Keeping the sole alive, meet the RMIT students learning the art of handmade shoemaking

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Keeping the sole alive, meet the RMIT students learning the art of handmade shoemaking

RMIT students learn to design and make shoes to industry standards at the only accredited course of its kind in the southern hemisphere. In Semester 2, they were handed full creative freedom to make whatever they wanted.

RMIT's Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear is a one-year intensive and the only accredited course in the southern hemisphere where students learn to design and make leather shoes, before graduating with the skills they need to work in the industry.

Students learn the foundations of both freehand and computer-aided sketches, technical drawings, patternmaking, as well as cutting and sewing. All this in Semester 1 before being given full creative freedom to make anything they want in Semester 2.

Students in a shoemaking workshop

The shoemaking workshop at the Brunswick campus, fitted with many types of sewing, polishing and leather machine needed for creating bespoke leather shoes.

Students Roman, Leila and Alice are a part of a small cohort, finalising their custom pair of shoes, made to fit them perfectly, before officially completing the course in November this year.

"It's incredible how hands on this course is," said Alice.

"It's definitely quite intense since it’s not just making shoes but also doing things according to the industry standard. For example, filling out the paperwork needed for custom design, costing, sketching, portfolios, and computer illustrations."

Students folding leather

(L-R) Leila building her chainmail heels, and Alice working on the leather for her heeled boots.

Guided by their skilled teachers, students spend the year working through a series of briefs, making shoes from day one. They begin with sketching, move into digital design, then bring their ideas to life through leather construction. Along the way, they regularly work with industry partners, who put their skills to the test with real-world client briefs.

Shoemaker helping a student

Shoemaker and VE teacher, Andrew Robinson, working with a student.

Many students already have a creative background; Leila previously studied a Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacturing, and Alice has a background in fashion having previously completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Student showing off black high-helled shoe with wire front

Leila’s jewellery inspired chain heels during construction.

"It gave me a good starting point because I was already used to working with my hands and making things, but footwear was something completely new for me," said Leila.

"Don’t be afraid to try something new just because you’re not already good at it. There is so much to learn."

The craft of making shoes by hand is becoming increasingly rare, and few institutions still teach it as a vocation. RMIT has long kept this training alive and is the only provider of an accredited shoemaking qualification in the Asia-Pacific region, offering specialised training in leatherwork and industry-standard techniques.

Because of this, students travel from all over the country and the world to learn this craft at RMIT, in search of a course that covers all that they'd need to know to become professional shoemakers.

Roman moved from the UK to join the course at the start of the year; a challenge that has transformed him. Seeing his custom pair of shoes come to life has been a highlight.

Student measuring leather and fabric

Roman's custom black leather shoes, pair in progress.

"Looking back to the start of the year it is insane to think how much we’ve learnt and the confidence we now have when working on designs," reflected Roman.

"It was a big commitment for me to do this course, and it's definitely had its challenges but I'm super happy I did it, I've made some great friends through the course and the skills I've learnt have been a great step into the footwear world.”

For Leila, Alice and Roman, graduating from the course has marked the beginning for their new skillset and future careers in fashion and textiles; leaving RMIT with one of the most unique certifications offered on this side of the planet.

A sketch of a shoe next to the shoe being made

Alice's green heeled boots, final idea sketch with progress shot.

"One of the best things about the course has been discovering how much goes into something that we wear every day without really thinking about it. Making footwear has given me a completely different appreciation for shoes and for the people who make them," said Leila.

"If shoemaking is something you are interested in and would like to go into, then just do it! Regardless of where I take this, it has been amazing," Roman concluded.

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Interested in studying Fashion and Design at RMIT?

You can find more unique study offerings on our RMIT website.

14 October 2026

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