Want to join? Send Nina an email and start your shoemaking journey: nina@lonsdaleleather.com
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.
Course Schedule
This intensive runs over four consecutive days.
Daily class hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What You Will Learn
• Sneaker structure and component identification
• Deconstructing an existing sneaker to use the original sole
• Pattern adjustment and material planning
• Cutting and skiving leather and other materials
• Sewing sneaker uppers on industrial sewing machines
• Lasting and shaping the upper on a sneaker last
• Cement construction, bonding uppers and soles using modern adhesives
• Finishing, sole attachment, detailing, and final assembly
Course 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 This Course Is 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 Is 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.
Instructor
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.
For questions, contact
nina@lonsdaleleather.com
POLICIES:
Please note, rescheduling and cancellations must be made 14 days in advance. No exception.
Admin Fee:
There is a non-refundable $120 admin fee for all shoemaking workshops. This helps us cover the cost of charges accrued from cancellations.
Cancellation Policy:
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 Policy:
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 Policy:
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 Policy:
Participants must be 15 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.
Thank you for your understanding and we so look forwarding to teaching you the art of footwear design and shoe making!
