INDEPENDENT
SHOEMAKERS
 

For many, shoemaking is a solitary craft. This may be what led a dozen or so shoemakers to reach out to other likeminded craftsmen and to talk shop over a pint. Now in its 28th year, what originally began as a way to ‘find the others’ has evolved into the Independent Shoemaker’s Conference (ISC), with shoemakers from around the world returning to reconnect with peers and friends.

Over the years, guiding principles have emerged, mainly Sharing Skills, Resources, and Networking, but all in the spirit of openness and togetherness. As the number of shoemakers and supporting industries shrank over the years, it became important for shoemakers to share their knowledge and sources for materials and equipment, a big cultural change from when shoemakers competed with each other by withholding knowledge and information. With more widespread access to the Internet, shoemakers began to wonder how they might use technology to get more clients. Beside’s company’s own websites, in the early 20th century the shoemakers.org website was launched as a platform for UK shoemakers, but the development of the Shoemaker’s Conference Website in 2020 and associated social media has taken this development a giant step further.

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With more widespread access to the Internet, shoemakers began to wonder how they might use technology to get more clients. Beside’s company’s own websites, in the early 20th century the shoemakers.org website was launched as a platform for UK shoemakers, but the development of the Shoemaker’s Conference Website in 2020 and associated social media has taken this development a giant step further. Today, the ISC continues to grow and develop. The 2025 conference was the largest one to day with attendees from ten different countries. To ensure the continued success of the conference, a team of five makers have come together to plan and host the 2026 conference, and will continue work to support future hosts. To date, the team has developed a website and social media profile which will lend a distinct and professional visual aesthetic, developed a help manual to help future hosts, and developed a sponsorship programme for those who want to support the conference. The future of the ISC is bright. The ISC has always been 'by shoemakers, for shoemakers'. It is important that we retain this homegrown feel as we cast an eye towards the future. To do so, the ISC will embrace new technologies while continuing to honour, preserve, and practise tried and true techniques, whilst welcoming and supporting the development of new shoemakers.