Shoe Service Institute of America

12/13/2025

Shopping online or received shoes as a gift?

Odds are, you’ll need a cobbler at some point. Local cobblers have been restoring footwear and leather for generations — and many now offer mail-in service. SSIA member shops do more than just fix shoes.

Find a trusted cobbler near you:
👉 www.ssia.info/ssia-member-shop-locator

11/02/2025

Come see us and several SSIA members at Stitchdown Boot Camp!

04/20/2025

Every bunny’s hopping fine,
Thanks to soles that we align.
Cracked or scuffed? Don’t despair—
Hop to your local shoe repair!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIq_X8pM5t1/?igsh=MWV3b3R0aG0zNnUzcw==

01/23/2025

🌟 Meet Jim McFarland, "America’s Cobbler" 🌟

Step into the inspiring world of Jim McFarland, a fourth-generation cobbler, past president of SSIA, and winner of the shoe repair industry's highest honor, The Robert DiRinaldo Grand Silver Cup.

From his family’s shoe repair shop in Lakeland, Florida—established in 1918—Jim has spent over 40 years breathing new life into shoes with precision and artistry.

With nearly 3 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Jim uses his platform to educate and inspire a new generation about the beauty of craft, legacy, and sustainability.

In this heartfelt episode of Iconic Insights, Jim shares:
👞 The Legacy: Over 100 years of family cobbling history.
👞 Industry Challenges: The decline of shoe repair shops, from 100,000 in the 1930s to just 3,000 today.
👞 The Viral Moment: How his daughter Victoria’s video brought his work into the spotlight.
👞 Education and Inspiration: Using social media to inspire appreciation for timeless skills.

Join hosts David Allen Tracy and Chaq Cozart as they dive into Jim's journey of balancing heritage with innovation, celebrating small businesses, and preserving the art of shoe repair.

💬 Every stitch tells a story, and every sole deserves a second chance.

📺 Don’t miss this incredible conversation with America’s Cobbler. Watch here: https://youtu.be/mYpgXITHJiM?si=G7hecxdboi2yMeFT

Step into the world of Jim McFarland, better known as "America’s Cobbler," a fourth-generation shoe cobbler whose craftsmanship has captivated millions acros...

01/17/2025

Where Did All The Cobblers Go? Their Disappearance Points To Something Dismaying.

Today, Shoe Service Institute of America was featured in with .

The fast fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation, accounting for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater production. This rapid production model leads to overconsumption, with consumers often discarding garments after only a few wears, resulting in millions of tons of textile waste annually.

In contrast, the shoe repair industry offers a sustainable alternative by extending the lifespan of footwear, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources. Organizations like the Shoe Service Institute of America (SSIA) play a crucial role in promoting shoe repair services, supporting local cobblers, and advocating for environmentally responsible practices.

Embracing shoe repair not only lessens our environmental footprint but also presents a significant business opportunity within the shoe service industry. By choosing to repair rather than replace, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable future and support a vital sector dedicated to quality craftsmanship and environmental stewardship.

Read the full article from the link below and support shoe repair!

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cobblers-consumerism-fast-fashion-environment_l_67813eb3e4b0f559989eb58b

Shoe Repair Store Locator🔗
www.ssia.info/ssia-member-shop-locator

www.ssia.info

Shoe Repair...It's More than You Think!



https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cobblers-consumerism-fast-fashion-environment_l_67813eb3e4b0f559989eb58b

There were 62,000 shoe repair shops in 1950. Today there are fewer than 3,500.

10/17/2024

America's Cobbler raising shoe repair awareness!

Happy National Shoe Repair Awareness Week!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/D4XZFErvNq7ACW75/

10/09/2024

Boot Camp Lineup! Plus win VIP tickets! See you this weekend!

BOOT CAMP VIP TIX GIVEAWAY

is this weekend!!

If you’re anywhere near the NYC area, do whatever’s necessary to find yourself at Oct 12-13 for the biggest quality footwear event in the world (Probably? Has to be.)

And to make it easier we’re giving away TWO VIP TICKETS, one each to two different winners. The tickets are $200/pop, and the gift bag is loaded with more value than that alone. Plus you’ll get access to a Friday night Meet The Makers reception, free b**r etc, a shell cordovan or general shoe care masterclass, and plenty more.

You know the drill—tag a friend or two to enter on this post.

But give it some real thought! Make it someone who’s local-ish, for sure. Maybe it’s someone who’s already got the boot bug. Maybe it’s someone who’s ripe to be bitten. Maybe it’s someone who doesn’t even wear shoes at all, but does appreciate craftsmanship at its highest level. And could use some shoes.

We’ll pick the winners Thursday AM—good luck to all!

And see you this Saturday and Sunday at Brooklyn’s !!

10/09/2024

We're pumped for Stitchdown Boot Camp! Several of our members have their own booth too! Stop by this weekend October 12-13 Industry City Brooklyn, NY!

🚨 Just over a week until Boot Camp at Industry City in Brooklyn, NY! We're thrilled to announce that the 'Boot Restoration Station' will be in full swing! Come visit our booth where Steve and I will be showcasing high-end boot recrafting and rebuilds. From custom resoles to full restorations, we're here to share our craftsmanship and expertise with you. Whether you're a boot enthusiast or just curious, swing by and say hi! See you October 12-13!

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10/07/2024

Great podcast episode about the Shoe repair Industry! Come see SSIA this weekend at Stitchdown Boot Camp!

In 1928 there were 120,000 cobbler's shops in the US. Today? Around 3,500. Jim McFarland discusses how to hopefully reverse a troubling trend. Also: blunts.

10/04/2024

Get your shoes repaired by a trusted expert!

SSIA members prioritize quality and sustainability. Use the SSIA Shop Locator at www.ssia.info to find a professional near you.