"Everyone deserves the chance to build skills that matter." - Rianne van Pijkeren

Meet the CEO & founder: Rianne van Pijkeren

Orthopedic shoemaker, educator, curriculum developer, and changemaker with 20+ years of international experience.

Rianne van Pijkeren is the founder and driving force behind Learn to last.

She combines over two decades of hands-on experience in orthopedic shoemaking with a deep passion for education, design, and international collaboration.

Her career has taken her from Dutch workshops to major educational projects in Mexico, Myanmar, and Vietnam, where she designed and led multi-year training programs for orthopedic shoe professionals.

Rianne supported numerous smaller international initiatives, often in collaboration with NGOs or local healthcare providers.

She has developed curricula, trained students from over 30 countries, and continuously advocated for better, more inclusive access to orthopedic shoe education.

Rianne is both a craftsperson and a bridge builder, connecting generations, cultures, and disciplines.

She knows what it means to depend on orthopedic shoes herself, and brings that lived experience into everything she teaches and creates.

My Mission
I believe everyone deserves shoes that are not only functional, but also good looking. That’s why I work to keep orthopedic shoemaking knowledge alive — renewing it, and passing it on. By connecting practice, education, and technology, I want to make learning accessible and inclusive, everywhere. A system built by makers, for makers.

My Vision
I dream of a digital learning platform that reaches worldwide, yet stays rooted locally.
A community where students, teachers, and experts grow together.
With more modules, more languages, and recognized accreditation, step by step.
Sustainable, scalable, and carried forward by the craft itself.

International impact in numbers

"I love this initiative taken by Rianne van Pijkeren. Over the years I got to know her as a very determined professional with extensive knowledge and experience both in the field of orthopedic shoemaking as well as in teaching the craft.

Like Rianne I fear wear and tear in the orthopedic shoemaking branch, and therefor knowledge and skills are at risk of being lost. While the demand for individual footwear solutions is growing, opportunities to learn the craft are increasingly more difficult to find. And while we think that modern techniques are the solution many colleagues in countries on the road to development have no access to these techniques, therefor in need for this kind of training options. 

I really think that this initiative might lead to a turning point."

Toos Rook

"I know Rianne as a driven person who is truly passionate about her profession. She not only has extensive knowledge but also knows how to convey it clearly to others. If you don’t understand something, she will patiently explain it again without hesitation.

Our first meeting was when we both started the Orthopedic Shoemaking program at the SVGB in Nieuwegein. Years later, our paths crossed again, and we taught together at the Dutch Health Tech Academy in this beautiful craft.

If you’re being taught by Rianne, you’re definitely in good hands."

Arjan Louwerse

"I had the opportunity to work with Rianne on the "these shoes are made for walking", and I was truly impressed by her expertise and professional working style. In her role as a trainer, Rianne is dedicated, clear in her explanations, and always willing to share her experience with others. She encourages a spirit of learning and collaboration within the team, helping to enhance the overall professional quality of the project. Rianne is a reliable colleague who maintains a positive attitude, professionalism, and enthusiasm in her work. Working with her has been a valuable and inspiring experience."

Tuan Nguyen

Rianne van Pijkeren has been involved with initiatives and organizations and/or taught and developed curricula for and with:

With Learn to last, she transforms her vision into action, future-proofing a disappearing craft by making it accessible, visible, and respected again.

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