Hey all,
I’m thinking of making some leather barefoot shoes. I’m not sure where to start and figured here is as good as any place. I’ve already watched some YT videos, but figured I’d check to see if anybody else has made some shoes and could share their experiences.
#DIY Leather Barefoot Shoes
terse vector
random chasm
Made a set for my girlfriend and I’m adding some tire tread to them for her she needs the padding on her feet use a 10mm thick leather for the inside of it use a supple leather for the rest. I made mid calf boots they are comfortable
white ledge
I made a pair of gillies / iron age shoes but I would like to try making moccasins
red lodgeBOT
GG @white ledge, you just advanced to level 3!
mighty oar
Made a set for my girlfriend and I’m adding some tire tread to them for her she ...
10 mm leather?! That's like two or three hides thick!
random chasm
It is what I used for the inside of my boots and my girls boots cut to the shape of the foot
hidden nest
i can recommend you a good place to get a pattern for medieval style turnshoes if you like
I used the pattern myself and the result whas spot on...............I also added my own extra soles to them as well (will post pics in a sec)
Here is the link to the online printable pattern for these: https://www.etsy.com/listing/916664829/oseberg-leather-boot-pattern-viking-turn?ref=yr_purchases
There are also a couple of Youtube instructional videos to go with it when you buy the patterns. You get multiple sizes
if you want more info on the materials (mostly leather) I used just ask
lime condor
i started with ghillies. very comfy. and great with thick fuzzy socks
woven locust
http://www.aidan-campbell.co.uk/PDFs/Guide to Viking turnshoes.pdf this is a really good guide to drafting a pattern without a last, they turn out pretty well
terse vector
@woven locust You’re amazing! Thank you!
Also, has anybody used rubber soles? I’m thinking of making a hybrid period/current barefoot type design
hidden nest
I have but you might not want to use what I did............Old motorcycle tires.............as they are extremely hard to work with and rather heavy
hidden nest
Tire off of/for a "fat tire" bike perhaps.................it is possible to find actual Sole blanks as well (a bunch on Etsy that I can think of off hand) and prolly a better option
woven locust
sole blanks are a thing, but if you see a treadmill in the dumpster the tread off of those are surprisingly good as soles
also, a thin layer of barge cement on the soles, let sit until tacky and then spread down some ground rubber mulch, possibly a layer or two until you've got the grip you like
terse vector
I was thinking of using a 3-4mm thick rubber mat that I would cut to size
red lodgeBOT
GG @terse vector, you just advanced to level 5!
woven locust
yeah, that should work! scruff up both the rubber and the leather sole, then barge cement until tacky, press together and hopefully it'll be a good solid seal