


Leather Chukka Boots
In this 2 -day class, learn to create beautiful and minimal handsewn leather sneakers! You’ll use a pattern template, single layered upper, all hand sewn. Some rivets… It’s a fun class!
We have recently sourced the best leathers for this class so you won’t have trouble stitching them! You’ll have a choice of WHITE, BLACK or VEGE tan leather. We can also let the students dye the vege tan leather.
Book a Private Class: If you're in a hurry and prefer a one-on-one session, you can schedule a private class on a day that works best for you.
Join a Group Class: If you can plan ahead with at least one month’s notice, you can sign up for a group class on a day of your choice. We’ll post available dates on the calendar and see if others are interested in joining. Please note, we need a minimum of 2 students to hold a group class.

6-Day Intensive Shoemaking Workshop
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!




INTRO TO SHOEMAKING
We regularly have these classes scheduled in our calendar!
Duration: 2 Hours (Single-session class)
Format: Group or private session (in-person or online available)
Skill Level: Open to all. Ideal for beginners and curious makers
Tuition: $100
Class Size: Private or small group (2-student minimum for group class)
We roughly cover this content in the 5-day course on day 1, in the morning as well.
Course Objectives
By the end of this intro session, students will:
Understand the basic construction and anatomy of footwear
Learn common shoemaking terminology and techniques
Discover what lasts are and how they influence fit and design
Learn how to measure their own feet accurately for shoemaking
Gain insight into sourcing materials and tools
Begin sketching ideas and feeling confident to design their first pair of shoes
Be better prepared to take hands-on shoemaking classes with the right knowledge and supplies
Topics Covered
Footwear Construction Fundamentals
Parts of a shoe: upper, lining, insole, midsole, shank, outsole, heel, toplift and more
Overview of different shoe construction methods (cemented, Strobel stitched, Handwelted etc.)
What makes a well-made shoe?
Lasts & Fit
What is a last and why is it the foundation of shoemaking?
How to measure your feet and choose the right last shape
Tips on modifying or ordering custom lasts
Fit considerations based on design (heels, sneakers, sandals, boots, barefoot)
Materials & Tools
Types of leather and alternatives used in uppers and linings
Overview of soling materials and hardware
Where to source materials locally and online
Recommendations on essential tools for beginners
Design & Inspiration
Starting a sketch: design intention vs. technical needs
Consider silhouette, function, closure type, and material
Students are encouraged to sketch a rough idea for their first shoe
Recommended For:
Beginners looking to explore footwear design before diving into construction
Students planning to take future shoemaking courses (sandal-making, sneaker, or boot classes)
Designers and creatives who want to understand the foundation of footwear production. (We cover differences between manufactured shoes vs handmade shoes)
Anyone looking to custom order a last ahead of a more advanced course
If you don’t see a class on the calendar that fits your schedule, you can book a date that works for you!
Private Class: Prefer a one-on-one session or working on a specific project? Book a private intro class at your convenience.
Group Class:If you’re planning ahead, you can join a group class. Let us know your availability at least 30 days in advance. We’ll post it on the calendar and open it to others. Please note: 2 students minimum required to run a group session.


INTRO TO SHOEMAKING
We regularly have these classes scheduled in our calendar!
Duration: 2 Hours (Single-session class)
Format: Group or private session (in-person or online available)
Skill Level: Open to all. Ideal for beginners and curious makers
Tuition: $100
Class Size: Private or small group (2-student minimum for group class)
We roughly cover this content in the 5-day course on day 1, in the morning as well.
Course Objectives
By the end of this intro session, students will:
Understand the basic construction and anatomy of footwear
Learn common shoemaking terminology and techniques
Discover what lasts are and how they influence fit and design
Learn how to measure their own feet accurately for shoemaking
Gain insight into sourcing materials and tools
Begin sketching ideas and feeling confident to design their first pair of shoes
Be better prepared to take hands-on shoemaking classes with the right knowledge and supplies
Topics Covered
Footwear Construction Fundamentals
Parts of a shoe: upper, lining, insole, midsole, shank, outsole, heel, toplift and more
Overview of different shoe construction methods (cemented, Strobel stitched, Handwelted etc.)
What makes a well-made shoe?
Lasts & Fit
What is a last and why is it the foundation of shoemaking?
How to measure your feet and choose the right last shape
Tips on modifying or ordering custom lasts
Fit considerations based on design (heels, sneakers, sandals, boots, barefoot)
Materials & Tools
Types of leather and alternatives used in uppers and linings
Overview of soling materials and hardware
Where to source materials locally and online
Recommendations on essential tools for beginners
Design & Inspiration
Starting a sketch: design intention vs. technical needs
Consider silhouette, function, closure type, and material
Students are encouraged to sketch a rough idea for their first shoe
Recommended For:
Beginners looking to explore footwear design before diving into construction
Students planning to take future shoemaking courses (sandal-making, sneaker, or boot classes)
Designers and creatives who want to understand the foundation of footwear production. (We cover differences between manufactured shoes vs handmade shoes)
Anyone looking to custom order a last ahead of a more advanced course
If you don’t see a class on the calendar that fits your schedule, you can book a date that works for you!
Private Class: Prefer a one-on-one session or working on a specific project? Book a private intro class at your convenience.
Group Class:If you’re planning ahead, you can join a group class. Let us know your availability at least 30 days in advance. We’ll post it on the calendar and open it to others. Please note: 2 students minimum required to run a group session.


INTRO TO SHOEMAKING
We regularly have these classes scheduled in our calendar!
Duration: 2 Hours (Single-session class)
Format: Group or private session (in-person or online available)
Skill Level: Open to all. Ideal for beginners and curious makers
Tuition: $100
Class Size: Private or small group (2-student minimum for group class)
We roughly cover this content in the 5-day course on day 1, in the morning as well.
Course Objectives
By the end of this intro session, students will:
Understand the basic construction and anatomy of footwear
Learn common shoemaking terminology and techniques
Discover what lasts are and how they influence fit and design
Learn how to measure their own feet accurately for shoemaking
Gain insight into sourcing materials and tools
Begin sketching ideas and feeling confident to design their first pair of shoes
Be better prepared to take hands-on shoemaking classes with the right knowledge and supplies
Topics Covered
Footwear Construction Fundamentals
Parts of a shoe: upper, lining, insole, midsole, shank, outsole, heel, toplift and more
Overview of different shoe construction methods (cemented, Strobel stitched, Handwelted etc.)
What makes a well-made shoe?
Lasts & Fit
What is a last and why is it the foundation of shoemaking?
How to measure your feet and choose the right last shape
Tips on modifying or ordering custom lasts
Fit considerations based on design (heels, sneakers, sandals, boots, barefoot)
Materials & Tools
Types of leather and alternatives used in uppers and linings
Overview of soling materials and hardware
Where to source materials locally and online
Recommendations on essential tools for beginners
Design & Inspiration
Starting a sketch: design intention vs. technical needs
Consider silhouette, function, closure type, and material
Students are encouraged to sketch a rough idea for their first shoe
Recommended For:
Beginners looking to explore footwear design before diving into construction
Students planning to take future shoemaking courses (sandal-making, sneaker, or boot classes)
Designers and creatives who want to understand the foundation of footwear production. (We cover differences between manufactured shoes vs handmade shoes)
Anyone looking to custom order a last ahead of a more advanced course
If you don’t see a class on the calendar that fits your schedule, you can book a date that works for you!
Private Class: Prefer a one-on-one session or working on a specific project? Book a private intro class at your convenience.
Group Class:If you’re planning ahead, you can join a group class. Let us know your availability at least 30 days in advance. We’ll post it on the calendar and open it to others. Please note: 2 students minimum required to run a group session.






Mule Making Workshop
In this 2-day course, you will learn the basics of shoemaking, but only making half of it (the front half!) in a form of Mules- You will modify a Standard Mule pattern to your design, trace and cut material, last the upper, insert toe puffs, prep the outsoles, and sole the mules.
An easy style to start!
Book a Private Class: If you're in a hurry and prefer a one-on-one session, you can schedule a private class on a day that works best for you.
Join a Group Class: If you can plan ahead with at least one month’s notice, you can sign up for a group class on a day of your choice. We’ll post available dates on the calendar and see if others are interested in joining. Please note, we need a minimum of 2 students to hold a group class.
PLEASE SEND YOUR SHOE SIZE ahead of time.
All tools and supplies are included in the course.
If you prefer a high-heeled mule, please take a 3-day stiletto course, or book a private class. They cannot be finished in a one-long-day course.
Pull-down menu will show you available in-person dates, or private course or zoom class dates of your choice. Once you book, we will contact you for details! Email us with dates of your choice! keiko@brooklynshoespace.com
TEACHER: KEIKO OR FOSSEY


#002 PATTERN MAKING
In this 5-hour class, you will make a pattern for your own design. You will make both upper and lining patterns. This is a class you can take multiple times, depending on different designs you wish to create. Each style has a different pattern, and different tips and tricks.
You can always come back for this class for your new designs!
Book a Private Class: If you're in a hurry and prefer a one-on-one session, you can schedule a private class on a day that works best for you.
Join a Group Class: If you can plan ahead with at least one month’s notice, you can sign up for a group class on a day of your choice. We’ll post available dates on the calendar and see if others are interested in joining. Please note, we need a minimum of 2 students to hold a group class.

#002 PATTERN MAKING
In this 5-hour class, you will make a pattern for your own design. You will make both upper and lining patterns. This is a class you can take multiple times, depending on different designs you wish to create. Each style has a different pattern, and different tips and tricks.
You can always come back for this class for your new designs!
Book a Private Class: If you're in a hurry and prefer a one-on-one session, you can schedule a private class on a day that works best for you.
Join a Group Class: If you can plan ahead with at least one month’s notice, you can sign up for a group class on a day of your choice. We’ll post available dates on the calendar and see if others are interested in joining. Please note, we need a minimum of 2 students to hold a group class.


#002 PATTERN MAKING
In this 5-hour class, you will make a pattern for your own design. You will make both upper and lining patterns. This is a class you can take multiple times, depending on different designs you wish to create. Each style has a different pattern, and different tips and tricks.
You can always come back for this class for your new designs!
Book a Private Class: If you're in a hurry and prefer a one-on-one session, you can schedule a private class on a day that works best for you.
Join a Group Class: If you can plan ahead with at least one month’s notice, you can sign up for a group class on a day of your choice. We’ll post available dates on the calendar and see if others are interested in joining. Please note, we need a minimum of 2 students to hold a group class.

LEATHER TOOLING
In this 3-4 hour class students will learn the basics of leather tooling on vegetable tanned leather, including introductory tools, techniques and basic carving/engraving. Students will learn step by step how to draw, transfer, cut, tool, and oil their project from start to finish. Students will receive 4 circle pieces, and a practice piece of leather take home a truly unique piece of art in the form of coasters! Learn something new, and leave with something YOU made!
Course is taught by Wayne Kong, a leather craftsman focusing on bespoke handmade leather goods.
Veg tan leather and tools included in the course. You will learn where to purchase some tools, and get to try out some of the teacher's in class.
If you like the tools, you can purchase a starter tooling kit for $75.


#002 PATTERN MAKING
In this 5-hour class, you will make a pattern for your own design. You will make both upper and lining patterns. This is a class you can take multiple times, depending on different designs you wish to create. Each style has a different pattern, and different tips and tricks.
You can always come back for this class for your new designs!
Book a Private Class: If you're in a hurry and prefer a one-on-one session, you can schedule a private class on a day that works best for you.
Join a Group Class: If you can plan ahead with at least one month’s notice, you can sign up for a group class on a day of your choice. We’ll post available dates on the calendar and see if others are interested in joining. Please note, we need a minimum of 2 students to hold a group class.