Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 19 hours ago
if you want to make quality, wearable shoes, reinforcement tape is an absolute must-have!
I am always in favor of working with minimal tools to get great results, especially for beginners. But this is one area where you simply cannot cut corners. Here is exactly why you need it, and why I include both thin (4mm) and thick (16mm) tapes in the physical kit for my All-Inclusive Shoemaker Pro Program:
The Thin 4mm Tape: We use this to fold your upper edges flawlessly for a beautiful, clean, and professional look. It reinforces delicate areas, like the throat line or sharp cuts in derby quarters. Crucially, applying this tape along the lines of your upper before lasting prevents the leather from stretching out of shape, making it much easier to create two completely identical halves of your shoes!
The Thick 16mm Tape: We use this to reinforce every single structural seam on your upper, like the back seam. It locks the stitching together and gives the shoe real, lasting integrity.
These two tapes will easily last you for 50 pairs or more. Do not skip this step! Learn to make shoes the right way, from people who actually make shoes.
👉 Read my deep-dive article on exactly how to use these tapes:
shoemakingcoursesonline.com/shoe-making-supplies/reinforcement-tapes-for-shoemaking
👉 Ready to learn quality shoemaking? Get the complete kit and start my All-Inclusive Program:
shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/1-year-pro
if you want to make quality, wearable shoes, reinforcement tape is an absolute must-have!
I am always in favor of working with minimal tools to get great results, especially for beginners. But this is one area where you simply cannot cut corners. Here is exactly why you need it, and why I include both thin (4mm) and thick (16mm) tapes in the physical kit for my All-Inclusive Shoemaker Pro Program:
The Thin 4mm Tape: We use this to fold your upper edges flawlessly for a beautiful, clean, and professional look. It reinforces delicate areas, like the throat line or sharp cuts in derby quarters. Crucially, applying this tape along the lines of your upper before lasting prevents the leather from stretching out of shape, making it much easier to create two completely identical halves of your shoes!
The Thick 16mm Tape: We use this to reinforce every single structural seam on your upper, like the back seam. It locks the stitching together and gives the shoe real, lasting integrity.
These two tapes will easily last you for 50 pairs or more. Do not skip this step! Learn to make shoes the right way, from people who actually make shoes.
👉 Read my deep-dive article on exactly how to use these tapes:
shoemakingcoursesonline.com/shoe-making-supplies/reinforcement-tapes-for-shoemaking
👉 Ready to learn quality shoemaking? Get the complete kit and start my All-Inclusive Program:
shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/1-year-pro
![Cork & Shoemaking Techniques [CUSTOMIZING A SHOE LASTS 003]0](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pFTgGP4Umdo/mqdefault.jpg "Cork & Shoemaking Techniques [CUSTOMIZING A SHOE LASTS 003]0
🎥 New Shoemaking Podcast Alert! 🎥
Were diving into the third material for shoe last reshaping—cork! 🍂
In this episode, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of using cork, a versatile and natural material that’s easy to work with. From quick sanding to large-area customization, cork has its perks. But be cautious—its fragile and better suited for specific parts of the last.
Make sure to watch the full podcast and don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for more shoemaking tips! 👞
#Shoemaking #ShoeLast #CorkReshaping #Craftsmanship")
![[LiVe]Watch This Amazing Boot Design with Folds – Created in Minutes](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pKgUJUh0XXQ/mqdefault.jpg "[LiVe]Watch This Amazing Boot Design with Folds – Created in Minutes
In this live session, I demonstrate how to create an intricate boot design with folds in just a few minutes. It might look complex, but when you understand the rules of pattern making, it’s simple and fast to bring your ideas to life.
Here’s what you’ll see:
Step-by-Step Boot Design: Watch how I design a stunning folded boot pattern effortlessly.
The Power of Knowledge: Learn why understanding the basics of footwear construction gives you the freedom to create anything you want.
Innovate with Confidence: See how mastering the rules of pattern making allows you to mix styles, design unique shoes, and work quickly without sacrificing quality.
This isn’t just about following steps—it’s about learning how to think creatively and work smart to bring your ideas to life.
🎥 Watch now to see how this amazing boot design came together.
Important NEWS:
In two weeks, I’ll launch my biggest Sale of the Year:
-9 Shoemaking Courses
-60% Off
-Extra Bonuses
-If you’ve been waiting for something special, this is it.
https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/
📅 Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more shoemaking tutorials and tips!")
![[LIVE-Shoemaking] From Foot Measurments to Bespoke Shoemaking 📢MEGA COURSES SALE](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pmrAsWxFjDE/mqdefault.jpg "[LIVE-Shoemaking] From Foot Measurments to Bespoke Shoemaking 📢MEGA COURSES SALE
Understanding Shoe Lasts: The Key to `Bespoke Shoemaking
The shoe last is the foundation of every shoe, and understanding its role is essential for creating comfortable, bespoke, custom-made shoes. Unfortunately, standard shoe lasts are often a one-size-fits-all solution, designed with an average width. This creates a huge problem for most people, as their foot width doesn’t align with the last’s proportions.As a result, many of you are likely wearing the wrong shoe size—usually a size bigger—to compensate for the lack of width. This is why understanding and customizing shoe lasts is so important in shoemaking and bespoke shoemaking.
Here’s what we cover in this live stream:
1. What Defines a Shoe Last Size?
Shoe last size isn’t just about length. It also determines the structure and fit of the shoe, and its parameters form the basis of any footwear you design.
2. Why Shoe Last Width Is Just as Important as Size
The width of a shoe last plays a critical role in the overall comfort of the shoe. A poorly matched width can ruin both the design and functionality, making it essential to address this in custom-made shoes.
3. The Gap Between Foot and Shoe Last Measurements
Comparing foot measurements to shoe last measurements shows a significant difference. This is where customization comes in—adjusting a standard last to fit the unique dimensions of your feet.
4. Shoe Last Customization: The Core of Bespoke Shoemaking
Customizing a shoe last allows you to rebuild its shape based on your foot’s exact parameters, like width, instep height, and arch length. This ensures a perfect fit, comfort, and durability in your shoes.
5. The Best Toe Shape for Customization
Choosing the right toe shape is crucial when customizing a shoe last. Not all shapes are suitable for every foot type, and ignoring this step can compromise the final design and fit.
6. The Benefits of Leather Insoles
Leather insoles provide unmatched comfort and durability. They also allow for the addition of extra arch support, enhancing both the structure and feel of your shoes.
7. Why Leather Inner Reinforcements Matter
Leather reinforcements add flexibility and strength to your shoes, ensuring they maintain their structure while remaining comfortable.
8. Bespoke Shoes Deserve the Best Materials
If you’re already making bespoke shoes, don’t settle for anything less than the best materials. Natural leathers and high-quality sole constructions elevate your craft and ensure long-lasting results.
The Problem with Standard Shoe Lasts
Most standard shoe lasts are made with an “average” width, which often doesn’t match the real dimensions of your feet. This forces many people to wear bigger sizes to accommodate width, sacrificing proper fit and comfort. Customizing the last solves this issue, allowing you to create shoes that fit perfectly in both length and width.
This session is perfect for beginners and professionals alike who want to understand the art of shoemaking and the science behind custom-made shoes.
BIGGEST SHOEMAKING COURSES SALE OF THE YEAR – MEGA SALE!
When: December 17-20Â
This week, I’ll open enrollment for my beginner programs during the Biggest Sale of the Year!
 Discounts of 50% & 60% on my top shoemaking courses.Â
From Beginners Shoemaking Courses to making handmade Bespoke Shoes.
🎉Special bonuses.Â
 If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to invest in your skills, this is it.Â
My courses are designed to guide you step by step, whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your craft.  Don’t miss out- Starts TomorrowÂ
https://www.shoemakingcoursesonline.com/on-line-courses/beginner-programs-sale/")
![[LIVE] Using Rubber and EVA Soles in Shoemaking](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q3X6VUUoXkw/mqdefault.jpg "[LIVE] Using Rubber and EVA Soles in Shoemaking
In today’s Live Shoemaking Tutorial, we’re diving into the practical use of rubber and EVA soles in shoemaking. These two materials provide excellent solutions for different types of shoes, and we’ll discuss their advantages, how to work with them, and how we use them in two of my shoemaking courses—the Sneakers Making Course and the Dr. Martens Boots Course.
What You’ll Learn in This Live Session:
✔️ Rubber Soles in Shoemaking – Why they are the go-to material for durability, traction, and protection.
✔️ EVA Foam Soles – How they offer lightweight flexibility, comfort, and easy shaping.
✔️ Using Rubber & EVA in Different Shoe Styles – How I used these materials in my Sneakers Making Course and Dr. Martens Style Boots Course to create both classic and modern shoe designs.
✔️ When & Why to Choose EVA Over Rubber (and vice versa) – Understanding which material suits which type of footwear and why.
Why This is Important for Shoemakers:
Both rubber and EVA foam offer cost-effective, functional, and versatile solutions for different footwear types. Whether you want to make comfortable lightweight sneakers or rugged, durable boots, knowing how to properly select and work with these materials is a must-have skill for any shoemaker.
📢 Join the Live Tutorial and Ask Questions!
This is a chance to learn directly from me and ask any questions you have about using rubber and EVA soles in your shoemaking projects.
đź”— Want to learn more? Check out my shoemaking courses:
➡️ Sneakers Making Course
➡️ Dr. Martens Boots Course
Don’t miss this live session! Subscribe to my channel, turn on notifications, and join me as we break down everything you need to know about rubber and EVA soles in shoemaking!")
