Pathfinder Shoe Kit

Everything you need to make your own pair of Pathfinder Oxfords at home.

 The Pathfinder is one of the oldest Shoe styles in the Cordwainer catalog.

It was designed by Cordwainer Shop founder Edward Mathews in the 1930s as a do-it-yourself shoe kit during the depression. The shoe is sewn together completely by hand from 3 pattern pieces, and so it does not require any special equipment. Its timeless style and endless variations make it a Cordwainer Classic.

Our shoe kit includes all materials for making the Pathfinder style oxford, plus a digital copy of our book, “The Pathfinder: The Shoe that Built the Cordwainer Shop,” which contains detailed instructions for completing your shoes along with a brief history of the Cordwainer Shop.

The pattern is three separate pieces: vamp, quarter and tongue, and allows each student to design a totally unique shoe using up to three different types/colors of leather.  All materials are included in this kit to bring the upper to completion and hand-laced it to the leather sole. The shoes are then sent back to the Cordwainer Shop for lasting, trimming and burnishing, then finally sent back to you for many years of wear!

The full list of materials included with the kit are listed below, with itemized pricing in case you don’t need the entire kit.

pathfinder Shoe Kit Details

Here’s what will come with your shoe kit! If some of these cordwainer terms are unfamiliar, you can check out our glossary of shoe making terms and tools.

itemized Materials list:

  • Pathfinder pattern, 1 size included with kit: $7

  • Instruction book (digital copy): $28

  • Punched and ready to lace leather soles in your specified size: $75/pair

  • 1 pair needles: $50/pair

  • Waxed poly thread: $15

  • 1 pair counters: $20/pair

  • Kangaroo lacing for entire pair of shoes: $25

  • Pig and cow lining: $25

  • Leather (up to 3 colors): $35

Materials Subtotal $280

finishing fees:

The fees below are for finishing off your shoes at the Cordwainer Shop.

  • Waffle tap (neoprene, non-skid for heels and taps): $45

  • Labor to finish shoes: $150

  • Shipping: $25

Finishing Subtotal $220

COMPLETE SHOE KIT COST: $500

Note: Students may purchase any items from this list separately, and substitutions can be made.

Tools you will need to complete your shoes:

  • Sharp scissors

  • rotary punch, preferably Osbourne Style

  • awl

  • glue

See the list of leatherworking resources provided at the end of the instruction book for ideas on where to find these items if you don’t have them.
A note about glue: We do not ship glues or thinners through the mail. Glues can be purchased at any number of retail craft or hardware stores. Barge cement is recommended for attaching heels and taps, and a lightweight glue that flexes when dry if appropriate for attaching upper and lining.

You may purchase the entire Pathfinder Shoe Kit as described above, or any of the materials listed here may be purchased separately if you already have some of them on hand.

Please use the form below to inquire!

To order:

Please contact Molly Grant using the form below to order your shoe kit. Molly will get in touch with you to help you select the appropriate pattern size, provide details on leather finish options for your kit, and answer any questions you might have about the kit. You may purchase the entire kit or portions of the kit if you already have some of the materials on hand.

Full Pathfinder Shoe Kit: $500

 

Ready to make something?

Join us for a shoe making workshop at our New Hampshire studio!