Back to (Sneaker) School
Trainers were invented in 1860s England for the upper-class playing croquet and tennis. To say they’ve come a long way would be something of an understatement. As has been well documented, trainers have become an entire culture – and extremely big business. Lesser known are all the steps it takes to make your own trainers and how to start out in the industry.
Enter London Sneaker School, which offers insights into the journey of sneaker design and manufacturing, with workshops from its factory-workshop in Stoke Newington as well as at various pop-up events led by industry experts. Last year, for example, a three-month residency on Savile Row, the capital’s most prestigious tailoring destination, offered development courses bringing together craftsmanship and contemporary sneaker culture, connecting manufacturing, education and retail.
“Our processes involves us reverse-engineering footwear mass-manufactured for short term use into patterns suitable for hand-making and long lasting footwear made with premium leathers,” promises the sneaker school, which was founded by Thomas Rowe, who has over 10 years shoemaking experience, and Jase Cooper, who originally trained as a footwear designer.
