My G-G-Grandfather, William Kerr spent his whole life in the Boot and Shoe trade in the town of Dumfries. All
the certificates and Census forms plot his life from the age of 14 when he was described as "Apprentice Shoemaker" then later as "Boot Closer" I assume he was working in a large concern where the various parts of making boots and shoes was broken down into various tasks. Then he became "Journeyman Shoemaker" which as has been said above is a qualified Tradesman. Finally he was described as "Master Shoemaker"
All the trades in Dumfries and other towns were strictly controlled by Guilds, or as we know them today, Unions.
Today, anyone can set themselves up in business and call themselves anything they wish, without any formal training or experience. If we stick to the item in question, our shoes are made by children in far off lands, they are repaired here in a Heel Bar, to the best of my knowledge no one outside Bond Street in London has the knowledge to make boots or shoes.
James.