The 25 Greatest Gadgets Created By Black Inventors

20. Shoe-Lasting Machine

Inventor: Jan Ernst Matzeliger
Year: 1883
Matzeliger took a step in the right direction with the creation of the Shoe Lasting Machine. Born to an African homemaker and Dutch engineer, Matzelgier immigrated to the United States in 1887—where during this time the shoe industry became heavily reliant on skilled individuals called “Hand Lasters” who manually tackled and sewed the mold onto the upper shoe. His machine made it possible to attach these two pieces together at a faster pace, producing over 150 shoes per day and lowering the cost of footwear. It’s safe to say that he helped the shoe industry stay on foot. Just remember that before lacing your Jordans every morning.