In a New York neighborhood that has seen better days, Max Simkin, a generational cobbler, leads a monotonous and lonely life, surrounded by the same daily routines in his small workshop. With his business in decline and a heavy past, Max finds little comfort in his work, until one day he discovers an old sewing machine that belonged to his family. Upon using it, he stumbles upon a mysterious magical ability: by wearing other people's shoes, he transforms into them.