Students will learn about different members of their community through their footwear! What would an athlete wear, or a firefighter and why? Why is it important for all of us to protect our feet when we work, play, or go to school? Students will also have an opportunity to touch and examine the shoes and boots from our special Hands-On collection. They can use their skills to determine how a specific shoe or boot is worn, what materials it is made from and who would wear this type of footwear. This tour will finish off with an “All About Me” Shoe craft. This is a Full Day Program from 10 am – 2 pm which includes a tour, and activity and a hands-on presentation.

Students will explore how shoes look in other parts of the world compared to their own community. They will be asked how the purpose, material, local climate, resources and cultural practices change how a shoe looks and functions. Students will travel through time to see how footwear has changed and developed, and how different cultures develop their own unique styles in their footwear. Classes will also take on a challenge, working in small teams to guess what countries different types of shoes come from using their investigation skills and our interactive map. This tour concludes with students making a collage poster to showcase their favourite type of footwear or theme. This is a Full Day Program from 10 am – 2 pm which includes a tour, and activity and a hands-on presentation.

Who designed your favourite running shoes? Step into the shoes of a sneaker designer during this exciting field trip. Students will have a tour of our exhibits and learn a little about the history of footwear (with a focus on sneakers). Students will be inspired by the different styles, motifs and the range of materials found in our collection. Classes will learn about the different parts of a sneaker and get a chance to decorate their very own mini-sneaker prototype, customizing everything from the patterns, to the logo and laces! Each student will also be able to design their own specialty shoebox. This is a Full Day Program from 10 am – 2 pm which includes a tour, and activity and a hands-on presentation.

There are over 20 billion pairs of shoes made every year. The desire for fashion has contributed to accelerated rates of pollution and increasing landfills, but it’s not too late to change things. This tour encourages Intermediate and Secondary students to think about harmful effects of shoe manufacturing on our environment. This tour also creates an awareness of creative solutions and new approaches in shoe design that can inspire students to take action and make sustainable choices in their own lives. This knowledge can empower them to become environmentally conscious consumers and champions for a more sustainable future! This is a Full Day Program from 10 am – 2 pm which includes a tour, and activity and a hands-on presentation.

All About Shoes (Any Grade)

Our classic program option: a guided tour of the Bata Shoe Museum’s All About Shoes exhibition, paired with an exciting limited-time special exhibition. Afterwards, groups may choose to enjoy a self-guided view of the rest of the museum’s exhibitions.

À La Carte Gallery Tours (Any Grade)

Groups can choose which BSM’s galleries they would like to see with a guide, including our main exhibit, All About Shoes and the other special exhibitions in our three rotating galleries. Afterwards, groups may choose to enjoy a self-guided view of the rest of the museum’s exhibitions.

**Guided tours include an option to have a Hands-On History presentation at no additional cost. A shoe decorating activity can be added to the tour at an additional cost.

Visit the Bata Shoe Museum on your own schedule! We offer discounted tickets to school groups who would just like to visit the museum at their own pace.