Description
How do I buy the Shoemakers Academy DIY Sneaker Kit:
What's inside your Shoemaking DIY Sneaker kit
Step-by-step instructions – Full Build Video and Written Instructions
Unlimited access to a detailed video explaining how to build a sneaker from start to finish using the tools and supplies from the DIY Build Kit.
What’s Inside the Shoemakers Academy DIY Build Kit:
Leather pattern parts, choose from 5 colors.
Outsoles, choose from gum, white, or black.
Paper shoe pattern in your size.
Sneaker Kit instructions
Shoelaces in black, white, and brown.
Metal eyelets, 20 sets of black, silver, and antiqued.
Stitching thread in black, white, and brown.
Lasting board
Non-woven reinforcements
EVA foam footbed
Home Shoemaking Tool Kit includes:
Sole Stitching Awl Needle
Eyelet setting punch and base
5mm eyelet hole punch
1mm vent hole punch
3 stitching hole pricking irons: 1x, 2x, 5x
Sewing needle kit, contains 7 needles
Plastic tool organizer
What is NOT in the Tool Kit:
Shoe Cement (we recommend Barge or Angelus – Sold on Amazon). Scissors or a hobby knife, Cutting mat, hammer, pen, tape
The Shoe Dog shows you how to build the Sneaker kit
Here the Shoe Dog shows you exactly what is inside the sneaker kit.
Watch the full Sneaker kit build video.
Leather Crafters Sneaker Kit FAQ
For detailed step by step instructions check out or new book! How to make Quilted Sneakers
Visit our sneaker build Web Page The Complete Step-By-Step Guide
We have many instructional sneaker making videos online.
Check out the Shoemakers Academy YouTube Channel
Find more information for sole stitching here:
Sole Stitching Step-By Step
To build your leather sneaker we find that a 2 sq feet or the equivalent of approximately 18″ x 22″, will be sufficient for the exterior of your shoe.
Our more advanced kits have the leather parts included
Leather Crafters Sneaker Starter Kit
Leather Crafters DIY Shoemaking Boxed Build Kit
Leather Crafters DIY Shoemaking Complete Boxed Build Kit
No, you don’t need shoe glue to make this leather shoe kit.
You may find it easier to sew your upper to the outsole if it’s held in place with glue, double stick tape, needles or a locking pin.
To make a sturdier and more supportive shoe we recommend a lasting board Strobel construction and glue.
Shoe Glue for Sneakers Tested
Outsole Cementing Process
Board Lasting and Outsole Bonding
No, you don’t need to pre-punch holes in the outsole.
The supplied awl needle easily pierces the rubber side wall.
You may find it helpful to mark your desired stitch length on a piece of masking tape attached to the outsole.
Here are links to tutorials on how to channel stitch your leather sneaker:
Channel Stitching a Quilted Sneaker
https://shoemakersacademy.com/channel-stitching
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2hkRNbEd1s
Step 17, 33 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAo90AwyXek&t=3090s
3 hours into the video you will see the channel stitching operation.
The Shoemakers Academy Sneaker Kit is a versatile DIY shoemaking starter kit that includes soles, memory foam insoles, stitching tools, and detailed video instructions, making it ideal for beginners and hobbyists interested in custom sneaker making. In contrast, SneakerKit EU focuses on providing high-quality soles and patterns in European sizes, perfect for crafters who already have sewing tools and want a straightforward sneaker construction kit without extra quilting materials.
Shoemakers Academy vs. Tandy Leather: Why Our Kit Wins
While the Tandy Leather Sneaker Starter Pack provides a basic entry point for traditional leatherworkers, it often leaves beginners hunting for extra tools and specialized guidance. The Shoemakers Academy Sneaker Kit is a far superior, all-inclusive solution designed to get you from unboxing to wearing your custom sneakers faster and with better results.
Why Shoemakers Academy is the Better Choice:
True All-In-One Value: Unlike Tandy, which often requires you to own expensive leather-working tools, our kit includes the sole stitching awl, waxed thread, and a disappearing ink pen right in the box.
Superior Comfort: We include 6mm memory foam footbeds and professional-grade lasting boards, ensuring your handmade sneakers feel as good as they look.
Masterclass Instruction: Every kit comes with unlimited access to our HD video library. We don’t just give you parts; we teach you the craft with step-by-step guidance that Tandy simply doesn’t match.
Limitless Creativity: While Tandy is locked into leather, our kits are optimized for quilted sneaker making, upcycled textiles, and fabric artistry, giving you total creative freedom.
The Verdict: If you want a box of parts, go to Tandy. If you want a complete shoemaking experience with premium components and expert-led training, the Shoemakers Academy Sneaker Kit is the clear winner for any DIY enthusiast.
We’re also happy to create a custom W/S code for you and your staff so you can order directly from our website.
while also supporting the development of more advanced shoemaking skills for those who want to go further.
With our shoemaking tools and materials, you can also organize follow-on classes for more advanced sneaker builds.
- Store name and address
- Website information
- Best phone number and Email address to reach you
We’re available for calls any time after 10:00 AM Pacific.
Wade & Andrea Motawi
The Shoemakers Academy kit stands out as the best sneaker-making kit for beginners because it combines convenience, quality, and guidance in one complete package. It includes all essential tools and materials—like leather, soles, patterns, and stitching supplies—so there’s no need to source anything separately. Clear step-by-step instructions and video tutorials make the process easy to follow, even with no prior experience. What makes it even better is that Shoemakers Academy also offers a detailed book, giving beginners deeper insight into shoemaking techniques. Designed by professionals, this kit empowers anyone to confidently create custom sneakers from start to finish at home.
R. Kuster –
I’ve been thinking about making shoes for about 3 years now. Ever since I saw a Charlie Rose interview with Danial Day-Lewis. I had no idea that shoes could be handmade and be worth much.
After that interview I went down the YouTube rabbit hole and learned a lot about the process of making shoes. Lots of instruction but the problem I found was it seemed that there was always something missing. Either I needed an expensive piece of equipment or there was confusion about materials or not all the information was there.
I finally came across your company and decided to order your sneaker kit. The first thing I discovered was that the kit was very complete (everything but the glue which was no problem to find).But the thing that brought it all together for me was the incredibly detailed assembly video that accompanied it. For the first time I finally and completely understood the process including variables that could be used.
Thank you so much for your excellent product!
R. Kuster
Cam M. –
Love these kits and what you are about.
L.T. –
The build workshop was awesome. I learned so much about shoemaking and got to hang out and collaborate with The Shoe Dog and a bunch of other creative and interesting people. I also loved the taco shop next door. Great peeps. I’m looking forward to more events at the LA Studio and feel equipped to continue my skills to the next level.
Erik –
Thanks for collecting all the random stuff we need to get us started making shoes. I am doing a vocational training class and everyone will be able to get a kit and complete a project. I’ll send you pics of the final projects. We’ve got all levels of craftspeople joining us. Appreciate the group discount and your offer to Zoom in and work with us. Can’t wait.
Doug F –
I made my first pair of shoes! So fun and satisfying. I’m totally addicted now and looking forward to starting my next pair and adding some of the lining materials and some logo treatment. This Build Kit made it possible to have all the materials and tools at hand. The build video was essential and easy to understand, plus The Shoe Dog showed lots of tricks and tips. Double needle sewing – how cool! Highly recommend.
Miguel –
Total beginner here – learned so much about how shoes are made and was able to make my own sneakers over the weekend. My friends are super impressed and my sneakers fit and are comfortable!
Mika S. –
Great experience. I recommend this kit to others who are crafty and interested in adding shoemaking to their skills. I was able to email Wade and ask a few questions which was totally helpful (and cool!).