What to bring to a shoe repair day

A shoe repair day needs more than hammers and spare thread. Plan separate supplies for registration, each repair workstation, shared safety equipment, material storage, and refreshments. Work tables, bright task lighting, extension cords, cutting mats, clamps, and dust control are easy to overlook until technicians are ready to start. Use the number of workstations and expected visitors to set quantities, then check every item at least two days before the event.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 2
Storage cratesqty 12

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Hair dryerqty 3

Tools

Shoemakers' hammersqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Awlsqty 4
Shoemaker's knivesqty 4
Sanding blocksqty 6
Sewing kitqty 3
Measuring tapesqty 4
Cutting matsqty 4
Clampsqty 8
Spare scissorsqty 4

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 8
Work glovesqty 12
Dust masksqty 20
Extraction fansqty 2

Tableware

Mugsqty 30
Glassesqty 30
Thermos flasksqty 3

Catering

Water jugsqty 3
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Stirring cookies - 4 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Spice cake - 4 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 4 packs
- Black leather shoe polish - 4 jars
- Brown leather shoe polish - 4 jars
- Neutral shoe polish - 6 jars
- Leather conditioner - 4 bottles
- Suede cleaner - 4 bottles
- Water-repellent spray - 6 cans
- Shoe glue - 12 tubes
- Contact adhesive - 6 jars
- Rubber soles - 20 pairs
- Rubber heel blocks - 20 pairs
- Leather patches - 2 kilograms
- Rubber repair patches - 10 pieces
- Black shoemakers' thread - 6 spools
- Brown cobbler's thread - 6 spools
- White cobbler’s thread - 4 spools
- Sewing machine needles - 3 sets
- Black leather laces - 20 pairs
- Brown leather laces - 20 pairs
- Cotton shoelaces - 30 pairs
- Shoe trees - 10 pairs
- Coarse sandpaper - 20 sheets
- Fine sandpaper - 20 sheets
- Degreaser - 4 bottles
- Isopropyl alcohol - 3 bottles
- Cotton towels - 5 kilogram
- Cotton swabs - 2 boxes
- Microfiber cloths - 30 pieces
- Paper bags - 150 pieces
- Labels - 300 pieces
- Permanent markers - 12 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Paper work orders - 200 pieces
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Masking tape - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Degreasing wipes - 4 packs
- Rubber trash bags - 80 pieces
- Plastic gloves - 200 pieces

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Tips

Allow one complete tool setup per active repair station, including a shoemaker’s hammer, pliers, awl, knife, measuring tape, sanding block, sewing kit, cutting mat, and clamps. Keep spare scissors available rather than moving them between tables.
Provide one pair of safety goggles and one pair of work gloves for each person working at the same time, plus dust masks for dusty repairs. Set up extraction fans before sanding or cutting begins.
Give each workstation its own extension cord or power-strip connection, and test all work lights and the hair dryer before opening. Keep cables away from walkways and registration areas.
Prepare one repair label and one work order for every registered repair, with at least 10% extra for changes or walk-in corrections. Store completed labels and work orders at the registration desk.
Plan drinks separately from the work area: use water jugs for easy refills, thermos flasks for hot drinks, and enough mugs and glasses for the busiest break. Keep refreshments away from tools, dust, and repair materials.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a shoe repair day?: Plan one working set for each active workstation: a shoemaker’s hammer, pliers, awl, shoemaker’s knife, sanding block, sewing kit, measuring tape, cutting mat, and clamps. Add spare scissors and keep at least one backup of the tools most likely to be shared.
How many work tables do I need for a shoe repair event?: Use one work table per technician or repair station, then add separate tables for registration and materials if space allows. Confirm the final number after registrations close, ideally 2 to 3 days before the event.
How much safety equipment is needed for shoe repairs?: Provide one pair of safety goggles and work gloves per person working at the same time, with dust masks available for sanding and cutting. For dusty work, arrange extraction fans before the first repair starts.
When should I buy supplies for a shoe repair day?: Buy repair materials and consumables at least 5 to 7 days beforehand so missing items can still be replaced. Complete a tools, power, lighting, and safety check 2 days before the event, then bring everything to the venue during setup.

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