Shoe School @ Leffler 1 day Sneaker Making Workshop

Shoe School is at Leffler! This 1-day Sneaker workshop is the most accessible of all Lou’s classes, there is no specialised equipment involved and you’ll be wearing a pair of shoes – of your own creation – in just one day! This workshop is perfect for friends and family. No experience is necessary and beginners are most welcome.

In this workshop you’ll be making a one-of-a-kind pair of sneakers. You’ll learn the intricacies of working with high-quality leather, designing, cutting and assembling each component. You’ll not only craft a pair of sneakers but also gain valuable skills in leatherworking that you can carry forward into future projects. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, this class is a hands-on journey into the art of footwear.

After booking, you’ll receive a printable A4 template to design your sneakers before the workshop.

Choose from low, mid or high top sneakers. Soles come in black or white (subject to availability) and sizes 35-46.

Classes are held 9-5pm. Refreshments are provided – if you don’t want to bring your own lunch, choose the lunch add-on at checkout and we’ll fetch you a delicious fresh banh mi. Beginners are very welcome. Classes are limited to 4 participants.

Hi, I’m Lou! I launched Shoe School in New Zealand in 2015. Since then I’ve helped students create thousands of shoes of their own custom design.

I’ve been curious about shoemaking since I was a teen, obsessively saving for my 1st pair of purple 8-hole Dr Martens.

I wasn’t able to study shoemaking in NZ so I took a leap of faith and travelled to Australia. Back home I slowly, slowly began to collect antique shoemaking equipment. Gradually I built my own shoemaking studio, with an idea growing that perhaps one day I could teach – this was the beginning of the ‘maker’s movement’ and suddenly everyone, me included was fascinated by all things handmade. And so I doggedly built my studio, and practiced, practiced my craft. My single-minded focus paid off when I was invited to intern in Japan, where I honed my skills in bespoke techniques. More recently, I returned from the USA after immersing myself in the art of crafting cowboy boots.

‘I can’t thank you enough for yesterday’s sneaker workshop. It was far and away the best workshop I’ve ever participated in. I’m absolutely in love with my sneaks. You took some of the potentially stressful elements of a day out and made them easy and pleasurable. Masterful! Looking forward to seeing what wonderful shoes start pounding the pavements of Melbourne.’

– Amber