Get you Cheat Sheet here  Ever wondered what each part of a shoe is called? Whether you’re a designer, runner, or just curious about your favorite pair of sneakers, understanding shoe anatomy is key. From the insole and outsole to the heel, upper, and every […]

Sneaker Tariffs – What You Need to Know Hey folks, it’s Wade—The Shoe Dog. It’s been a while since our last update, but I’m back after spending time in China and Ecuador, and I’ve got some important info for anyone in the shoe industry. Let’s […]

Shoemaking Schools in Europe 1. Accademia Riaci – Shoemaking Location: Florence, Italy Address: Via dei Conti 4, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Duration: 4 weeks to 1 year, short summer/winter intensives Cost: €1,980 (4 weeks) – €11,000 (12 weeks) Website: accademiariaci.info   2. Stefano Bemer School […]

A Retro Showdown with Modern Shoe Design Lessons We haven’t done a shoe review in a while—between tariff chaos, client work, and factory visits in China and Ecuador, it’s been a packed season. But now we’re back with a head-to-head: the Nike Daybreak vs. the […]

DIY Sneaker Kite Reviewed If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own sneakers from scratch, a sneaker making kit might be the perfect place to start. In this comprehensive review, we tested and compared the two  best sneaker making kits available to help you find […]

Shoemaking Supply Websites Finding quality shoemaking materials can be a challenge, especially if you don’t live near a major city with access to cobbler supply distributors. In many areas, local options are limited or nonexistent, making it necessary to turn to online sources for essential […]

How to Make Quilted Sneakers at Home There’s something incredibly satisfying about slipping on a pair of sneakers you made with your own two hands — especially when they feature cozy, stylish quilted fabric. Whether you’re a craft lover, fashion enthusiast, or simply someone who […]

5 Things Footwear Product Managers Can Do to Weather the Tariff Storms In today’s unstable trade environment, footwear product managers are at the epicenter of the industry’s most urgent challenges. Sudden tariff increases, shifting international alliances, and fragmented supply chains are forcing brands to adapt […]

Shoemakers Academy Frontline Footwear Sourcing Report I recently spent three weeks in China, engaging with clients and factories who are grappling with the challenges of serving customers in the current, unpredictable tariff environment. The situation in footwear sourcing is exceptionally challenging, with many industry professionals […]

Wade Motawi Shoemaking Expert, Author & Founder Shoemakers Academy Wade Motawi, affectionately known as “The Shoe Dog,” is a veteran footwear designer, developer, and educator with over 30 years of experience in the global shoe industry. Holding an Industrial Design degree from the University of […]