Florence: Design Custom Sneakers with Italian Artisan & Wine

Summary

Florence sneaker making hands-on atelier with wine and local crafts

You’ll step inside a Florentine atelier and work side by side with Italian artisans to design your own custom sneakers—choosing every material and color yourself. Sip Tuscan wine, snack on local cheese, and watch as your ideas become real right there in the workshop. Your finished sneakers are delivered straight to your hotel—a piece of Florence you can walk away with.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off Via Calzaiuoli and into this bright, echoey showroom—honestly, I was a little nervous about designing anything in Florence, of all places. Our guide, Marco, smiled like he knew exactly how I felt and handed me a tiny espresso before we even started. The air smelled like leather and something sweet, maybe almond biscotti? There were racks of wild-colored laces and swatches everywhere. I kept touching everything, probably too much. Marco said it was normal—“Italians have to feel things,” he joked.

Sitting at the big table, we played around with the Willy configurator (which sounds high-tech but is really just a fun way to mix up colors and textures). My first combo looked like a clown shoe—Marco didn’t say it, but his eyebrow did. We laughed about it and then he showed me how to pair soft suede with this deep green leather that reminded him of old Florentine doors. There’s something about hearing a local talk about color that makes you see the city differently—I started noticing the green everywhere outside after that.

The best part? Watching my sneakers start to come together right in front of me. The craftsman (I think his name was Paolo) let me try hammering one of the soles—my aim was off but he just grinned and fixed it up quick. There was Chianti on the table and these little slices of pecorino; I probably ate more cheese than I should’ve while we waited for glue to dry. It felt less like shopping, more like hanging out in someone’s workshop where everyone actually cares what you make.

By the end, my shoes looked nothing like what I’d imagined at first—better, honestly. They delivered them straight to my hotel later that day (which saved me from stuffing them into my backpack). Sometimes when I wear them now back home, I remember Paolo’s hands working fast but careful, and that weirdly comforting smell of new leather mixed with coffee. Makes me want to go back—or at least try not to ruin these sneakers in the rain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Create custom sneakers in Florence

• Arrive at showroom in Via Calzaiuoli
• Explore sneaker models and materials
• Use Willy configurator for design
• Preview sneaker with designers
• Customize every sneaker detail
• Watch live sneaker creation
• Enjoy wine and Italian specialties

Top questions

How long does the sneaker making experience in Florence take?

The activity typically lasts several hours, allowing time for design choices, hands-on participation, tastings, and live creation.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Italian?

Yes—the team speaks English and guides you through every step in Florence’s showroom.

Are food or drinks included during the sneaker workshop?

Yes—you’ll enjoy wine tastings plus snacks like typical Italian products during your time in the atelier.

Will my custom sneakers be ready on the same day?

Your sneakers are handmade during your visit and delivered directly to your hotel once finished.

Is this sneaker making tour accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes—the showroom is fully wheelchair accessible including all areas and surfaces.

Do I need any design experience for this Florence sneaker tour?

No prior experience is needed—the artisans guide you through each part of creating your custom sneakers.

What’s included in the price for this sneaker experience?

The Advanced Edition sneaker with many customizations is included; extra upgrades are available for an additional fee onsite.

What’s included

Your day includes personal guidance from a designer in Florence’s central showroom, bottled water on arrival, hands-on participation in crafting your own custom sneakers alongside expert artisans using traditional tools, access to all materials via their Willy configurator system, tastings of local wines and typical Italian snacks throughout the session, plus coffee or tea—and finally delivery of your finished shoes straight to your hotel so you don’t have to carry them around town.