Brooklyn Shoe Space

Brooklyn Shoe Space is a community-based shoemaking studio and educational hub founded in 2012 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We provide access to industrial tools, shared workspaces, and expert-led courses in shoemaking, leathercraft, and footwear design. Our mission is to make shoemaking more accessible by removing traditional barriers to entry and nurturing a supportive, inclusive environment for both beginners and experienced makers. At our core, we’re a space for hands-on learning, creative experimentation, and small-batch production. Students and members come from all walks of life; aspiring designers, hobbyists, fashion professionals, and entrepreneurs, many traveling from across the U.S. and abroad to join our classes. We offer everything from beginner workshops to advanced boot- and sneaker-making intensives, private mentorships, and custom curriculum development for universities and corporate clients. As we grow, Brooklyn Shoe Space is transitioning into a nonprofit model to deepen our impact. We aim to expand our programming, create scholarships, and launch workforce development initiatives that build real career pathways in footwear design, repair, and sustainable production. Our long-term vision includes creating a centralized sample room, brand incubator spaces, and lecture/event programming that brings the broader footwear community together. We believe shoemaking is more than a skill. It’s a way to build confidence, creativity, and community. Whether you want to make one pair of shoes or launch a brand, Brooklyn Shoe Space is here to support your journey, every step of the way.