Shoes That Tell a Story - 8-Day Character Footwear Design & Making Intensive

8-Day Custom Shoemaking Course with Thomas J. Rowe

Create a one-of-a-kind pair of shoes inspired by the world of film, television, and character-driven costume design.

In this eight-day intensive, students will design and construct a pair of shoes for a fictional character. Whether it's a post-apocalyptic scavenger, an underground detective, an alien noble, or the lead in a period drama, each design will consider the character's story, environment, personality, and physical demands.

The goal is to create a "hero shoe", the kind of footwear that deserves its own close-up as the main character steps into frame.

Working from a selection of classic silhouettes and last shapes, students will reinterpret traditional footwear through exaggerated proportions, custom detailing, textured leather treatments, decorative hardware, and simulated wear and aging.

Depending on their designs, students will explore specialized techniques such as hidden zippers, covered platforms, cuffed boots, button boot construction, and military-inspired combat soles.

This is a design-led, hands-on course. Each student will develop a unique concept while learning the technical processes required to turn that design into a wearable pair of shoes.

To ensure each project is achievable within eight days, students will select from a curated range of silhouettes and lasts. Designs must be submitted and approved in advance, allowing time to plan construction methods and source appropriate materials.

About the Instructor

Thomas J. Rowe is a bespoke shoemaker specializing in footwear for film and television. With 13 years of teaching experience and six years working in the entertainment industry, he brings a unique combination of traditional shoemaking expertise and character-driven costume design.

Through his company, Footwear for Film, Thomas creates bespoke footwear for principal characters in major film and television productions. His work includes projects for studios such as Marvel, Paramount, Sony, and Netflix, and collaborations with acclaimed costume designers including Sandy Powell and Colleen Atwood.

Thomas has also taught cordwaining at I CAN MAKE SHOES and London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London.

This will be Thomas's first time teaching in the United States, and his first workshop at Brooklyn Shoe Space.

Eight-Day Course Outline

Day 1 — Character, Measurements & Last Preparation

Review approved designs, take measurements, adjust lasts, and begin master standard patterns.

Day 2 — Pattern Development

Complete working patterns and cut the fitting upper.

Day 3 — Fitting Upper Construction

Sew the fitting upper and prepare the insoles and midsoles for lasting.

Day 4 — Lasting & Fitting

Last the fitting upper, evaluate proportions and fit, and identify necessary adjustments.

Day 5 — Final Pattern Adjustments

Refine the last and patterns based on the fitting. Begin cutting the final upper materials.

Day 6 — Upper Construction

Continue cutting, assembling, and sewing the final upper, incorporating specialized design details.

Day 7 — Final Assembly & Lasting

Complete upper construction and last the final shoes.

Day 8 — Soling & Finishing

Attach soles, make sock liners, and complete final finishing and detailing.

The daily schedule may vary depending on the complexity of individual designs.

Before the Course

Students will be asked to develop and submit their character concepts and preliminary footwear designs before the workshop. Thomas will review the proposed designs to help determine suitable lasts, materials, construction methods, and the scope of each project.

Since the teacher is traveling from the UK, DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CLASS IS JANUARY 15, 2027!