Must-Have Tools & Materials for Crafting Exquisite Italian Sandals

This might be surprising for you, but I've made Italian sandals in all sorts of places. From the usual studio setting to the beach, craft markets, in people's homes, backyards, in fashion boutiques, in craft stores, workshop spaces and even once on a curb in front of my friends home - last minute, right before my flight back to Australia!

Why's this worth mentioning? Because it shows that the craft of making sandals the Italian way

1. Is mobile and flexible - we can make sandals wherever our customers are - how does spending a summer by the beach making sandals sound to you
2. Requires only a handful of tools - and I take mine wherever I go.
3. Demands minimal setup - no need for a workshop or expensive equipment, and we completely avoid using any glue.

The techniques are simple, the sandals are both stunning and super comfortable, and the experience of having sandals made for you is memorable and very unique.

For us as makers this means running a profitable sandal business without big upfront investment in expensive equipment is not only possible, it’s the norm. I believe that Italian Sandal Making is the easiest and quickest way to start a shoe label.

This is me, making sandals in a backyard in Germany for my sister in law, who finally got a new pair when we last visited after 10 years of wearing her first pair. 

Let’s talk about the tools and materials I used for her sandals 

Tools: these are the most essential tools to make sandals the Italian way

• A shoemaker’s hammer 
• Leather hole punches
• A tack puller
• An Awl 

Materials: the focus is on quality 

• Handmade leather soles (stitched, not glued)
• Italian leather straps
• Brass tacks 

If you are now wondering which other essentials I use in my sandal business daily, you are not alone. I am getting asked quite frequently about the tools, the soles and the leathers, so I have created a FREE guide describing ALL the essentials for Italian sandal making. You can simply download it here. 

And to see these tools in action and understand how they fit into the larger picture of Italian sandal making, be sure to read our previous blog post “The Creative Shoemaker's Guide: 5 Steps to Crafting Bespoke Italian Sandals”.

I know finding the right materials and tools for an incredibly rare craft like Italian sandal making can be challenging. That’s why I have streamlined the process for you with our SANDAL MASTERY program. You get the essentials delivered to your doorstep, including original tools, handcrafted leather soles (made especially for you by artisans in Italy), and a variety of uppers and leather straps. Click here to learn more about SANDAL MASTERY.

The beauty of this craft is in its timeless, traditional way that always makes unique, well-made sandals. Each pair has its own story, made with old techniques, creating not just sandals, but lasting memories. At Sandal School, we celebrate Italian sandal making with every pair.