Statistics, which do not yet include data for last year, show that the number of shoemakers and workshops is declining. Five years ago, there were 171 representatives of the profession and 167 workshops, but in 2024, there were 159 masters and only 138 workshops.
Aleksejs Zusāns’ shoe workshop has no shortage of customers. The master craftsman has 17 years of experience as a shoemaker. His most typical customers are dancers and athletes, but he also receives orders for shoes for special occasions.
“There are people who have ballroom shoes in their closet for, say, five years. They have to go to a funeral or a wedding, and when they put on their shoes, they realize that the soles are completely disintegrated. The sole just falls off because the glue tends to dry out,” said Aleksejs.
And even though it is not the typical season for shoe repair, there is a lot of work to do – the craftsman works while also talking to Latvian Television.
“Mostly soles, especially in winter when sidewalks are sprinkled with salt, wear out quite quickly – shoes either tear or get damaged. The same goes for zippers – anything that moves, that rubs,” continued the master.
When talking about the future of the profession, Aleksejs is convinced that craftspeople will still be needed. However, he is concerned about the lack of new recruits.
“I’ve only had one apprentice who continues to work. He’s still working now. But there were many who tried something, did it, and then realised it wasn’t for them. They leave, and that’s the end of it,” said Aleksejs.
Similar observations have been made by the shoemakers’ association, emphasising the impact of demographics on demand.
“If the population declines, there will also be fewer shoemakers. If there is demand for work, then they will train themselves, because there is no special training available now. The only way to learn this craft is from a master. I wouldn’t say that [the profession is] dying out, but there will always be shoes, and they will always need to be repaired,” said Ivars Burakēvičs, head of the Shoemakers’ Association.
