How to make a shoe

      Making show in ten easy steps

Step 1: Cutting the pattern Almost every pair of shoes we make at Shoes of Prey is unique and so requires a unique pattern to be cut. Pattern cutting involves creating the shape of each component of the shoe. With all our possible shoe combinations and each shoe size requiring a new pattern, we have a lot of patterns in our studio! In the video above you can see an upper pattern being created. An upper is the part of the shoe that sits on top of the foot. The other parts of the shoe that need to have patterns made include; the sole (the core of the bottom of the shoe); the insole (the internal part of the shoe that sits directly under the foot); the outsole (the outer layer that directly touches the ground) and the heel. Step 2: Tools of the trade One of the most important tools for making a shoe is the last, something which customers never normally get to see! The last is a foot shaped piece of material over which the shoes are molded. A different last is used for each shoe size and style. For example, a shoe with a pointy toe will be molded using a last with a pointy toe. The last is so important because it determines the fit and feel of the shoes. Step 3: Edging Edging is the process of flattening the edge of the pieces of leather that have been cut to the pattern so it is thinner than the rest of the leather piece. This makes for crisp, neat joins between pieces of leather giving you a much more comfortable fit as well as the quality finish you would expect from a pair of hand crafted shoes. Step 4: Stitching The different parts of the shoe are then carefully stitched together. Step 5: Trimming preparation The next step is to prepare the trimming before it is added to the shoes. Step 6: Selecting the heel What size heel would you like? Our stiletto heels come in different shapes and sizes, and you get to pick! These become the core of the heel of your shoe - encased in the leather you have chosen. Step 7: Trimming the excess This involves carefully putting together and making the finishing touches to the decorative upper for another pair of hand made shoes. Step 8: Preparing the sole The core pieces of the sole of the shoe are then covered either side by the insole (the piece that sits against your foot) and the outersole (the piece that sits against the ground). Step 9: Shoes of Prey Logo The Shoes of Prey logo is lovingly added to your shoes. Step 10: Affixing the outersole The outersole is the affixed to the shoe. Step 11: Finishing The final cutting, cleaning and polishing of the shoes. The shoes are then boxed and shipped straight to your waiting feet!