Shoemaking is one of the most beautiful and oldest crafts practiced by humans. It still seems to be shrouded in mystery. In an era of mass-produced sneakers of questionable quality, shoe enthusiasts are increasingly seeking information about this noble craft that is shoemaking

What does shoemaking mean today?

Shoemaking is now something more than simply producing objects. It is a passion, an activity, a hobby in which we find peace and satisfaction. We have a tangible proof that we are creating something real. Humans long to escape this mechanized online world and do something that carries a human dimension for us.

In the mainstream fashion business, we no longer find answers about the process behind how our products are made. We don’t seek those answers, and we no longer see the human effort involved in creating an object. After all, it’s just a cheap, average-quality product that we will soon replace or that will wear out.

Shoemaking is awareness and appreciation of the process, care for detail and craftsmanship, and a form of self-expression. Even though it is an object, it is always made by a human. We give it shape, we design it, and we give it value.

Is it difficult?

I used to ask myself the same question when looking at shoes on store shelves. It all seemed very complicated, but then I realized that half of the Chinese population works in factories of major brands, making shoes for the whole world. That was the first step that encouraged me to explore the mysteries of shoemaking.

When I started 8 years ago, there wasn’t much knowledge available. Vocational schools no longer existed, and the internet didn’t even recognize the concept of shoemaking. I searched for knowledge in libraries and artisan guilds. All of this so that today, when you type a phrase into a search engine, you don’t have to go through as much trouble acquiring knowledge as I did.

If eight years ago I had come across this website with the knowledge I now possess, I would tell you—NO, it’s not difficult. When you have all the knowledge in one place, all that’s left is to enjoy the practice and absorb the learning.

How much do I need to invest?

Craftsmanship has this great advantage that it doesn’t require the mechanised systems you’d find in factories. Most of the work is done by hand. All we really need is a sewing machine — and that’s it. The rest comes down to tools and materials. The biggest expense is the sewing machine. You can buy a new one or look for a used one on platforms like eBay in your region.

We use Jack machines, and a new one costs around €1400–1700, but you can find a used one much cheaper — often even for half the price.

To make shoes you need patterns and lasts. That’s about €200–250, and you have them for life.

Next, you’ll need a few basic tools like a shoemaker’s hammer, needles, lasting pliers, glue, and knives. At the beginning you can simply use what you already have at home. You really don’t need much — I used an ordinary sharp knife, a hammer, and pliers when I was starting out :)

Then you’ll need materials: leather, fabrics, foams — everything that becomes part of the upper. Usually when you buy material, you get enough for more than one, even two pairs. I think materials will cost up to around €100.

And finally, you’ll need a donor. You can buy used shoes on Vinted — just make sure to check the condition of the sole because that’s the part we’ll need the most :)

To sum up: if you want to start your shoemaking journey, the sewing machine is your main investment. Everything else is downhill from there :)