Carson Footwear Shoe School

Three students. Five weeks. One pair of shoes handcrafted by you.

This September, Carson Footwear will select three skilled sewists for our first Carson Footwear Shoe School.

Selected students will learn the craft of American shoemaking directly from Carson Footwear founder Everett Carson.

Each student will work through the process of building a pair of Carson Footwear shoes—and take home the finished pair.

Tuition: Free
Students selected: Three
Program length: Five weeks
Begins: September 2026
Finished shoe value: $235

WHY SHOE SCHOOL?

Shoemaking is a specialized craft, and there are very few places left in America where someone can learn how a modern athletic shoe is actually made.

Carson Footwear Shoe School was created to preserve that knowledge and introduce skilled sewists to the craft of American footwear manufacturing.

This is not a factory tour, and it is not a beginner sewing class. It is a hands-on opportunity to work with footwear patterns, specialized materials, industrial sewing equipment, and the construction methods used to build Carson Footwear shoes in Oregon.

Students will learn directly from Carson Footwear founder and CEO Everett Carson, who has spent more than a decade developing and manufacturing American-made footwear.

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Each student will work through the process of constructing a complete pair of Carson Footwear shoes.

You will learn how individual pieces of fabric, reinforcement materials, foam, and other components come together to form a finished shoe.

The pair you build is yours to keep.

Retail value: $235

More importantly, you will leave with an understanding of the workmanship, precision, and problem-solving required to make footwear in America.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This is not a beginner sewing class.

Applicants must already have strong sewing skills and be comfortable operating a sewing machine with accuracy and control.

Your experience may come from garment construction, quilting, upholstery, leatherwork, bags and outdoor equipment, industrial sewing, costumes, specialty sewing, or other detailed textile work.

Industrial sewing experience is helpful, but it is not required.

We are looking for people who can think through the challenges of shoe construction—people who understand how flat pieces, seams, materials, and construction steps work together to create a precise three-dimensional product. Strong problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and the ability to understand how one decision affects the next are essential.

You do not need to know how to make shoes before applying.

That is what Shoe School is for.

A PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT

Carson Footwear Shoe School is also an opportunity for us to meet skilled people who may be interested in joining our production team.

Applicants should have a genuine interest in employment with Carson Footwear if an appropriate position becomes available.

Completion of Shoe School does not guarantee employment. Students may be considered for future positions based on their quality of work, dependability, ability to learn, teamwork, and the needs of Carson Footwear.

THREE SEATS. FIVE WEEKS. ONE RARE OPPORTUNITY.

Shoe School is free because we believe the best way to find the next generation of American shoemakers is to give talented people an opportunity to experience the craft for themselves.

Only three students will be selected for the first class beginning in September 2026.

Applications are now open. Complete the application below.