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Sneaker Shoemaking Intensive Workshop | 4 Days

The Custom Sneaker Course is a hands-on course focused on designing and building a custom pair of sneakers. Participants complete one full pair while learning the core steps of sneaker construction.

Course format

The course follows a deconstruction and rebuild approach. Participants work with an existing donor sneaker, taking it apart to understand how it is made and to reuse the original sole. That knowledge is then applied to construct a new pair using their own material and design choices.

Each participant works on one pair of sneakers.

$2,800 CAD+ applicable taxes

Upcoming dates

  • 4 consecutive days
  • 10 AM – 6 PM daily
  • Small-group instruction
  • All materials included
  • A finished pair of shoes to take home

Course Enrollment Request

Sneaker Shoemaking Intensive Workshop$2,800 CAD + applicable taxes

This is an enrollment request, not a confirmed booking or payment. We'll be in touch to confirm your place.

The course

What you'll learn.

  1. 01Sneaker structure and component identification
  2. 02Deconstructing an existing sneaker to use the original sole
  3. 03Pattern adjustment and material planning
  4. 04Cutting and skiving leather and other materials
  5. 05Sewing sneaker uppers on industrial sewing machines
  6. 06Lasting and shaping the upper on a sneaker last
  7. 07Cement construction, bonding uppers and soles using modern adhesives
  8. 08Finishing, sole attachment, detailing, and final assembly
Outcome

By the end of the course, participants complete one pair of sneakers and gain a clear understanding of sneaker construction methods that can be applied to future projects.

Who it's for

This course is suitable for beginners, creatives, and designers interested in sneaker construction and customization. No prior shoemaking experience is required. Participants with previous experience may explore more complex design and material choices within the same framework.

Participants must be 16 years of age or older.

What's included

All materials required to complete the course project are supplied during the workshop.

Tools and equipment are shared and provided for use in the studio throughout the class.

Participants receive a sneaker last and patterns for their selected style and size to take home at the end of the course.

Your instructor

Nina Rozin

Nina Rozin is a footwear designer, shoemaker, and educator with over 20 years of experience.

She studied footwear design and technology at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion. She is a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen in England and founded The Guild School of Footwear and Accessory Design in 2007. Since 2018, she has taught shoemaking workshops internationally.

Student stories

In their words.

From students of our shoemaking courses.

  • I am still thrilled with my shoes and the confidence and skills this workshop gave me — Beginner course
  • This was the best creative class I have taken in years and I am deeply grateful for it. — Advanced course
  • I felt lucky to learn from someone so skilled, warm, and genuinely inspiring. — Beginner course
  • Nina is an outstanding teacher and every day in her class feels like a discovery. — Sneaker course
  • The class was unforgettable and left me excited to keep learning and making — Beginner course

Up close

Take a closer look.

Tap any photo to zoom in.

At home

Prefer to make them at home?

The Sneaker Pack has the patterns, soles, needles and thread to make a pair at home.

Good to know

Workshop policies.

Please read these before you book.

Admin Fee

The course price includes a $120 admin fee, which is non-refundable. This helps us cover the cost of charges accrued from cancellations.

Cancellation

Cancellations or rescheduling must be made at least 14 days in advance. Refunds will not be given if cancellation or rescheduling happens within that window.

Sick

In the case of a student becoming sick for this course, please get in touch with us as soon as possible, and our instructor will get in contact with you to figure out an alternative make-up session.

Rescheduling

If you need to reschedule, please email us no sooner than 14 days prior to the start of the course. Rescheduling may not be possible if notice is not given at least 2 weeks out.

Age

Participants must be 16 years of age or older to take this class.

Enrolment Closure

Enrolment will close 3 days prior to the start of class, to allow us time to prepare materials. If registration is closed because of this, but you would like to take the class, please email us and we will try our best to book you in.

Waiver

All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon entry to the studio.

By signing up for L.L. workshops you acknowledge that you've read and understand the above policies.

Questions

Questions, answered.

All FAQs
Do I need shoemaking experience?

No. The Beginner Shoemaking and Sneaker courses are open to everyone, with no previous experience needed.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Yes, if you let us know at least 14 days before the course starts. Within 14 days, refunds aren't given. The full policies are on this page.

Where are workshops held?

At our studio, 76 W 6th Ave, Vancouver.

Can I give a workshop as a gift?

Yes. A Lonsdale Leather gift card can be used to book workshops online.

Can I book for a group?

Yes. For groups of 6 or more we run corporate and team-building workshops, at our studio or yours. Email info@lonsdaleleather.com to plan one.

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