The Bespoke Shoemaking Course is an intensive, hands-on program that teaches the complete process of creating high-quality, custom-made shoes from scratch.
By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and technical ability to design and craft unique, perfectly fitted shoes, preparing them to launch their own bespoke atelier or work for prestigious shoemaking houses.
It is designed for individuals who want to:
- Master traditional Italian shoemaking techniques
- Refine their craftsmanship and creative vision
- Develop professional-level skills in the heart of Made in Italy
Learning Experience
- Hands-On Craftsmanship: Learn traditional techniques through guided studio practice and real-world projects.
- Expert Mentorship: Receive continuous feedback and personalized support from skilled shoemakers.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside international peers in multicultural and creative settings.
- Practical Application: Assignments and projects help solidify skills through repetition and practice.
- Creative Identity: Develop your personal design language and start shaping your professional path.
Program Structure
- Tools & Materials: Learn to use knives, awls, hammers, sewing machines, and other essential equipment.
- Foot Measurement: Take precise measurements to create a perfectly fitting wooden last.
- Last Adjustments: Modify the last to match the client’s exact foot shape.
- Pattern Making: Draft custom shoe patterns based on style, design, and material choices.
- Leather Cutting: Practice cutting techniques using knives, scissors, and punches.
- Upper Making: Craft the shoe’s upper with precision and artistic detail, blending function and form.
Advanced Construction Techniques
- Goodyear Hand-Welted Construction: Master this time-honored technique for creating durable, high-quality shoes.
- Norwegian Construction: Learn the distinctive, weather-resistant style with its signature raised seam.
- Leather Selection: Choose the best materials for uppers, linings, and soles based on purpose and design.
- Sole Attachment & Finishing: Stretch the leather over the last, stitch the sole, and finish the shoe with polish and detailing for a professional result.
- Symmetry & Precision: Learn to balance artistry and accuracy to create beautifully symmetrical shoes.
Final Project
You will:
- Design and craft a bespoke pair of shoes, entirely by hand
- Define your personal aesthetic vision
- Begin developing brand identity and presentation strategies
- Be able to design and produce bespoke shoes to professional standards
- Join a global network of artisans and makers
- Transform ideas and concepts into tangible creations
- Combine traditional skills with modern design sensibility
- Understand how to create lasting value and identity through craftsmanship
The skills and vision developed during the course will give the students a chance to start a professional career.
Cost : 13.800 Euro.
Duration: 20 weeks
Location: Florence
Dates: September, February
- No previous experience is needed