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Short course

Shoe Making Pumps or Heels Short Course

Shoe Making Pumps or Heels Short Course | On campus
Design and make of a pair of heels or ballet pumps, starting with the foot anatomy and measurements using a contemporary last.

Next start months
July 2025
January 2026
April 2026
Tutor(s)
Nafi Mustafa
Price
From £910.00

Course description

Course overview

On this shoe-making course, you will cover all aspects of design and making of a pair of heels or ballet pumps, starting with the foot anatomy and measurements using a contemporary last. You will then be taken step by step through creating different patterns for a variety of styles.

Once you have chosen your style, you will move onto creating your own pattern, before being shown the different processes involved in constructing a completed pair of shoes. You will then be able to make your pair of shoes using a variety of industrial machines in our extensive workshops. Well also demonstrate the hand cutting and stitching techniques that are often used for bespoke shoe making.

Although not a design course, there will be the opportunity to make lots of creative choices on your style of heels or ballet pumps, and you will also be given the opportunity to add your own trims and embellishments.

Leather is provided for your shoe, but you can also choose to buy your own under the guidance of the tutor.

Please note: You will make either a pair of heels or ballet pumps. While every effort will be made to meet your size requirements, please be aware that it may not always be possible to make the shoe in your desired size. This is not a design course and the shoe style you make will be determined by the capabilities of the studio.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for anyone interested in making pumps or heels regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Understanding pattern cutting for heels or ballet pumps
  • Understanding leather quality and the various materials used for shoe construction
  • Lasting procedure (shaping and moulding the leather)
  • Understanding of closing machine and techniques
  • Attaching heels and soles Hand cutting and stitching techniques

Learning outcomes

  • Make a pair of sandals within the guidelines set by your tutor
  • Learn the essential elements of taping the last up and drawing the 2d designs on to the 3d last allowing them to see how the designs translate from paper
  • Learn the foundation knowledge of footwear and the terminology
  • Learn how to use specific footwear machinery in the workshop
  • How to pattern cut your sneaker sectional pieces that consists of the upper and lining
  • Learn and complete the different processes involved in clicking and cutting your upper in leather, gluing them and stitching them together using the post machines and then lasting them to create a pair of shoes
  • How to attach a sole and heel
  • Create a skeleton board and sole
  • Digital badge and certificate of attendance

Materials

  • HB pencils, eraser and pencil sharpener
  • Roll of masking tape (1 inch wide)

All other specialist equipment will be provided. While every effort will be made to meet your size requirements, please be aware that it may not always be possible to make the shoe in your desired size. This is not a design course and the shoe style you make will be determined by the capabilities of the studio.

Tutor

Nafi Mustafa

Nafi Mustafa began his career at an early age working alongside his father who was a shoemaker. He studied at the Cordwainers College in East London where he gained a diploma in footwear design and a Royal Society of Arts bursaries and City & Guilds qualification in boot and shoe manufacturing. Following his graduation he ventured to Italy, where he trained and worked in the footwear industry, developing his appreciation and expertise in the craft of footwear. Shortly afterwards he worked with a range of brands including Bally of Switzerland, H&M Raynes, John Hlustik Design, Levis, Wrangler, Arrow and Clarks. He then went on to set up his own design consultancy company based in London, where he provided footwear manufacturers and tanners with a comprehensive range of design ideas for men’s, women’s and children’s footwear; both in the UK and overseas.

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