Distinction Between Shoemakers and Cobblers
Originally, there was a distinction. Shoemakers were the skilled artisans who made shoes, and cobblers were the shoe repair men. From around 1600 to 1800, skilled shoemakers used workbenches in their trade.
Differences Between Shoemakers and Cobblers
Both cobblers and shoemakers are trained professionals who make and repair shoes. A cobbler primarily works with repairs, while a shoemaker focuses on making new shoes.
Why are shoemakers called cobblers?
Shoemakers were the skilled artisans who made shoes, and cobblers were the shoe repair men. The term cobbler was originally used pejoratively to indicate that someone did not know their craft; in the 18th century it became a term for those who repaired shoes but did not know enough to make them.
As nouns the difference between shoemaker and cobbler is that shoemaker is a person who makes shoes while cobbler is a person who repairs shoes.
Trades that engage in shoemaking have included the cordwainer’s and cobbler’s trades. The term cobbler was originally used pejoratively to indicate that someone did not know their craft.
Shoemaking through History
Shoemakers have existed all through human history, whether it’s been: Working with cord and leather or grass to create the first sandals to. Carving out the insides of the wooden clogs used in the Medival Europe (yes, those famous shoes from Holland) to.
Mass production in the 1800s changed shoemaking drastically. With less work available, shoemakers started doing repairs. The division between cordwainers and cobblers faded. But dedicated artisans worldwide keep the essence of their craft alive.