Cobbler — A Dying Trade Worth Preserving

Current: v2.0 · Last edited: 2026-03-24

Cobbler — A Dying Trade Worth Preserving

Re-soling, re-heeling, leather repair — your craft is centuries old and increasingly rare. Now you can get paid for it.

The Observer Programme pays cobblers and shoe repairers to record their working day using lightweight smart glasses.

How it works

• Wear smart glasses while you work
• Record sessions from 30 minutes up
• Get paid per recorded minute
• All recordings are anonymised

What you'll earn

€20–€28 per recorded hour | €1,200–€1,800 per month (based on 20 recording days)

What we're looking for

• 3+ years of shoe repair/leather work experience
• Currently working
• Smartphone (iOS or Android)

All roles welcome: key cutting and engraving, leather goods repair, bespoke/orthopaedic footwear.

We provide everything