Frequently asked questions

No. You do not need any shoemaking experience to take a class. Tools, machines and materials are provided. Current dates are on the Classes page.

Tools, machines and materials are provided, and an instructor teaches you at the bench. You keep what you make.

Clothes you do not mind getting glue or dye on, and closed-toe shoes. Tools and materials are provided.

Yes. Most classes can be booked as a private lesson, and a private lesson can also be built around your own project. Request one on the Private lessons page.

New dates are added to the Calendar regularly. You can also book a private lesson on a date that suits you, or email hello@brooklynshoespace.com to ask what is coming up.

Classes: All class bookings are non-refundable. If you cancel more than 48 hours before your class begins, your payment can be applied as credit toward a future class. We understand that life happens and plans sometimes change, so we're happy to accommodate rescheduling whenever possible. Class bookings may be rescheduled up to two times.

Memberships: You may cancel your membership at any time. Cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing period.

For complete details, please review our Terms of Service.

If you're new to shoemaking, we recommend starting with a shorter class, like our Intro to Shoemaking, to get a feel for what goes into making a pair of shoes. From there, you can dive into one of our multi-day courses.

We also offer shorter leather goods workshops if you'd like to explore your creativity and get comfortable working with leather.

No experience is necessary! We provide all the tools, machines, and materials you need. You'll learn by doing and leave with something you've made yourself.

Browse our class schedule and find a class that interests you!

Anyone with enough shoemaking experience to work on their own in the studio. To join, you send a note about your experience, visit the studio, and complete a one-time equipment orientation. Details are on the Memberships page.

Yes, enough to work on your own at the bench. A class at BKSS, footwear study elsewhere, or prior shoemaking experience all count. If you are starting from zero, take a class first and come back.

Industrial sewing machines, skivers, a sole press, a grinder and finisher, a heat stamper, a bandsaw and other specialized footwear equipment. Members also have lasts in a variety of styles (more on request), shared hand tools and workbenches. The full list is on the Memberships page.

Yes. Once you have completed the orientation, you can use the studio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Limited Storage in clear bins is available for active members only.

Members get a fully equipped shoe studio with professional machines, hand tools and a community of makers. Because the equipment is valuable, joining starts with a conversation and a one-time orientation. See what’s included on the memberships page.

87 Richardson Street, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. Everything else you need to reach us is on the Contact page.

Yes. Write to us on the Contact page to set up a time. If you are applying for membership, a studio visit is part of joining.

We look at this case by case. Tell us what you need the space for, when, and how many people are involved on the Contact page, and we will tell you whether it works.

Yes. Designers and brands use the studio to prototype, and we offer consulting on product development, construction, sourcing and production. See the Consulting page, or describe your project on the Contact page.

We do: lasts, soles, leather, tools and BKSS goods. Browse everything in the shop.

Yes. The BKSS scholarship helps makers who could not otherwise afford a class, and it is funded by supporters on Patreon. How to apply is in the Scholarship section of the About page.

Cost should never be the reason someone can’t learn Shoemaking. We offer scholarships and sliding-scale pricing, funded through Patreon and merch sales. Get in touch and we’ll find you a seat in class.