How to become a fashion shoemaker

How to become a Fashion Shoemaker

Becoming a shoemaker demands passion, patience, and perseverance. The shoemaking trade 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 fashion 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 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.

Fashion Shoemaking Internships and Apprenticeships
Seek internships and apprenticeships with fashion shoe manufacturers, design studios, or footwear companies to learn directly from experienced fashion 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. Document your shoe design sketches, renderings, technical drawings, photographs, and completed projects, and any special techniques or innovations you've mastered. A well-curated 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 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 fashion shoemaking companies 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 and stay open to new ideas and advancements in the field to continually refine your craft.

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

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

Some renowned schools include Cordwainers at London College of Fashion, Ars Sutoria in Milan, and the Shoe College / Université des Chaussures in New Orleans. Programs may range from a few weeks to several months in duration.

Below is an overview of the course units which comprise the Bachelor’s Degree (Honors) Cordwainers Footwear program, which runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. The program is divided into three stages over three academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks.

Stage 1

• Introduction to Footwear
• Product Design and Technologies
• Product Creativity
• Better Lives
• Fashion Cultures and Histories

Stage 2

• Professional Practice
• Critical Issues in Fashion Research
• Creative Design
• Industry Project

Stage 3

• Concept Vision
• Contextualizing Your Practice
• Concept Realization

On successful completion of Stage 2 students are offered the option of a professional placement leading to an extra qualification, the Diploma in Professional Studies.

The Diploma year is a single unit, undertaken as a form of full time study, with placement activity at its core. For those who take up the option of studying the Diploma, the experience is designed to be an integrated and assessed part of a student’s journey through the course. It allows students the opportunity to experience the atmosphere, pace, and discipline of working in the industry, through total involvement in the day-to-day activities of a company. It will build on the knowledge gathered through course work to practically demonstrate the roles and functions, and operations typical of the fashion industry and the student’s chosen specialism.

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

Certifications
Currently, there are no certifications targeted exclusively at fashion shoemakers. However, there are some certifications related to footwear design and manufacturing that can provide valuable knowledge and skills applicable to fashion 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 fashion shoemakers and the broader footwear industry, providing platforms for networking, professional development, and sharing knowledge and resources:

• City & Guilds, a UK-based organization, offers certifications in shoemaking through their Leather Production and Craftsmanship program. These certifications cover various aspects of shoemaking, including pattern cutting, closing, and finishing.
• The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, a livery company in the City of London, UK, has a long-standing history and tradition associated with the shoemaking craft. The company gets its name from ‘cordwain,’ the white leather produced from goatskin in Cordova, Spain.
• 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.
• World Footwear is an international platform that provides information and news about the global footwear industry. It addresses various aspects of the industry, including manufacturing, retail, trade, and sustainability.
• The British Footwear Association is a trade association based in the United Kingdom, representing manufacturers, designers, and suppliers in the footwear industry.
• The Italian Shoe Manufacturers Association (Assocalzaturifici) represents Italian footwear manufacturers. It promotes Italian shoemakers, facilitates international trade, and supports industry growth.
• The Society of Shoemakers of New York is a non-profit organization which aims to promote the art and craft of shoemaking, preserve the heritage of shoemaking skills, and provide a collaboration platform for shoemakers.
• The Society of Shoe Fitters, based in the United Kingdom, is an organization dedicated to promoting the importance of correctly fitting shoes.
• The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education is an employer led organization that supports technical education and apprenticeships in the United Kingdom.