Shoemaking doesn’t always have to be complex - sometimes the simplest ideas create the most striking results. Kate, from the I Can Make Shoes team, set out to make a pair of heeled sandals with a playful, quilted effect. The result? These bold and beautiful 'Bubble Heels'.
To achieve the padded 'bubble' look, Kate cut strips of foam and sandwiched them between layers of leather. She stitched between the foam pieces, creating a quilted strap that looked both sculptural and soft.
She didn’t stop there - the same technique was used to cover the heel itself, wrapping it in leather padded with foam for a perfectly coordinated finish.
With the uppers ready, Kate lasted them over the insole, attached them securely, and suddenly the project was complete. From start to finish, this was a surprisingly quick shoemaking project - proof that experimenting with materials can lead to something totally fresh and professional-looking.
Watch the video below:
Supplies You’ll Need to Make Your Own Bubble Heels
- Mid Heel Shoemaking Lasts
- Mid Heel Shanked Insoles
- Mid Block Heels
- 2mm Beige Resin Soling
- Leather of your choice
- Shoemaking glue
- Basic shoemaking tools
Step by Step Process in Pictures
Kate started by selecting her leather and tracing out the patterns. She chose to use the same leather for the lining and upper of the mule.
Next Kate cut out all of her pattern pieces and foam strips for the quilted effect. She stuck the foam strips along the pattern pieces, coated both sides with water based glue and attached her lining and upper together.
Kate used the heavy roller to really secure the upper and lining together before jumping on the sewing machine and stitching the toplines as well as in between each foam strip.
She then covered the mid block heel with the same 'quilted' leather and begun lasting her straps over the mid heel shoemaking last.
Kate then traced out her sole pattern onto 2mm beige resin and glued this onto the base of the insole with the strong solvent based shoemaking glue.
She then drilled and screwed in her heels before inserting a foam padded insock for comfort (and decoration 😉).
And then they were done!
It’s easy to think shoemaking has to follow strict rules, but Kate’s Bubble Heels show that playing with materials and textures can result in shoes that feel completely unique. Quick, fun, and a little bit experimental - this is the kind of project that proves just how creative shoemaking can be.
