Bespoke orthopedic shoe making requires highly specialized skills for making elegant, stylish footwear for people with fitting and walking difficulties.
This video series is aimed at people who already have shoe making experience, to give them the knowledge base, skills and inspiration to make bespoke orthopedic shoes.
There is a large volume of educational material on making shoes available on the internet, however here you will learn how you can transform a person’s life, recover their mobility self-worth and self-confidence.
Bill Bird who has over 40 years of experience and also lectures in orthopedic shoe making.
These videos have been commissioned through the Worshipful Company of Patten Makers and are freely available to all in order to pass on the skills and inspire the new generation of bespoke orthopedic shoe makers.
In memory of Deborah Brooke
Bill Bird Shoes: www.billbird.co.uk
Produced by Artisan Media: www.artisanmasterclass.com
Hi,I just saw your video of how to measure foot for bespoke, I was wondering, is it possible to 3D modeling a foot using Iphone that have lidar, so that you can bespoke a shoe remotely instead of measuring it by hand in person. THen I saw you touch the bones and I feel even remote 3D modeling is realistic I'm afraid that can not be as precise as touching the bones by hand.
Not specifically I spend all my teaching time when I'm not actually making shoes, on the Two Year Pattenmakers Certificate in Bespoke Orthopaedic Footwear. There is how to make patterns and the uppers for a Derby shoe as part of that course.
for the two instep measures, when you are using your fingers to displace part of the measurement are you having them the width of the inner measurement on the page, the outer measurement on the page, or the 3.5mm in from both sides of the outer measurement? (if any)
I am biased because of all the lazy doctor giving orthodic soles to person who just need to strengthen their feet and legs and end up injuring themself even more ! Pleased to see a professional
A wonderful and fascinating channel that is a joy to watch. If you read comments, and are still out there, you really should add 'ASMR' to the titles of your videos, because this channel is a hidden gem and your views and subscriptions will go through the roof!
It's my understanding there needs to be at least three points of contact, in order to keep shoes on. Here's my situation, I have an Achilles tendon injury on my right ankle and I would love to go hiking again. I was wondering do you think having a custom last made; would be a good idea, in order to create custom shoes/hiking boots & snickers without the full back heel?
Just wait for the injury to heal and strenghten your legs/feet, no need for special shoes exept for exeptional case ! Like if you REALLY need to walk. In fact stay away from cushy shoes as much as you can when hiking or running if you are not injured !
Wow, I wish I d seen this before I put a deposit on shoes. I m going to cancel them and come here ….jeez. I ve been disabled by greedy podiatrists and false shoe makers who want money !!!
You are my actual hero. I've been looking for videos on how to make shoes for two years, tried to work out how to make them without a last, finally gave up and found this series through the lasting videos.
Absolutely EXCELLENT series. Sir you are very knowledgable and VERY clear in explaining your craft. I have saved all these videos as I will be watching them again to take in all your information. Thank you.
I really appreciate your videos. Thank you. Do you prefer the leather for heel counter? I have also seen the thermo molded type. What do you think of those?
Thank you for a great video. I’m starting my first pair of shoes, custom made. Just wondering if you would alter the last if orthotics are used in the shoe? Also I love the metatarsal bump like in Birkenstock sandals. Can the sole or last be shaped to include this? I broke my ankle 6 years ago and have crazy hyper mobility in that foot/ankle which leads to tendinitis over and over. Add to that I wear 10eee size which is pretty rare for a woman. I’ve been living in men’s boots for years now. I’m want some good looking shoes!
Thank you Bill!! I’m new to hobby shoemaking and your lessons on last making have been crucial. My wife has plantar fasciitis so my next challenge is making orthopedic shoes for her. Thank you for sharing all your experience!
The way you explain things which are quite complex is amazing. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge. I would appreciate it a lot if you could suggest books or articles on shoe making and especially on the correct way to make patterns and materials traditionally used such as glues or pastes. Thank you again and I hope you continue to make such nice videos.
Great videos. I am experimenting with boot making, and getting lasts is almost impossible. I can get wood, however. So last making it is. 😁 Thanks again.
