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Shop Patterns, Get A Free Shoemaking Class Seat!
We've teamed up with our exclusive pattern provider, Bespoke Blueprint Shop to offer only 10 individuals with a free seat in the SD Custom Footwear Custom Shoemaking Class.
Spend $1,200+ during their Sitewide Pattern Sale & get a FREE seat in any of SD Custom Footwear's future custom sneaker class. (exclusions apply: AJ11, AJ3, AJ4, Sacai).
Once you place your order, we will reach out to you via email & get confirmation on which class date you'd like to register for. It's that easy!
Sale ends January 25, 2024 at 11:59pm PST.
Elevating Golf Footwear | 1st Ever - SDCF Golf Shoe
To be the best and play your best, you need the best golf gear.
Clubs, golf bag, golf balls, and apparel. The flex with apparel doesn't just stop with your clothes - it ends at what's on feet.
One glace at the SDCF Golf shoe is the iconic 'Travis Scott' reverse swoosh inspired by the AJ1 Low 'Travis Scott' silhouette.
The outer being made with genuine American Alligator Leather. With the Italian Calf White leather liner providing extreme cushion - this golf shoe is a 'hole in one' hitting all the key factors at elevating your game.
This spikeless design offers phenomenal support, grip, & traction in all conditions, especially in a damp or fully wet environment.
If you're interested in learning more, sign up to our 'Registration Form' & get up to date news on this release before the general public. This release is first come, first serve as each size is limited to one (1).
Breaking Boundaries: DanyWeird Street Art Fashion
Imagine a combination of your favorite tees, jerseys, brands, colors - all stitched & customized on your favorite jacket. Or your favorite sneaker, deconstructed & reimagined into a crossover bag or backpack.
DanyWeird is a streetwear visionary who breaks the boundaries of traditional streetwear, by adding a custom twist of personal creative vision. His innovation & pioneer spirit has elevated his name & Brand (@pvictories) to collaborate and work with the likes of industry icons: Jeff Hamilton, JBalvin, Anuel, Farruko, and many others.
February 25, 2023: You get to meet your instructor as DanyWeird teaches you his process of design & product development - so you can put your imprint in the Fashion industry.
Registration ends in 24 hours for the exclusive Custom Apparel Class.
All Access: J Osenten (@BigRedSneakerHead) Interview
Adrina:
You came back, we love to see that! For everyone, what's your name and give us a little bit of background about yourself.
Jacob:
My name is Jacob. I'm from Kansas City born and raised. Basically, I have two little kids that I'm managing. I've been doing car audio for the last 20 years then ventured into sneakers probably about two years ago. Now I'm doing that full time. So just being an at home dad and making shoes all day long. That's what I do now.
Adrina:
After taking the SB Dunk class, how much has that education helped your growth in a year?
Jacob:
Big time, it basically gave me the rest of the knowledge that I needed to know, to help get me where I needed to be. I already knew how to use sewing machines. I already knew how to do some patchwork. I just didn't quite know how the patterns would go together. So doing the SB Dunk class is what got me to where I'm at now. It pushed me to basically start making shoes full time and take my passion to the next level.
Adrina:
We know your customization game has improved after every shoe you post. What are some points of advice you'd like to give anyone who is looking to start this as a hobby/profession or currently in this is a hobby/profession?
Jacob:
I would say just go for it. Just do it. If you want to do it, go for it. Just make sure you believe in yourself. You don't know until you try it. So at least try. Grab some juice and give it a whirl. I would say for the people that have been doing it and are still doing it, just keep pushing. Keep putting your hard work in. That's what my support group keeps telling me. They say to put my nose down, keep working hard, keep pushing through all my adversities and try to overcome them. So that's what I try to do. Keep my head up and keep moving forward.
Adrina:
What was it that motivated you to come back a second time around?
Jacob:
More knowledge? I feel the more knowledge you have, the more you know, the better you are. I already knew how to do a Dunk and the Jordan One. I'm sure I could have figured out how to do an Air Max but it doesn't hurt to be taught. It's better to make mistakes with people who know what they're doing around you rather than making mistakes on your own and not really having a knowledge to fall back on. Being here gives me that ability to ask questions when I need to and actually get answers for it rather than banging my head on the wall.
Adrina:
How was your experience for the second time? Did you learn anything new?
Jacob:
Yeah, learning the Air Max was a completely different process then the other shoes in just the way it went together. I mean, sewing, sewing, but just the way it went together and the pieces that it has compared to the other ones, I feel it's a little bit more in depth. That's why I took the class, I wanted to know that. So that's what I wanted is just knowledge, knowledge, knowledge is power.
Adrina:
Let's talk about you as a creator for a second. Where does your motivation and inspiration come from?
What can you tell our audience about something valuable you learned to help you keep perfecting your craft?
Jacob:
I have always had a strong drive to be better at things. If I'm going to learn it, I'm going to learn it all the way. There's no point in learning something if you're not going to use it. So, I do that. I just love doing this. I always try to make the next pair better than my last pair, so I can see my progress. I compare my last shoe to my current shoe because I want to see if it's better or if it's worse. I'd say to people don't be afraid to fail. You're not going to be perfect every time. Every shoe isn't going to come out the way it is. I've thrown away so much leather and I've spent so many hours in front of a sewing machine just to throw it away and start over again because I wasn’t happy with the result. It stinks. But it's called a learning process for a reason. Just don't give up. Just keep on going. If it's not what you want, try again, try again, and try again. That's what I do. That's what put me where I'm at now. I feel that I'm in a place where I can feel confident in coming to these classes and helping other people try to move forward with their learning experience. I've learned it. I went through this problem. Let me let me stop you from having that same problem. That’s what I like to do. That's my experience. That's what I would tell people is just don’t give up.
Adrina:
What was the most rewarding experience you've encountered going through your custom shoe making journey?
Jacob:
Besides taking the classes and learning the skills, I would say the people that I've met along the way. It's friendships that help get you along. I think we need friendships as people. There's a lot of people out there doing it, but who's real and who's not? Finding real people that's probably been one of the best opportunities, being able to meet really good people. That's been rewarding. Even with you and Travis, it's good seeing you guys and keeping in touch on Instagram and stuff like that. It's cool seeing wherever we started and where we're getting, that's awesome. That's an awesome experience.
Adrina:
What was the biggest hurdle and how did you overcome that?
Jacob:
My biggest hurdle is social media. I just don't really have the urge to be on it all the time, or do it but I know I need to get out there and get known a little bit. I know social media is the new way of people being able to see your work and being seen across. That's been my difficult part is just diving into social media and actually taking the time out. Even stuff that I have sold, getting the people to share my work is rough. I don't know what it is but getting out there, that's been my toughest, toughest aspect, getting out there and getting seen. I have a website that I'm building, I'm hoping that kind of gets me over that hump. Rather than just BS, bull, messaging on Instagram, or Facebook with people, at least I can board them to a website now. I think that's going to help a lot. I hope so.
Adrina:
How else can the SDCF help you in your profession in shoemaking? We'd love to assist in any way we can.
Jacob:
Really, you guys have done everything that you can. You've taught me how to do it. You guys share my work when I post and tag you guys. Really that's all I can ask. You know, just be there when I have a question and you guys are, so it's really not much I can ask. It's what can I do for you guys now you know what I mean? So that's what I'm feeling. You guys have been great. This whole experience, both times. It's been a blast. I highly enjoy it and I highly recommend it to anybody that's interested in it. Just have fun. Even if you don't want to make a profession, you want to make it a hobby. Just do it. It's fun.
Meet The Instructor: Travis
Hi my name is Travis! I am a network engineer with 15 plus years of experience. I decided to leave the corporate world in July 2020. My passion has always been technology and collecting sneakers. I have been collecting sneakers since I got my first pair of Jordan's in elementary school. I started my shoe making journey in March of 2021 with SD Custom Footwear. Resell prices are what led me to learn the handmade craft. After taking 5 classes, Rey asked me if I would like to help instruct. I felt honored that he saw the passion I had for shoe making. My original plan was to ask him if I could help. He beat me to it! I have been in every class since. My passion for shoe making is genuine. Once a pair is finished, it's on to the next one immediately. Since taking the class last March I have completed 24 pairs of sneakers and currently wrapping up my 25th. The silhouettes I have worked with are the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 11, Dunk High, Dunk Low, Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 High, Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 Low (personal favorite), and Air Max 1. I’ll add more silhouettes to work with soon, Blazers and Chuck Taylors. When I’m not making sneakers, I’m studying crypto, NFTs, Blockchain and Web 3 technology. I’m also one of Discord admins.
Pro-Tips: Monthly Shoemaking Advice
Patterns & Lasts - Do all Lasts fit all Patterns??
From Our Very Own: Behind The Scenes w/ Adrina
Hi! My name is Adrina. I am a 37-year-old Registered Nurse from Memphis, TN. My journey with custom shoe reconstruction has been exciting! I went from not wearing sneakers at all, to creating my own, and now I am a team member at San Diego Custom Footwear!
In March 2021 at SDCF in San Diego, CA my boyfriend and I began this journey together. We each made a Jordan 11; that was my first time learning the names of the Jordan shoe variations and sewing something together! I really enjoyed the class. I found the instructors to be so helpful! Travis and I each came out with a new passion!
So, over the next 4 months we took a class monthly and created a new silhouette each time; Jordan 1, Dunk, Jordan 3, and Off- White Jordan 1.
I did not even start wearing sneakers until after the third class because I was a heel/sandal girl. So, what made me take the class? I actually took the class to be able to help create shoes for business. Yet, after taking the class so many times I realized that I wanted to be a part of this community. I reached out to Rey, told him that if he needed help, we would be interested, and he bought us on!!!
SDCF and the shoe reconstruction community inspires me to grow! I am so happy I decided to do this!
Being a part of this team means so much to me. The people I have met being a student and instructor are so mind stimulating! Big thinkers, planners, doers! I feel like in this community people are not limiting themselves. Yet, the biggest thing for me is the love felt!
When I come to San Diego Custom Footwear, I bring my selflessness because I want everyone to enjoy this experience as much as possible even if I have to be uncomfortable. I have sat in that student’s seat five times and I know the struggle. I also know the glory of coming out on the other side!
In my opinion it’s worth it. Not just for the skill but also the connections! As human beings we thrive with interaction! Being able to make friends as an adult and having a safe space to enjoy a shared interest is priceless…
AJ1 'Off-White Fishscale' Student Review: @breezywrightexclusive
@Breezywrightexclusives and his experience in our December 2022 In Person Recon class.
SDCF Discord Announcement
The SDCF DISCORD Server is now live! If unfamiliar with Discord according to Wikipedia, Discord is an instant messaging and distribution site where users can communicate via voice calls, video calls, text message, media and/or files in private chats and/or part of communities called "servers".
So, what does all that mean? Discord is a place where you get lots of options for communication. SDCF wants to make sure that we have a place for our Alumni & Supporters to meet together & talk shop. Having a place where we all can share, ask questions, and just engage in conversation is important to us.
Here at SDCF we do not want the experience to end once you leave. Even from home we not only want to be able to provide continuing service but to integrate everyone into this community.
- Adrina Farris
Creative Writer & Instructor SDCF