MISSION

"Take a walk in the world of footwear"

The solution to your entrance to the footwear fashion industry

South Africa’s leading institution dedicated to cultivating aspiring footwear designers and developers, fostering technical expertise, and igniting creativity to pave the way for new shoe brands in the African footwear industry. 

Beyond Footwear Education

At the FDTSSA, our mission goes beyond conventional education. We are dedicated to nurturing and incubating the birth of new businesses and brands within the dynamic landscape of the footwear industry. 

Through our make-a-shoe workshops we give both children and adults the opportunity to experience the joy of making their own shoes.

Bridging Footwear Education with Real-world Application:

From conceptualization to production, our students actively participate in every stage of brand development. They don’t merely learn; they engage in a hands-on learning environment. Access to our manufacturing facilities, mentorship programs, sales platforms, and marketing guidance forms the backbone of our mission.

Training Footwear Innovators:

Our cornerstone lies in providing comprehensive education that transcends design theory. We equip students with practical skills, technical expertise, and a profound understanding of market dynamics. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cultivate innovative thinking and problem-solving, crucial for carving a niche in the competitive world of footwear design.

Incubating Footwear Entrepreneurs:

We are more than an institution; we are an incubator for entrepreneurial aspirations. Understanding that creativity and design are integral but not exhaustive components, we offer an immersive incubation experience. This fosters the birth and growth of new footwear businesses.

Empowering Future Footwear Industry Leaders:

Our goal is to empower the next generation of footwear industry leaders. We instill in students the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills required not only for designing exceptional footwear but also for establishing, growing, and sustaining their brands.

Join Us on this Journey with a walk in the world of Footwear:

Join The Footwear Design & Technology school and become part of a community dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of impactful footwear brands. Let’s embark together on a transformative journey where education intersects with hands-on experience, ultimately shaping the future of the footwear industry.

How to start your own
shoemaking business or brand

1. Make-a-shoe Workshops

Not sure about joining? Then do one of our make-a-shoe workshops and see if this is for you.

2. Education

Key into making shoes as a hobby, starting your own brand of shoes or manufactyuring yourself, all starts with education. Do either a part time, full time course or online course to start your carreer.

2. Start small

You now have access to small to large scale manufacturing facilities, where you can have your designs made without the expense of setting up a factory, or you can start manufacturing yourself with a setup from as little as ZAR8000

4. Mentoring

Access to our resources and mentoring like brand managers, marketers and web designers as well as our online sales platform with own landing page.