Skip to main content

Shoe Making Sneakers Short Course

Course description

On this course you will cover all aspects of design and making a pair of casual sneakers. You will create your own design and draw onto the last a men’s or women’s casual sneaker. You will develop your new pattern techniques, and select your own upper materials which will take you into clicking/closing. Under the guidance of your tutor you will design and construct your own unit/sole with existing materials.

You will begin by discussing your design ideas and then sketching your sneaker design onto the last and making your pattern.

You will be guided through the different types of leather suitable for your design before moving onto the making process. The tutor will demonstrate the skills needed to identify the different upper materials and hand cutting techniques involved. You will also be shown different types of edge treatments.

Based at our Golden Lane site, you’ll have access to the full range of industrial machines used in the making process such as the skiving machine, as well as the different types of sewing machines used for stitching leather. You’ll learn how to click (cut your leather by hand) and how to prepare and fit the many components involved such as the linings, insoles, stiffeners and sole units.

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.

What is the difference between sneakers and trainers?

Both shoes have rubber soles and are incredibly similar. The words are also interchanged depending on where you are in the world. However, mechanically, trainers are designed for working out and have thicker soles designed specifically for sport.

Did you know we also offer a sneakers design course for teenagers? Discover Sneakers Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course.

Clear, easy to understand lessons:

  • Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
  • New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way thats crystal clear and easy to understand.
  • Experience life on campus
  • Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
  • Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
  • Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
  • Ask questions of your tutor in real time
  • Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
  • Experience the many sights of London on your down time

A certificate of completion:

  • You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
  • As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
  • We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
  • Certificates are great to compliment your cv.

Available dates

It can take a few moments for our course dates to load - if there are no available dates, please contact our customer service team who will help you find a course or email you when new dates become available.
Make an enquiry or call us on 0207 514 7015.

Details

Topics covered:

  • Materials & leathers and appropriateness of selection 
  • Explanation of specialist equipment and machinery and treatments which may be achieved 
  • Basic understanding of terminology and foot anatomy 
  • Drawing onto the last 
  • Last taping 
  • Making an inside and outside/ mean form and design standard 
  • Pattern cutting 
  • Closing (stitching the upper) 
  • Preparing the insole 
  • Lasting (shaping the leather) 
  • Attaching the sole unit

Materials

In order to fully participate in the practical exercises please bring the following materials/equipment to the first class:

  • HB pencils, eraser and pencil sharpener
  • A 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. We provide the leather for your sneaker.

Meet the Tutor:

Pay by:
Visa
Mastercard
Maestro
Powered by Worldpay

This shoemaking short course you will cover all aspects of design and making a pair of casual sneakers.

£
Contact us: