How to become an athletic shoemaker

How to become an Athletic Shoemaker

Becoming an athletic shoemaker demands passion, patience, and perseverance. The craft of athletic shoemaking does not have strict requirements in terms of degrees or certifications. It is often recognized and valued based on the reputation, skill, and craftsmanship of individual shoemakers rather than official credentials. However, acquiring relevant training and/or formal education can greatly benefit aspiring shoemakers and provide a solid foundation for their career. Here are the educational paths commonly pursued by individuals interested in becoming athletic shoemakers:

High School Diploma
Complete your high school education or an equivalent qualification. Focus on subjects like art, design, mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as they provide a foundation for understanding the principles of footwear design and manufacturing.

Research and Familiarize Yourself with Shoemaking
Begin by gaining a solid understanding of the craft of shoemaking. Read books, watch tutorials, and explore online resources to learn about the tools, techniques, and materials used in the trade. Familiarize yourself with different shoe styles, construction methods, and the history of shoemaking.

Acquire Basic Shoe Repair Skills
Gain practical experience in shoe repair and maintenance. This will help you develop manual dexterity and a foundation in working with footwear, understanding its components, and familiarizing yourself with different types of shoes. Consider working or apprenticing at a shoe repair shop to gain hands-on experience.

Athletic Shoemaking Internships and Apprenticeships
Seek internships and apprenticeships with athletic shoe manufacturers, design studios, or footwear companies to learn directly from experienced athletic shoemakers. By practising hand-sketching, pattern-making, and prototype construction alongside a master shoemaker, you will refine your skills and absorb the techniques, craftsmanship, and nuances of the trade. Apprenticeships typically involve a longer-term commitment than internships.

Build a Portfolio
As you develop your skills, start building a portfolio of your work. Create your own athletic footwear designs and prototypes and document the design process, along with any special techniques or innovations you've mastered. A strong portfolio will showcase your abilities and help you attract clients or secure employment opportunities.

Establish Your Own Workshop or Seek Employment
Decide whether you want to establish your own athletic shoemaking business or work for an established shoemaker or brand. If you choose to go independent, set up your workshop, acquire the necessary tools and equipment, and establish a presence through marketing and networking. If you prefer employment, research and approach athletic footwear brands or manufacturers that align with your style and values.

Continual Learning and Improvement
The learning process in shoemaking is ongoing. Stay updated with industry trends, take short courses on specific aspects of shoemaking, and attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to expand your knowledge and skills. Seek feedback from peers and clients to continually refine your craft.

Formal Shoemaking Education
While formal education is not mandatory to become an athletic shoemaker, it can provide a structured learning environment, access to experienced instructors, and opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers.

Some specialized schools and workshops around the world offer courses and programs focused on athletic shoemaking. These educational institutions provide hands-on training, covering various aspects of the craft, including pattern making, cutting, stitching, lasting, and finishing.

These are some sample lessons from athletic shoemaking programs:

• The fundamentals of footwear design, including anatomy of the foot and ergonomics
• Materials science and understanding the properties of various materials used in athletic footwear, such as different types of foams, rubbers, synthetic fabrics, and breathable meshes
• Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and refine digital shoe designs
• How to draw the sneakers design on the shoe last
• How to make a full sneakers pattern: the upper and lining pattern, the inner soft details, and the counter (a thermoplastic material which is inserted, using heat, between the lining and the upper of the shoe to help maintain shoe shape and support the foot)
• How to make the insole, the inner shoe part that connects all shoe parts together
• How to cut leather details
• How to assemble and saw upper and lining sneaker details, including how to insert the soft inner details of sneakers (made of foam) that will make them more comfortable.
• How to apply the eyelets on the sneaker upper for the laces
• How to use the shoe last in the upper design phase
• How to attach a rubber shoe sole
• How to stitch a rubber sole by hand, using a special shoemaker’s awl
• How to create an EVA wedge shoe sole (EVA stands for Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, which is a plastic that has been created to have rubber like properties, however it is softer and far more flexible than rubber. This allows for easy sole molding and construction but more importantly provides an extremely comfortable sole to walk in.)
• Basic patina on sneakers
• Sneakers finishing

Two alternatives to a completing a formal program in athletic footwear design and creation are undergraduate studies in industrial design or fine arts. These programs can provide a strong foundation in artistic skills, craftsmanship, and working with various materials, all of which are transferable to shoemaking.

Certifications
Currently, there are no certifications targeted exclusively at athletic shoemakers. However, there are some certifications related to footwear design and manufacturing that can provide valuable knowledge and skills applicable to athletic shoemaking. Here are some examples:

• Footwear Technology Certifications – Some organizations offer certifications related to footwear technology and materials. For example, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) offers a certification program for professionals involved in testing and evaluating footwear materials and products.
• CAD Software Certifications – Obtaining certifications in computer-aided design (CAD) software commonly used in the footwear industry, such as Adobe Illustrator or Rhino, can enhance your skill set and demonstrate proficiency to potential employers.
• Manufacturing Process Certifications – Certifications in manufacturing processes related to the footwear industry, such as lean manufacturing, quality control, or Six Sigma, can be advantageous. These certifications demonstrate knowledge and expertise in efficient production practices, which can be valuable for shoemakers involved in the manufacturing aspect of athletic footwear.

Professional Organizations Supporting the Shoemaking Community
The following organizations cater to athletic shoemakers and the broader footwear industry, providing platforms for networking, professional development, and sharing knowledge and resources:

• The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) is a trade association representing the footwear industry in the United States. It brings together footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers.
• The Society of Shoe Fitters is an organization dedicated to promoting professionalism and expertise in proper shoe fitting and comfort.
• The International Footwear & Leather Exhibition ((IFLE) is one of the largest footwear and leather product exhibitions in the world. It serves as a platform for professionals in the footwear industry to showcase their products, network, and stay updated with the latest trends and innovations.
• The Footwearists is a global community of footwear professionals that aims to connect, inspire, and educate individuals in the footwear industry. It organizes events, webinars, and workshops focused on various aspects of footwear design, production, and business.