#shoemaking #shoemakingclasses #howtomakeshoes
Full shoemaking courses online[visit here]
www.shoemakingcoursesonline.c...
Transcript:
Welcome to the "Shoemaking Podcast". I’m Sveta Kle-tina, a footwear designer, shoemaker, and founder of Shoemaking Courses Online, where you can learn how to make shoes professionally from home. Today, we're diving into a smart, cost-effective approach to making sandals. Let’s get started.
When it comes to shoemaking, investing in the right tools and materials can get quite expensive. But did you know that making sandals can be a more budget-friendly way to dive into this craft? Sandals require fewer materials and tools compared to other types of footwear. While they can be as intricate as you like, they can also be simple to make with the right professional approach.
Sandals are a great starting point for beginners. They allow you to understand the basics of shoemaking without the need for heavy investment. Plus, with fewer components, the process becomes less daunting, making it easier to develop your skills and creativity. You can experiment with different styles, materials, and techniques, learning as you go without the fear of wasting resources.
The first thing to consider in shoemaking is the shoe last. For those new to the term, a shoe last is the mold around which a shoe is constructed. Different types of shoes need specific lasts, and sandals are no exception. Unlike pump lasts, which can be versatile, sandal lasts are designed exclusively for sandals.
Understanding the importance of the last is crucial. It's not just a mold; it's the foundation of your shoe. The right last ensures that your sandals fit well and are comfortable to wear. It affects the overall shape, fit, and even the style of the shoe. Choosing the right last is the first step towards making quality footwear.
Sandal lasts have several unique features:
1. Dimension Close to Foot Size: Sandal lasts closely mimic the actual dimensions of the foot.
2. Toe Shape: The toe shape is similar to the foot's toes, with minimal variations.
3. Wider Insole: The insole width at the toe area, joint line, instep, and heel is broader compared to other shoe lasts.
4. Increased Instep Size: The instep of a sandal last is larger by at least 8 mm.
5. Mono-block Construction: Most sandal lasts do not have a steel plate and feature a mono-block construction.
These features ensure that sandals made with these lasts are not only stylish but also ergonomic. The wider insole and increased instep size provide better support and comfort, making them ideal for all-day wear.
One of the smartest ways to maximize the use of a single sandal last is by creating various insole shapes. This technique allows you to produce multiple sandal designs without altering the last itself.
Here’s how you can do it:
Make a Pattern of the Bottom of the Last: Start by creating a pattern of the insole.
Place Your Feet on the Pattern: Outline your foot on the pattern to see where you can change the shape for a more comfortable fit.
Create New Shapes from Points A and B: From where your pinky toe and big toe are, start designing new shapes for the insole.
This approach is unique to sandal making. Unlike pumps or other shoe types, where altering the last is necessary for different designs, sandals allow you to innovate by simply changing the insole shape.
Creating different insole shapes not only allows for versatility in design but also provides an opportunity to cater to various foot shapes and preferences. You can design insoles that offer more arch support, a wider toe box, or a different heel height. This customization can make your sandals more appealing to a broader audience, enhancing both comfort and style.
There are several benefits to this method:
* Using a single last to create various insole shapes allows for a wide range of sandal styles.
* It eliminates the need to invest in multiple lasts for different designs.
* Streamlines the shoemaking process by focusing on insole modification rather than complete last reconstruction.
By adopting this smart approach, you can maximize the potential of a single sandal last, creating numerous designs that cater to different aesthetic and functional preferences.
This method also promotes sustainability. By reducing the number of lasts needed, you lower the material waste and resource usage. It's an eco-friendly approach that aligns with modern values of sustainability and responsible consumption. Additionally, it allows you to be more experimental and creative without the financial burden of acquiring new equipment for each design.
This method highlights the unique flexibility of sandals lasts in the world of shoemaking. If you want to learn more about crafting your sandals, from design to the finished product, check out my online courses. These courses cover everything you need to know, making the process easy and accessible.