The given question asks about the proponent of the localization of shoe and leather industries in the context of economic activities. Let's break down the options to identify the correct person.

1. Option: Hoover
   Edgar M. Hoover is known for his work in economic geography and industrial location theory. Hoover's theory emphasizes the importance of transportation costs, labor, and agglomeration economies in the localization of industries, particularly heavy and resource-oriented industries like shoe and leather manufacturing. Therefore, Edgar Hoover's theories align with the localization of shoe and leather industries.
2. Option: Pred
   Allen Pred is noted for his work in human geography, particularly in the field of time geography and urban formation. His work does not particularly focus on the localization of the shoe and leather industry.
3. Option: Palander
   Tord Palander contributed to the development of location theory, emphasizing the role of market areas and competition. However, his theories are more general and not specifically associated with shoe and leather industries.
4. Option: Smith
   Adam Smith, the father of economics, is known for his theory on free markets and the division of labor. He is not directly linked to specific industrial location theories related to shoe and leather industries.

Based on the above explanations, the correct answer is Hoover. His contributions to industrial location theory are directly applicable to understanding the factors that influence the localization of industries such as those producing shoes and leather goods. Thus, the correct option is correctly identified as Hoover.