Immerse yourself in the rare and rewarding craft of traditional cobbling during this intensive nine-day apprenticeship-style experience at Rocky Mountain Folk School. Led by master cobbler Matt Paisley, this program is designed for individuals who are serious about learning the art of professional shoe and boot repair through hands-on instruction, guided practice, and real-world experience.
The experience begins with two days of instructor-led training focused on understanding the foundations of quality footwear. Participants will learn shop safety, tool use, leather fundamentals, footwear anatomy, and traditional construction methods while carefully deconstructing boots and shoes to understand how they are built and repaired.
From March 1–5, participants will continue developing their skills through an Open Shop Residency in the RMFS cobbler shop. This dedicated practice time allows students to work on assigned projects, reinforce techniques learned during instruction, and build confidence through repetition while receiving daily Zoom mentorship and guidance from Matt Paisley.
The final two days of instructor-led training focus on reconstruction and repair, where participants apply their knowledge to rebuilding footwear through sole and heel replacement, stitching, finishing techniques, troubleshooting, and quality control. With enrollment limited to just four participants, this small-group experience provides personalized guidance and an apprenticeship-style learning environment.
Your registration includes lodging throughout the program and lunch during all instructor-led training days, allowing you to fully focus on learning, practicing, and experiencing the traditional craft of cobbling in beautiful Grand Lake, Colorado. Whether you are exploring cobbling as a future trade, expanding your leatherworking skills, or passionate about preserving traditional craftsmanship, this immersive experience provides a strong foundation to continue your journey.
What’s included
- Four instructor-led training days with Matt Paisley (February 27, 28, March 6 & 7)
- Five-day Open Shop Residency (March 1–5)
- Five-day Open Shop Residency
- Daily Zoom mentoring during the practice week
- 9 nights of lodging (shared or own room options)
- Lunch during all instructor-led training days
- Use of RMFS cobbler shop equipment and specialty tools
- Leather and project materials required for instruction
- Recommended supplier and resource guide
- Personalized instruction in a small-group, apprenticeship-style setting
What’s not included
- Airfare and transportation to and from Grand Lake
- Breakfasts and dinners
- Lunch during the Monday–Friday Open Shop Residency
- Personal purchases and optional supplies
Itinerary
Friday, February 26 – Arrival Day
Arrive in Grand Lake, check into your lodging, settle in, and prepare for your immersive cobbler experience.
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Saturday, February 27 & Sunday, February 28** – Foundations & Deconstruction
Begin your hands-on training with Matt Paisley as you learn shop safety, tool identification and use, leather fundamentals, footwear anatomy, and traditional construction methods. Participants will carefully deconstruct a variety of boots and shoes to understand how quality footwear is built and repaired.
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Monday, March 1 – Thursday, March 4** – Open Shop Residency
Spend four days practicing independently in the RMFS cobbler shop, reinforcing techniques learned during the instructor-led sessions. Participants will work on assigned projects, complete deconstruction and repair exercises, and receive daily Zoom mentoring with Matt Paisley for guidance, feedback, and support.
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Friday, March 5** – Open Shop Practice & Project Development
Continue developing your skills in the cobbler shop while preparing projects and questions for the final instructor-led sessions.
**Saturday, March 6 & Sunday, March 7 **– Reconstruction & Repair
Finish the experience with instructor-led training focused on rebuilding footwear. Learn sole and heel replacement, hand and machine stitching, finishing techniques, troubleshooting, and quality control while discussing next steps for continuing your cobbling journey.
Sunday, March 7 – Program Wrap-Up & Departure
Review your progress with Matt Paisley, discuss resources for continuing your practice, and depart with a stronger foundation in traditional cobbling techniques.
Highlights
Experience an immersive apprenticeship-style training program designed to build real-world cobbling skills through hands-on practice and repetition.
Receive personalized instruction from master cobbler Matt Paisley in a small class limited to just four participants, ensuring plenty of one-on-one guidance.
Develop a complete understanding of footwear construction by learning both how to carefully deconstruct boots and shoes and how to professionally rebuild them using traditional repair techniques.
Enjoy a unique learning experience in the mountain community of Grand Lake, Colorado, with lodging included so you can focus entirely on developing your skills.
