Making A Desert Boot
Online shoemaking course teaching the "stitchdown" or "outstitch" technique. Learn shoemaking at home. Perfect for beginners. Watch the Course Trailer at the bottom of the page.
Online tutorial from a shoemaker with 45 years' experience in making custom footwear.
You’ll be able to choose colors of leather, thread, eyelets and sole.
Certain tools are required for this course. If you are a leather worker or a crafter, you may have some of them already. You will have the option of purchasing some tools from us and we will send those with your materials package.
Introduction and Manual
Sizing and Material Selections
Introduction and Manual
Making A Desert Boot
Get live guidance from the Instructor
Show Us Your Work!
Let's Keep Going!
“This picture is from the day I finished my first pair of shoes in the Beginning Shoemaking class. Today I've finished my 16th pair and they feel amazing on my feet. I have a disability that makes it impossible for me to wear standard shoes off the rack. 20 years ago my mom found Sara and she sent me the first pair of shoes that truly fit my feet. When Sara encouraged me to try my hand at making my own pair, I felt so intimidated. But after taking the beginning shoemaking class I felt like I could conquer the world! It is not an exaggeration to say that being able to make my own shoes that fit my unique feet has changed my life. I now walk between 3-5 miles most days because my feet feel so good! I never have to worry about finding a shoemaker or being able to afford a specialty pair of shoes, again. I make my own twice a year. I love making things with my hands, but I'm not very good at it. This class still gave me the confidence and skill to be able to immediately go home and make another pair of shoes. I had never worked with leather before, and I picked it right up with the help of Chicago School of Shoemaking. ”
Althea L.