Retreat with Artisan in Florence: design, craft and walk in your own shoes

A five-day bespoke shoe-making retreat in Florence, where craftsmanship, design, and Italian heritage come together in an authentic artisan workshop.

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Overview

This immersive retreat offers a rare opportunity to learn the art of bespoke shoe making directly alongside a master Italian shoemaker.

Over five days, you’ll take part in an intensive 20-hour workshop where you’ll design and craft your own customised pair of shoes. From selecting materials to shaping and assembling your model, you’ll experience every step of the creative process — discovering how quality footwear is born through patience, precision, and skilled hands.

You’ll learn to appreciate the importance of dexterity and time: when you create something from scratch using raw materials and your own creativity, you begin to value objects for their craftsmanship and individuality.

At the end of the workshop, your shoes will be professionally finished by the artisan and shipped directly to your home.

Immersive learning experience

Creative Italy retreats are designed as immersive creative journeys.

You’ll spend focused time in the shoemaker’s workshop learning design principles, leather handling, pattern development, and construction techniques. Beyond the studio, Florence itself becomes part of your learning — offering inspiration through architecture, fashion history, and everyday Italian life.

This experience invites you to slow down, reconnect with your hands, and rediscover the joy of creating something truly persona.

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A personalised experience

This retreat is highly personalised.

Before arrival, you may send a reference photo and choose your preferred materials. Once in Florence, the shoemaker guides you step by step through design and construction, adapting the process to your level and creative vision.

Whether you are approaching craftsmanship for the first time or already creatively engaged, this one-to-one experience allows you to develop a truly unique pair of shoes — made to measure and impossible to replicate.

Please note: a minimum of four weeks’ notice is required to source materials for your customised shoes.

Destination: Florence

Set in Florence, in Italy, this retreat unfolds in a city shaped by centuries of art, craftsmanship, and commerce.

Florence owes much of its cultural greatness to its historic botteghe — small artisan workshops where skills were passed down through generations. During your stay, you’ll explore this living heritage and visit the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, deepening your understanding of Italian footwear design and innovation.

Accommodation is arranged in a historic central location, allowing you to experience Florence as locals do — wandering ancient streets, discovering artisan quarters, and soaking in Renaissance beauty.