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I recently finished a new pair of foot-shaped shoes — photo attached (hopefully!). As ever, the goal was to make comfortable footwear that lets the foot move as naturally as possible while being stylish and unique. Wide toe shapes and flexible, totally flat soles are a consistent feature of my designs. I never make tapering toes, stiff soles, toe spring or raised heels — as these can all cause major issues for feet and for general health (e.g., knees, hips, backs) especially if worn for years or decades. In fact, I started making my own footwear because it’s almost impossible to buy shoes without at least one of these features (even if you can find flat, flexible soles, the toe area usually tapers too much). See my blog post at https://tozafoot.com/2019/07/02/experimenting-with-design-and-method-side-fastening-shoes/ for more photos, and a summary of how I made this pair. I’ve taught myself a lot, and invented some ways of doing things that would probably raise professional shoemakers’ eyebrows, but they work for my philosophy and toolset. I only use a few hand tools, no sewing machines or sanders or other power tools, and I only use solvent-based glues for attaching a rubber sole, after the shoe has been completed and is wearable (with a leather outsole). Again, see my website for more details. Cheers! tozafoot

Hello! I am a beginner shoemaker and have been trying to figure out an affordable and dependable way to sand and shape leather soles and heels. I purchased a harbor freight belt sander that broke down very quickly. Then I purchased a black and decker grinder that was modified by a shoemaker that exploded and almost took my eye out! Anyways, I would love to hear what people are using to shape leather that isn't a huge investment like the industrial ones but one I can use at home and feels safe. Can anyone recommend perhaps a better brand for a belt sander? Regards, Maia

Sorry for the short notice, but I've only just noticed this Firstly though, an explanation for non - British members. Any company that supplies the British Royal Family, their households, and their palaces can use that fact as part of their advertising and company profile, though they are expected to be suitably discrete and British about it. It can range from the mundane, like cleaning products to expensive items like exclusive clothing or jewellery. It's called 'by Royal Appointment' On Monday 13 th June, 8-30 pm on BBC4 there is a programme called 'Handmade: by Royal Appointment' It features John Lobb, a London shoemaker who still make shoes by traditional methods like hand carving a wooden last; wet forming the leather; then hand sewing I expect it can be found after that date for 28 days? on the BBC website, BBC iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer http://www.johnlobb.com

Hi, I'm new to working with leather and about to start my first project. I'm trying to do some costing on a pair of shoes I want to make to figuire out what the exact input cost will be. This is what I have in mind (see below). How many pairs of shoes can one make on average with a piece of leather 1 meter by 1 meter (3.2 foot by 3.2 foot). Any guidance will be much appreciated

Newbie here - new to the forums and new to working with leather. I just completed (nearly) my first pair of sandals. I'm still waiting on an order of sole material to stick to the bottoms to make them wear longer, but they're wearable for now. I've learned quite a bit while working on these, so I'm excited about starting on the next pair to see if I can improve the look and the speed of construction. Sarah aka Hawah

I'm looking for a sewing machine that is good for sewing leather uppers and handbags. I was thinking about buying a post machine but I'm not sure if this would good for handbags. I used to use a Pfaff post for my shoe uppers but there may be something better out there that I'm not aware of. I'm based in the UK and I would preferably like to buy a used machine. Does anyone have any advice for me? Thanks.