Shoemakers manufacture, design, and repair shoes using materials such as leather and wood. They use a last to ensure correct sizing and deal with day-to-day aspects such as customer measurements and material cutting. While the industry has largely been replaced by industrial manufacturing, shoemakers still exist in non-industrial parts of the world and for those who appreciate the personal touch.
A shoemaker is a professional who manufactures, designs and repairs shoes. Footwear, a traditional craft profession, has been largely replaced by industrial manufacturing. The shoe manufacturing industry is able to produce shoes at a much higher rate than individual shoemakers, so shoemakers are now quite rare.
Historically, a shoemaker was called a cordwainer. Many people believe that the proper historical term is shoemaker, but this is a misnomer. A shoemaker is specifically one who repairs shoes, not one who makes them. Modern shoemakers use many of the same materials that have always been used in the shoemaking profession, such as leather and wood.
When making a shoe, a shoemaker typically uses an item called a last. The last one is an object shaped like a human foot around which the shoemaker can manufacture his shoes. By using a last one, a shoemaker ensures that the shoe is sized correctly. It can also ensure that the two shoes in a pair are the same size and shape.
Shoemakers use a wide variety of materials in their shoes. Leather is among the most common because it is durable and easy to shape. Other materials include wood, rubber, plastic and jute. Generally, a combination of these materials will be used to optimize durability and flexibility. Sometimes shoemakers use the rubber tread from tires to make the soles of shoes.
There are many practical day-to-day aspects that shoemakers must deal with in their profession. Shoemakers must take customer measurements, gather materials, calculate costs, and cut materials to shape. They also repair shoes regularly. They need to make sure they know exactly what to do with the damaged shoe so they don’t cause further damage.
A shoemaker can make and repair many different types of shoes. Traditional types of shoes are sandals, clogs and loafers. People often wrapped fur around their feet and wore sandals over them. Moccasins are simple, durable shoes, usually made from leather. Traditionally, clogs are wooden shoes stuffed with straw to keep the feet warm.
While there are few shoemakers left, the shoemaking profession will likely be around for some time. Many non-industrial parts of the world still rely on shoemakers. Furthermore, some people still appreciate the knowledge that their perfectly fitting shoes were designed and manufactured by a professional who has invested their time in creating a pair of shoes specifically for the wearer.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
