make your own shoes Archives • Second Skin Blog

Making Sneaker Style Espadrilles – Soles And All

August 7, 2019March 28, 2021 by Neda

I haven’t worn sneakers for a very long time. I do like them but I stopped buying shoes once I learned how to make my own. Sneakers, I thought, aren’t the kind of shoes I could make at home.

I know they now sell sneaker making kits but I’d prefer a plastic-free version. So I’m glad I finally figured out how to make all-natural sneakers out of things I have in my craft room.

I used raffia for the soles and denim scraps from my ever-growing fabric stash for the uppers (it hasn’t shrunk much after completing this project, sigh), pigskin lining and leather soles.

Out came these sneaker style espadrilles. I’m so happy how they turned out, they are super comfy and so soft to walk on. So here is how I made them.

Making Children’s Shoes

May 22, 2016November 18, 2020 by Neda

Making children’s shoes is especially rewarding because you know what they are made of. Most shoes offered today consist of synthetic, glued together components that aren’t healthy for a growing and more vulnerable body. Wearing shoes made of such material often leads to sweaty (and sometimes smelly) feet.

Making Boots at Home – Inspiration For Shoe Making

May 1, 2016January 31, 2021 by Neda

Making boots at home is the most wonderful feeling of accomplishment. You can make them look exactly like you want, choose the material, colour, decoration, height and so much more!

I started making shoes 10 years ago, they didn’t look like these then. I used to take apart old shoes to figure out how they were constructed and then experimented with basic shapes, different leathers, dyes and ways to decorate it while teaching myself leather craft techniques.

I got so fascinated by the fact that I can actually make shoes at home that I haven’t bought another pair of shoes since.