frequently asked questions
shoemaking
We supply women's lasts from a size EU 34 / UK 1 / US 4 all the way to a size EU 44 / UK 11 / US 14.
Our traditional men's lasts start from a size EU 40 / UK 6 / US 9 all the way to a size EU 45 / UK 11 / US 14.
Before ordering shoemaking lasts from us, we always recommend that you accurately measure your feet following our video guide HERE.
It's not uncommon for our students to size down in our lasts. That's why it's best to order your lasts based off of your measurements, rather than your usual shoe size in store-bought shoes.
If you need any help finding your last size, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Before ordering shoemaking lasts from us, we always recommend that you accurately measure your feet following our video guide HERE.
It's not uncommon for our students to size down in our lasts. That's why it's best to order your lasts based off of your measurements, rather than your usual shoe size in store-bought shoes.
If you need any help finding your last size, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Absolutely! Many of our students join our Online Footwear Masterclass because they have wide feet and can't find shoes in stores that fit them. So you're not alone!
The starting point for making any sort of shoes is the shoemaking last, which is the block that the shoe is built around. The last influences the height, shape, width and size of the shoe. We have lots of students who have difficulty finding shoes that fit them properly but with a good fitting last this resolves all of their issues when making their own shoes.
Our lasts come in a standard width, however many of our students will build up their lasts if they have wider feet or a bunion - to create a custom or bespoke fit. You can find about more about customising your lasts HERE.
Once you've built up your lasts, the principles of shoemaking are exactly the same, so you'll be able to easily follow our course content.
In our Online Footwear Masterclass, we show step-by-step video tutorials on how you can build up your shoe lasts according to your measurements. Please be advised that we can't ensure a bespoke fitting as this is something that takes time and various mock-up shoes before you find the perfect fit.
You can find out more about customising your shoe lasts to create a bespoke fit HERE.
Although we don't specialise in orthopaedic shoes, there are certain things we cover inside our Online Footwear Masterclass.
Depending on the severity of your foot issue, we should be able to teach you how to make shoes - but it's best to check with us beforehand.
The starting point for any shoe is the shoemaking last. This is the block that the shoe is built around and therefore influences the height, shape and size of the shoe. We have lots of students who have difficulty finding shoes that fit them properly but with a good fitting last this resolves all of their issues when making their own shoes.
We sell standard fit lasts and often students will build up the lasts if they have wider feet or a bunion (read more about customising your lasts HERE).
Alternatively you can get bespoke lasts made to measure, and we can refer you to lastmakers we recommend.
Aside from the shoemaking lasts, the content from our Online Footwear Masterclass would be the exact same.
Absolutely! Although we don't teach how to make barefoot shoes specifically, the principles of shoemaking would be the exact same.
The only difference is that you would need to source your own shoemaking lasts that tick all the boxes of barefoot shoes: zero-drop, wide toe box, etc. We can help advise you on where to source your own barefoot lasts. Once you have your own lasts, you'll be able to follow our Online Footwear Masterclass content.
Please note that if you're looking to make performance footwear (i.e. running or hiking), this is not our area of expertise. However if you're looking to make everyday barefoot shoes from home such as loafers, boots, sandals, oxfords/derbies, etc., we can definitely help!
Our Online Footwear Masterclass does not cover kids shoemaking at this time. However, children's shoes follow the same making process as adult shoes. Baby shoes tend to be a more simplified version with softer soles, but if you know how to make adult shoes then you can apply all of this knowledge to making footwear for children.
The main difference between adult and children's shoes is obviously the size and this is influenced by which lasts you use (shoe blocks) - as the shoe is built around these.
We can help advise you on where to source children's lasts.
Absolutely! Keep in mind that vegan materials can sometimes be more difficult to work with, and can even melt or warp with heat. That's why we recommend using real leather when making your first ever pair of shoes, as it's a much more forgiving material.
Like with any new material and craft, using vegan leather alternatives can take a bit of experimenting and getting used to - but it's definitely possible, and many of our students have had great results.
Yes! In our Online Footwear Masterclass, we cover a broad range of unisex shoe styles, of which many techniques can be transferred to making men's shoes. Styles such as derbies, oxfords, brogues, lace-up boots, sneakers, loafers, sandals, etc. are all covered in the course.
in-person workshops
The Online Footwear Masterclass is a constantly growing selection of lessons and tutorials to help you learn & eventually master the craft of shoemaking from home.
Our in-person workshops are based in London (UK) and tend to be quite fast-paced. Unlike the online course, you only get to see each step demonstrated once, and leave the course with 1 pair of shoes.
The great thing about our online course is that you can pause as you go, and revisit the content whenever it's a good time for you. You even get a kit sent straight to your door, which includes all the tools and components you'll need to get started.
A few other advantages of booking yourself on the online course is that you become part of our online community, meaning you get ongoing support from our team and access to all of our new lessons as we release them. You also get a shoemaking starter kit too ;)
After over a decade of teaching our in-person courses, we've gone fully online with our Online Shoemaking Course. 🌟
But this isn't goodbye! We will be running in-person courses from time to time and the spots will sell out fast. Make sure you're on the waitlist to get VIP access when we release new dates. Sign up to the waitlist HERE.
If you're thinking about learning the craft of shoemaking from home, our online course may be a great place to start. We also have a 14-day money-back guarantee. We know you're going to see the real value the moment you sign into our masterclass. But if you don't love what you see, you can totally take us up on our money-back guarantee within two weeks.