Shoemaking

Courses

  • Summer Intensive Courses
  • One-Year Courses | Semester Courses
  • Master Courses
  • Short Courses
  • GET INFO
 

One-Year Course ・ Semester Course

Overview

This exclusive program provides students with a unique opportunity to master genuine, high-level shoemaking techniques directly from accomplished Italian leather artisans renowned for their unparalleled skills and extensive expertise. Throughout the course, participants delve into the intricacies of the entire shoemaking process, including crafting the last, pattern cutting, material selection, sewing, and more, ensuring the creation of footwear that boasts both quality and durability. Beyond covering a spectrum of shoe varieties, our curriculum allows students to specialize in crafting shoes tailored for specific needs, such as those prioritizing "simplicity and comfort," "durability," "functional designs for individuals with medical conditions," or even "elegance for special occasions." By acquiring these comprehensive skills, students are well-equipped to embark on a successful career as skilled shoemakers.

    Styles & Techniques

  • Décolleté: From Model to Finish. Dive into the art of décolleté, navigating through the entire process from meticulous model making to the impeccable finishing touches, ensuring a nuanced understanding of this elegant style.
  • Inside-out model (reversed): Reversed Model Making and Precision Sewing. Embark on a unique journey with the inside-out model, unraveling the secrets of reversed model making paired with expert sewing techniques, resulting in footwear that stands out with its distinct craftsmanship.
  • Chanel style sandal: Tailored for You. Experience the luxury of personalized learning as we craft both right and left foot Chanel-style sandals to meet your specific requests, ensuring a truly bespoke educational experience.
  • Oxford shoe: Immerse yourself in the classic elegance of the Italian "Francesina" style Oxford shoe, honing your skills to create timeless footwear that seamlessly blends style and sophistication.
  • Derby shoe: Crafting the Classic Derby Shoe. Uncover the intricacies of Derby shoe construction, mastering the traditional techniques that define this timeless and versatile footwear style.
  • Moccasin: Crafting Comfort and Style. Explore the art of moccasin crafting, where comfort meets style. Learn the techniques to create footwear that seamlessly blends casual comfort with a touch of sophistication.
  • Blake construction: Precision in Every Stitch. Delve into the world of Blake construction, perfecting the art of stitching for footwear that not only meets but exceeds the standards of precision and durability.
  • Goodyear Welt construction: Elevate your shoemaking skills with the meticulous craftsmanship of Goodyear Welt construction, ensuring your creations boast durability, comfort, and a refined aesthetic.
  • Norwegian construction: The Nordic Touch. Uncover the secrets of the "Norwegian" construction method, where traditional techniques and Nordic flair converge to create footwear that reflects both heritage and innovation.

Tuition and Fees (prices in euros '€')
One-Year Course: € 16,200.00 (non-EU students)
One-Year Course: € 14,200.00 (EU students)

Semester Course: € 9,400.00 (non-EU students)
Semester Course: € 8,400.00 (EU students)

Academic Calendar
    ONE-YEAR programs
      I. Sep 9, 2024 - Apr 18, 2025
      II. Jan 13, 2025 - Aug 1, 2025
      III. May 5, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
      IV. Sep 8, 2025 - Apr 17, 2026

      SEMESTER programs
        Fall 2024: Sep 9 - Dec 13, 2024
        Spring 2025: Jan 13 - Apr 18, 2025
        Summer 2025: May 5 - Aug 1, 2025
        Fall 2025: Sep 8 - Dec 19, 2025
Language
With English interpreter

 

Master Course

Overview

Our Shoemaking Master Course is tailored for students with proven experience in handmade shoe production. Accademia Riaci offers unique opportunities for students, thanks to its close relationship with the leather industry. By visiting local shoe factories/laboratories, students will have the chance to learn first-hand how the shoe process is realized through concept work-production sales. During the second semester of the program, students will work on a corporate study, working on projects together with local companies under the supervision of their teacher, to learn the actual production process in Italy, which is known for producing shoes of the highest quality in the world. The goal of our master's is to develop highly qualified professionals through the creation of a career-oriented portfolio which is essential for achieving a breakthrough career.


Tuition and Fees (prices in euros '€')
Master One-Year Course: € 17,800.00 (non-EU students)
Master One-Year Course: € 15,800.00 (EU students)

Master Semester Course: € 10,600.00 (non-EU students)
Master Semester Course: € 9,600.00 (EU students)

Academic Calendar
One-Year program
    I. Sep 9, 2024 - Apr 18, 2025
    II. Jan 13, 2025 - Aug 1, 2025
    III. May 5, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
    IV. Sep 8, 2025 - Apr 17, 2026

    Semester program
      Fall 2024: Sep 9 - Dec 13, 2024
      Spring 2025: Jan 13 - Apr 18, 2025
      Summer 2025: May 5 - Aug 1, 2025
      Fall 2025: Sep 8 - Dec 19, 2025
Language
With English interpreter

 

Short Course

Overview

Embark on a practical journey in shoemaking with our hands-on training classes, where students not only grasp fundamental techniques but also craft personalized shoes tailored to their size. The curriculum encompasses every facet of shoemaking, from precise measurements and pattern cutting to leather selection, composition, sewing, and impeccable finishing touches. As students progress through the course, they have the opportunity to create a diverse range of shoe types, refining their skills based on the duration of the program and their evolving experience.

Shoemaking classes are NOT available throughout the month of August.

Start Dates
Every Monday

Tuition and Fees (prices in euros '€') - Standard
4-week course: € 2,180.00
5-week course: € 2,650.00
6-week course: € 3,120.00
8-week course: € 4,060.00
10-week course: € 5,000.00
12-week course: € 5,940.00

Language
With English interpreter

 

Summer Intensive Course

Note: the "Summer Intensive Course" has the same contents as the "Short Course", but with a double number of lessons. Furthermore, it includes housing and extracurricular activities and services.

Overview

Embark on a practical journey in shoemaking with our hands-on training classes, where students not only grasp fundamental techniques but also craft personalized shoes tailored to their size. The curriculum encompasses every facet of shoemaking, from precise measurements and pattern cutting to leather selection, composition, sewing, and impeccable finishing touches. As students progress through the course, they have the opportunity to create a diverse range of shoe types, refining their skills based on the duration of the program and their evolving experience.

Start Dates (check-in)
・May 4, 2025
・May 18, 2025
・Jun 1, 2025
・Jun 15, 2025
・Jun 29, 2025
・Jul 13, 2025
・Jul 27, 2025
・Aug 24, 2025
・Sep 7, 2025
・Sep 21, 2025

Tuition and Fees - Prices in Euros (EUR)
Students have the flexibility to opt for our provided housing or make their independent accommodation arrangements

1-week course: €1,750 (without Housing) ・ €1,900 (in Twin Room) ・ €2,150 (in Single Room)
2-week course: €2,620 (without Housing) ・ €2,900 (in Twin Room) ・ €3,200 (in Single Room)
3-week course: €3,710 (without Housing) ・ €4,050 (in Twin Room) ・ €4,400 (in Single Room)
4-week course: €4,800 (without Housing) ・ €5,200 (in Twin Room) ・ €5,600 (in Single Room)
6-week course: €6,750 (without Housing) ・ €7,350 (in Twin Room) ・ €7,950 (in Single Room)
8-week course: €9,000 (without Housing) ・ €9,800 (in Twin Room) ・ €10,600 (in Single Room)
12-week course: €12,600 (without Housing) ・ €13,800 (in Twin Room) ・ €15,000 (in Single Room)

    Summer Course fees include:

    • Enrollment fee
    • Tuition
    • Certificate of completion
    • English interpretation services (Italian-to-English translator)
    • Orientation session
    • Eco-friendly bag and welcome kit
    • Two meal vouchers and four non-alcoholic drink vouchers per week
    • Weekly guided art tours (including museum admission tickets)
    • Biweekly cultural excursions (e.g., trips to Pisa or Siena)

    • NOT included:

      • Course materials
      • Transportation costs
      • Florence Tourist Tax (€38.50) and Wi-Fi (€5 per week) for students staying in our housing

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Bespoke Shoemaking in Florence, Italy

Italy stands as the epicenter of the global leather crafting artistry, boasting a multitude of prestigious brands revered on an international scale. The allure of Italian footwear, captivating people worldwide, can be attributed to the masterful fusion of highly sophisticated designs and the unrelenting commitment to quality by Italian artisans. These skilled craftsmen prioritize the creation of footwear that embodies both beauty and comfort, with a feather-light touch, all while igniting inspiration.
Among the Italian cities, Florence reigns as the quintessential hub of the nation’s leather industry, where it has nurtured generations of exceptionally talented artisans and craftsmen. Their unwavering dedication to quality and mastery of top-level techniques sets the gold standard in the field. Today, this esteemed shoemaking industry is embracing a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary methods, adapting to evolving market trends.
In a rapidly evolving, increasingly globalized landscape, the paramount mission in Italy is to cultivate a new generation of shoemaking artisans. This new breed of craftsmen is tasked with preserving the invaluable traditions of the shoe industry, bridging the rich heritage of the past with the innovative needs of the future, ensuring that the timeless art of shoemaking continues to thrive in an ever-changing world.


Teachers

Our shoemaking instructors hail from illustrious Italian lineages, steeped in the art of crafting leather shoes for generations. With a passion for imparting their expertise, the teachers will adeptly guide students through every facet of leather craftsmanship, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive learning experience.



(Original video courtesy of AFP, all rights reserved.)

Gallery

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