Current technical literature for uppermaking has not been available for decades, and the content of older literature has limited validity today. This is especially true in relation to the incorporation of contemporary orthopedic shoe technology. Master students of orthopedic shoemaking have long complained about the lack of comprehensive technical literature, which was the trigger for starting this work.
However, uppermaking is a very complex craft. In addition to the various possibilities in patternmaking, for many different shoe and boot designs. In the case of uppers for orthopaedic footwear, functionality is also an essential requirement.
Knowledge of the different types of leather and synthetic materials is also important as well. Also about knives, tools, skiving, splitting, sewing machines and much more is essential. This did not make the selection of topics easy, which is why the authors coordinated the contents together with orthopedic shoemakers, bespoke shoemakers, master shoemakers and other specialist teachers.
Since there is also a lack of current specialist literature on uppermaking in other countries, the professional exchange extended to dedicated colleagues from seven countries. For individual chapters, further experts from other fields were consulted.
Originally, there was to be only one book, but it proved impossible to accommodate the topics identified in the surveys in a single work. We are therefore now planning two volumes with a total of around 600 pages, with hundreds of photos and graphics, which comprehensively depict the craft of uppermaking. Nevertheless, each volumes stands alone and completes its respective topics.
We also offer a collection of patterns that make it much easier to learn how to create well fitting patterns. Detailed information about the articles that are available and those still in progress can be found here.
Whether as preparation for the Master Craftsman’s Examination, for your own upper production or for a professional design discussion with your customers, you will find this work an important tool!
Even those who purchase uppers from external suppliers will find much in this work to facilitate communication with an external uppermaker as well as the design discussion with the customer. The contents will also help to convince your customers of your professional competence in consultation meetings.
Our textbooks are already appreciated by shoemakers, orthopaedic shoemakers and shoe designers in over thirty countries.
The Book
Book production in Germany, by Medienhaus Blömeke in Herne (bloemeke-media.de). High-quality paper (FSC certified, from sustainable and controlled forests) with a high opacity and brilliant color reproduction, printed climate-neutrally. Durable binding with round spine.
More than a Book – Online Bonus Material:
The books each come with a bookmark which has an unique access code printed on it for bonus material on the website.
Further interesting content will be made available there on an exclusive basis. Parallel to the textbooks, a comprehensive uppermaking glossary will be available there. Historical technical books are being digitized and can be accessed along with other interesting topics related to uppermaking.