This workshop is designed for makers who want to elevate the precision of their boot construction, deepen their understanding of fit, and refine a professional-level upper development process through the iconic Engineer Boot. Blending traditional hand skills with a modern digital workflow, this program offers both heritage techniques and contemporary methods essential for professional bootmaking.
This is a two-part combination class held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Brooklyn, New York.
Early bird signups (Register by March 15) will get a Engineer Boot last ordered in your size ($150+ retail value). It is included in the class, and you will be able to take them home. If you sign up without ample time to order the last, you will use an available last in an available size from Marcell's studio, which you must return after the class.
LOCATION: Lancaster, PA & Brooklyn Shoe Space, Brooklyn, NY
Minimum 4 students, Maximum 8 participants
CURRICULUM
Part I – Lancaster, PA (Day 1: Saturday, May 2, 2026)
Technical Foundations: Classroom + Demonstration
Spend one intensive day in Marcell Mrsan’s workshop in Lancaster, designed for serious shoemakers and advanced students. This focused session covers the full engineer boot upper development process — from pattern to shaping — combining observation, technical breakdown, and live demonstration.
Topics include:
Pattern making (by hand & CAD)
Clicking (leather cutting) + material discussion
Last alteration & made-to-measure methods
Crimping
Sewing order of assembly
Toe and counter shaping
Due to the tight schedule, your engineer boot upper will be pre-made to your size/last for the hands-on portion. You will receive access to your size pattern and review the complete sewing sequence and construction logic with Marcell.
Using the pre-made uppers, Marcell will demonstrate key techniques, and you will have the opportunity to use his machines to mold heels and shape counters directly in his workshop.
Early registrants may also download the pattern, purchase the leather package, watch the upper-making video, and attempt to cut and prepare their own upper prior to class.
Part II – Brooklyn, NY (May 9-10-11-12, Saturday - Tuesday)
The program continues in a hands-on workshop environment where you will complete the boot construction process.
Insole making
Lasting the lining
Make and insert leather toe stiffeners
Finish Lasting the upper, attach midsole, and stitch down to the midsole
Bottoming, stacking premade rubber soles and heels and outsole leather combo.
Finishing
Materials included in the class
For the pair you make in class, all material and patterns used in class is included. Access to the upper making video ($300 retail value) is included in the course.
Every student will receive one complimentary sewing awl as a gift after using in class. Only the early-bird signup students will receive their own size lasts.
Add-Ons
Stitchdown Book — $55 (Normally $85) for class participants
Pattern for Engineer Boot uppers in any one size — $249
Leather package for an additional pair — $259
Additional day to finnesse the finishing process either in Marcell's or Brooklyn Shoe Space — $250/half day
Discounts
Early Bird Registration: Engineer Boot Lasts of their own size ($150+ value)
Mentorship Program participants — 15% off