How to Make HANDMADE Bespoke derby shoes. Handmade bespoke derby shoes are a unique way to express yourself and showcase your personal style with each pair you make.
How to Make HANDMADE Bespoke derby shoes
Whether you’re a shoe enthusiast, or a shoemaker looking to create custom shoes, making a pair of bespoke derby shoes can offer a one-of-a-kind look. But how do you go about making a pair of handmade bespoke derby shoes?
This complete guide will take you through every step of the process, from choosing the materials and tools you need, to the finishing touches.
Preparing to Make Your Shoes
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have all the materials and tools necessary for the project. You’ll need:
- Leather for the upper – at least two to three ounces of vegetable tanned leather
- Soles – 1/8” to 1/4” thick leather or rubber for the outsole (depending on your preference)
- Welt material – leather or rubber for the welt
- Thread – for sewing the upper to the welt
- Nails – for attaching the outsole
- Adhesives – glue or gum paste to hold the layers together
- Shoemaker’s hammer – for staking nails into the sole
- Last – a foot-shaped form to use as your shoe-making template
- Knives – for trimming the excess leather
Once you have all the necessary materials and tools, you’ll also need to find a pattern to use for the upper portion of the shoe. You can find patterns online, or if you’re feeling up for a challenge, you can make your own.
Cutting Out Your Shoes
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to start the shoe-making process. Begin by cutting out the upper portion of the shoe. Start by tracing the last onto the leather. Make sure to mark the level of the heel as well. Once you’ve traced your last onto the leather, cut it out using your knives. Be sure to leave a few inches of allowance around the outside of your last.
From here, you can go ahead and cut out the other parts of the shoe, starting with the welt. Trace the welt material onto a piece of paper and then onto the leather and cut it out. Move on to the sole, then trace and cut out the insole and heel.
Assembling Your Shoes
With all the pieces cut out, it’s time to start assembling your shoes. Begin by assembling the upper. Use your thread and stitch together the cut leather pieces, creating one piece. Then, attach the welt to the upper using your glue or paste. Make sure all the edges are neat and even.
Once the upper and welt components are attached, you can move on to assembling the sole. Start by attaching the outsole to the insole and heel using your adhesive, and then attach the other components using your nails. Finally, use your shoemaker’s hammer to pound the nails into the sole.
Finishing Your Shoes
Now that your shoes are assembled, it’s time to finish them off. Begin by trimming out the excess leather around the toe and the heel using your knives. Be sure to make a clean cut, as this will be visible when you wear your shoes.
From here you can add a few decorations to customize your shoes, such as leather laces, grommets, and other detailing. You can also add some edge dressing to your shoes to give them a polished look.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve finished assembling and decorating your shoes, you can move on to the final step: polishing your shoes. You’ll need a good pair of shoeshine brushes, wax polish, and conditioning creams. Begin by cleaning the leather, then use the brushes and wax to give your shoes a nice shine. Finish off by applying a conditioning cream to keep the leather from drying out.
Conclusion
Making handmade bespoke derby shoes can be a fun and rewarding experience if you follow the right steps. By following this complete guide, you’ll be able to custom-make your own unique pair of derby shoes that will last you for years to come. Choose the right materials and tools, and you’ll have a beautiful pair of shoes in no time.
FAQs
What materials are needed to make bespoke derby shoes?
You need the leather for the upper, the welt material, thread, nails, adhesives, shoemaker’s hammer, last, knives, and wax polish.
How do I assemble the upper portion of the shoe?
Start by stitching together the cut leather pieces into one piece, then attach the welt to the upper with glue or paste.
How do I attach the outsole?
Attach the outsole to the insole and heel using your adhesive, and then attach the other components using your nails. Use the shoemaker’s hammer to pound the nails into the sole.
How do I finish my bespoke derby shoes?
Begin by trimming the excess leather, then add a few decorations to customize the shoes. You can also add edge dressing to give the shoes a polished look. Finish by polishing the leather with brushes and wax, then apply a conditioning cream.
Q: How long does it take to make bespoke derby shoes?
A: This will depend on your skill level, but it usually takes a few hours to assemble the upper and sole and about an hour or less to make the finishing touches.
