Green Shoes reviews

25 Dec 18'

Jane Marsh reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I did the one day shoe making workshop - I was absolutely thrilled with the results and proudly wear them regularly. Very patient tuition -I am pretty cack-handed on any sewing machine let alone a leather sewing one! I would heartily recommend! Once the team at Green Shoes have your pattern, you can then also order handmade shoes from them at a later date too."

30 May 18'

Jayne and Dave reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"What an amazing day! Great fun with a team of friendly, professional and knowledgeable people. We were amazed at what we were able to achieve in a day. Everyone back home has been amazed by the beautiful shoes and boots we made. Thank you so much!"

30 May 18'

Jeanie Ciskowski reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I had a wonderful time at the one-day course at Green Shoes. I love my shoes, they are beautiful and comfortable. I will cherish them always and remember the fun day of bonding with a interesting and creative group of people. I was expecting and hoping to receive more information on shoe-making in general, but it was more of an employee-for-a-day experience. I was told what to do and received all the help I needed, but I didn't learn more general information about materials and glues and techniques. There was a lot to do for all of us to get through the work in one day! Also, I expected to leave with my shoes that day, but the final sole and finishing was to be done by the shop, and I had to pick them up on Monday. Luckily I could alter my plans and return on my way back to London before flying back to the US on Tuesday."

30 Jun 17'

Jimenez reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"This was my fourth course in the space of about 10 years and I still wear the shoes I made on my first workshop! I would thoroughly recommend this course because not only do you learn a lot about shoe construction, but you also get to take home a pair that YOU made and are custom-fit for your own foot size and shape. These shoes will last you a lifetime and will become your 'goto' item for every occasion. Excellent quality materials, lovely atmosphere and a beautiful end product. 5 stars!"

23 May 17'

Yuli reviewed: Walnut bag making workshop

"The teaching is good, I didn't know about the Cow! How that works. There's a lot to get in in one day, so I felt stretched to work hard, but you get your money's worth. I love my results. A bit lumpy around the stitching, I don't know if that's me or the leather! The shoes are a bit on the big side for me, but I've put extra thick insoles in, and they feel like a dream. Thank you so much for working so hard to make the day a treat in your lovely chapel. It really feels like something very special, to be able to make my own shoes in one day, which will last my lifetime and be repairable. Such a feeling of achievement and I keep catching myself looking at my feet. My pedal extremities really are beautiful! xxx"

24 Jan 17'

Hayley.R reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"Fantastic, personalised and practical course with wonderful tuition from Alison and Sarah. This was exactly what my soul needed! Many thanks"

31 Oct 16'

Carolyn Kagan reviewed: Walnut bag making workshop

"The moccasin making workshop was excellent. A small group of novice moccasin makers spent the day learning to understand leather, cut out, skive (in the technical sense), punch, sew and last, in the convivial Green Shoes workshop. By the end of the day we all had bespoke shoes, with just the finishing of the soles to be done after we had finished. Alison Hastie and Rose Choules were skilled and attentive tutors, watching out for when which of us needed additional help, and ensuring the shoes were perfect. And of course, throughout, there was chatter and concentration in equal measures, so a really good time was had. I learnt a lot and have a lovely pair of shoes! Thanks for a stimulating, stretching and fun day."

18 Aug 16'

Susan Scott reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I booked the two day boot making course. Absolutely loved it. So informative and hands on. Alison is a great teacher and keeps the process moving along at a good pace. The working environment is friendly and fun, a great two days, far exceeded my expectations, and I just love my boots! Thank you guys!!"

13 Aug 16'

Kim reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I had a superb day, enjoying every moment of it. I got the chance to do stuff that just wouldn't be possible anywhere else. The staff have a knack for knowing when you need help and when to leave you to get on with it. So, I really felt like I had made the shoes myself. The resulting pair of shoes were worn at work the following week. They were admired by everyone. Even those people who had not understood why anyone would attempt to make their own shoes had to admit to being rather impressed. The most difficult part of the day was making choices about style, colour, sole, and laces! In addition, it's a lovely village with a nice little campsite 10 minutes walk from the workshop."

9 May 16'

Emily reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I loved making boots at Greenshoes! It was a great weekend with super friendly and helpful people who guided us through all of the techniques with plenty of tea breaks. I made long pull-on boots which I've been wearing non-stop ever since. It's such a great feeling to be able to say 'thanks, I made them!' when people compliment you on your shoes! I'm hoping to go back and make some summer shoes for when it gets too hot to keep wearing my boots"

2 Jan 16'

Lorraine reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my shoe making day and couldn't believe how much we achieved given how relaxed it felt. There were four of us in the group and two tutors, so we had constant support and attention if we needed it, and I really enjoyed the insight into the everyday life of a shoemaker. I was also surprised at the amount of choice we had. Given that the course was only one day, I expected to turn up and be told everyone was making the same style and we had a choice of x, y and z colours. Far from it! There were two shelves full of different shoes to make and any leather you could find in the store room. And the piece de resistance? I was allowed to freehand cut and sew bats onto my shoes!!! So I am absolutely thrilled with my unique and perfectly fitted shoes and cannot thank Alison and the team enough. The one thing I would recommend (as I was recommended by a friend) is to expect to leave the shoes behind on the last to stretch into shape and have them posted. It's a little extra time and money but it made the day more relaxed not having to rush to finish them and it was like Christmas having the finished shoes arrive in the post! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone."

31 Oct 15'

polly reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I had a fantastic time making shoes - really would recommend it. Me and my mum had a lovely day that was really enjoyable and informative - I never felt out of my depth as a complete novice at working with leather! Amy and Alison were amazing! They were very helpful and incredibly knowledgable. I am so happy with my unique shoes that fit perfectly. They have received many compliments up here in Edinburgh! Will be saving up to make some sandals! Thank you!"

30 Oct 15'

Graham Richards reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"As a fairly experienced leather worker, I wanted to try my hand at a pair of shoes, if only to see how easy or difficult it might be to make them at home. Alison and Emily have got this day sorted down to a T. We had clear objectives, clear instruction and all the right tools and equipment on hand to complete the task. It was a fun way to learn, not at all intimidating and even a novice could feel confident with Alison and Emily on hand to offer help when needed. I came home with a cracking pair of desert boots that look great and fit comfortably. I think the thing I learnt was, there's more to making shoes than I realised, and, without the specialist knowledge, tools, machinery and experience at your fingertips, this would not be as easy away from the workshop. Still, it's wetted my appetite to explore making some moccasins next, so maybe I will start making shoes at home! Thank you for a great day and a great pair of shoes!"

2 Oct 15'

Issy Reading reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"A really fun weekend course with friendly and helpful tutors who gave just the right amount of guidance and help. I had high expectations of the course and they were met - I now have a bespoke pair of boots that fit my feet perfectly and are in my own chosen colour scheme! The course was well paced, with enough time for breaks and lunch whilst also keeping up the boot-making progress. Alison and Sarah were careful to give each of us the attention we needed but let us get on and do each stage of the process ourselves. The venue and location were also really nice so it was a pleasure to stay there for the weekend. I'd very much recommend the course - definitely worth the money."

12 Aug 15'

Elizabeth Bond reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"What a great day, with excellent help from Alison and Emily. I made a pair of 'Willow' shoes which fit extremely well. Our feet were measured and we had the chance to try on different styles and sizes to help work out what was right for me. I would recommend this course for anyone who is interested in making shoes and I would love to learn more. Thank you."

11 Aug 15'

Luke Tinklin reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"The course was very enjoyable, challenging and interesting. The workshop leaders Alison and Emily were enthusiatic, helpful and friendly. The pace of the course was good and I was able to select the leather and colours to use myself. You are guided on how to make the shoe rather than handheld through the process, which was great and as an inexperienced sewer, was given the freedom to practice on the sewing machines first. At the end of the day I had created my own pair of shoes and left feeling very proud of what I had achieved. A very nice way to spend a Saturday - i'd recommend the workshop to anyone and everyone!"

28 Jul 15'

James Roulston-Eldridge reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"An absolutely excellent workshop and now I have a brilliant pair of shoes to show for it. A great environment to learn and work in and pitched at the right pace to complete the shoes in one day but not feel rushed at the same time. This is a great course if you just love hand crafts or are a shoe fanatic. A great insight into how shoes are made and the skills needed to do so. Alison and Emily were great on the day and couldn't be more helpful. Well worth the money and I would definitely go back for the longer boot making course. Thank you for a wonderful experience."

25 Jun 15'

Kris Rothstein reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"The workshop was so fun and surpassed my high expectations! The pace was fabulous and nothing was too rushed - I always felt someone was on had to answer my questions and guide me through difficult bits. Everyone was lovely - the staff and my fellow students. My only suggestion is that it might be handy to have a handout for those that want one which gives a few of the basic terms, techniques and methodology - I know it couldn't be too specific as we all choose to make different shoes. However, having a reference to get a bit of a sense of the bigger picture before delving in could be helpful in knowing which mistakes are easy to fix or cover up or are not important! It would have been helpful to know which bits were the trickiest and most important while I was doing them. Now that I've completed a pair of shoes I have a sense of those but starting out it was so mysterious. I am very happy with my shoes and will recommend this and also I think I will come again!"

16 Apr 15'

Anna Ash reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I made the Iris boots and am so proud of them! Alison, Ami and Sarah were there with me all the way and helped me with such a sense of fun and companionship. They really are experts in this field. Especially Alison who knows her stuff from years of experience."

16 Mar 15'

mitchell Fawcett reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I had such an amazing time, the girls there are amazing and know exactly what they are talking about, I had such a great time I am going to get my wife to take the course."

10 Mar 15'

Emily reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"The course was fun and well paced. Loved the three evening sessions, which gave me a chance to ask more questions. Alison and Sarah were both so knowledgeable and friendly, giving the sessions an informal and relaxed feel. Thank you so much."

20 Feb 15'

Fiona Lowe reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"A great workshop! It was with some trepidation that I began the day.Me,shoemaking?Something I had wanted to do for so long and now there I was surrounded by gorgeous shoes and leather in myriad colours. The whole day sped by so fast what with the excellent tuition,friendly fellow students,lovely charity lunch at a nearby pottery and most of all a pair of purple and avocado ankle boots which I made myself. For anyone who loves shoes so much that they want to make a pair to call their own- this one day workshop is a must."