Keiko Hirosue’s journey into shoemaking began during her college years when she struggled to find shoes that fit her well. She felt her feet were uniquely different—and, indeed, every pair of feet is unique!

Born in the USA and raised in a beach town in Kanagawa, Japan, Keiko studied at Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus. After graduating, she moved to NYC with plans to attend law school. However, her path took an unexpected turn in 2003 when she enrolled in her first shoemaking course. The experience was transformative: the shoes were custom-made and fit perfectly. Captivated by the craft, Keiko immersed herself in the world of shoemaking, learning from various independent shoemakers while navigating the corporate fashion industry and working with independent fashion brands and footwear companies.

As her passion for shoemaking grew, Keiko began to see the need for a dedicated space for makers—an environment where they could create without the constraints of small NYC apartments, access necessary supplies, and learn the craft. This vision led to the creation of Brooklyn Shoe Space, a coworking and classroom space for shoemakers and leather workers.

Keiko continues to teach shoemaking classes and nurture a vibrant community dedicated to the art of shoe making at the Brooklyn Shoe Space's newest location in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Who We’ve Shared The Space With

Over the years, many people have come through our space to design and create shoes. Large and small businesses have trusted us with making their collections, Universities send students to learn the art of shoemaking and many of our own students go on to work for famous brands and for themselves as independent shoemakers. We are proud of our community of collaborators.

I Don’t Camouflage: Shoemaker Keiko on What It Was Like Being A Japanese Returnee / Third Culture Kid

Keiko split her childhood between United States and Japan. She recalls how it was like being a "returnee" in Japan and why she chose to live her adulthood in Brooklyn, NY.

Directed, Filmed & Edited by: Aiko Tanaka

Starring: Keiko Hirosue & Kira Korolev

Brooklyn Shoe Space Students: Janet Sanders & Tammy D. Gilliam

In the Field & Around the Country:

Polo Ralph Lauren Americana: A look into the lives of nine people from around the United States passionate about their craft, community and way of life>

“A Shoemaker and founder of Brooklyn Shoe Space, a collective, community, and classroom celebrating the art of shoemaking.”

Cobbling Together: The Brooklynites who Gather to Make Handcrafted Shoes

The Guardian >

“Former employees of big shoe (brands) are hoping they can change the industry, one step at a time.”

Meet the Female Founder Behind the Shoemakers Movement

A Women’s Thing >

“Here, women realize that we don’t have to do it all alone. We support each other. No one is competing. We hold space for each and every designer.”

Brooklyn Shoe Space

“With American-made footwear accounting for less than 2% of the market today, shoemaking is more or less a lost art in this country; a statistic that concerns New York resident and decade-long shoemaker, Keiko Hirosue.”

New Learning Times >

Brooklyn Shoe Space Creates Work Hub For Footwear Designers

Footwear News >

“If Christian Louboutin or Manolo Blahnik can’t fill your footwear fantasies, Brooklyn Shoe Space is here to help. “

Get a Leather Craft Education: Brooklyn Shoe Space

PanAm Leathers >

“The Brooklyn Shoe Space is a membership-based shared work space for shoemakers and leather workers alike to gather, share tips and get down to work on their latest leather and shoe projects.”

Brooklyn Shoe Space emerges in the handmade craze

Uncubed >

“Once you start making shoes, you get hooked.”