If you're looking for something a little less formal, you could try a weekend or short-term workshop devoted to the craft of Shoemaking before committing to one of the longer programs listed below.
Istituto Europeo di Design
With locations in Italy and Spain, this institute offers several other fashion design courses, including a one year course in Accessories & Shoes Design in Rome.Visit Site
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
With several locations in California, The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising offers advanced study in Footwear Design as part of it's Fashion Design program. FIDM's Footwear Design program is small and extremely focused. You won't be learning about how to make handbags or other accessories, but you will be taught every aspect of the footwear industry during the course of this one year program.Visit Site
Polimoda
Located in Florence, Italy, Polimoda offers an 2.5 year intensive Design Footwear and Accessories program with a three month internship for European students. Students learn all aspects of the footwear industry, including shoe history and popular shoemaking software. Enrollment is offered to high school graduates, and class size is limited to 25 students.Visit Site
London College of Fashion
The London College of Fashion offers several long and short courses in footwear design and shoemaking, including an intensive six week program called "Footwear Summer School."Visit Site
De Montfort University
Located in Leicester, England, De Monfort University is the only Single Honors Footwear Design course in the UK, and offers work placement opportunities for students.Visit Site
The Fashion Institute of Technology
Occupying an entire city block, FIT is located in Manhattan, New York and offers one and two year associates degrees, as well as a bachelor's degree in Accessories Design. In addition to learning shoe design and making skills, students also learn about belts, handbags and hats as part of these degree programs.Visit Site
