Josef Selway Bootmaker

Josef Selway Bootmaker Bespoke, hand lasted, hand welted and hand stitched shoes and boots designed and made by Josef Selway

Old stock.eBay still kicks up some real treasures.This box of French linen thread was made by Cousin Frères in northern ...
07/10/2026

Old stock.
eBay still kicks up some real treasures.
This box of French linen thread was made by Cousin Frères in northern France, specifically for shoemakers and saddlers. Almost 100 years later, the thread is still in usable condition.
I love finding old stock like this.

New (old) tools in the workshop.This is a last making knife, also known as a clogger's knife, stock knife, or many other...
22/09/2026

New (old) tools in the workshop.

This is a last making knife, also known as a clogger's knife, stock knife, or many other names I'm sure.

It's an extraordinary tool to use. The long blade has a compound curve, which means different areas of the blade can be used for different types of cut, from bulk stock removal through to fine detail shaving. With a bit of practice I can do probably 90% of the shaping of a last with the knife, leaving only the final refinement to rasps and abrasives.

I bought a couple of these knives a while back on eBay, but they were in pretty sad shape. Luckily for me, fellow Churchill Fellow Peter von Trott came to the rescue, regrinding the blades and making new handles for them as well. Thank you Peter!

The last making bench is new too, made by another friend in a wholesome little exchange: shoemaking lessons for woodwork. Between the two, last making has become considerably faster and more enjoyable for me.

Shirakashi-san and I putting both to work in the workshop.

📸 .hillhouse

Recent Chelsea boots in full reverse calf suede.There's very little to hide behind with a Chelsea boot. With so few seam...
18/09/2026

Recent Chelsea boots in full reverse calf suede.

There's very little to hide behind with a Chelsea boot. With so few seams and details, the last is doing almost all of the legwork in terms of the overall aesthetic.

Full bespoke for Mr JB. Trees made in-house.

📸.hillhouse

And that's a wrap for the first Shirakashi x Selway Australian trunk show.After a week of appointments across Brisbane, ...
14/09/2026

And that's a wrap for the first Shirakashi x Selway Australian trunk show.

After a week of appointments across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, Shirakashi-san is back in Japan and I'm back at the bench in Brisbane.

Thank you to everyone who came to see us and especially to those who have entrusted us with making their shoes and boots. We'd also like to thank .h.cutler_bespoke and for generously hosting us in Sydney and Melbourne.

The order phase may be finished, but the real work is just beginning.

Over the coming months the real work starts, developing customer lasts, drafting patterns and making the fitting shoes. We'll be sharing what we can along the way.

Brisbane to Yokohama and back again. Thank you.

And we're underway.After many months of planning, we've already completed the Brisbane leg of our Australian trunk show....
08/09/2026

And we're underway.

After many months of planning, we've already completed the Brisbane leg of our Australian trunk show.

It's good to be working alongside Shirakashi-san again, this time in my own workshop.

Next stop, Sydney, followed by Melbourne.

📸 .hillhouse

02/09/2026

Built by Whitfield Hodgsons & Brough Ltd in Kettering.

The maker’s plate still bears its original telephone number: Kettering 2055.

Nearly a century later, this rolling mill is still preparing leather in my Brisbane workshop.

One week until the Australian trunk show tour begins.A small number of appointments remain available.If you've been thin...
31/08/2026

One week until the Australian trunk show tour begins.

A small number of appointments remain available.

If you've been thinking about commissioning a bespoke pair, we'd be pleased to welcome you in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne.

Details via the link in my bio.

Two weeks to go.In early September, T. Shirakashi and I will be travelling through Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne to me...
26/08/2026

Two weeks to go.

In early September, T. Shirakashi and I will be travelling through Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne to meet a small number of clients for new bespoke commissions.

Every pair begins with an in person consultation, detailed measurements, and the design of a completely bespoke last. From there, the shoes are developed through a traditional fitting process before being made entirely by hand here in Australia.

We're also grateful to be hosted in Sydney by 'J.H.Cutler' and in Melbourne by 'Informale', whose commitment to quality craftsmanship makes them ideal partners for this collaboration.

If you've been considering commissioning a pair, now is the time to get in touch. Appointment numbers are limited, and once this tour is full there may not be another opportunity to meet with Shirakashi-san in Australia.

Further information and appointment requests are available via the link in our bio.

We look forward to meeting you.

Black brogued derby boots.Formal enough to wear with tailoring, robust enough for everyday use. A style that has remaine...
21/08/2026

Black brogued derby boots.

Formal enough to wear with tailoring, robust enough for everyday use. A style that has remained relevant because it simply works.

Built as bespoke should be: for one client, on one last, and made to be worn for many years.

📸 .hillhouse

14/08/2026

Skin stitching is a great way to really earn your Friday knock off drinks 🍷.

Address

Albion, QLD

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 2pm

Telephone

+61466106192

Website

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