Shoemaking Courses

Let's give shape
to creativity

Learning to create handcrafted custom-made shoes requires a solid theoretical and practical knowledge.

Introduction

Craftsmanship, Passion
and Patience

Step inside our atelier and discover the timeless art of bespoke shoemaking—a craft shaped by patience, precision, and generations of artisans.

At GOLI, shoemaking is not taught through lectures or demonstrations alone. It is learned at the workbench, one gesture at a time, alongside master artisans dedicated to preserving the tradition of handmade bespoke shoes.

Every student becomes part of the atelier, experiencing the same process we use to create shoes for our private clients.

Working with traditional tools, exceptional leathers, and time-honored techniques, you will learn not only how a shoe is made, but why every detail matters.

Whether you dream of becoming a professional bespoke shoemaker or simply wish to experience one of Italy's finest crafts, our programs offer an authentic journey into the world of bespoke shoemaking.

Robert Elek

A solid theoretical and practical knowledge

Robert is a master bespoke shoemaker with more than 35 years of experience in traditional shoemaking.

Trained at a traditional shoemaking school in Hungary, he has dedicated his career to the craft of handmade bespoke footwear. Over the years, he has worked with James Taylor & Son, John Lobb, and Gaziano & Girling, some of the most respected names in British bespoke shoemaking.

His work is rooted in traditional techniques, precision, and an exceptional understanding of bespoke construction. At GOLI, Robert brings decades of knowledge and experience to the making of high-end bespoke shoes and to the transmission of a craft learned and refined through years of dedicated practice.

Giovanni Balistreri

Footwear Pattern Maker

With more than 40 years of experience in footwear patternmaking, Giovanni Balestrari brings extensive technical knowledge and expertise in developing both men’s and women’s footwear.

Throughout his career, he has worked with established companies in the footwear industry, including Parlanti, Procopio and Pompei, developing a deep understanding of traditional pattern making, construction, fit and the technical development of footwear.

He holds a professional qualification from the Politecnico Calzaturiero del Brenta and has served as National Secretary and Expert of the Collegio dei Periti Italiani.

At GOLI, Giovanni shares his decades of experience with students, guiding them through the art and precision of footwear patternmaking and helping to preserve this essential knowledge for future generations.

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One-Week Shoemaking Course - 7 Sessions

An intensive, hands-on course dedicated to making a pair of traditional handmade shoes.

Students can choose from a range of classic men’s shoe models, including Oxford, Derby, Loafer, Monk-strap, and boot styles, as well as different traditional constructions and techniques, such as hand-welted construction, beveled or square waists, and Norwegian construction.

The pattern and upper are prepared in advance, allowing students to focus entirely on the making process from the first session. Working alongside our master shoemaker, they experience every stage of construction—from preparing the materials and lasting to hand-welting, sole stitching, heel building, and final finishing.

By the end of the course, each student will have completed a pair of high-end, entirely handmade shoes while gaining a practical understanding of the materials, tools, techniques, and craftsmanship behind traditional bespoke shoemaking.

Contact us to receive the complete course program, available dates, and course fee.

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Complete Shoemaking Course — 10 Sessions

A complete hands-on course that takes students through the entire process of creating a pair of handmade shoes—from developing the model and pattern to making the upper and completing the final finishing touches.

Working alongside our master shoemaker, each student develops a chosen model, creates the pattern, selects and cuts the leather, and makes the upper. The course then continues through the complete process of traditional hand-welted shoemaking, including lasting, hand welting, sole preparation and stitching, heel building, and final finishing.

By the end of the 10 sessions, each student will have experienced the full journey of creating a high-end pair of handmade shoes, from initial design to the finished product.

Contact us to receive the complete course program, available dates, and course fee.

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Bespoke Shoemaking Program — 16 Weeks

Become a Bespoke Shoemaker

Our most comprehensive program is designed for those who wish to develop a deep understanding of the complete process of traditional bespoke shoemaking. No previous experience is required.

Working alongside our master shoemakers and artisans, students learn every stage of the craft—from foot measurement and last-making to pattern-making, upper-making, and the complete construction and finishing of high-end bespoke shoes.

Throughout the 16 weeks, students explore classic men’s shoe models and a range of traditional constructions and techniques, while developing the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to continue their journey in bespoke shoemaking.

Contact us to receive the complete program, available dates, and course fee.

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Custom Masterclass

Tailored to Your Craft: No two artisans follow the same journey.

Our Custom Masterclass is designed for professional shoemakers, artisans, footwear designers, and experienced students who wish to refine specific skills or explore advanced techniques in bespoke shoemaking.

Whether your goal is to perfect pattern making, last making, leather clicking, upper making, lasting, hand-welted construction, hand sole stitching, finishing techniques, or any other aspect of bespoke shoemaking, each program is individually designed around your objectives.

Training is delivered on a one-to-one basis or in very small groups, ensuring dedicated guidance from our master artisans throughout your stay.

The duration, schedule, and content of each masterclass are tailored to your individual goals and aligned with our atelier's availability.

Because every artisan's journey is unique, no two masterclasses are ever the same.

If you have any questions or specific requests, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss the course and available dates with you.

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Bespoke Last Making Course — 4 Sessions

The Foundation of a Bespoke Shoe

The shoe last is the foundation of every bespoke shoe, defining its shape, proportions, style, and, most importantly, its fit.

In this hands-on course, students learn to take precise foot measurements and to develop a wooden shoe last based on the anatomy, measurements, and individual characteristics of the foot. Working alongside our experienced artisans, students learn how to understand the relationship between the foot and the last, transfer measurements, shape and refine the last, and make the necessary adjustments for fit, comfort, and design.

By the end of the course, each student will have developed a wooden shoe last while gaining a practical understanding of one of the most essential foundations of bespoke shoemaking.

If you have any questions or specific requests, please contact us. We will be happy to discuss the course and available dates with you.

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