Historical Shoemaking 101: Making Wood Heels

The heel is one of the most iconic parts of a historical shoe. Whether you are tackling shoemaking or upgrading an existing modern shoe, the right shape of heel can make all of the difference. But they are incredibly complex, curvy pieces that require precise measures- so what details really matter? What tools do you need? What should they be made out of? We'll get into answering all of those questions and more!

This is the first video in what I'm considering my Historical Shoemaking 101 series. Heel making is a much more practical place to start than last making, even if the last is a necessary part of the supplies. It's a good way to spend time getting to know what defines the look of an era, as well as understanding the curves and demands of your last. This skill applies to European shoes from the late 16th through the 20th century, so it really is incredibly useful.

✂️ Double Saw: https://amzn.to/3jMmaEI
✂️ Long Saw: https://amzn.to/2VOW5wA
✂️ Keyhole Saw: https://amzn.to/3AG4SzZ
✂️ Poplar Wood: https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/27/6431/turners-choice-Poplar-Turning-Blank?term=poplar&term=poplar
✂️ Oscillating Sander: https://amzn.to/3jS5LyD
✂️ Palm Gauge: https://amzn.to/3iKuea3
✂️ Chip Carving Knife: https://www.woodcraft.com/products/pfeil-swiss-made-chip-carving-knife-13?via=573621f469702d06760016cd%2C5763288b69702d20ec000b2e


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🎶Music via Epidemic Sound (https://www.epidemicsound.com)

00:00 Research & Sourcing
06:59 Drafting from Scratch
13:51 Pulling a Pattern
18:12 Rough Cutting
23:21 Sanding & Shaping