Shoe Repair: It's More than You Think!
Welcome to the website of the Shoe Service Institute of America. Founded in 1904, SSIA is the trade association for the shoe repair industry. On this site, consumers and find information on the benefits of shoe repair, and businesses in the shoe repair industry can find information about industry events. Contact us with questions.
Congrats to 2025 Silver Cup Winners
Jason Dorn Wins 2025 SSIA Shine Off
Jason Dorn of Team Shine Force in Denver, CO took home top honors in SSIA's 2025 Shine Off. The live event was a highlight of the Shoe Service Institute of America's 118th Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
To enter the Shine Off, Dorn and shiners from across the United States performed their best mirror shine on a men's shoes and sent photographs to SSIA early in the year. Judges reviewed the photos and selected three finalists -- Dorn, Sunny Yoo from Cobbler Company in Ellicott City, MD and Lee Ross Gomez from Classic Shoe Valet & Co. in Stockton, CA.
The final competition was live. Finalists were given 20 minutes to create their best mirror shine. They worked on identical shoes (supplied by Thursday Boot Company) with the polishes of their choice provided by SSIA members.
After the shiners were done, judges Jim McFarland, Sako Nalbandyan and Sandra Verbruggen evaluated the entries and selected Dorn's shine as the best.
New Orleans to Host 2026 Convention
SSIA's 119th Annual Convention will be held July 25-26 at the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter Details will be posted here as they become available.
SSIA Launches Educational Video Series
SSIA is developing a series of training videos in 2025 to help both shoe repair veterans and newcomers sharpen their skills. The first video, Adhesives 101: The Basics from Super Glue to Advanced Contact Cements, is now available. Take a look below and keep an eye on our training videos page for more.
Shop Locator: Find a Shoe Repair Shop Near You
Looking for shoe repair? Members of the Shoe Service Institute of America are craftspeople committed to bringing the economic, physical and environmental benefits of shoe repair to you. Our locator will find the SSIA member nearest you.
Click here for information
SSIA Convention
SSIA's 119th Annual Convention is scheduled July 25-26, 2026 in New Orleans.
Join SSIA Today
SSIA offers membership to suppliers, wholesalers and shoe repair shops.
Sponsorship Opportunities
SSIA has several opportunities for you to gain exposure.
Jim McFarland Takes Top Honors in Western Boot Contest
Jim McFarland of McFarland's Shoe Repair in Lakeland, FL took first place in the Shoe Service Institute of America's Western Boot Contest. SSIA member repair shops have noticed a resurgence in the number of Western boots coming into their shops, so SSIA brought back its contest for the first time in 20 years. The awards were presented at SSIA's 118th Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
To enter the contest, SSIA members repaired one boot from a pair of Western boots with a new half sole and heel. They also refinished the upper of the repaired boot. The goal was to restore the boot to like-new condition. Matt Wood of Dawson Shoe Repair in Columbia, MO finished second and Ronald Nijdam of Quick Cobbler in Vancouver, BC finished third.
Why Repair Your Shoes? Check Out These Videos from SSIA
Click here to visit SSIA's YouTube channel and see all of the videos.
The Latest News from SSIA
Promotional Materials for SSIA Members
SSIA has designed posters and complementary promotional materials based on the theme, "Shoe Repair, It's More than You Think!" Click here to take a look.
SSIA Apparel
T-shirts and hoodies and coffee mugs, oh my. Click here to order your SSIA swag.
Shoe Repair in the News
Need background for an article about our industry? Contact media@ssia.info.
Sign Up for SSIA's Newsletter
If you are a member of the shoe repair industry and want to stay informed about SSIA's activities, sign up here.