FOOTWEAR AND LEATHER TECHNICIAN TRAINING

We are passionate about passing on the delight and excitement of such an important and unusual skill. Shoe-making has been described in our culture as a “lost art”. But now you can find it here in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Whether you love shoes, love working with your hands, or are interested in the independence and sustainability of providing such an essential item for yourself –We welcome you.

fabricating shoes

There are two main techniques for fabricating shoes. One is the Lasted Technique, which translates best toward the manufacturing industry, and the other is the Out-stitch Technique, best used by craftspeople who want to have the independence and flexibility to make shoes from home or in a small shop environment. We teach a unique version of the Out-stitch Technique developed by the Master Cobbler, who has been making custom shoes for over 40 years for people all over the world.

Mastering the art of making shoes

In the Beginning Shoe-making Class: Basic Tie Shoe , we teach you how to make a pair of desert boots by hand. The school provides the patterns you will use for leather uppers, midsoles and soles based on your shoe size. You’ll cut out the leather, prepare the materials and stitch the leather uppers to the midsoles, glue those to the soles and then form the upper to the shape and size of your feet.

Support a sustainable lifestyle

After a few finishing details, you’ll be walking away with a pair of shoes you made yourself that are resoleable and will last for many years. This program is designed for students who want to make shoemaking a profession or to support a sustainable lifestyle.