Leather Boots Workshop

Spend four days outside in a woodland workshop, hand crafting your own leather flat soled boots.

If you have an interest in self sufficiency and crafts and the idea of hand crafting your own clothing and kit appeals, this workshop is for you! These no nonsense, stitch-through, flat soled, sewn in tongue leather boots are made using a soft, flexible but tough grain on leather for the upper, a slightly thicker more durable leather for the stitched on mid-sole and a grippy rubber outsole.

This means that they’ll be lightweight, flexible, extremely packable (as spare footwear on camping trips) and quick drying whilst still being tough as .....well, old boots! Having made them from scratch, means you’ll also be able to mend them and even make more when they (eventually) wear out!

You will be shown how to accurately measure and cut out all the individual pieces for your boots using a pattern made around your own foot.  Leather working and sewing techniques will also be taught, useful skills which can be applied to other future projects. The design and sizing will be based on a typical minimalistic, flat soled ‘foot shaped’ shoe allowing more toe movement for grip along with a minimal sole to ‘read’ the woodland floor whilst quietly walking through the forest.

We’ll be following a standard, tried and tested pattern but this will allow some space for originality. Different coloured leather, mixing and matching colours, lacing loops instead of brass eyelets – the finished footwear will truly be unique to you.

If you’re looking for a different style of handmade soft soled woodland footwear please take a look at the Moccasin Workshop.

Please expect to be constantly busy on our craft workshops. To get as much as possible from your experience, arrive fully prepared to work hard between the advertised start and finish times. Traditional crafts ask a lot from your hands, muscles and mind but the long term gains will be worth it!

Each working day will begin at 9am and we’ll down tools at 5pm daily, but please be prepared to put in some extra hours in the evening if required.

All tools, materials and hot drinks are provided however, please bring your own lunch and snacks. 

If you wish to stay locally, the nearest villages are Tisbury, Hindon & Chicklade. If you would like to camp over in the woods, please mention this when you book.

This workshop can be booked as private training for groups of two or more people. please get in touch to choose your own date

Leather Boots Workshop