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 […]
DIY Quilted Sneakers: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide Crafting your own quilted sneakers is both an artistic and functional project. Whether you’re a shoemaking enthusiast, sewing superstar, or a quilting hobbyist, this guide walks you through the entire process of creating a custom pair of sneakers […]
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 […]
FREE ZOOM EVENT! “THE SHOE DOG” IS LAUNCHING A NEW COURSE AND BOOK!!All Levels of Shoe Designers & Brand Builders are welcome.Join us and gain practical knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes for your brand. This event takes place on Zoom: Thursday, […]
New Course Added! Are you ready to go all in on a career in footwear?Get the Shoemakers Academy All Access Pass today. You’ll gain immediate access to a comprehensive suite of courses designed to fast-track your success in the shoe industry. Learn from industry pros […]
Launch Your Brand! Launch your footwear brand with the knowledge you need to succeed! These online video courses for Footwear Brand Builders are designed for aspiring and established footwear entrepreneurs alike. The comprehensive curriculum covers everything you need to succeed in the shoe business. Learn […]
Launch Your Shoe Design Career Unlock your potential as a shoe designer with these comprehensive footwear training courses tailored for creativity and craftsmanship. From the basics in “Shoemaking for Brand Builders & Designers” to specialized modules on material selection, footwear specifications, and mastering Adobe Photoshop, […]
Launch Your Development Career Welcome to Shoemakers Academy OnDemand training courses for Footwear Developers. Learn the essential skills and insights seasoned developers follow to make better products. These footwear courses are geared for aspiring developers and cover a wide range of topics you’ll want to […]