Shoe Repairer

Tasks & duties

Shoe repairers may do some or all of the following:

• discuss necessary repairs with customers
• calculate the costs involved with repairs
• select or cut out the footwear parts
• fasten new soles or heels onto shoes
• build up existing heels on shoes
• dye or colour shoes
• patch and re-stitch footwear
• fit innersoles
• repair and alter belts, bags and leather clothing
• provide advice on the care of footwear and leather
• cut keys
• supply products to care for leather
• take payment from customers
• run their own business

Some shoe repairers may also do orthotic work and alter the level of shoes for people with uneven legs.

Skills & knowledge

Shoe repairers need to have:

• knowledge of different methods of stitching and fastening footwear materials
• the ability to identify and work with different types of shoe construction
• knowledge of the variety of materials used in footwear such as leather, rubber, PVC, EVA, polyurethane, cellulose board and thermoplastic moulded materials
• practical skills, including the ability to work with tools
• the ability to make calculations and follow instructions
• good customer service skills
• small business skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a shoe repairer, but three years of secondary school education is preferred by most employers. Useful subjects include English, maths, woodwork and metalwork.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Shoe repairers may complete unit standards while gaining shoemaking experience working for a shoe manufacturer. It is important for shoe repairers to keep up to date with new technology and products used in their work.

Useful experience

Useful experience for shoe repairers includes shoemaking, work in a shoe factory, sewing or upholstery work.

Related courses

Footwear Making

For more information, please refer to Career Services.