My name is Kyle Mitchell. I’m a hobby shoemaker based in Oakland, California, USA.
I got into shoes when I realized, rather late into my thirties, that I have relatively low, narrow feet, and that some shoemakers still make narrow widths and fittings. Putting on a pair of shoes that didn’t flop around over my feet with the laces fully tied was a whole new, positive experience. Reading up on brands like Allen Edmonds, the Pacific Northwest work boot makers, Red Wing, New Balance, and some older US military boot contract manufacturers was a fun and interesting diversion, especially as my father’s health was declining, and then after he died. I have a hobby background in Tandy-style leathercraft, so the jumps to repair and then further into shoemaking weren’t quite so intimidating.
I’m just a beginner, and mostly enjoying learning new things, so I’m not hung up on a particular method or style. But my personal focus so far been on more robust, welted boot styles made entirely with hand tools, including upper sewing. I’ve built up lasts for my own feet so far, but am very interested in lastmaking from scratch.