How Long Does it Take to Learn Shoemaking?

Becoming a true professional shoemaker can take several years. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn shoemaking and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is Shoemaking?

Shoemakers, also known as cobblers or cordwainers, practice the art of shoemaking. Shoemaking is the craft and process of creating footwear, encompassing the design, pattern-making, cutting, sewing, lasting, and finishing of shoes. It involves transforming raw materials such as leather, fabrics, or synthetic materials, into functional and aesthetically pleasing footwear. Shoemakers employ various techniques and tools to shape and assemble the shoe components. From simple sandals to intricate dress shoes or boots, shoemaking combines creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail. While the earliest shoes were made simply to protect the wearer from the environment, shoes have evolved into conduits for self-expression and creativity. 

Benefits of Learning Shoemaking?

Learning shoemaking offers a range of benefits, both practical and personal. Firstly, it provides the opportunity to create custom footwear tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a perfect fit and style. This can be especially helpful for individuals with specific foot conditions or unique sizing needs. Shoemaking is also a sustainable practice. According to The Guardian, about 90% of shoes end up in landfills. Creating your own shoes is a great way to get out of the cycles of fast fashion and create enduring pieces that won’t end up in the landfill. With shoemaking, you have control over the materials used, allowing you to prioritize ethical sourcing and use of environmentally friendly options. Additionally, you can customize shoes to reflect your personal style, resulting in unique and one-of-a-kind creations. 

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Shoemaking skills also enable you to repair and maintain your own footwear. Instead of discarding worn-out shoes, you can extend their lifespan by replacing soles, repairing stitching, or addressing other issues. This promotes sustainability, saves money, and fosters a sense of self-sufficiency. Finally, shoemaking can be a meditative and mindful practice, allowing you to immerse yourself in a creative process. It promotes focus, attention to detail, and patients, which can then enhance your overall well-being.

Average Time It Takes to Learn Shoemaking

The average time it takes to learn shoemaking can vary significantly based on different factors. It’s challenging to provide an exact timeframe, as it depends largely on individual circumstances. However, for basic shoemaking skills such as creating simple sandals or moccasins, it can take a few weeks to a few months to grasp the fundamentals and start creating wearable pairs of shoes on your own. Under guidance, it’s even possible to create an initial pair of shoes within a few days. Take, for example, the 1.5-day Slides and Mule Making course hosted by the Brooklyn Shoe Space. In this class, students will leave with a finished pair of mules that they’ve created themselves, even if they began the class with no prior expertise. 

However, to become proficient in shoemaking, particularly in more complex styles like leather dress shoes or boots, it typically requires several years of dedicated learning and practice. This includes gaining expertise in pattern-making, cutting materials, stitching techniques, lasting, and finishing. It’s important to note that shoemaking is a skill that continues to evolve with experience and ongoing learning. Many professional shoemakers continually refine their techniques throughout their careers. Therefore, while you can acquire a foundation in shoemaking within a certain time frame, true mastery is an ongoing journey. 

Other Factors

There are many factors that affect how long it takes someone to truly master shoemaking. Let’s break down some of the most important ones.

Prior Experience

Previous experience in related crafts can expedite the learning process of shoemaking by providing familiarity with techniques, understanding of materials, and problem-solving abilities. Knowledge of sewing, pattern-making, or working with leather can give learners a head start in grasping certain aspects of shoemaking. Interested learners might, for example, choose to take the Sewing 101: Basics course at the New York Sewing Center to get the fundamentals down before continuing on their shoemaking journey. 

Level of Complexity

The level of complexity in shoemaking directly affects the time it takes to learn the craft. Simple shoe styles with basic construction techniques can be mastered relatively quickly, while complex designs involving intricate detailing, advanced assembly methods, and precise craftsmanship require more time and experience to understand and execute effectively. Aspiring shoemakers often progress through a gradual learning curve, starting with simpler projects and then gradually working their way up to more complex styles. However, if you’re happy making more simple styles, you can decrease your learning time by months, even years. 

Availability of Resources

The availability of resources significantly impacts the time it takes to learn shoemaking. Comprehensive instructional resources such as classes, provide clear guidance and structured learning paths, decreasing the time it takes to master key skills. For example, the Brooklyn Shoe Space offers a class called 5-Day Intensive Shoe / Boot / Sneaker Making Workshop. Access to a course like this, with real-time feedback from instructors, can greatly improve learning speed. Mentorship and guidance from experienced shoemakers also help accelerate skill development. 

Learning Speed and Aptitude

Some individuals may have a natural aptitude for craftsmanship or possess prior skills that align with shoemaking techniques, allowing them to grasp concepts and techniques more quickly. On the other hand, individuals with a slower learning pace or less inherent aptitude may require more time and practice to develop proficiently. However, it’s important to note that while learning speed and aptitude can impact the initial learning phase, consistent practice, dedication, and growth are ultimately more significant in determining overall progress and mastery in shoemaking. 

What to Know Before Learning Shoemaking: 

Shoemaking can be considered a moderately challenging craft that requires a combination of technical skills, precision, and attention to detail. It involves various processes such as pattern-making, cutting, stitching, lasting, and finishing, each requiring specific techniques and knowledge. 

Technically, there are no specific prerequisites for learning shoemaking, as anyone with an interest and willingness to learn can embark on a shoemaking journey. Absolute beginners would likely benefit from a class like Shoemaking #1: Introduction, hosted by the Brooklyn Shoe Space, which unpacks the initial theory behind shoemaking. 

The cost of learning shoemaking can vary depending on the learning method and available resources. Formal education or training programs can have course fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Purchasing the necessary tools and equipment such as lasts, cutting knives, stitching tools, and specialized machinery, can also incur expenses that range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. However, there are ways to mitigate cost such as joining a workshop and using communal tools. 

Can I Learn Shoemaking for Free / on My Own?

Yes, it is possible to learn shoemaking for free or on your own. There are various online resources, tutorials, and instructional videos available that provide step-by-step guidance on shoemaking techniques. You can access these resources to learn the basics, practice at your own pace, and gradually develop your skills. While formal education or mentorship may provide more structured learning experiences, self-learning can be a cost effective option for those who are motivated, dedicated, and willing to invest time and effort into their shoemaking journey. 

Key Takeaways

• Shoemaking is the process of creating footwear, encompassing the design, pattern-making, cutting, sewing, lasting, and finishing of shoes. 
• There are many benefits to learning shoemaking, including sustainability, the ability to repair and reuse footwear, and creating truly customized footwear. 
• The basics of shoemaking can be learned in a few weeks, or even a few days. However, it can take several years to reach a professional level. 
• There are many factors that affect how long it takes to learn shoemaking, including prior experience, level of complexity, availability of resources, and learning speed and aptitude. 
• Shoemaking is a moderately challenging craft and requires the mastery of a large set of skills. 
• There are no prerequisites to learning shoemaking, but sewing knowledge can help. 
• The cost of learning shoemaking can vary depending on how much you are willing to invest in the craft. 
• It’s possible to learn shoemaking on your own, but it may be difficult without structured learning paths. 
• You can contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person training, including private group sessions