Shoe Repair Worker
くつなおしこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Shoe repair workers mend and replace damaged parts of footwear, regenerating and beautifying shoes through cleaning and repainting. They handle a wide range of footwear from leather shoes to sneakers and boots.
Description
Shoe repair workers inspect the extent of damage on customers' shoes and carry out processes such as sole replacement, heel repair, sewing repairs, cleaning, and recoloring using manual labor or specialized equipment. They select adhesives and threads suited to leather or synthetic materials, operate industrial sewing machines or grinders to replace soles and reinforce them, and apply polishing and waterproofing as finishing touches. They work in stores or individual workshops, handling everything from customer interactions to delivery.
Future Outlook
Although repair demand had been shrinking due to the prevalence of mass-produced shoes, it has stabilized with the rise of sustainable consumption and values of using things longer. The market for high-value-added custom repairs and design services is expected to expand in the future.
Personality Traits
Dexterous with hands and good at detailed work / Meticulous / Patient / Service-oriented
Work Style
Career Path
Apprentice Worker → Shoe Repair Worker (Independent Artisan) → Store Manager → Shoe Craftsman (Custom Orders) → Instructor/Trainer
Required Skills
Adhesive Selection / Adhesive Technology / Industrial Sewing Machine Operation / Polishing and Finishing Technology / Sewing Technology / Sole Replacement
Recommended Skills
Customer Service Skills / Leather Material Knowledge / Metal Processing / Sewing Machine Maintenance
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it requires not missing small scratches or distortions and repairing them precisely. |
| Problem Solving | Because it requires devising the optimal repair method according to the damage condition. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because it does not require complex mathematical analysis. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because work is often completed individually, with little team collaboration. |
Related Qualifications
- Leather Product Manufacturing Skills Certification
- Shoe Manufacturing Skills Certification
Aliases
- Shoe Repair Artisan
- Shoe Repair Technician
Related Jobs
- Bag Repair Worker
- Clothing Repair Worker
- Footwear Manufacturing Worker