Job Description
Job Title: Toe Wire
Department Name: Lasting
Effective Date: 8/14/2026
Reports to (title): Supervisor
# of Direct Reports: 0
# Indirect Reports: 0
Individual Contributor: XXYes, No
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
# Hours Per Week: 40-55
Average Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 6:00 – 2:30; Overtime and Saturdays When Required
Location: El Paso, 40 Walter Jones Blvd. 79906
Job Summary:
At Lucchese Bootmaker, craftsmanship defines our brand. A toe wire associate plays a virtual role in shaping the look and feel of our handcrafted boots. The responsibility of a toe wire is to skillfully apply the toe wire to the front of each boot, ensuring it achieves the precise form and style intended for that design. This step is essential to both the durability and the iconic silhouette of every Lucchese boot.
Scope of job:
The toe wire associate involves a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall quality and functionality of cowboy boots they must ensure that the toe wire is properly positioned and secured to maintain the desired style and comfort the boots can be soaked on the toe area with a chemical solution to soften the leather before applying the toe wire. The associate then pulls back the leather from the toe area and positions the toe wire, ensuring that it is smooth and wrinkle free. This position also uses special hammers to slightly insert nails into the insole which will hold the toe wire in place.
Duties/Responsibilities:
All responsibilities may be modified based on business needs.
- Obtains one boot at a time from the boot rack with last inside.
- Obtains box toe, gets it soaked in chemical.
- Pull back leather from toe area and position box toe.
- Pull leather back on top of the box toe and smooth out leather to remove as many wrinkles as possible.
- Hammer small nail slightly into the left side of the insole, pull wire around top of boot, turn pliers so that the leather will be stretched taut.
- When completed, wrap toe wire around second nail and finish hammering in nail.
- If machine lasts, remove boot from machine and if needed, using channel locks, pull leather taut.
- Read and follow production schedules, work instructions, and quality specifications
- Inspect finished toe wire products for dimensional accuracy and defects.
- Perform routine machine setup, adjustments, and basic maintenance.
- Maintain accurate production and quality records.
- Ensure materials are handled and stored properly.
- Follow all workplace safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Keep the work area clean and organized according to 5S standards.
- Report equipment malfunctions, quality issues, or safety concerns to the supervisor.
- Work collaboratively with team members to achieve production goals.
- Perform work in other designated production areas as needed to support operational and production requirements.
Required Skills/ Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Preferred bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Excellent people's skills.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
- Passion and desire for excellence by consistently exceeding quality expectations.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks daily/weekly.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Analyze issues effectively.
- Identifies root causes of problems.
- Machine operation
- Teamwork
- Workplace safety awareness
- Demonstrates professionalism.
- Maintains organized work processes.
- Share information effectively.
- Listen actively to team concerns.
- Build trust and credibility.
Education, Experience, and/or Certifications:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- 2-3 years of experience in leather goods or boot manufacturing environment preferred.
- 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.
Physical Requirements:
- 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.
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 & Process Excellence:
- 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
- Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Strong attention to detail and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and contribute to team goals
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Machine operation skills
- Workplace safety awareness and PPE compliance
- Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement
- Ability to sit continuously for minimum eight-hour shifts
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
- Reliable attendance and ability to work scheduled hours, overtime, and Saturdays when required
- Two to three years of experience in leather goods or boot manufacturing
- Bilingual Spanish and English communication skills
- 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training
What We Do
Lucchese Bootmaker is a legendary bootmaker of the American West. Handcrafting boots since 1883.
