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Barefoot Shoemaking Course
Learn to make your own custom barefoot shoes.
Beginner friendly
Step-by-step patternmaking + shoemaking video tutorials
Custom fitting included
Ongoing support from expert tutors
Join worldwide with lifetime access
14-day money-back guarantee
Join the barefoot movement.
Within our Online Barefoot Shoemaking Course you'll be shown a variety of Barefoot Shoemaking techniques that you can mix and match to make completely custom shoes. This course is completely self-paced - you'll begin with the basics and work up towards more advanced techniques.
Teaching beginner friendly shoemaking since 2010
This is a creative, beginner-friendly course that shows you how to make cool & comfy barefoot shoes from home.
How it works
Choose your plan + get set up
Master the fundamentals
Make shoes that are uniquely yours
You’re never learning alone
The masterclass modules
Introduction Lessons
Before we get stuck into making, let’s lay the foundations for barefoot shoemaking. We’ll explore what makes a shoe truly barefoot, discover how barefoot lasts differ from traditional ones, get familiar with the essential tools and materials, and learn how to customise your last for the perfect fit. From creating your first mock-up to choosing the right leather, these lessons will give you everything you need to start designing and making with confidence.
• What are Barefoot Shoes? • Barefoot vs. standard shoemaking lasts • Tools & supplies • Last customisation • Making a mock-up • Leather selection
Sandal Making Lesson
In this module, we’ll dive into the fun and versatile world of barefoot sandal making. You’ll learn how to create sandal patterns both with and without a shoemaking last, as well as how to develop your insole and sole patterns to create the perfect foundation for your design. We’ll then bring everything together as you learn how to construct your sandals from pattern to finished pair. You’ll also explore the process of making sandals without a shoemaking last at all, giving you more freedom to experiment with different styles, shapes and approaches to barefoot footwear.
Shoemaking Lesson
In this module, we’ll take your barefoot shoemaking skills into something a little more refined: the barefoot pump. You’ll learn how to create a complete barefoot pump shoemaking pattern, while exploring how small design details can transform the look of a wide toe box without compromising the natural shape of the shoe. We’ll then move into construction, learning how to stitch the uppers, insert stiffeners and attach the soles to create a beautifully finished, zero-drop shoe with plenty of room for your toes.
Shoemaking Lesson
In this module, we’ll dive into the barefoot Derby, learning how to create your own shoemaking pattern and bring it to life through the full Derby construction process. You’ll explore how to last the shoe outwards rather than underneath, an important technique for maintaining the shape and spaciousness of a barefoot design. We’ll finish by learning the stitch-down sole technique, creating a strong, durable construction while keeping that signature wide toe box and zero-drop feel.
Shoemaking Lesson
In this module, we’ll bring a little more sporty style to your barefoot shoemaking with a fully custom barefoot sneaker. You’ll learn how to create a barefoot sneaker shoemaking pattern, then explore how adding different design details can change the perspective and overall look of the shoe. We’ll move on to stitching your upper onto a pre-made barefoot sole, before finishing with the option to create a padded insock for an extra layer of comfort and cushioning.
Bundle Up!
Want to explore more shoe styles while keeping everything barefoot? Our Full Shoe and Barefoot bundle gives you access to the full shoemaking course alongside this specialist barefoot course, so you can take the techniques you learn and apply them across a whole range of different shoe styles. Master the foundations of shoemaking, learn how to adapt patterns and construction for a natural, wide toe box and zero-drop design, then use those skills to create more styles your way - without compromising on barefoot principles.
Information overload?
Watch this short video and take a look inside the course!
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Each plan comes with ongoing support, FULL library of tutorials and lifetime access (upon completion of payments).
Enrol with confidence! We have a 14-day money-back guarantee.
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Get instant access to our entire library of barefoot shoemaking tutorials.
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Get instant access to our entire library of barefoot shoemaking tutorials.
Barefoot + Full Shoemaking Course
SAVE 10% when you bundle!
Ultimate Shoemaking Starter Kit included.
What our students say about our courses...
Read reviews from our amazing community of shoemakers
I never realised home shoemaking was a thing until I discovered I Can Make Shoes! I started with a few pairs of sandals before moving onto closed shoes and now I feel like I can make all the shoes of my dreamsssss 🤩
Not only do my big feet have the most beautiful shoes, but I also can't believe that I can make shoes!
I really can't praise this course enough. I LOVED every minute of it - it's so detailed, clear and thorough. There are so many types of shoe you learn about, but it also gives you the skills to develop your own designs and styles. As a result of ICMS I have been able to launch a shoe brand of my own - something I never imagined possible. Would give it 100/5 stars if I could.
Any questions?
Have a read through our FAQ's below, or reach out to us at info@icanmakeshoes.com
I am already enrolled in the Footwear Masterclass, do I need to buy the barefoot course separately?
Yes, but contact us first, we have a very generous discount for our Masterclass Students!
Can I use my standard flat shoemaking lasts to make barefoot shoes?
No, Barefoot shoemaking lasts are very different. They have a wide toe box and a zero-drop sole.
What are barefoot shoes?
Barefoot shoes are footwear designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot while still providing protection from the ground. They typically have thin, flexible soles, no arch support, a wide toe box, and zero drop (no raised heel).
How are barefoot shoes different from regular shoes?
Unlike traditional shoes, barefoot shoes don’t restrict your feet or alter your natural gait. They let your toes spread, your arches engage, and your muscles move the way nature intended. There's no cushioning or heel lift - just a minimal sole that allows your feet to feel the ground.
Do I need any experience to make barefoot shoes?
Not at all! The course is beginner-friendly and walks you through every step - from measuring and pattern-making to sewing and assembling. No previous shoemaking or craft experience is required.
Can I make my own designs and patterns?
Yes! I show you how to make patterns for each shoe style within the course. You can also mix and match patternmaking and shoemaking techniques from each lesson to make completely custom shoes.
What tools and materials will I need for the course?
You’ll need some basic tools like a pair of sharp scissors, shoemaking glues, sandpaper, an awl and masking tape for patternmaking. You'll then need some basic shoemaking components like soling and leather. The course provides a full list and recommendations.
What about ongoing support?
Hi, we are real people - not robots. 🤖
Within the Full Shoemaking Course, we answer your questions with descriptions, videos, and pictures directly inside the course's online platform. And you'll have access to our online community where you can share your creations, questions, and tips with fellow home shoemakers.
How are the tutorials delivered?
All of the lessons are pre-recorded. This means you can watch them online at any time, at your own pace.
But does it really work? Can I make real, wearable shoes?
Totally! We've taught this proven step-by-step process to total beginners for over a decade and already host thousands of students from all over the world.
Is it hard to get the sizing right?
The course shows you how to measure your feet (or someone else’s) to make custom patterns. This helps ensure a great fit, better than store-bought shoes in many cases. It might take a little trial and error at first, but the process is very learnable.
I'm vegan, can I participate too?
Absolutely! While we mostly use leather for the demonstrations, you can follow the exact same steps using vegan materials. I even have a section on how to make shoes using scraps from your fabric stash.
Can I use a gift card to sign up to the Online Course?
Yes! However, gift cards are not redeemable on our Payment Plan Package, and can only be redeemed on our One-Time Payment Package. If you have a gift card that you would like to use to sign up to this online course, please email us at info@icanmakeshoes.com and we'll be in touch!
How does the 14-day money-back guarantee work?
We know you're going to see the real value the moment you sign into this masterclass. And if you dont love what you see, you can take us up on our money-back guarantee.
So give it two weeks. If you don’t like what you see, simply email us and we’ll issue you a full refund.
Please note the 14-day money-back guarantee only applies to full course purchases. The 14-day money-back guarantee is NOT valid on the I Can Make Club.
Have any questions? Email us at info@icanmakeshoes.com