Shoe Repairers Shoe Repairers Shoe workers and repairers make shoes and keep them in good condition. When making new shoes, shoemakers first attach inner soles to a wooden form shaped like a foot. They attach the upper part of the shoe and the heels and outer soles. They shape heels with a knife and then sand them on a buffing wheel for smoothness.
Shoemakers also dye and polish the shoes.
Custom shoe workers modify existing footwear for people with foot problems and special needs. They may take casts of the customer's foot and prepare inserts, heel pads, and lifts. Shoe repairers attach new soles and heels using sewing machines or cement and nails. They may stretch shoes to fit customers' feet. They repair leather belts, luggage, purses, and some products made of canvas or plastic.