Posted on

Safe Sourcing Footwear in China

Safe Sourcing Footwear in China

Safe Sourcing Footwear in China

Welcome to Shoemakers Academy, we provide a range of services to help people source and make shoes. In addition to teaching, writing books and creating courses, we also offer consulting and coaching services to help our clients with their shoe-related issues.

 

One of the services we offer is our Safe Sourcing Project, which helps people find reputable factories to work with. We understand that it can be challenging to find a reliable factory, especially when there are so many options available online. That’s why we provide our clients with access to our network of trusted factories, so they can be confident that their shoes are being made ethically and to the highest standards.


Step by Step Guide
Footwear Brand Building

Learn in-depth about the costs to make a shoe and the rules for importing footwear. Check out How To Start Your Own Shoe Company. 195 pages, 330 color photos.
Buy Now
On Sale $39.99

Recently, we received a call from a production manager who was struggling with a difficult situation. They had found a factory on Alibaba and had made some samples, but they were unsure whether the factory was reputable or not. They had ordered a large quantity of shoes and were worried that they might not meet the required standards.

 

We understand that this is a common problem for many people who are trying to source shoes online. That’s why we always advise our clients to work with reputable factories and to avoid using platforms like Alibaba, which can be unreliable.

New Online Courses
for Brand Builders

#1 Shoemaking Basics for Designers and Brand Builders
#2 How to Select Shoe Materials
#3 Creating Footwear Specifications

Course Details

Enroll now

To protect yourself, one of the most important things you can do is to work with a reputable operation. Don’t just go online and pick the first factory that comes up in your search. Take the time to do your research and find a factory that has a proven track record of producing high-quality shoes.

 

At Shoemakers Academy, we have a network of trusted factories that we work with, and we can help you find a factory that meets your needs. We can also provide you with advice and guidance on how to work with factories overseas, so you can be confident that your shoes are being made ethically and to the highest standards.

 

In conclusion, if you’re struggling to source shoes online and are worried about the quality of the factories you’re working with, then get in touch with us at Shoemakers Academy. We can help you find a reputable factory that meets your needs and provide you with the guidance and support you need to ensure that your shoes are made to the highest standards.

New Online Course
Shoemaking for Designers
& Brand Builders

Created for footwear beginners and career changers alike, this course delivers the basic shoemaking knowledge you need to get your career in the shoe trades started.
Course Details
enroll now $99

Posted on

Making Shoes In Mexico?

Alternatives to China Shoe Production Make shoes in Mexico!

Join me, on my recent expedition to Leon, Mexico, the heart of the footwear industry. My quest was to uncover Mexico’s potential for shoe production, offering alternatives to sourcing from China where I’ve been for 25 years. I delved into the manufacturing process, attending the  ANPIC Show, www.anpic.com, a gathering of shoemaking suppliers showcasing cutting-edge equipment and materials.  

 

What is ANPIC?

The ANPIC is the leading Latin American trade fair for leather goods, shoes, machinery, and products for the leather-processing industry, held at the Poliforum León. The Poliforum León is a modern and easily accessible exhibition center, ideally suited for showcasing products and services in the shoe and leather industry. The fair takes place twice a year, with its first edition held in 1980. The acronym ANPIC stands for “Asociación Nacional de Proveedores de la Industria del Calzado,” which translates to “National Association of Suppliers for the Shoe Industry” in English.

Step by Step Guide
Footwear Brand Building

Learn in-depth about the costs to make a shoe and the rules for importing footwear. Check out How To Start Your Own Shoe Company. 195 pages, 330 color photos.
Buy Now
On Sale $39.99

Despite duty rate complexities, I found that Mexico proves viable for certain products like Western boots and natural leather casual shoes. Although some shoes have favorable duty rates, they aren’t always made in Mexico. 

Leon, an industrial city, is easily reached from San Diego or via Tijuana Airport, offering convenient travel options. My journey enhanced my understanding of the industry, enabling me to better serve clients and aid others in navigating manufacturing processes. 

New Online Course
Shoemaking for Designers
& Brand Builders

Created for footwear beginners and career changers alike, this course delivers the basic shoemaking knowledge you need to get your career in the shoe trades started.
Course Details
enroll now $99

I also had the opportunity to see high-tech equipment commonly found in Chinese factories, offering a unique perspective on Mexico’s shoemaking industry. Overall, my trip to Leon was an enlightening experience that allowed me to gain valuable insights into the world of shoemaking.

New Course!
Shoemaking for Designers & Brand Builders

Created for footwear beginners and career changers alike, this course delivers the basic shoemaking knowledge you need to get you career in the shoe trades started.
Learn more
On sale $99

Posted on

Custom Painting Shoes: The tools you need

What do I need to start painting shoes?

What You Need to Get Started Fast

Whether you aim to personalize your own kicks or dive into the world of professional shoe customization, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to kickstart your custom painting adventure.

Discover the exact tools, supplies, and equipment our professional customizer and instructor, Robsawne Little, uses to design his bespoke creations.


How to custom shoe painting at home How to custom shoe painting for beginners how to customize shoes with fabric custom shoe ideas for beginners custom shoe painter near me how to customize shoes with pictures how to customize shoes online

Learn from Robsawe Little, a professional sneaker customizer and Shoemakers Academy instructor. Discover more about our Make it Custom with ROB course and how it can help you enhance your skills.    


Make it Custom

Stencil Cutting Materials


shoe material cutter best machine for cutting stencils for air brushing

Cricut Maker 3
A must-have tool for cutting stencils. This machine will cut air-brushing stencils and leather parts for custom-made shoes.


Amazon.com


Oracal 651 Stencil Film
This is the raw material you need for your stencils. Yes, this works with the Cricut cutting machines. 


Amazon.com


Cricut Joy Transfer Tape
This tape is integral. Apply it to the face of your stencils to help you accurately apply your stencils to your shoes.


Amazon.com

Air Brushing Supplies


Air compressor for sneaker air brushing.

Central Pneumatic
Air Brush Compressor

Your airbrush will need an air source. This small electric air compressor with a 1/5 HP is a great choice.


Amazon.com


Avanti Air Brush
The Avanti AV-AB-03 is Robsawns choice for air-brushing custom shoes. It’s not expensive and can help you achieve amazing results. 


Harbor Freight


Angelus Leather Paint
This is the top brand for leather paint and is trusted by footwear customizers. 


Amazon.com


Angelus Leather Paint Duller
It cuts the gloss and keeps your painted parts looking like leather. Just a few drops will give your customs a professional look.


Amazon.com


Angelus Matt Finisher
This is a critical Item. It is a must-have to protect your custom shoe paintwork. Two light coats will help defend your shoes from scuffs and scrapes. 


Amazon.com


Angelus leather paint brushes

Angelus Leather Paintbrushes
Quality paintbrushes can help make hand-painting custom shoes easy. These work great for the final touch-ups.


Amazon.com

Other Supplies You Will Need


X-ACTO X5285 Basic Knife Set  Tool you need to make shoes

X-ACTO X5285 Basic Knife Set 
For fine cutting, trimming and skiving you will need a razor blade. 


Amazon.com


Sanding blocks for custom sneaker air Brush surface preparation

220-Grit Sanding Block
These foam blocks are just what you need for the light sanding necessary to prepare the leather surfaces of your shoes to accept paint.


Amazon.com


air brush Masking Tape Tape for masking off you custom shoe project shoes is a personal preference. Robsawn's choice is Stick-Tek You can find this at Harbor Freight.

StikTek Masking Tape
Tape for masking off your shoes is a personal preference. Robsawn’s choice is StikTek. You can find this at Harbor Freight.


Harbor Freight


lint free pads for cleaning up you custom shoe

Cotton Pads (Lint-Free)
You will need a lint-free cotton pad to apply Acetone for clean-up and leather surface prep.  


Amazon.com


Custom paint must have shoe tool

Ball Stylus Tool
These ball-tipped burnishers are the ideal tool for ensuring that your making tape is fully pressed into the shoe upper panels. We recommend using these to reduce paint seepage. 


Amazon.com


You will need a heat gun to make shoes at home

Heat Gun
You will need a heat gun to speed up your painting process and to keep your paint from smudging. A quick hit with hot air allows you to move on to the next layer quickly and efficiently. 


Amazon.com


Latex Gloves for shoemaking

Latex gloves
My choice of protection to keep my hands paint-free and safe when applying Acetone.


Amazon.com


Dust mask for shoemaking

Dust mask
My choice for personal protection. You need a dust mask like this to wear in the work area. 


Amazon.com


Acetone
Acetone (and cotton swabs) are every customizer’s handy helpers!  Acetone is required to prepare leather surfaces and is a must-have for sole removals, glue clean-ups, and quickly fixing any unwanted smudges. 


Amazon.com


How to custom shoe painting at home How to custom shoe painting for beginners how to customize shoes with fabric custom shoe ideas for beginners custom shoe painter near me how to customize shoes with pictures how to customize shoes online

Learn from Robsawe Little, a professional sneaker customizer and Shoemakers Academy instructor. Discover more about our Make it Custom with ROB course and how it can help you enhance your skills.  


Make it Custom

Posted on

Shoemaking Tools You Will Need

DIY Shoemaking tools you will need

What you need to build the Nike Air Jordan 1 at home?

Shoemaking is a complex process requiring special tools, equipment, and materials to facilitate the task. If you’re considering crafting a sophisticated shoe like the Air Jordan, plan your build in advance. Make a list and gather all your equipment, tools, and materials BEFORE you begin. 

Our custom build instructor, Erik Gavica, has shared his equipment list and we have pulled together links to the items you will need to simplify and speed up your home build of the Nike Air Jordan.


With Erik as your guide you will learn how to build the Nike Air Jordan 1 retro High.

Build it with Erik Gavica, a professional sneaker builder and Shoemakers Academy instructor. Learn more about the How to make the Air Jordan 1 online course.


Custom Build AJ Course

Classic Basketball Last Shoe Last:
A shoe last is indispensable for home shoemaking. The last ensures the shoe’s correct shape and also holds the upper in place during sole bonding operations. Specifically, this last is necessary to achieve the iconic shape. Without it, your pattern and outsole may not fit correctly.

Cost of the Last: Prices range from $75.00 to $125.00 online.


Plastic shoe lasts for custom Air Jordan 1 (AJ1) sneakers. Must-have tools for shoemaking

Classic Basketball Last
The last holds the shoe’s shape and allows you to accurately create the iconic 80’s retro shape. You will need a last to board last the shoe and bond the Jordan sole.


Find Your Size

Classic Basketball Outsole:
Jordan outsoles can be recycled from original authentic pairs or purchased online. Various options are available to purchase, including units with airbags, PU midsoles, rubber eggcrate, and logos.

Cost of the Outsoles: Online prices range from $25.00 to $55.00.


Air Jordan Outsole for DIY shoemaking

Classic Basketball outsole
For the home shoemaker trying to save money, or for your first efforts, buying a unit is a good option.  


Find Your Size

Sewing Machine:
A sewing machine is a necessity. Operating it requires some proficiency, especially for critical stitching areas like the toe tip and vamp. Beginner-friendly models like the Singer 44s, 4423, or 4452 are suitable for starting out, priced from $199.00 to $299.00. 

Industrial post machines, both single and double needle, are also available, ranging in price from $600 to $2000. If available, secondhand machines can be a viable option. Don’t hesitate to use what you have.


SEWING MACHINE to make the air jordan at home

Sewing Machine
SINGER 4452 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine. This is a fine choice for the home shoemaker getting started. 


Amazon.com

More Tools You Will Need


leather cutting scissors Fiskars RazorEdge

Leather Cutting Scissors
Fiskars RazorEdge SoftGrip Fabric Scissors – 8″
These will be your “leather only” scissors. Do not use them to cut paper. 


Amazon.com


X-ACTO X5285 Basic Knife Set  Tool you need to make shoes

X-ACTO X5285 Basic Knife Set 
For fine cutting, trimming and skiving you will need a razor blade. 


Amazon.com


Shoemaking Lasting Post DIY Lasting Jack tool Shoemakers Supplies Essential tools for making shoes for sale

Lasting Post 
The lasting post holds your project while you work. Consider it the extra hands you need to make your footwear project come together faster and easier.  


Now in stock


Essential tools for making shoes for sale

Narrow beak lasting pliers
Another must-have item to finish lasting your Air Jordan uppers. 


Now in stock


Shoemaking tools double stick tape

Double Stick tape 
This tape can replace the temporary glue you use to hold parts together while you stitch. 


Amazon.com


cement for making shoes Barge Cement Super stick

Shoe outsole cement
A high-quality shoe cement will hold your home shoemaking project together. Use shoe cement for tacking your upper parts in place and for bonding your outsole unit.


Amazon.com


Hirschkleber Craft Glue

Hirschkleber Craft Glue
In shoemaking, Hirschkleber can be used to glue vamps to toe boxes as it reinforces and hardens the toe box. A paste glue (with a funny name) makes for great results! 


Amazon.com


You will need a heat gun to make shoes at home

Heat gun
This heat gun features two modes with two heat outputs: I: 752℉, 250L/min, and II: 1112℉, 500L/min. It has a strong power of 1800W.


Amazon.com


Shoemaking Supplies DIY Parts Super Kit: Shoe Lasting Boards, Heel Counters, Toe Puff, Foam, Lining Mesh, Eyestay Reinforcement

DIY Shoemaking Parts Super Kit
We have collected the hard-to-find materials you will need for your shoe project. This kit is a top-selling product with quality inner materials.


Now in stock


VERSATILE ROTARY TOOL KIT: Includes 4000 corded rotary tool, 4 attachments, 34 high-quality Dremel accessories, plastic storage case, and accessory case HIGH PERFORMANCE MOTOR – Provides maximum power and performance at all speeds. Variable speed (5,000 – 35,000 RPM) and electronic feedback circuitry for consistent performance even in the most demanding applications INNOVATED AIR FLOW SYSTEM- Ventilation mechanism helps prevent heat build-up for smoother, cooler, and quieter operation

Dermal Rotary Grinding Tool
A corded rotary tool with 4 attachments, 34 high-quality Dremel accessories, a plastic storage case, and an accessory case.


Amazon.com


Standard Scissors
You should have a second pair of scissors to preserve your leather-cutting scissors.


Amazon.com


Stitching awl for hand made shoes Tools needed for outsole stitching

Stitching awl
You need this awl to make the channel stitching; without it, your sole may not stay attached!  


Find Tools


Hole Punch

Hole punch
This tool is very useful for tight corners and making lace holes.


Amazon.com


shoemaking punching matt

Hole punching Matt
A good punching matt will make your shoemaking a leather crafting much easier! 


Amazon.com


How much do sneaker customizers make? What paint is used to customize sneakers?

Electric sander
A sander will help you clean up the bottom corking and speed up your buffing operations. 


Amazon.com


Sand Paper

Sand Paper
A critical Item. Sand paper is a must-have for upper scuffing. 


Amazon.com


Latex Gloves for shoemaking

Latex gloves
A personal choice but useful for the application of Hirschkleber. Trust me on this!


Amazon.com


Dust mask for shoemaking

Dust mask
Another critical item you will need. 


Amazon.com


Acetone
When you build a custom shoe, you will need acetone for glue clean-ups. Acetone is also required for sole removals. 


Amazon.com


Sneaker cleaning kit

Shoe cleaning foam & brush
You will probably want to give your shoes a good cleaning once they are finished. 


Amazon.com

Posted on

The Shoe Dog Dunks on a Pair of Fake Nike Dunks

How to spot fake Nike Dunks

Fake Nike Dunk SB

In todays video, Wade Motawi, The Shoe Dog discusses a pair of Nike Dunk sneakers obtained by a friend in Mexico. The Shoe Dog acknowledges that the sneakers are fake, and they decide to compare them with a genuine pair for educational purposes. The analysis focuses on various aspects of the shoes, including stitching quality, symmetry, embroidery, packaging, and material inspection.

The Shoe Dog examines details such as the heel logo embroidery, stitching cleanliness, and the overall build quality. They express concerns about the glossy appearance of one shoe compared to the other. Throughout the analysis, The Shoe Dog shares insights into common characteristics of authentic sneakers and points out potential signs of counterfeits.

https://vimeo.com/919301882

Additionally, The Shoe Dog explores aspects like the toe box, vamp, and collar lining, highlighting specific features and imperfections. They emphasize the importance of examining details like cut edges, swoosh placement, and over-gluing, providing a comprehensive assessment of the sneakers’ authenticity.

The analysis extends to the interior of the shoe, with The Shoe Dog using tools like calipers and a durometer tester to measure and evaluate elements such as footbed thickness and cushioning. The video ends with a promise to cut open the shoe to further inspect the materials used in its construction.

Overall, The Shoe Dog aims to educate viewers on how to identify fake sneakers by thoroughly examining various characteristics and construction details. The analysis covers both visual and tactile aspects, offering a comprehensive guide for those interested in distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit Nike Dunk sneakers.

Shoemaking
TextbooksBuy Now
Shoemaking
SuppliesBuy Now
Shoemaking
CoursesCourse Details

Previous slide
Next slide

New Online Course
Sneaker Authentication

13 Authentication lessons.
3 hours of video instruction.
In-depth study of footwear inspection techniques.
Authentication textbook included.

Course Details
enroll now $199