By Gene Fowler

There are many steps in building a handmade shoe.

Longtime Chicago-area shoe repairman John Vlagos chuckles recalling his reaction upon first learning that his son, George, was starting the handmade footwear business, Oak Street Bootmakers. “I Read more

Alkahest Moccasins & Leathercrafts — custom-made goods hand-built in the wild heart of Oregon’s high alpine country

Alkahest Leather founders Dustin Lyons and Tiera Ptacek at an art fair.

By Lynn Ascrizzi

Eight years ago, on a fine spring Read more

Amara Hark-Weber’s impeccable, handmade shoes are in a class by themselves

By Lynn Ascrizzi

In our modern era of mass-manufactured, big-brand footwear, a person’s desire for a pair of new shoes can be quickly satisfied. Does this mean that Read more

By Nick Pernokas

Ty’s primary products are boots.

When we speak of an “up and coming” artist, we usually think of a young person. That is an assumption that is not always true. Grandma Moses, for example, began her Read more

Long-time leatherwork instructor, Mike DeWitt, keeps his heritage craft alive and well in Oklahoma

By Lynn Ascrizzi

Michael DeWitt, at the workbench in his leather workshop, with saddle trees and stirrups in the background.

You never know where a Read more