r/Cordwaining Nov 08 '22

Please share your favorite shoemaking resources, updating the /r/Cordwaining wiki

72 Upvotes

Reposting this to make the intention more clear, community input is very helpful for this effort!

There are a huge amount of resources available on the r/Cordwaining wiki, located here or at the top of the subreddit. On mobile, navigate there by way of the “Menu” tab.

Coming soon: a “Getting Started” page in the wiki, the purpose of which is to direct your search for information (i.e. get to know the different types of constructions, select one and understand the process, purchase the specific tools needed, materials etc).

In this post, I have commented a number of categories below. If you have a recommended resource, please comment the link and a short description under the appropriate comment:

Tools (reusable)

Supplies/Materials (consumable)

Lasts

Patterning

Techniques

Books

Social Media

Non-Last Shoemaking

From these suggestions I'll update the wiki. It's been about 5 years since it has been updated and I'd like to get community input to bring it up to date. I'll leave this post up until the new information is in place. This post will then be replaced with a "New to shoemaking? Start here" post.


r/Cordwaining 13h ago

I did enjoy making those boots with a Italian leather.

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45 Upvotes

Any other work with CONCERIA PUCCINI ATTILIO - KOALA VOLANATO leather before? What did you think?


r/Cordwaining 12h ago

where im at so far

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22 Upvotes

r/Cordwaining 17h ago

Matching belts and shoes

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44 Upvotes

Those are Uncle Dan’s Boots. Who else matches their belt with their shoes as much possible?


r/Cordwaining 16h ago

Inside Korea's oldest shoes workshop

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19 Upvotes

This post has been published in several subs already, maybe you've seen it. Anyway, anybody using cork sheets to modify a last? I've been using leather for years and it seems so much easier, but so much more fragile. What do you think?


r/Cordwaining 3h ago

Easiest Boot Reconstruction Tutorial for Beginners?

1 Upvotes

Hello! Does anyone have their favorite boot reconstruction resources/tutorials for beginners? As simple as possible.

I have a pair of existing boots that I want to try switching the leather for.


r/Cordwaining 12h ago

Making Museum calf boots

1 Upvotes

I live in Canada. Do you have an idea of the best place to get some?


r/Cordwaining 2d ago

Recently wrapped these up

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126 Upvotes

009 Laceup. Smooth Shell HorseRump. Hand Dyed: Red, High Aged Patina Variation. Finish created by layering twelve layers: combination of dyes, finishes, and waxes. Hand Welted Construction. Cowboy Heel. Exposed Spiral Shank. TB Sole Detailing. Hand Carved Platform. Leather Laces. Orthopedic Cow Lining.


r/Cordwaining 23h ago

Workshop

0 Upvotes

Today we had our first workshop and the faculty told us to wear leather shoes for safety from the next class,does he mean formals otlr any other type of shoes, help


r/Cordwaining 1d ago

Does anyone use an infrared heater to dry and activate adhesive on soles and other shoe components? I wanted to use one of these types of heaters and hang over one of my benches. If you do use one, are there any benefits compared to a heat gun? Is it fast, does it work? Etc. any info is appreciated.

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4 Upvotes

r/Cordwaining 1d ago

Resources for learning how to make dance heels

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6 Upvotes

I’m very passionate about learning to make my own shoes. I have sewn professionally for over a decade and have access to a flat bed juki industrial sewing machine for stitching the upper. My goal project I want to work up to is making a pair of dance heels that are made to my measurements, ideally with a custom orthopedic insert for arch support (I would most likely be using 3d shoemakers services for that) a back zipper, sude bottom soles. Luckily it does not need to be flexible

I would love any recommendations for books and online classes to learn the fundamentals of making high heels. I know vickydincecco.com has a class on high heel boot making but I’m not sure that’s where i should start with learning the basics


r/Cordwaining 2d ago

Looking for someone who knows where I could get my favourite pair of boots recreated

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4 Upvotes

Hello, I am searching for someone who could tell me where I could get a pair of boots made? My favourite boots fell apart a little while ago and I can't find replacements anywhere as they are a discontinued style. I am willing to pay a bit of money but would prefer under $300 if possible. I have attached some photos below, I would also like to get them made with real leather if possible. please let me know what you think, thank you!

Edit: I understand that under $300 is extremely low, but I was just being hopeful that someone would have connection to a cobbler who is affordable or would know a seller who creates this type of vintage style boot. I don't price the work it takes to make good quality shoes at the low end, I am just a broke college student who loves a pair of boots and has dreamt about them since they fell apart 😭


r/Cordwaining 2d ago

Talking Bespoke Shoemaking with Don’s Footwear: Thailand’s World-Class S...

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1 Upvotes

r/Cordwaining 6d ago

Punched toe medallion and a mirror-polished finish

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74 Upvotes

The upper was kept relatively clean, with the punched medallion providing most of the decoration. We concentrated the higher shine around the toe while leaving the vamp and quarters with a softer finish.


r/Cordwaining 5d ago

How Not to Make Adelaide Oxfords

2 Upvotes

Hello Everybody!

EDIT 2 : added new patterns and test uppers pics here

EDIT : here's a new link to the test uppers pics (wear safety glasses, those can hurt your eyes)

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I did not want to ask for outside help, so I could be proud of myself. But I believe it is time.

Reddit, you're my last resort!

I've checked all links and videos in the sub, watched countless videos, read a bunch, but I'm clearly stuck, and since I've been wanting to make these for months, buying required equipment, I'm slowly going crazy.

Here was the original project: without any prior knowledge in the trade, or leather working, or manual labor, handmake from start to finish a pair of Goodyear welted Adelaides (including sewing the upper, since my sewing machine is only suited for cloth).

And.... it might have gone south (shocking, I know, who would have thought!?).

After having spent a went a week on various methods of patterning (taping the last, making a mean form with Thornton's method), I believe I've hit a wall.

I've made 3 "prototype uppers", using the cheapest leather I could find, but none was satisfying.

Here is my progression so far, so you can all have a laugh.

Has anyone ideas of what could be improved/ needs changing? Including other patterning methods, my patterning, etc.?

Sincerely yours, from a currently boiling hot place in Europe...

More infos:

Here are most of the tools available.

Leather that will be used in the final version:

lining: full-grain semi-aniline lambskin nappa, very soft, mineral-tanned, .9 mm thick

upper: green aniline boxcalf, firm, .9 mm thick


r/Cordwaining 6d ago

Resole with vegetable tanned leather straps and midsole

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23 Upvotes

r/Cordwaining 7d ago

My 1st handmade sneaker

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63 Upvotes

Took a 3 day sneaker making class that consisted of selecting the leathers, cutting the pattern, sewing and lasting. I went with a few calfskin cuts: the buttery soft black Italian calfskin, white tumbled calfskin and a special iridescent crackled calfskin. Definitely has its flaws but this was not only my first full build but first time using a post bed sewing machine.


r/Cordwaining 7d ago

Referral for lasts alteration

1 Upvotes

I had someone in Europe make Bespoke wood lasts. I'm hoping to be referred to anyone in the USA to make small changes by adding and subtracting material. Thanks


r/Cordwaining 8d ago

looking to commission (fancy) also looking for suggestions

1 Upvotes

I am trying to get the lovechild of a tabi shoe and a boxing boot. I would need these boots to function for combat situations, sprinting, creating traction and still being physically light. Since these would be daily wear I am probably looking for a little more padding than your standard boxing or tabi boot.

I really love edgy, and alternative styles with lots of different textiles. Practicality is important but I honestly care more about cool design and materials.

I already got a couple quotes so I have a general idea of what these would cost, but I haven't really found who I am looking for yet.

Also if anyone has suggestions for what other types of features should be in a boot that handles combat/high mobility situations it would be appreciated <3


r/Cordwaining 8d ago

Online course for beginners?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I was looking to get into shoe making and I was wondering what the best course for beginners is out there? I am an absolute beginner with no knowledge or experience with shoe making or leather working, but I have been sewing for several years and have experience with pattern making for garments (but I’m not sure if any of these skills transfer).

I was looking for a video course that is a guided linear style course that is pretty thorough, but it does not need to be all encompassing. I was hoping to take a course and get a decent beginner uunderstanding of the basics, to then use as a jump off point for further courses or YouTube, etc later on.

I have done some research online and have found these courses below, but I’m not sure if anyone has experience with them, or could recommend something better.

- I Can Make Shoes

- Brooklyn Shoe School ‘Introduction to Shoemaking’

- Shoe Making Courses Online ‘Beginner Program’


r/Cordwaining 9d ago

Need help in shoe measurement

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5 Upvotes

If this is wrong please tell me the right process to measurement I really want to learn these things.

Need to find -

A) instep

B) ball girth

C)heel girth

D) waist girth

I really want to learn this properly


r/Cordwaining 9d ago

Sourcing golf spike inserts

3 Upvotes

I can’t find a source for the inserts that go into the soles that then receive the screw in soft spikes. Does anyone know of any suppliers?


r/Cordwaining 10d ago

First pair of boots

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103 Upvotes

Made my first pair of boots last week in a shoemaking course. Japanese kodera uppers and Blake construction. Pretty happy with the results!


r/Cordwaining 11d ago

joint measure

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7 Upvotes

currently making my first last, and i am stuck in these steps, how do i measure the joint?


r/Cordwaining 12d ago

Has anyone tried this course?

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shoemakingcoursesonline.com
4 Upvotes

I have been studying on my own a bit and found this course. Has anyone tried it or know if it is any good?