$1,200 a week at The Cobblers Marketplace!

After completing this course artisans earn an average of

This 26-hour Recondition & Polish course is an introduction to reconditioning and polishing leather and fabric products. Students will learn about the products, processes and equipment used to properly recondition and/or polish these materials.

2-hour Pre-Course:
Online

24-hour Onsite Workshop:
The Cobblers Academy, Miami FL
August 22 - August 27 



Watch Intro Video

The Instructor

Jim McFarland

A more-than-twenty-time award-winning, third-generation cobbler, Jim McFarland has seen a lot of shoes. Jim learned the shoe repair trade from his father, growing up in the business he took over in 1986. Today, The Cobblers is thrilled and honored to have him aboard as a resident master and credible resource; Jim is a hands-on fountain of insight, artistry and mentorship. Jim is an exemplary leader in the shoe repair industry, having served several terms on the SSIA’s Board of Directors, as well as two terms as President. He has also served his industry as a judge for the Grand Silver Cup for the last 18 years, since having received the honor himself. The prestigious Grand Silver Cup is bestowed unto its winner just once in a lifetime. Once you win it, you win it. And well, with Mr. McFarland on deck, The Cobblers and discerning clientele win bigger yet, every single day.

Lifetime Value

Course Certificate


With no entry requirements, our trade certificates allow you to learn with motivated peers to develop your craft, broaden existing skills, explore a new career path or life pursuit, or start your own business—and build the artisan network that will help you do it.


Course curriculum

  • 01

    Welcome to Recondition & Polish!

    • Course Introduction with Jim McFarland

    • Let's Get Started

    • Quiz 1 - Recondition & Polish
  • 02

    Identifying Products and Materials

    • Identifying Products and Materials with Jim McFarland

    • Material Identification

    • Quiz 2 - Recondition & Polish
  • 03

    Knowing Products and Equipment

    • Knowing Products and Equipment with Jim McFarland

    • The Products We Use

    • The Tools We Use

    • Quiz 3 - Recondition & Polish
  • 04

    Understanding the Reconditioning and Polishing Process and Materials

    • Understanding the Reconditioning and Polishing Process and Materials with Jim McFarland

    • The Reconditioning and Polishing Process

    • Quiz 4 - Recondition & Polish
  • 05

    Cleaning the Surface

    • Cleaning the Surface with Jim McFarland

    • Cleaning Your Shoes

    • Quiz 5 - Recondition & Polish
  • 06

    Reconditioning Materials

    • Reconditioning with Jim McFarland

    • Reconditioning

    • Quiz 6 - Recondition & Polish
  • 07

    Polishing the Job

    • Restoring Color and Shine with Jim McFarland

    • Applying Polish
  • 08

    Full Process Example

    • Full Process Example with Jim McFarland

    • Register for your Lab Course

TESTIMONIALS

STUDENT

“I never imagined I would build the skills to become an artisan and make money from my passion to design and build footwear.”

Graduate

M. Damiano

“The Cobblers Academy is teaching me essential skills to get me on the job faster than traditional 4-year colleges. I have already began apprenticing on the Refinish & Dye team”

G. Martinez

Apprentice

“After three years of training myself to customize sneakers on Youtube, I decided to take my career to the next level. Grateful for these instructors”

Student

E. Lehmand

Features