Shoe one year diploma

A unique experience on the panorama of Italian and international fashion schools, made possible by the technical skills and sample room facilities here at Arsutoria, the leading school for shoemaking in the footwear industry.

It’s much more than an academic Master program; it is a hands-on, industry-driven, product-based intensive diploma program, recognized worldwide by professionals and brands. Elevate your career in the footwear industry with our Shoe One-Year Diploma Program, mastering every aspect of shoe design and technical pattern making.

Key features of the Shoe one year diploma

  • Practical Learning: Focus on real-world applications and product-based education for the footwear industry.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering design, technical skills, and market positioning.
  • Final Project: Create a unique shoe design that showcases your creativity and technical expertise.
A student cutting shoe patterns at Arsutoria School
student holding a prototype in his hand and using an industrial machine
computer with a 3D footwear design project
student of Arsutroia's Shoe One Year course holding a palette of colours to create her collection
student presenting her shoe collection
hands fitting the prototype boot for final presentation

Course overview

Our Shoe One-Year Diploma Program combines tradition and innovation, equipping you with the skills necessary to thrive in the footwear industry. Join us and embark on a prestigious career path that blends creativity with technical expertise:

Shoe design classes – 15 weeks

We will guide both beginners and those with a design background in building a complete shoe collection with the right marketing positioning, in-depth materials research, and a polished graphic layout. This comprehensive program begins with hand sketching techniques focused on drawing shoes and their components, with a special emphasis on sole design. As you progress, you will gain proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, essential tools for creating professional-level shoe designs. Our course culminates in a hands-on project where you will learn the essential tools and methodologies to build your own shoe collection.

3D technology is rapidly transforming the footwear industry, enabling brands to visualize and communicate their collections with enhanced technical precision and aesthetic appeal. That’s why 5 weeks of the shoe design classes are dedicated to 3D tools for the footwear industry:

  • we prioritize iCad3D+, a state-of-the-art software that seamlessly integrates 3D design with technical shoe development, allowing for precise and rapid prototyping
  • we also teach Rhinoceros, a cost-effective and versatile tool popular in the footwear industry, particularly for designing soles. Its accessibility, extensive online resources, and continuous updates make it a valuable asset for any designer
  • explore advanced digitalization methods that go beyond simple material scanning. Learn to create sophisticated digital representations of materials (PBR) and utilize rendering tools to generate lifelike images of virtual shoe prototypes that closely mimic physical samples.
student evaluating which materials and colours to use for his prototype and collection of footwear made in the shoe one year diploma course

Shoe pattern making classes – 15 weeks

The next 15 weeks are designed to equip you with the essential technical skills to design and prototype a wide range of footwear, including men’s and women’s styles as well as sneakers. It all begins with an introduction to shoe lasts, a crucial foundation in footwear design. Students will then dive into pattern making, a core component of the Arsutoria School methodology. You will also gain hands-on experience by learning to sew your first upper sample, ensuring a practical understanding of the shoe-making process.

  • Robust Sample Room Experience: engage in a strong sample room component that enhances your practical skills and creativity.
  • 2D CAD Integration: Learn to utilize 2D CAD software to streamline your design process and improve accuracy.
  • Diverse Footwear Styles: explore a wide variety of shoe styles and learn how to develop patterns for: Pumps and their variations (e.g., T-bar), Sandals, Derby shoes, Oxford shoes, Moccasins, Chelsea boots, Low boots and knee boots, including Oxford ankle boots, pull-up boots, and zipped boots, Sneakers with various constructions, such as Board Lasted (cemented) and Edge Strobel.
hands cutting the pattern making

Final project – 8 weeks

Over the last 8 weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your shoe design to life in Arsutoria School’s state-of-the-art shoe lab. Building on the designs developed during the first 15 weeks of classes, you’ll select from a vast range of lasts, soles, heels, and materials available at the school or sourced from our network of esteemed Italian suppliers.

happy and satisfied student holding in her hands two snaker prototypes from her collection made at Arsutoria School

Work closely with Arsutoria School’s experienced instructors to develop a comprehensive technical project, refining your skills in shoe design and prototype development. Our team of seasoned sample room technicians will provide expert guidance, ensuring that your final prototype meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Arsutoria School offers a unique and immersive learning experience, setting us apart from other Italian and international fashion schools. Our cutting-edge shoe lab facilities, combined with the technical expertise of our instructors, provide the ideal environment for aspiring shoe designers to thrive.

Testimonials

  • My favorite part of the course actually is pattern making, it includes a little bit of calculation a little bit of hands on drawing (...) After the Shoe One Year diploma I have the solid technical skills that allow me to re-enter the industry in a more competitive way.

    Kaichu Fan

    Shoe one-year diploma student

  • I studied industrial design and I chose industrial design because of Footwear but industrial design is very broad (...) I think that Arsutoria program will help me become just the best designer that I can be whether I do go a development round or I just stick to being a footwear designer or maybe even as a technician for a few years just to have the background knowledge

    Yan Fonseca

    Shoe one-year diploma student

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