Home
Handmade Shoes
Shoemaking School
Photo Gallery
Foot Health
Baby Booties
Amish Kids' Shoes
Links
Contact Me

 

What makes this so fun for me?

Touring many shoe repair shops, I've received much help everywhere I went. These guys are a breed apart!

 

Of hundreds of pairs of shoes I've made, hardly any two are alike. I never get bored.

 

Over time, I've learned hundreds of tips and techniques - nearly lost secrets of this rarest of crafts.

 

I've helped dozens of people who had desperate need of custom fitted shoes. I love this!

 

I taught three young Amish men in Kentucky a trade their community had lost. Now they have it back.

 

Meet the Shoemaker

... a resumé of sorts

photo of GlenBorn in 1945, I've been interested in shoes since I was four. I got into making them for the love of my three boys, now grown. Here's one of my first, still in good shapephoto of child's shoe after being worn by two active boys. As the years caught up, I had to quit stone masonry, so I began making shoes full-time. If you're curious, I have some pictures of shoemaking in progress in my basement workshop. Now I've begun teaching the craft to others. All along, I've felt God's obvious blessings upon me and upon those helping me and those I'm able to help. I love my job!

 

Below are a few high-points of my shoemaking career.

  • I studied historical footwear during a week-long apprenticeship at Old Salem, North Carolina. (A fascinating place - go visit!)

  • In Helena, Montana, I apprenticed two intense weeks with L. S. Bingam (36 years experience - a true master bootmaker). We made six pairs, and had a great time!

  • I've shown at numerous local shows, and done demonstations.

  • Tony Tate, of Charlottesville, Virginia, a 17-year licensed pedorthist, coached me on physiology and orthopedic practices. Thanks, Tony!

  • I apprenticed with Crafting Handmade Shoes author Sharon Raymond, and assisted her in teaching a large class at the John C. Campbell folk School, in North Carolina.

  • I've also taught at J.C. Campbell Folk School. I highly recommend this school. They gave me the nickname "Shoe-guru".

  • Scores of students have learned to make shoes with my help. A few of them have gone professional. All had fun!

  • Shenandoah Shakespeare, of Staunton, Virginia, came to me when they needed 16th century-style shoes for a production of Twelfth Night. I made eleven pairs, and the actors were very happy. They gave me the nickname "Dr. Ambulator".

  • I've authored articles for Shop Talk, a national trade magazine. Several articles have been written about my work, in local papers and in Shop Talk.

I hold memberships in the following organizations:

  • Rockbridge Arts Guild, Lexington, Virginia

  • The Honorable Cordwainers Co. (national shoemaker's guild)

Back to Top