Sapateiro

Sapateiro

A sapateiro (Portuguese pronunciation: [sɐpɐˈtejɾu]) is a Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese term for a shoemaker or cobbler. A sapateiro is a craftsman who makes, repairs, or alters footwear. The profession typically involves working with leather, but can also include working with other materials like rubber, canvas, and synthetic materials. The work of a sapateiro involves various techniques, including cutting, stitching, gluing, and shaping materials to create or repair shoes, boots, sandals, and other types of footwear. Traditionally, a sapateiro would have their own workshop and provide custom-made shoes as well as repair services. While mass-produced footwear has impacted the profession, skilled sapateiros are still sought after for custom work, repairs of high-quality shoes, and specialist footwear needs. The word sapateiro is derived from sapato, the Portuguese word for shoe.