Shoemaking Live Event Replay

Welcome to the Shoemakers Academy Live Event Archive. Check here for replays of our recent events.
Sustainable Footwear AMA #6 (6/3/2023, 1 hr)  “The Shoe Dog,” Wade Motawi, presents and previews the course Sustainability Strategies for Footwear.
Questions Include:
What strategies could help balancing sustainability and profitability in such a challenging process?
 Is there any sustainable alternative for PU cement to glue shoe materials?
 Is there a stitching technique (without glueing) that you would consider best suited for quality and easy disassembly end of life for recycling purposes?
 How about European countries like Italy, How do they rank in terms of sustainability compared to china?
 What would you recommend as most sustainable sole material for a shoe?
 
Sustainability Strategies for Footwear Course 
Introductory pricing is available now.  Enroll today!
Sustainable Footwear AMA #5 (6/1/2023, 1 hr)  “The Shoe Dog,” Wade Motawi, presents and previews the course Sustainability Strategies for Footwear.
Questions Include: Are there options for Vegan Leather?
What are the most cost effective choices for eco-friendly design and manufacturing?
How do Sustainablility teams in large companies work?
What types of sturdy materials (non-animal) are suitable for sneakers?
How much is sustainability in product design actual sustainability, or just marketing hype?
What about “fast fashion” where the products are more disposable in nature?
Are there stronger laws forcing brands to be responsible for their excess waste in landfills?
Sustainability Strategies for Footwear Course 
Introductory pricing is available now.  Enroll today!
Start Your Own Shoe Company AMA #4 (5/20/2023, 1.5 hrs) 
“The Shoe Dog,” Wade Motawi answers shoe business start-up questions live on Zoom with shoemakers around the world. 1.5 hrs
Questions Include:
How do I create a new design to build my brand?
I have designs ready, how do I raise capital to make samples?
Should I worry about trademark infringement when I send my designs to factories?
How do I identify a “good” materials supplier? 
I plan to build a factory…where do I start?
I’m also building a factory, where do I start in terms of finding the right people to hire for the Brand Team and the Factory Team?
How much does it cost for a minimum first run?
Do I get access to ask you questions when I purchase the All Access Pass?
Do you have any discount codes to offer?
Yes! Use code Save100 at checkout to save $100 on the All Access Pass or the Shoe Business Start-Up Course.
Start Your Own Shoe Company AMA #3 (5/18/2023, 1.5 hrs) 
“The Shoe Dog,” Wade Motawi answers shoe business start-up questions live on Zoom with shoemakers around the world. 1.5 hrs
 
Do you have any discount codes to offer?
Yes! Use code Save100 at checkout to save $100 on the All Access Pass or the Shoe Business Start-Up Course.

Start Your Own Shoe Company AMA #2 (3/9/2023, 1.5 hrs) 
“The Shoe Dog,” Wade Motawi answers shoe business start-up questions live on Zoom with shoemakers around the world. 1.5 hrs

Questions Include: 
What is the best way to get my shoe design prototype made?
What shoe soles may already be available at a factory?
Do you have advice on how to source soles for samples?
How can I get small factory runs for my shoe design?
How do you determine the best way to set the cost for shoes? 
What’s the best method for shipping shoes? 
How many shoes should you manufacture when starting out?
What about shoe factories in US or Italy? 
Is China still safe for making shoes?
Where is the best place to get lasts for kids shoes?
Can I get a discount code to purchase the All Access Pass?

Yes! Use code AMA100 at checkout to save $100 on the All Access Pass.

Behind-the-scenes introductory video –>
Meet “The Shoe Dog” and peek inside a video lesson. See how to choose an online course, how to enroll, purchase, and start your course. You’ll learn how to access your personal dashboard for all your course video lessons, downloadable textbooks, and materials.

Additional FAQs on online courses and materials can be found here.

Start Your Own Shoe Company AMA # 1 (3/11/2023, 1 hr.) 
“The Shoe Dog,” Wade Motawi answers shoe business start-up questions live on Zoom with shoe makers around the world.

Questions Include: 
What’s the best sneaker-designing platform you recommend to anyone?
Any recommendations for shoe making and design school one can attend? 
Is there a directory of standards to put into our shoe designs?
What inspired you to design shoes?
Where do you buy the best fabric?
What are the 3 main components of running a shoe company?
What’s the fastest way to get your product out there?
Any recommendations to improve my shoe illustration and my 3D drawing techniques?
Can I get a discount code to purchase the All Access Pass discount code? Yes! Use code AMA100 at checkout to save $100 on the All Access Pass.

Shoe Material Q&A for Footwear Designers and Brand Builders (January 2023, 1.5 hrs.)
 
“The Shoe Dog,” Wade Motawi answers shoe material questions live on Zoom with shoemakers around the world.

Questions Include: 
Is there a such material as tumbled suede/nubuck?
What’s your opinion on Nike’s ReGrind shoe sole technology?
What material does Nike use to make outsoles?
Thoughts on cork as a material for sock liners/footbeds?
Do you think the Yeezy sneakers are in general overpriced?
What is the manufacturing cost difference between foam-molded sneakers 
vs. traditional multipart sneakers?
Are polymer shoes without lining harmful to skin and foot health?

Start Your Shoemaking Career

Expand your skills and knowledge in modern shoe design, manufacturing, and sourcing with our online masterclass. We offer over 100 footwear lessons for all levels, taught by experienced professionals. Access 24 hours of on-demand video instruction and bonus materials including five shoemaking textbooks.
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