THE SCIENCE AND SKILLS OF GETTING IT RIGHT

 

This book is not designed to be an instruction manual about how to make the best bespoke shoes and boots. Instead, it is intended to give shoemakers, health professionals and clients an insight into making orthopaedic footwear that has a positive effect on peoples lives. We look at what happens when it goes wrong, and the impact it has on the wearer's mobility, and what can be done to make it right, first time, every time.

 

CONTENTS

1.  The Relationship issue. 

The relationship between the  shoemaker and client, and the orthotist and patient. 

2.  A Shoemakers Guide to the Feet.

An insight into feet, and what can go wrong with them.

3.  Information Gathering.

A fancy word for measuring, but much more than just a pen and tape measure.

4. Short Term Conditions.

Corns, verrucas etc, etc, and how we can make things easier for clients.

5.  Long Term Conditions.

The reason why most clients come looking for an orthopaedic shoemaker.

6.Making the Last.

The last is the building block of every boot and shoe, some tips.

7.  Making the Working Cast.

Casts for complex footwear problems, made easy. 

8.  Orthotic Insoles.

Orthotics, insoles, raises, cradles, what's the difference.

9.  Making a Mock Upper.

It takes less time than you think to construct a mock upper to check the last.

10.  Selecting an Appropriate Style.

No matter how good the lasts, the patterns and leather, you need to select the right style.

11.  Creating the Patterns.

A few simple patterns explained, a brief insight.

12.  Skills for Upper Making.

Not so much an upper making class, but a skills update.

13.  Shoe Construction Types.

A few basic ways of making bespoke and orthopaedic footwear.

14.  Cemented Footwear Construction.

Processes, tips and suggestions for making lightweight shoes and boots.

15.  Welted Footwear Construction.

The most fun you can have when making bespoke shoes and boots.

16.  Outside the Box.

Sometimes a little imagination is needed to come up with something that works.

17.  Further Case Studies.

Case studies provide a valuable insight into dealing with clients problems.

18.  Problem Solving.

It doesn't always work out well, how to fix it.

19.  In Conclusion (including)

Training for the Future.

The Independent Shoemakers Conference

Organisations and Associations.