What is the best material for a running shoe? https://vimeo.com/1186363570 One of the most common questions in footwear development is simple on the surface but surprisingly difficult to answer: what is the best material for a running shoe? The truth is, there is no single […]
How to Escape the Alibaba Trap https://vimeo.com/1186358943 How to Escape the Alibaba Trap in Footwear Manufacturing For many new footwear entrepreneurs, Alibaba feels like the fastest path to getting a shoe made. It is convenient, accessible, and full of suppliers promising they can handle everything. […]
Steel vs. Aluminum Outsole Tooling https://vimeo.com/1186361799?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci If you’re developing footwear, one tooling decision can have a major impact on cost, quality, and production speed: should your mold be made from steel or aluminum? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends […]
How Solei Sea Grew from a Startup Idea into a Multi-Million Dollar Sandal Brand https://vimeo.com/1185379110 Solei Sea is a powerful example of what can happen when a brand combines resilience, smart strategy, and strong product execution. Founded by four awesome women during the uncertainty of […]
How War is Raising the Energy Cost of Making Shoes https://vimeo.com/1184447949 War is always first and foremost a human tragedy. It brings destruction, instability, and loss that should never be minimized. But beyond the immediate human cost, conflict also disrupts the systems that keep everyday […]
Where to start? If you have ever wanted to make your own footwear, you may be surprised by how achievable it can be. Many beginners assume shoemaking is too advanced to try at home, but starting with the right home shoemaking supplies, a simple design, […]
Sneaker Anatomy for Shoemakers Upper The fabric or leather parts that make up the top of your sneaker. Outsole The rubber cup sole that you will stich and or glue your upper to. Topline The top line is the shape of the foot opening on […]
We have the complete Quilted Sneaker supply and tool list from the book How to make Quilted Sneakers Download the Complete List Create your own quilted sneakers with the right materials and tools. This supply list is designed to help you gather everything you need […]
The global footwear industry depends heavily on petroleum, and that dependence becomes impossible to ignore when oil prices surge. While many consumers associate higher oil prices with gasoline and transportation, the effects run much deeper. In modern athletic footwear, petroleum influences not only shipping and […]
