Italy makes 185 million pairs of shoes per year. In Florence and the Marche, you can learn how.
Plan this experience →Florence: Ars Sutoria School (multi-week professional courses, €1,500+). For tourists: Artisan Experience Florence (€120–180/half-day, make sandals). Marche: Santoni (factory visits by appointment, Corridonia), Tod’s country (Casette d’Ete). Naples: Marinella (ties, not shoes — but while you’re at it). Bespoke shoemakers: Stefano Bemer (Florence, bespoke from €2,500, factory tour by appointment).