How to Start Shoemaking the Most Affordable Way 🌟

Ever dreamed of making your own shoes but felt like it was out of reach? Whether it’s the tools, the cost, or just not knowing where to start, shoemaking can seem intimidating at first.

But the truth is, you can start shoemaking affordably and at home - with nothing more than a few materials, basic tools, and your own feet. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most budget-friendly way to begin: starting with simple sandals, then moving onto flats, and finally building your way up to full shoemaking projects like boots.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Start with Sandals - Simple, Cheap, and Custom

Sandals are the perfect entry point to shoemaking because they require:

• No stitching (if you choose to do unlined sandals)

• No lasts (shoe blocks)

• Minimal materials

• Very few tools

You can make stylish, custom sandals using leather straps glued directly to the sole. In fact, some of the most creative sandals can be made using recycled materials. Katie from the I Can Make Shoes team made a gorgeous pair of platform sandals using an old faux leather skirt from Vinted! Watch the video below:

To get started, you’ll need:

• Leather / fabric scissors and a craft knife
• Water based glue (like Renia Aquilim) and solvent based glue (like Renia Colle de Cologne). You can also find smaller glues in our supply shop.
• Soling material (like Resin Sheeting)
• Texon board for insoles
• Leather for straps or upcycled material. You can use the same material to cover the insole.
• Sandpaper for finishing edges

That’s it! This simple setup lets you make unlined, unstitched sandals that are completely wearable - and totally yours.

Step 2: Move On to Flats - A Natural Progression

Once you’ve tried sandals and you're hooked (you will be 😉), the next step is flat shoes - like ballet flats, slip-ons, or loafers.

At this point, you’ll want to invest in a few more things:

• A pair of shoe lasts (the form used to shape the shoe)

• A basic sewing machine that can handle soft to mid-weight leather

• Some additional tools like hole punches, folding hammer, and skiving tools

The easiest way to make this jump? Try our Mini Shoemaking Course, which teaches you how to make three styles of flat shoes using pre-made soles - no complex soling required. It’s designed specifically for beginners moving beyond sandals and includes detailed video tutorials.

Step 3: Dive into Full Shoemaking - Sandals, Shoes, and Boots

Once you’re confident with flats, it’s time to go all in. This is where you can learn to make everything from classic sandals to structured shoes and even boots.

The best part? Our comprehensive Online Footwear Masterclass walks you through every step - even if you’ve never made shoes before. It includes:

• Sandals, shoes, and boots

• In-depth tutorials on lasting, soling, stitching, and finishing

• Lifetime access to lessons

• A free shoemaking kit with tools and materials to get you started

You’ll learn how to work with patterns, choose the right leathers, and build shoes that are as wearable as anything you'd buy - except they’re made by you.

Bonus Resources for Shoemakers on a Budget

If you're keeping things thrifty, here are some extra tools and ideas:

• Recycled materials inspiration - like turning a faux leather skirt into sandals

• Shoe patterns to guide your designs

• Affordable tools and supplies from trusted sources

And remember - every tool or material you invest in can be used again and again. Shoemaking supplies aren’t one-time-use; you’re building a creative toolkit that grows with your skills.

In Summary: Start Small, Grow Big

Ready to start? Grab some scrap leather, your favourite glue, and take that first step. The journey from hobbyist to shoemaker begins with your feet.