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WOOTTEN x SHERRIN COLLAB | FROM FOOTY TO SNEAKER |
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It’s not every day we get the chance to make something that’s both fun and genuinely practical. The idea for the Sherrin Lo‑Dub had been floating around the workshop for a while — one of those “surely we could…” thoughts that hangs in the air until someone finally decides to test it.
Some 30 years ago, we made athletic shoes under licence for Adidas and Sidi, catering for the likes of Gary Ablett Snr, Robert Harvey, Shane Crawford and Stephen Silvagni (just to name a few). With this history in mind, we reached out to Sherrin to see if it was even possible. A few days later, a box arrived — full of balls that didn't quite make the cut and ready for us to recycle. You see, sometimes in the Sherrin Melbourne workshop, the leather doesn't quite turn out right, literally. So instead of those balls landing in landfill, we sought to repurpose them. The box landed on the bench with a kind of quiet promise.
Footy has a way of connecting people. We all carry our teams with us through every win and every loss, every close call, every season that ends too soon. There’s something tribal about it, especially in Melbourne, a sort of shared identity. So when the idea of taking an icon and recycling it into something unique surfaced, it felt less like a novelty and more like a natural extension of what we already do: craft with meaning, and make things that hold stories.
From here, the process unfolds: breaking the ball down from its 3D form, selecting the right panels, conditioning the leather, adapting our Lo‑Dub sneaker pattern, and slowly coaxing a familiar object into an entirely new form. Each step reveals something different about the material — its stubbornness, its character, its history.
And somewhere in that transformation, the Sherrin becomes a shoe. To watch the full video of the process, click the image below.
To be on the list to be notified when these officially go into production, click here.
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TO WATCH THE FULL YOUTUBE MAKING VIDEO CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW |
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THE LONG-HAUL TRAVEL BAG |
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Pictured alongside the Wootten x Sherrin Sneakers is our Long-Haul Travel Bag. A perfect companion with its vintage sporting aesthetic to our vintage-inspired sports shoes.
The Long-Haul sits between our Weekender and Duffle bags in size and functionality. With rolled handles that you can tuck over your shoulder like the duffle, and a pleated top like all of our travel bags, this guy has a large enough volume for all the things the weekend away might need.
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FINAL PPHH POP-UP FOR 2026 |
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It’s that time again — our semi‑regular city boot party is back, and we’re rolling into Fitzroy for another round.
Jess and Matt will be setting up shop at PPHH on Gertrude Street, and we’re bringing a healthy stack of fitting stock with us. Swing by this Sunday, 20 September, from 12pm–3pm, and try on the classics:
Smith Boots
Gordon Boots
Charlie Boots (Charlie toe)
Lo‑Dub Sneakers - the Sherrin shoes will be there too
Jack Gusset Boots (Stanley E last)
If you’ve been meaning to get fitted but the week keeps getting away from you, here’s your chance. Come have a yarn, slip into a few pairs, get sized up, and turn your Sunday into a little Gertrude Street detour.
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TREAT YOUR POOCH - NEW COLLARS & LEADS |
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Hunter - the slightly nervous workshop dog
We’re pleased to show off our updated collection of made‑to‑measure dog collars and leads — crafted with the same care and durability as the rest of our goods. Featuring brass hardware and solid brass rivets against our beautiful double butt leathers in classic colourways.
To ensure a perfect fit, measure an old collar or use a soft tape around the neck, allowing a two‑finger space. Each collar features seven sizing holes, giving you refined adjustability and lasting comfort for your four‑legged companion.
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INTERESTING OLD MACHINES & WHAT THEY DO |
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We thought it might be nice to honour the strange and rather old tools we use each day in the workshop. Some of which have literally been handed down through generations.
Given the date hand-painted on this old C.S Osbourne bench splitter, it seemed a good idea to start here. Founded 200 years ago this year, this old girl was already old when Jess' dad, Ross, inherited it some 50 years ago. They are still in production today, although no longer hand-painted and nowadays there are CNC machines involved in their making. We still use it daily to split the ends of our belts.
There are just so many of these old thingamajigs dotted around our workshop, quietly still doing their job. It's pretty incredible to think how we used to make both the tools to do the job and the outcome of their application to last.
We're very fortunate to be their custodians: they are a pleasure to use and a constant reminder of our history. The connection to those that passed before us is profound, something we are incredibly grateful for.
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NOW OPEN THURSDAY |
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From now through to the end of the year, we’ll be opening on Thursdays to give everyone a little more room to get in and see us in person. It’s been a big year — fun projects, new faces, new ideas — and we’re keen to carry that energy all the way through to Christmas.
If you’ve been meaning to drop by, you’ve now got an extra day each week to make it happen. We’re looking forward to seeing you.
The team got together to make a silly Instagram video to celebrate the occasion, to view it click here.
So for now until the end of the year, our regular shop hours are:
Thursday - Saturday 10 - 4
WOOTTEN WORKSHOP
Shed 1, 20 Elizabeth Street
Delacombe VIC 3356 (in Ballarat)
Just put Wootten Ballarat into your Google Maps
03 9510 6503
workshop @ wootten.com.au
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