shoes tariffs

Trumps Tax On Your Sneakers

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 […]

Tall Lasting Post 24" Lasting Jack for Shoemaking Cobblers Tools

15 Shoemaking Schools and Colleges in Europe

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 […]

Nike vs Nike: Vintage Cool Meets Modern Craft

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 […]

Learn How to Make Sneakers at Home - DIY Kit Overview Of course. Compare to Sneaker kit EU DIY sneaker Kit USA

Sneaker Kit Review

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 […]

DIY sneaker Kit similar to EU sneaker Kit sneaker kit pattern

DIY Shoemaking Supplies Online

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 […]

DIY quilted sneakers with hand-stitched fabric panels

How to Make Quilted Sneakers at Home: A Complete DIY Guide

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 […]

Footwear Crisis 2025: Inside China’s Factories & the Future of Shoe Sourcing

Frontline Footwear Sourcing Report

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 […]

Expert Shoe Consulting Services for Your Footwear Business

Who is Wade Motawi : The Shoe Dog

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 […]