Shoe repairer

Shoe repairers mend all types of footwear. They operate from a specialist shop or from a site within a larger high street shop. They often repair other leather goods, engrave metal, cut keys and repair watches.

Also known as:

Cobbler
Heel bar operator

Work activities

Shoe repairers examine shoes and boots brought in by customers for repair. They advise customers on the type of repair that needs to be done and how long it will take, and then use hand tools and machinery to complete the job. Shoe repairers use knives, pincers, a hammer and a finishing machine that removes the worn or damaged parts of the shoe and makes the remaining material smooth. Repairers put new heels on with either an air-powered gun or a hand gun and a driver, then they hammer them into place. If shoes need new soles, they select the correct glue for the type of shoe, apply the glue and stick the parts together with a sole press. Then they trim and neaten the edges. Shoe repairers also use an outsole stitching machine to sew the soles of welted shoes (with a rim round the edge) to the bottom of the shoe. They use an insole stitcher to stitch the soles on through the fixed inner sole of the shoe. They use the finishing machine again to get rid of any rough edges. Then they use a polishing machine. They might need to set up and check machinery and equipment and keep it in good working order.

Shoe repairers often sell accessories such as polish, dyes, shoe laces, handbags and belts. They have to take money for these sales and for repairs, which means operating a till and giving change. Some customers wait in the shop while the repairer mends their shoes. Others prefer to leave their shoes in the shop and collect them later. In this case, shoe repairers agree on a suitable time for collection, make out a ticket and provide a receipt when the customer collects the repaired shoes. Many shoe repairers also offer key cutting and engraving services, using specialist machinery. They might also repair bags, belts and suitcases. Some might service and repair watches.

Personal qualities and skills

As a shoe repairer, you will need to be able to:

Use your hands in a skilful way.
Work quickly, neatly and tidily; speed is very important because some customers want their shoes repaired in minutes.
Organise your work.
Follow safety procedures.
Pay attention to detail.
Work well in a team and on your own.

You should have:

Good eyesight and colour vision.
Customer service skills; you should enjoy meeting people and dealing with the public.
Communication and interpersonal skills.
Number skills.
Reading and writing skills.

Because the work involves the use of adhesives, it might not be suitable for people with breathing difficulties.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Shoe repairers start on around £14,500, rising to £24,000 with experience.

Shoe repairers usually work a long 39-45-hour week, sometimes with early starts. Most repairers work on Saturdays, with time off in the week in lieu.

Shoe repair businesses are often very small and only need one or two staff. Opportunities are therefore limited.

Employers are shoe repair shops and kiosks. There are also some opportunities for repairers with certain footwear manufacturers. Opportunities for shoe repairers occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Experienced shoe repairers might start their own business.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on large employers’ websites, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You can enter this career by applying directly for vacancies with shoe repair shops and kiosks.

In smaller companies, training is done on-the-job. Some larger companies offer in-house training programmes. Employers might arrange for further training in key cutting, watch repair or engraving. You might be able to work towards an Award, Certificate or Diploma in Shoe Repair, Key Cutting and Associated Multi Services. You may be able to find an apprenticeship programme, although there is not currently an apprenticeship standard for this role. A related apprenticeship in the role of footwear manufacturer is available.

Shoe repairers can go on to supervisory or managerial positions after further training; some might start their own business.

Qualifications

You will usually need GCSEs in English and maths, although if you do not have these, you may be able to complete these, or a functional skills qualification, while training.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have craft skills and have developed other relevant skills through dealing with the public in a retail setting and/or handling cash.

Related careers

Clothing alteration worker
Dry cleaning assistant
Locksmith
Machine operator
Metal engraver
Sewing machinist