High Heel Shoe Making

Finding the Necessary Supplies

Extreme High Heels Have Complex Design Requirements and Finding Supplies is Not Easy

Hey,

I run my own accessories design company and I am wanting to branch into shoe making.

I know the process and I am ready to start whipping out new and exciting shoes for my line. However I can't find "heels" anywhere!!

I don't know where to even begin looking. But I need to know either where I can purchase wooden heels so that I can complete my shoes ... and not 2-inchers ...TALL 4 to 6-inch heels.

If there is nowhere I can purchase these (preferably online if not available in Houston Texas), I would like to find somewhere that explains the process or has patterns for making your own.

I have family members that work with heels, but I think I would need like some form of pattern or specifications.

Any help or advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Megan

You say you know the shoe making process and have family members in the business, so I hope you won't be shocked by what I'm going to tell you.

There is a company in India, Pragma Engineers, which offers High Heel Shanks for export. I don't know how well capitalized you are, but I should tell you that Pragma has a minimum order size of 50,000 (for 25,000 pair).

Shoe designers are typically degreed by an accredited school of shoe design. You may find this article on Shoe Making Courses helpful.

Specific to what you want to do, Mr. James Designs in Arizona offers classes in the art of extreme high heel shoemaking, including advice on sourcing the necessary supplies.

[ Warning to my other readers: Mr. James website is a bit extreme and includes a section of fetish-related fashions. ]

Silvia Figini Shoes

If you can swing a trip to the shoe factory town of Vigevano, Italy, I'm sure you could learn a great deal and may even find someone who will supply high heel shanks in smaller quantity.

Vigevano is located about 25 miles southwest of Milan and was once known as the shoe capital of Italy. The town remains totally shoe oriented today. The streets are lined with shoemaking supply stores.

Shoemaking factory tours can be arranged.

The Bertolini International Shoe Museum in housed in Castello Sforzesco located on the Palazzo Ducale of Vigevano and is a must-see.

Finally, you might want to talk to an insurance agent about product liability coverage. Women can literally fall over wearing extreme heels.