Cobbler
Colonial shoemakers were among the earliest skilled tradespeople in the 13 Colonies. They made shoes by hand using wooden foot-shaped forms, leather, and metal tools.
Shoemaking in the Early Colonies
Shoemaking was one of the earliest industries in the original 13 colonies. Shoemakers may have been with John Smith on one of the maiden voyages to the New World that resulted in the establishment of the Jamestown colony. At the latest, shoemakers arrived in the New World in 1610.
How Colonial Shoes Were Made
Shoemakers made shoes first by making wooden “lasts,” or blocks of foot-shaped wood carved into different sizes. Next, a leather “upper” was stretched over the last and fastened with glue until it was ready to be fastened to the sole. The sole would be pounded with metal tools and an awl was used to cut holes. Then the upper was removed from the last and the sole and upper were sewn together before the shoe was cleaned, polished, and fitted with a heel. Finally, the shoes were hung in the shoemaker’s store.
How Long Did It Take to Make Shoes?
A standard pair of shoes would take between eight and ten hours to make. Early shoemakers used the same pattern to make a pair of shoes, meaning the left and right shoes were exactly the same.
Watch a Shoemaking Demonstration
Shoemaking Demonstration from Old Sturbridge Village
Explore the Colonial Town
Click a shop or building on the map to learn about another colonial trade.
