Western Bootmaking

3-Week Seminar Or 60-Day Apprenticeship

Handmade cowboy boots are one-of-a-kind creations requiring a craftsman’s skill, exceptional attention to detail, and creativity. A well-fitted pair of boots fits like you’ve been wearing them all your life.

Western bootmakers, though their work may appear flamboyant, are among the most conservative artisans in the shoe world. Creativity shows up more in technique than design, and tradition is very important. We’re trying to change that mold. Why not be part of the revolution?

In our three-week Western Bootmaking seminar you will completely handcraft a pair of traditional cowboy boots beginning with creating your own patterns, then altering the last to fit, sewing and assembling, lasting, and all finish work. You are exposed to both traditional and newer bootmaking methods.

In addition to bootmaking skills, you will learn the reason for each technique. This knowledge will give you choices and flexibility should you continue making western boots. This brief but intense seminar is a comprehensive hands on experience.

The 60-day apprenticeship is both deeper and broader than the 3-week seminar. In addition to the traditional boot, you are taught how to make lace-ups, triads, two-piece boots, and one-piece tops.

Heavy emphasis is placed on skill development with an eye on developing a solid foundation of skills for a bootmaking career. Various techniques are investigated in order to match your strengths and skills, and the degree to which you want to employ machinery in your bootmaking repertoire.

Perhaps not all the hand skills (practice, practice, practice), but all the knowledge to become a proficient bootmaker is imparted during the sixty days.

Dates and Class Size: Western boot seminars and apprenticeships are usually held one-on-one, with times determined between instructor and student.

Cost: 3 Week: $2,400.00; 60 day: $6,000.00
All materials and tools provided.

Registration: To arrange dates and payment please contact us »
To pay online, see Registration »

Prerequisites: Instructor’s approval. Some shoe repair and sewing experience is valuable, but not necessary. Students are encouraged to read Handmade Shoes for Men by Laszlo and Molnar, before attending.