A cordwainer (or cordovan) is somebody who makes shoes and other articles from fine soft leather. The word is derived from "cordwain", or "cordovan", the leather produced in Córdoba, Spain. Historically, there was a distinction between a cordwainer, who made shoes, and a cobbler, who repaired them.

Source: Wikipedia

How do we know that John Test was a cordwainer? See the Malster Receipt in the Documents Section. This is a receipt for 5 pounds sterling that John Test paid for land in New Jersey. The receipt refers to John Test citizen and Cordwayner of London.