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. It’s timeless style and endless variations make it a Cordwainer Classic.

Our shoe kit includes all materials for making the Pathfinder style oxford, plus a 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. See the full list of materials included with the kit below.

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 then hand laced to the sole. The shoes and last are then sent back to the Cordwainer Shop for lasting, trimming and burnishing. 

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: $750

Shoe Kit Details

 Included with your shoe kit:

  • leather for uppers, tongue, quarters-please request your colors

  • cow lining for quarters

  • cow lining for sock lining

  • pig lining for tongue and vamp

  • 1 pair counters (stiffener for heels)

  • 1 pair needles and waxed cotton thread

  • pair of soles to your size, ready to go!

  • kangaroo lacing for entire shoe

  • paper punching pattern in your size

  • 1 jar with soft glue-brush

  • 1 jar with soft glue thinner

  • one wood shoe last used for attaching counters to quarters/linings (to be returned with shoes)

  • a copy of our book with, “The Pathfinder: The Shoe that Built the Cordwainer Shop”

 

Tools you will need to complete your shoes:

  • Sharp scissors

  • rotary punch, preferably Osbourne Style

  • awl

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.

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

Please use the form above to inquire!

 

Ready to make something?

Join us for an in-person workshop at a craft school.