DIY mules with a tiny stacked heel

The shoemaking obsession continues, I made mules with a tiny stacked heel 😊

These are a slight adaptation of the Mules project in “The Sandalmaking Workshop” book by @rachelseessnailshoes (image 4). I bought some cheap secondhand shoe lasts in my size (on Etsy), and used leftover leather from my Tying Sandals to make these.

The book demonstrates a simplified shoe lasting method, which makes the process pretty forgiving for beginners – essentially you wet mold the uppers and leave them to dry, then fit them to the insole in a similar way to the sandal projects. My leather isn’t veg-tan though so I used nails to form the uppers on the lasts (directly on the insoles), leaving them to stretch like that overnight. Then I followed the instructions in the book to cut and shape the soles and heels, and cement it all together.

I originally planned to make a back strap but they felt quite comfortable without one (a bit like slippers), so I didn’t bother. If I want to add a strap later, I’ll attach it with rivets like some of the other projects do.

I’m very excited to have some shoe lasts now, which I built up a little bit in width with cork to fit my feet perfectly. I have a couple of projects lined up: a pair of peep-toe ballet flats and a pair of lace-up ankle boots (something like a Chukka or Desert boot). 💃

#diyshoes #thesandalmakingworkshop #makersmovement #slowfashion