Shoe Making Classes

I teach people to reconnect with the ancient art of footwear.

The process of wrapping a protective layer of leather around our feet is 40,000 years old and, like fire, is one of the elements that defines us as humans.

What I teach is infinitely variable, though based on two fundamental styles. The main difference between the two styles is how the sole is attached to the upper.

The upper itself can be made in many variations such as the traditional flap and button closure, a more modern lace up shoe, or a no-flap slipper.

Both styles use rugged 9 oz. Bison leather with four colors to choose from. The classes take four full days and require moderate hand strength.

Shoe Making Video

Check out this quick shoe-making video. It shows the entire process start to finish and was shot during one of my shoe-making classes.

Shoe Gallery

Student Gallery

Styles & Class Schedule

10th Century Scandinavian Turnshoe with Recycled Rubber Soles

The Scandinavian Turn Shoe is a 10th century style shoe with a thin leather sole similar to a moccassin. I often refer to this style as my “hiking slippers” due to their excellent ability to allow me to feel the ground beneath my feet and their great traction on rocks. They are my most comfortable shoes.

This shoe style is made inside out and then turned right-side-out so that the stitching ends up on the inside. The upper can be made in many styles such as the traditional flap and button, a more modern lace up style, or a no-flap slipper. The sole is a mixture of recycled rubber powder and rubber cement which is pasted on the shoe in whatever thickness you desire. This allows you to indefinitely add more rubber as the old rubber wears away. The upper is made of rugged Bison leather and if taken care of can last a lifetime.

The class is four 8 hour days with sewing home work on the 3rd day.

Only hand tools are used in the making of this style of shoe.

Scandinavian TurnShoe Class Dates

More Classes coming soon

Sept 17-20, 2020 (Thurs-Sun) (4 full days)

Location: Tryon Arts and Crafts
Cost: Price and registration coming soon.

More Info and Registration Here

Internal Stitchdown Shoes with Vibram Soles

The internal stitch down is a more modern style of shoe that uses the same one piece upper and flap construction as in my Turn Shoe class but attaches to a commercial Vibram brand sole. This sole style gives you about a 3/4″ buffer between your foot and the ground which can be helpful in the winter months when the ground is colder. Sole styles can be chosen for traction on terrain, cushioning on cement, or even straight leather for use on the dance floor. The upper is made from rugged Bison leather and could last a lifetime if properly cared for. 4 leather colors to choose from.

The class is four 9 hour days with sewing home work on the 3rd day.

This class uses some power tools.