Boot Making School

Build your own pair of custom boots while learning the art of bootmaking.

Boot School

Course Details

Learn the Art of Boot making at Montana's Premier Boot Making School
Join expert bootmakers Dan and Julia Schwarz in their renowned boot making school in Dillon, Montana, where tradition meets craftsmanship.
At this hands-on boot making workshop, you'll learn every step of the custom boot making process—from measuring feet and designing patterns, to cutting leather, stitching, and finishing your own pair of handmade boots.
With decades of experience, Dan and Julia offer one of the most comprehensive boot making courses in the U.S., ideal for beginners and aspiring professionals alike. Whether you're looking to start a career in custom boot making, just want to build your own pair of boots or pursue a unique artisan craft, this Montana boot making class provides the skills, knowledge, and mentorship you need.
Enroll today and take the first step toward becoming a skilled bootmaker.

Dan and Julia Schwarz

Immerse yourself in a two week bootmaking course; six days a week, twelve hours a day. This intensive course has a 1:2 teacher to student ratio where you will be guided step by step with hands on learning from master bootmakers. No experience with tools or machinery are required. We will provide all necessary materials and tools. You will finish the course with your very own custom made boots plus the lasts, and patterns they were made with. You will also be given a reference manual and list of suppliers for your future bootmaking endeavors.

Includes
- Schwarz Custom Boots certification
- Pair of custom boots

Curriculum

Syllabus
- Custom Feet Measuring & Last Building
- Patterns & Stitching
- Tools & Materials
- Boot Construction & Assembly
- Finish Work

Available Dates

2025
Spring Session 1: February 3-15, 2025-BOOKED
Spring Session 2: March 3-15, 2025-BOOKED
Spring Session 3: March 24- April 5, 2025-BOOKED
Fall Session 1: September 15-27, 2025
Fall Session 2: October 13-25, 2025-Limited Space
Fall Session 3: November 10-22, 2025-Limited Space

2026
Spring Session 1: March 2-14
Spring Session 2: March 30-April 11
Spring Session 3: April 20-May 2
Fall Session 1: September 14-26
Fall Session 2: October 19-31
Fall Session 3: November 9-21

Housing & Accommodations

Dillon Montana
Dillon is located in Southwest Montana near several major highways, including Interstate 15, making the town a logical epicenter for visitors' explorations. In addition, the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby Rivers all drain into the sweeping valley around Dillon. These destination trout streams alone make the trip to Dillon worthwhile. The adventurous can also travel to the nearby Crystal Park for a day of rockhounding-searching for crystal quartz-in this unique recreation area.   click for reference

All lodging, meals and transportation are up to the student.

Vacation Rentals
-   Old School Lofts 406-925-9946
-   Airbnb
-   Vrbo

Hotels in Dillon
- Best Western Paradise Inn (406) 683-4214
- Comfort Inn (406) 683-6831
-   Fair Bridge Inn   (406) 683-3636
-   Sundowner Motel   (406) 683-2375
-   Super 8 Motel (406) 683-4288

Hot Springs
-   Elkhorn Hot Springs
-   Jackson Hot Springs

Tuition

Total Cost: Call Dan at 406.925.9465
Deposit: 50% at booking (non-refundable)
Remainder Due: First day of school
Includes: Your own pair of custom handcrafted boots made by you under the expert teaching of Dan and Julia. (value $3,500+)