Always wanted to design your own sneaker? This is possible! During the VIJZ Shoemaking Course you will design your own dream sneaker and you can make it from scratch. This five-day course offers a lot of possibilities. You will choose your own favourite model and work with premium materials and tools.
VIJZ Bespokes
During the VIJZ Shoemaking Course you will work together with Sam van IJzendoorn, also known as VIJZ Bespokes, on your own sneaker design. In 2013 Sam started repairing and building sneakers under the name 'VIJZ'. The name is a composition of his last name and quickly became a well-known name in the sneaker world.
Nowadays, VIJZ mainly designs his own shoes and gives trainers a unique design. The models at VIJZ are designed with a lot of attention and are seen as a 'piece of art'. At VIJZ you can order these handmade trainers, but also design and make them yourself in the Shoemaking Course.
The VIJZ Shoemaking Course
For the creative people who have always wanted to make their own sneaker, the Shoemaking Course is the ideal activity. During this course, you will work on your own sneaker for five days. You choose your favourite model and work on your personal pair under the guidance of professionals. You can choose between the classic models Nike Air Max 1, Air Jordan 1 High, Air Max 90, Air Force 1 and SB Dunk Low.
After you have chosen your favourite model, you will be sent a template before the course starts. This way you can see what is possible and how you envision your next design. This is also possible during the course itself. Professionals show you how the sneaker is built and how you can best put your design on it. During the course you also get your own sneaker toolkit and you can use the machines in the workshop.
Besides a toolkit, you will also receive your own apron and shirt. You may take these home to continue working on your design or to redesign other shoes. Premium materials are used in the workshop. These can also be bought separately, as well as accessories.
The tricks of the trade
During the course, you will learn how to work as a real shoemaker. You get background information about the making of shoes and the techniques involved. You will learn about the materials you use and the best way to work with them. You will also learn more about the shoe industry and get a look behind the scenes.
During the work, techniques such as gluing, sewing, cutting and taking apart a sneaker are taught. You will learn to make patterns and then apply these to your chosen shoe. The VIJZ team will guide you during this process.
You work 8 hours a day for five days on your dream sneaker. During these days, lunch and snacks are provided by the team. If you still haven't finished your pair after these days, you can continue working on your pair at home with the tool kit you receive. The course costs €2,500 and can be booked via VIJZ.
