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2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

Brooklyn Shoe Space
4.6 195 reviews

Explore the fundamentals of shoemaking, including footwear construction, terminology and design techniques. Learn how lasts influence shoe fit and how to measure your feet accurately. Discover essential tools, materials and sourcing options while sketching ideas for your first pair of shoes. Suitable for beginners and aspiring designers.

  • Beginner
  • 15 and older
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  • 87 Richardson Street, Brooklyn, NY
  • 2 hours
2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making
2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

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Start Dates (3) $95/person

Thu. Nov 12th, 6–8pm ET
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Mon. Dec 7th, 6–8pm ET
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This class was a great intro course into the world of shoe making. I did feel like a had a better grasp of what it takes to make shoes. Highly recommend.

Cassandra L.

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Class Description

Description Cancellation Policy

Description

This 2-hour session covers how shoes are built, what lasts are and how they shape fit, and how to measure your own feet. It is open to all: ideal for beginners and curious makers, and for anyone planning a longer course who wants to know where to source materials and tools first.

We regularly have these classes scheduled in our calendar!

Duration: 2 Hours (Single-session class)

Format: Group or private session (in-person or online available)

Skill Level: Open to all. Ideal for beginners and curious makers

Class Size: Private or small group (2-student minimum for group class)

Course Objectives

By the end of this intro session, students will:

  • Understand the basic construction and anatomy of footwear
  • Learn common shoemaking terminology and techniques
  • Discover what lasts are and how they influence fit and design
  • Learn how to measure their own feet accurately for shoemaking
  • Gain insight into sourcing materials and tools
  • Begin sketching ideas and feeling confident to design their first pair of shoes
  • Be better prepared to take hands-on shoemaking classes with the right knowledge and supplies

Topics Covered

Footwear Construction Fundamentals

  • Parts of a shoe
  • Overview of different shoe construction methods (cemented, Strobel stitched, Handwelted etc.)

Lasts & Fit

  • What is a last and why is it the foundation of shoemaking?
  • How to measure your feet and choose the right last shape
  • Tips on modifying or ordering custom lasts
  • Fit considerations based on design (heels, sneakers, sandals, boots, barefoot)

Materials & Tools

  • Types of leather and alternatives used in uppers and linings
  • Overview of soling materials and hardware
  • Where to source materials locally and online
  • Recommendations on essential tools for beginners

Recommended For:

  • Beginners looking to explore the language of footwear before diving into construction
  • Students planning to take future shoemaking courses (sandal-making, sneaker, or boot classes)
  • Designers and creatives who want to understand the foundation of footwear production. (We cover differences between manufactured shoes vs handmade shoes)
  • Anyone looking to custom order a last ahead of a more advanced course

If you don’t see a class on the calendar that fits your schedule, you can book a date that works for you!

Refund Policy

All classes and workshops are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Class Make-up Policy

For multiple-day classes, if you have to miss a day, you are responsible for getting the information that will catch you up on missed information during the class hours. Any additional time you will need to finish the project due to your absence shall be signed-up as a studio-hour session at a $150/day rate.

We take your safety seriously. With COVID-19, circumstances may change quickly, at the last minute. Please communicate with us, if you are traveling from afar. We expect that you will be healthy, and that if you feel sick slightly, you will let us know and we will postpone the course. We will have hand sanitizers, surface wipes, we will wash hands frequently, and each student will have their own tool box to use during the course. Any shared equipment will be cleaned in between use.

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Reviews of Classes at Brooklyn Shoe Space (195)

(4.6-star rating across 195 reviews)

This class: 4.5 out of 5 from 47 reviews

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    Really good experience and introduction to Shoemaking. I want more!

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    Great place, lovely people, had a great time and learned a good deal about the process.

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    It was an introductory class that got me hungry for more. Cool space too. Good vibes.

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    I loved this class. It was a great insite to the ins and outs of show making. I loved doing all of the measurements and discoving new things about my feel, i.e. sizing. I can’t wait to take the next level.

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    Really bad. We just measured our feet. They should've given a better overview of the shoe making process

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    I attended the class with much enthusiasm and excitement to learn the initial processes or at least thinking that goes into shoemaking but I left somewhat dismayed as the only thing of value I learned in an hour and a half was how to measure my feet. I would recommend that perhaps more thought is put into introducing the concepts of shoe making with samples that are set up on the table for students to see instead of watching the instructor looking for misplaced items. The instructor Keiko is really sweet but I'm used to more structure and valuable information being shared in a course I pay for, not waiting and wondering.

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    Like the class and content! I do wish that the explanation was more forthcoming... I would have signed up for the whole day if I knew more about the intro topics

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

  • 2-Hour Introduction to Shoe Making

    Keiko is an excellent instructor, she has knowledge and experience to help you start your journey on shoemaking path. This first class is intended to give you an idea of specific terminology, tool to measure the size and overall glance on the shoe from inside out. The atmosphere was very friendly and we all had a chance to see how this craft is built- from the "software" part as knowledge and experience to the "hardware " part as all machines, tools and materials needed. Excellent start for me!
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Brooklyn Shoe Space

Brooklyn Shoe Space is a fully equipped studio space that offers classes and resources for shoemakers. With a focus on encouraging creativity and accessible shoemaking, they provide a collaborative and inspiring community for students of all skill levels.

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Brooklyn Shoe Space
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