Weeknight 5-Day Intensive Shoemaking Workshop Session 10 of 10
- Brooklyn Shoe Space 87 Richardson Street Brooklyn, NY, 11211 United States (map)
5-day workshop broken up into 10 weeknight classes. Twice a week!
A 5-day intensive workshop making shoes, boots, or sneakers, stilettos, you name it! a design of your own!
Make Your Dream Shoes: Boots, Sneakers, Stilettos—You Name It!
Duration: 5 full days (option to condense into 4 long days or split into half-day/evening sessions)
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM with 1 hour lunch break
Format: Private sessions or group class (2+ students required for group)
Skill Level: Open to all—from first-timers to experienced shoemakers
Course Overview
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll design and construct a custom pair of cemented-construction shoes—your choice of style: boots, sneakers, flats, heels, or sandals. The class is tailored to your skill level and project idea. You’ll learn everything from pattern-making to lasting and soling. Students may use in-house lasts or request custom lasts in advance (additional fee applies).
Schedule at a Glance
Day 1: Design & Pattern-Making
Introduction to lasts: styles, shapes, and sizing
Measuring your feet and selecting an appropriate last
Sketching your design directly onto the last
Creating pattern templates from tape and transferring to paper
Pattern refinement for uppers and linings
Day 2: Cutting & Sewing Prep
Finalizing pattern pieces
Cutting upper and lining leathers
Introduction to Skiver Machine and Skive materials where needed
Introduction to the high-post sewing machine
Begin stitching upper and lining components
Day 3: Complete Uppers
Continue stitching
Assembling upper to lining
Prepping completed uppers for lasting
Day 4: Lasting
Cementing lining and uppers to the last
Adding structural components: toe puff and heel counter
Drying and setting time between steps
Discussion of sole options and planning
Day 5: Soling & Finishing
Attaching midsoles, shanks, and outsole
Options: pre-made soles, stacked leather soles, or custom-built. Learn about the different constructions
Finishing details: trimming, inking, buffing
Introduction to Foil Stamping: Customize your sockliner, and insert sockliner with foam
Final critique and photos
Materials Included
Upper and lining leathers (studio selection)
Toe puffs, heel counters
Midsoles, shanks, insole boards, foams
Outsole material (sheet or pre-made options)
Optional: Material shopping trips available. Students are responsible for any external purchases. Let us know in advance to send you a shop list.
Customizations & Options
Custom Lasts: If you have a specific toe shape or heel height in mind, we can help you order custom lasts in advance. Extra fees apply.
Shoe Reconstruction: Want to take apart and rebuild a pair? Contact us ahead of time to plan the approach.
Flexible Scheduling: Private or weeknight options available. DM us to arrange.
Group Classes: Check our calendar or plan a new one with 30+ days’ notice. 2-person minimum.
Important Notes
You may alter the toe shape of a last (add material), but may not shave it down unless you purchase the last.
Bring reference images if you have a vision in mind.
This is a full-time hands-on course. Comfortable shoes and snacks encouraged!
Instructor
Keiko Hirosue-Korolev is a seasoned shoemaker and educator with over 22 years of experience in the craft. After discovering her passion for shoemaking in a transformative course, Keiko immersed herself in the art, learning from independent artisans and navigating the corporate fashion industry. Her work spans collaborations with independent fashion brands and footwear companies, as well as developing expertise in rapid prototyping.
Looking forward to seeing your creations!
- Posted in Classes
- Tagged 5-day intensive