This advanced masterclass is designed for students with prior experience in footwear, accessories, or related fields. It’s ideal for independent designers, makers, or recent graduates who want to deepen their understanding of shoe development and push beyond traditional design boundaries.

Throughout the course, participants will design and create a fully wearable pair of shoes—from initial concept to finished product. Guided by experienced instructors, students will explore advanced design thinking, construction methods, and experimental techniques while refining their craftsmanship.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, innovation, and personal expression. By the end of the masterclass, each participant will complete a unique pair of shoes that reflects their individual style, creativity, and technical growth.

After the success of this mastercourse in the Netherlands, we are excited to offer it for the first time in New York City, hosted by Brooklyn Shoe Space.

About the Instructors

René van den Berg

René specializes in designing and manufacturing tailor-made shoes for both the creative industry and private clients. He continues a family shoemaking tradition dating back to 1902.

With a background as an orthopedic shoe technician, René established his bespoke shoemaking workshop in 1992. His work combines deep technical knowledge of feet, materials, and construction with strong design sensibility, resulting in highly distinctive footwear.

René has collaborated with leading fashion designers, artists, and cultural institutions, and his work has been worn by international celebrities. He also runs his own shoemaking academy in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, where he teaches traditional shoemaking to a growing group of students.

Websites & Instagram:

• renevandenberg.nl

• renevandenbergacademy.nl

• makerszoon.nl

• Instagram: @renevandenbergacademy, @makerszoon

Kobi Levi

Kobi is a shoe artist whose work sits at the intersection of art, fashion, and design. Known for playful, thought-provoking, and sculptural footwear, his designs often incorporate humor, illusion, and unexpected forms.

After graduating from Bezalel Academy, Kobi developed his practice through both commercial projects and independent artistic work, making each pair by hand in his studio. His process blends traditional shoemaking with techniques from fashion, jewelry, and other disciplines.

Since gaining international attention in 2010, Kobi has exhibited, taught workshops, and given talks worldwide. His work has been worn by numerous Hollywood figures, and he continues to push creative boundaries after more than 25 years of making.

Websites & Social:

• kobilevidesign.com

• Instagram: @kobilevidesign

• Facebook: KobiLeviFootwear

Entry Requirements

To apply, please submit the following:

• A short written summary of your previous experience, along with images of selected projects you have made.

• Sketches of three shoe designs you are interested in developing during the masterclass. Sketches should include multiple views, overall shape, and notes on materials and color options.

• After review, selected participants will be informed which design(s) are suitable to be made during the course, and you will choose one to develop further.

• $5 Entry Fee to start the process. Once you are chosen, the student will be invoiced for the course price minus the entry fee.

Key Dates & Timeline

• Mastercourse dates: August 24–29, 2026

• Last date for sketch submission: April 6, 2026

Selection & Registration Process

• Shortlist notification: April 13, 2026
  Selected applicants will be notified and placed into either the confirmed list or waiting list.

• Final confirmation & payment deadline: April 27, 2026
  Accepted students must confirm participation and complete payment by this date. Brooklyn Shoe Space will send a special link with the invoice minus the application fee. If not confirmed, the spot will be offered to a waiting-list applicant.

• Waiting list update (if needed): April 29, 2026

• Final decision & payment deadline for waiting-list students: May 13, 2026 (14-day payment window)

Important Information

• The class is limited to 6 students to ensure focused guidance and individual attention.

• Students may seek either design consultancy or aesthetic guidance during the process.
  Regardless of the approach, all designs remain the intellectual property of the student, from initial concept through the finished pair.

• The process and final results will be documented for internal and promotional use.
  Certain techniques and expertise will not be shared publicly. Design sketches, development stages, and finished shoes will only be shown after completion, with full credit given to the designer and acknowledgment of the masterclass.

Course Structure, Pricing & Studio Details

• The course is led by two master shoemakers (designers and makers), both of whom will guide each student throughout the entire program.

• The studio is fully equipped with professional machinery required to realize each project.

• Course fees include standard tools, equipment, and materials provided in the studio.
  Students may also bring and combine their own tools or materials if desired.

• Each completed pair belongs to the student and may be taken home after professional documentation.

• The masterclass runs over 6 full studio days, starting at 9:00 AM daily. Session length may extend as needed to complete the work.

Total course fee:$5,500 USD
Includes: 6 studio days, prior mentoring, materials for the process, and one finished pair of shoes.

• Payment is made to Brooklyn Shoe Space, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

• Full payment is required within 14 days of acceptance, unless otherwise agreed.
  Failure to complete payment will result in the spot being offered to another applicant.

• This is a special visiting masterclass taught by two instructors traveling from Europe. Due to limited enrollment, high production costs, and advance commitments for travel, lodging, and materials, the following cancellation policy applies:

  • 45–30 days before course start: 50% refund

  • Within 30 days of course start: Non-refundable

As a small studio hosting visiting instructors, Brooklyn Shoe Space must finalize logistics well in advance.
If a cancelled seat is filled by another qualified student, BKSS may, at its discretion, issue a partial or full refund. This is not guaranteed and depends on timing and enrollment demand.

By applying, then registering for the course, students acknowledge and agree to this policy.