insurance expenses. Salaried Shoe Repairers may receive paid vacations, sick leave, health insurance, and life insurance.

Most helpers become qualified Shoe Repairers after two years. After several years at that level, many operate their own businesses. Others may become managers of large shops.

              
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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 10,500 Shoe Repairers were employed in 2004. Employment is expected to decline through the year 2014.  Shoes for the most part are inexpensive and made of plastic and therefore are not repairable, as a result people will go out and buy new shoes. However, as shoe prices increase, customers are expected to repair rather than replace worn shoes. Opportunities should be good for experienced Shoe Repairers who wish to open their own shops.

 As some workers retire, replacement needs should create job openings. Some shoe repair openings will not be filled because of the difficulty of finding training opportunities.

There are approximately 275 Shoe Repairers employed in Michigan . About 25.2% of them were self-employed. Employment of Shoe Repairers was concentrated in urban areas. Most of them worked in repair shops or shoe manufacturing plants. The percentages of Shoe Repairers employed in various industries were:

A decline in the employment of Shoe Repairers in Michigan is expected through the year 2012. About 10 openings are expected annually to replace workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. Population growth and services, such as dyeing and altering, increase business. However, people with rising incomes may replace shoes instead of repairing them, and some popular casual footwear is not practical to repair.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2012

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

  Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth