5-Day Shoemaking Workshop

Leather, tools, glue, grubby hands, tired muscles and full imaginations - the 5-day shoemaking workshop is the stuff of your shoemaking dreams! So if you’re up for the challenge Shoe School Lou would love to walk you through it at the Leffler Leather classroom.

Shoemaking workshops are held over 5 consecutive days. If the dates don’t suit you – please get in contact and we’ll see what we can book in.

During this workshop you will be making a pair of derby lace-up shoes or boots (with a heel height of 25mm), or barefoot shoes or boots (with a heel height ranging from 0-5mm). Beginners are welcome!

The workshop includes an evening prep session from 6-8pm before your workshop starts. We will co-ordinate this with you closer to the date.

Then from 9-4pm daily the plan is -

Day 1: Cutting leather and components

Day 2 & 3: Sewing and lasting

Day 4. Lasting

Day 5: Soles

These are made to measure boots, so we will need your foot measurements prior to your workshop. Instructions on how to measure your feet will be sent in your registration confirmation email. It’s very important that you send your feet measurements early so that we can pixie-fix your lasts!

You can choose from a rounded toe shape or almond shaped toe shoe or boot. I can accommodate both narrow and wide feet, and orthotics. The barefoot shoe has a wide toe shape, similar to the Duckfeet brand. soling choices available include a classic dress leather, rubber or sturdy lugged sole. and a huge variety of leathers.

For more information regarding the style of shoe or boot you’ll make and the components you’ll choose from, click HERE.

Want a different toe shape? Maybe pointy or square? Get in contact and we’ll see what we can what we can do that will fit you.

We’ll send you a printable A4 template to design your boots for your upcoming workshop. Max boot height 18cm.

Please note: This class involves the cutting of thick leathers using craft knives, hammering and glueing. (If you're interested in a gentler shoemaking experience, try the 1-day Sneaker workshop).

Classes are held 9-4pm over 5 days. Refreshments are provided. Classes are limited to 3 participants.

Hi, I'm Lou! I launched Shoe School in New Zealand in 2015. Since then I've helped students create thousands of shoes of their own custom design.

I’ve been curious about shoemaking since I was a teen, obsessively saving for my 1st pair of purple 8-hole Dr Martens.

I wasn’t able to study shoemaking in NZ so I took a leap of faith and travelled to Australia. Back home I slowly, slowly began to collect antique shoemaking equipment. Gradually I built my own shoemaking studio, with an idea growing that perhaps one day I could teach - this was the beginning of the ‘maker’s movement’ and suddenly everyone, me included was fascinated by all things handmade. And so I doggedly built my studio, and practiced, practiced my craft. My single-minded focus paid off when I was invited to intern in Japan, where I honed my skills in bespoke techniques. More recently, I returned from the USA after immersing myself in the art of crafting cowboy boots.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Leffler Leather, 171 Kensington Road, West Melbourne, Australia