The artisan trade of shoemaking, steeped in tradition and history, finds itself at a crossroads. Historically esteemed as vital craftsmen within communities, revered for their precision, attention to detail, and ability to create, repair, and customise footwear using traditional manual tools and techniques passed down through generations, these artisans are facing challenging times.
The surge in mass production, mechanisation, skyrocketing prices of essential goods, and the proliferation of online sales at rock-bottom prices have significantly diminished the demand for artisanal professionals, relegating them to niche markets. This shift has resulted in the closure of numerous establishments and poses a threat of extinction for these skilled craftsmen.
Despite encountering uncertainties, the majority of shoemakers in the South continue to persevere, sustained by loyal clientele. The primary challenge lies in the mass production of footwear and the trend of planned obsolescence. Many artisans strive to meet their customers’ needs by offering specialised repair and maintenance services, enabling them to survive in a market increasingly flooded with disposable, low-cost products.
The resurgence of customisation has driven a growing interest in artisanal services, with customers seeking personalised, one-of-a-kind products. This shift, coupled with the ongoing economic crisis, has prompted customers to maximise the utility of their footwear. As one artisan noted, “Previously, women, who typically owned a larger collection of shoes, might have had up to 20 pairs. Today, that number has more than halved.” This revival of the shoemaker as a specialised craftsman providing sustainable solutions hints at a promising future for the profession. Nonetheless, the lack of incentives, training institutions, and governmental interest in revitalising manual trades may lead to scarcity in the future.
Three prominent shoemakers in the southern region shared insights into their profession with this publication. While preferring to remain anonymous, they expressed their perspectives on the current state of their trade and the foreseeable future. Typically boasting over 15 years of experience, these craftsmen exhibit unwavering dedication to their craft. “This profession offers flexible hours and decent pay, but sadly, it is on the brink of extinction. I once tried to train a young man who sought employment, but he did not return after the second day,” shared one interviewee.
They lamented the absence of shoemaking training schools in the Canary Islands and criticised the prevailing digitalisation that is gradually rendering ancient crafts obsolete: “Tomorrow, we may find ourselves incapable of performing basic manual tasks independently. Self-checkouts, artificial intelligence, and a multitude of robots are assuming roles that have traditionally been carried out by humans. We may face a future where basic skills are lost, and that should raise concerns.”
Another artisan, with nearly two decades of experience, voiced concerns about the repercussions of this trend and appealed to authorities to promote such traditional craftsmanship. “Manual skills are fading away, and the severity of this loss cannot be overstated. I am fortunate to possess these skills, yet I have been unable to instil the same passion in my son. The younger generation lacks essential practical knowledge, and this deficiency will pose challenges in the long run.”
BATTLE AGAINST ADVERSITY
Julio Víctor Dura Fuentes, proprietor of Europieles Canarias SL and a supplier of footwear materials and accessories across the Archipelago, sheds light on the evolving market dynamics that have placed shoemakers in a precarious position. With 32 years of experience in this subsector, he notes the diversification of the market, which has posed challenges for shoemakers. “Gradually, many establishments have shuttered down. Typically run by elderly individuals who have retired, these businesses have not been succeeded by the younger generation due to lack of training,” he explained.
Fuentes highlights how “the profession is inundated with skilled individuals from Cuba, Colombia, and Venezuela who bring expertise, training, and a strong work ethic from their home countries. Conversely, fewer Canary Islanders are opting to pursue this vocation.” He criticises the minimal support from public authorities in training young individuals to safeguard the future of artisanal trades. “Local councils neglect investments in training programs. Proposals for workshops or classrooms are summarily dismissed. The investment in manual labour is dwindling, impacting professions like locksmiths, carpenters, and plumbers. With numerous unemployed individuals, these trades face severe shortages. If this trend continues, only a handful will remain, and we will be left wondering what went wrong,” he emphasised.
