▲ 705 r/Cordwaining+1 crossposts

Homemade cowgirl boots

Over the last month my two oldest daughters and I made a pair of boots together to show at the boot roundup this year and to teach them the process. They were fit for the 10 year old who also designed and sewed the tops. Veg kangaroo top, bull shoulder vamp, goat collar, Horsefront lining. We only had one last so we had to print the other. Pulls were cotton dyed with cochineal

u/thenewreligion — 8 days ago

▲ 4 r/Cordwaining+1 crossposts

Did A1923 switch from Goodyear welted to cemented construction on its newer Luke boots?

I’m considering a pair of A1923 Luke High Biker Boots from the FW26 collection ($1,675), but I’m having trouble determining how they’re constructed.

The AW24 version was explicitly advertised as Goodyear welted, with a stitched sidewall rand and rubber lug outsole. However, the newer model is described by SSENSE only as having “topstitching at welt,” with a stacked rubber heel and lugged rubber sole.

Comparing the photos, the newer model appears to have much finer, less prominent stitching around the welt, and the heel construction looks different. Someone suggested that the newer version might use a molded rubber unit sole with decorative stitching rather than a genuine welt. I’m skeptical, but I can’t tell.

A few questions:

Does the stitching on the newer model appear functional or decorative?
Is there any visual evidence suggesting Goodyear, hand-welted, Blake, or cemented construction?
Could the stacked rubber heel and outsole still be compatible with traditional Goodyear construction?
Would the newer boots be reasonably straightforward to resole?

I’m willing to spend the money on quality footwear, but long-term repairability matters to me. I’d rather not spend nearly $1,700 on boots that can’t be properly resoled.

FW26 Luke (new - unknown welt)

AW24 Luke (confirmed Goodyear)

***

Edit:

Why repairability matters: I spent $2000+ on shoes that ended up falling apart… https://www.reddit.com/r/Rickowens/s/Nghxg9W93Y (after a battle, Rick Owens refunded me entirely)

u/mildgaybro — 8 days ago

▲ 63 r/Cordwaining

I made my first leather shoe!

I know it doesn't look good but I made it! Pretty damn proud of myself. It was start due to trying to make sneaker without shoe last but I got frustrated and just dive to the craft. I learn a lot through this practice. Gonna wear it until it broken.

u/MrHuman_Being — 7 days ago

▲ 35 r/Cordwaining

Slowly getting to my 100th made boots

Those are number 88. Where are you with your project?

u/Sad_Gear3390 — 7 days ago

▲ 3 r/Cordwaining

Noob here, can I build derby/oxfords from a sneaker last?

Hi everyone, complete beginner here so I’m sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m based in the US and there aren’t many last suppliers here.

In an effort to avoid tariffs and extra shipping fees, I’ve been trying to source my first last in the US which leaves me with very limited options.

I came across the SNF-1 last on the shoemakers academy website. This is technically listed as a sneaker last, but I’m wondering if I can use it to build derby or oxford shoes?

I do have a 3d printer which seems like an alternative option, but feel like jumping right into last design for my first project while trying to learn shoemaking in general may be a little much.

Thanks in advance for your help!

reddit.com

u/Antique_Musician2354 — 7 days ago

▲ 21 r/Cordwaining+1 crossposts

Only One Month till the Stitchdown Expo in Chicago!

Full info:
https://www.stitchdownexpo.com

Sponsor page:
https://www.stitchdownexpo.com/sponsors-2026

Formerly called Stitchdown Boot Camp. It’s two days of makers, boots, leather, tanneries, and other related items, this year with the Super Trunk Show. Makers will be providing sizing, with many having try-on pairs. There will be live shoemaking and repair demos.

AVAILABLE TICKETS:

General Access Pass:
Friday Expo + Night Market (2–9pm)
Saturday Expo (11am–6pm)
Access to all the makers, brands, tanneries, demos, and general programming
Food and drinks available to buy

Early Access Pass:
Same as General Access plus 2-hour early entry Saturday at 9am
First crack at sizing stations
First access to any class sign-ups
Priority shopping before the General Access crowd

Collector Pass:
Everything in Early Access
VIP “Meet the Makers” and Tanneries session Friday 12–2pm
Invite to Stitchdown Shoecast LIVE Thursday evening (6–8pm)
VIP Wrap Party Saturday night (6–10pm) with complimentary beer/wine
Priority registration for Chicago School of Shoemaking classes

Optimo Hat Factory Tour Pass:
Everything in Early Access
VIP Wrap Party Saturday with beer/wine
Thursday Optimo Hat Factory Tour (1–6pm) that includes a Saphir shoe shine masterclass and cocktail reception hosted by Kirby Allison
Same priority class registration

~~Horween Insider Pass:~~ Sold Out
Everything in the Collector Pass
Choice of a multi-hour Horween Leather Co. tour (Thursday or Friday morning, small group)
Dedicated Q&A with them
Complimentary beer at the Expo