First Pair of Shoes

[MoMatt]

I saw a couple cobbler videos on youtube and though that really didn't look very hard. So I bought a set of lasts off ebay.  First order of business was to trace my foot and then add the circumference measurements at several points.  I used my 2X72 grinder to shape the lasts to my feet dimensions.  Next I added leather to a couple spots where my feet were bigger than the lasts and contoured it to the last.  I put masking tape on the lasts, drew a show on it, then cut the masking tape for my pattern.  I used 5 or 6 ounce leather shoulders from tandy for the uppers, and sewed them on my patcher.  I bought a sole bend and nailed an insole to the bottom of the last, stretched and nailed the uppers around, then built up the sole.  This sole is glued and pegged on, next pair I think I will use a goodyear style welt.  They fit like they were made for my foot, lol, but are like standing on concrete bare foot.  Maybe once the sole conforms to my foot they will be more comfortable.  I stuck a dr schols insole in them and they are not too bad.  Its fun to make shoes, really easy and people are impressed, guess no one tries it anymore.   

[HobbledCobbler]

Nice, I'm trying to learn to make a shoe last!

Couldn't find any in my size!

[alexitbe]

Thanks for posting... I think I am going to give it a go...  I have a few tools from a cobbler, a press and a few other things..

I am waiting for this book, "Handmade Shoes for Men" by Laszlo Vass and Magda Molnar,to arrive before Christmas and then I'll have  a crack...

First, I might try replacing a leather sole on an old pair of shoes..

 

Cheers

ALex

 

[plinkercases]

Very inspiring thanks for the post. I am waiting fro the time to try to make a pair of boots.... and not fancy boots just some S**t kickers.

 

[RockyAussie]

On 04/11/2016 at 4:15 AM, MoMatt said:

I saw a couple cobbler videos on youtube and though that really didn't look very hard. So I bought a set of lasts off ebay.  First order of business was to trace my foot and then add the circumference measurements at several points.  I used my 2X72 grinder to shape the lasts to my feet dimensions.  Next I added leather to a couple spots where my feet were bigger than the lasts and contoured it to the last.  I put masking tape on the lasts, drew a show on it, then cut the masking tape for my pattern.  I used 5 or 6 ounce leather shoulders from tandy for the uppers, and sewed them on my patcher.  I bought a sole bend and nailed an insole to the bottom of the last, stretched and nailed the uppers around, then built up the sole.  This sole is glued and pegged on, next pair I think I will use a goodyear style welt.  They fit like they were made for my foot, lol, but are like standing on concrete bare foot.  Maybe once the sole conforms to my foot they will be more comfortable.  I stuck a dr schols insole in them and they are not too bad.  Its fun to make shoes, really easy and people are impressed, guess no one tries it anymore.   

I think you have done very well for your first set and I would say keep at it, particularly if you find it fun and easy as you said. I am often amazed to see schools and video"s showing a person holding in their lap a last whilst trying to pull the upper into shape and nail as well. I have just gone down and dug out of storage a Lasting Jack which if you can get your hands on one will make the job a whole lot more fun and easy. The base allows turning 360 and the spring keeps pressure on firmly all through the process. The mirrors I added to the base in order to see the upper was locating correctly while pulling the upper around with the lasting pliers. Regards Brian