Job Description
Job Title: Heel Set
Department Name Finishing
Effective Date: 08-17-2026
Reports to (title): Finishing Supervisor
# of Direct Reports: N/A
# Indirect Reports: N/A
Individual Contributor: Yes No
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
# Hours Per Week: 40-55 Hrs.
Average Work Schedule:
6 AM - 2:30 PM from Monday to Friday with possible overtime after the shift and/or on Saturdays depending on work needs.
Location:
40 Walter Jones Blvd.
El Paso, TX 79906
Job summary:
At Lucchese, craftmanship is the foundation of our brand. As a Heel Setter, this position will be responsible for one of the most defining features of a cowboy boot - the heel. This will influence boot comfort, balance, and durability. From shaping and attaching to finishing and quality check, they will ensure that every heel meets our exacting standards and carries the mark of true craftsmanship.
Scope of job:
The heel set position is responsible for operating machinery to trim and shape leather heels. The heel set operator will also align, attach, and secure the heels to the boot soles using spiralized tools and adhesives. As well as shaping and sanding the heels to achieve the correct height, angle, and smooth finish. They will also inspect materials for defects and ensure each heel meets the design specifications.
Duties/Responsibilities:
All responsibilities mentioned below can be modified, but not limited to, based on the company’s needs.
- From the rack, remove one boot at a time and revise the ticket to find the correct size on the boot/style.
- Check ticket to see if it is a woman’s or men’s boot and get correct heel part number.
- Apply cement to heel and outsole.
- Then place boot on the table to see if both sides on the (right and left) side are even after heel is placed.
- With a hammer, place 4 nails on the bottom of the boot.
- Take out last from the boot to make sure it is even.
- Sand the bottom of the heel then check for heels to be even.
- With a brush apply glue to bottom of the heel, wait till it dries to apply the rubber heel cap.
- Make sure the heel is straight before hitting with hammer to make sure heel is stuck to boot.
- Return boot to the rack and according to production, push the rack to the next staging area.
- Must support department on different working stations.
- Follow all safety guidelines.
- Always keep the working area clean.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management to support department and organizational needs.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong visuals to inspect detailed in Heel Set work.
- Ability to read, interpret, and follow production tickets and work orders accurately.
- Working knowledge of Heel Set techniques and processes.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to meet daily production quotas while maintaining quality standards.
- Willingness to work overtime as production demands require.
Education, Experience, and/or Certifications:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
- Minimum of two (2) years or related experience in boot manufacturing.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work standing for extended periods of 8-hour shifts.
- Frequent use of hands and wrists for repetitive motions.
- Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds as needed.
- Ability to reach, bend, and perform repetitive production tasks.
- Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight – hour shifts.
- Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement.
- Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
- Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production-related devices.
- Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, production processes, and workplace conditions, including close and distance.
- Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and, with or without assistance or mechanical lifting devices, move heavier items as required.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other conditions typical of an industrial setting while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work the scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.
- Exposure to chemicals like paint thinner, paint, packaging chemicals
Safety and Compliance:
- Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety regulations.
- Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and hazard awareness throughout the production team.
- Ensure team members consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe work practices.
- Conduct routine safety observations, workplace inspections, and housekeeping activities to identify and address potential hazards.
- immediately report, investigate, and document workplace injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, and safety incidents, implementing corrective and preventive actions as appropriate.
- Ensure employees receive required safety training and reinforce compliance with established safety procedures and safe operating practices.
- Support emergency preparedness activities, including evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols, and participation in safety drills.
- Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk to employees, equipment, product quality, or the environment, and promptly notify management.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
Quality & Production Expectations
- Maintain consistent output aligned with departmental productivity standards.
- Minimize rework by adhering to process specifications and visual inspection standards.
- Demonstrate flexibility to rotate stations without compromising efficiency or quality.
- Ensure all products meet Lucchese quality standards and customer expectations.
- Reinforce adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Prevent unauthorized process changes and escalate improvement opportunities through the appropriate approval process.
- Partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- At least two years of related experience in boot manufacturing
- Ability to inspect detailed heel-set work visually
- Ability to read, interpret, and accurately follow production tickets and work orders
- Working knowledge of heel-setting techniques and processes
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Ability to meet daily production quotas while maintaining quality standards
- Willingness to work overtime as production demands require
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive production tasks
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with machinery, noise, dust, chemicals, and varying temperatures while wearing PPE
- Regular and reliable attendance
What We Do
Lucchese Bootmaker is a legendary bootmaker of the American West. Handcrafting boots since 1883.
