Traditional Shoemaking Techniques (2 Week Course)

Traditional shoemaking is a highly skilled process, bringing together a range of techniques to transform individual components into a finished, functional shoe.

From preparing the insole through to lasting, welting and finishing, each stage plays a critical role in both the structure and longevity of the footwear. These methods, refined over generations, remain central to high-quality shoemaking today.

Our two-week course provides a practical introduction to traditional shoemaking techniques, guiding students through the key stages involved in constructing a pair of shoes by hand.

Traditional Shoemaking Techniques Course

What You Will Learn

Over the duration of the course, students will work through the core processes of shoemaking, gaining an understanding of both technique and sequence.

You will explore:

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Preparation and use of insoles, linings and stiffeners

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Lasting techniques and shaping the upper

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The principles of welting

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Sole attachment and stitching by hand

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Heel building and finishing

The course is structured to give a clear overview of the shoemaking process, allowing students to understand how each stage contributes to the finished result.

Course Structure

The course is delivered over two weeks, with each week focusing on a distinct stage of the shoemaking process.

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Traditional Shoemaking Techniques Course Programme

Week One – Lasting and Welting

The focus of the first week is to prepare and last a pre-made upper, progressing through to welting as would be required for a fitting stage.
Students will cover:

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Insole preparation, pre-lasting and fitting linings

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Lasting techniques, including toe puffs and shaping

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Preparing welts

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Welting the shoe

Lasting and welting establishes the structure of the shoe and introduces key construction techniques.

Week Two – Soling and Finishing

The second week focuses on completing the shoe to a repairer’s standard, with an emphasis on durability and finish..
Students will cover:

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Fitting shanks and fillers

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Sole fitting and shaping

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Hand stitching soles

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Edge finishing

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Heel building and final finishing

By the end of the course, students will have worked through the full process of completing a pair of shoes to a practical standard.

Who This Course Is For

The course is suited to:

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Those looking to gain hands-on experience in shoemaking

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Leatherworkers wanting to develop into footwear construction

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Individuals considering further study or a career in shoemaking

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Practitioners wishing to understand traditional construction methods

No prior shoemaking experience is required, however some experience of working with leather is recommended.

Requirements and Considerations

This is a practical and physically involved course which includes the use of sharp tools and specialist equipment.
Students should:

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Have their own set of tools

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Be comfortable working with hand tools such as knives and hammers

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Please note that some shared tools will be provided by the Centre

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Have some basic leatherworking experience (ideally attending the Foundation Course / Introduction to Leatherwork Course at the Centre)

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Be prepared to maintain tools, including keeping knives sharp (the one day Tool Maintenance and Sharpening course is recommended prior to attendance on the Traditional Shoemaking Course).

Those new to leatherwork are encouraged to consider an introductory leatherworking course before attending.

Progression

This course builds on the principles introduced in Pattern Principles of Shoemaking, applying them in a practical setting.

For those wishing to continue developing their skills, it forms part of a broader shoemaking pathway being developed at the Centre, offering opportunities for further technical study and skill refinement over time.

Developing Practical Shoemaking Skills

Shoemaking requires both technical understanding and consistency in execution. By working through each stage in sequence, this course provides a clear introduction to the processes involved, supporting the development of confidence and accuracy within the craft.

Duration and Fee

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The course duration is 2 weeks

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The course fee is £1800 (this includes the cost of materials)

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A deposit of £200 is required at the time of booking the course

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If a student is under the age of 25 they are eligible for a bursary of £600 towards the course fee

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Course Dates 2026

September 21–25
September 28-October 2

APPLY - Traditional Shoemaking Techniques 2026

3 year Course (from 2027)

Please register your interest for this course by email to patrick@walsall-leather.org or click on the link to register your interest and we will be in touch.

Register your interest