Q: Where can I find or how can I make fashionable shoe soles? I want to make a pair of shoes, but I don't want to tear apart the shoes I have. The pair I want to try and make are platform wedges. Thanks!!A: It depends on what kind of soles you want to make? Men's or women's? In order to make soles, you'll really need a last. Do you have one?
Q: No I don't have a last and I want to make womens shoes, but possibly some mens too.
A: You can make your own lasts or purchase them. Making lasts is a total art form. I've made my own, but I wasn't very successful. You can view the process photos here. This website has lasts for sale and a great DVD for how to make lasts. I have the DVD, but I haven't yet made lasts using this method.
http://www.walrusshoe.com/books_home.htm
The website isn't very user-friendly, but the people at Walrus Shoe are really wonderful. I called them when I ordered the last making DVD and they were so friendly. They knew Gaza Bowen, who taught me how to make shoes. Gaza was a bit of a legend in the shoe circles. I feel so lucky to have met her.
