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 […]
Addressing the Current Footwear Tariff Impact The global footwear sourcing landscape is undergoing rapid and disruptive changes due to evolving tariff policies. With tariffs already imposed on footwear imported from China—and similar measures now targeting Mexico—two of the industry’s most established and cost-efficient manufacturing bases […]
Board Lasting Part 2: Outsole bonding https://vimeo.com/1061409928 The outsole bonding process, commonly referred to as “outsole cementing,” is a crucial step in shoemaking that involves attaching the shoe’s upper to its outsole using adhesives. This method is widely used due to its efficiency and the […]
Board Lasting Shoes Part 1 https://vimeo.com/1061402389 Board lasting is a traditional shoemaking technique where a firm insole board—often made of fiberboard or Texon—is attached to the shoe’s upper before the outsole is applied. This method provides a stable and supportive base, making it ideal for […]
The Perfect Kits for Quilted Sneakers A Must-Have for DIY Shoemakers If you love quilting and sneakers, why not combine the two? Quilted sneakers are a fun and stylish way to express your creativity, and with the Sneaker DIY Starter Kit from Shoemakers Academy, bringing […]
The Footwear Tooling Design Guide: The One Book Every Shoe Professional Needs In the world of footwear design and manufacturing, tooling is the foundation of every great shoe. Without the right molds, dies, and production equipment, even the most innovative designs will fail to translate […]