$2 Running Shoes

Step 4 Go for a run

The shoes take about 5 minutes or so to dry. At this point you should be able to separate them from the cardboard mold and try them on and go for a run. I was able to walk fairly comfortably on gravel. They offer more protection than socks, but less than my Vibram five-fingers. I haven't had a chance to go for a substantial run or to see if they can be machine washed (I'm not gonna machine dry them that's for sure)

I'm excited to try this with toe socks. Or maybe you would like to? Comments welcome!

Comments

[Nical_Critical]

I have Just finished my DIY tabi.
tabi is the traditional ninja footwear, like a sock but more firm, less elastic and seperates the big toe from the other toes. I think It's better than a simple sock-in-glue becouse you have better feel of the ground and balance
Plus you can put on flip-flops!
Thanks so much!!

[a splosion]

Picture or 'ible plz!

[Nical_Critical]

they were a mortal pair of black socks, alas! now they are ninja clothing!
also instead of gas stove, I use a hot air gun initially at 190 C (~380 F) but it was going slow so I cranked it up to 350 C (~660 F) to melt the glue in a disposable aluminium tray.
When I was finished with the "main" covering of the sole I did some finishing with the hot air on the sock at 400 C (~750 F) to quickly and locally achieve a smooth clean surface.

Yet i don't recoment going that far with the temp, becouse the glue fumes a little so you need good ventilation, plus one of the socks got charred at a couple of spots and it required some sewing...

Better luck next time

they are great, durable with amazing traction!!!
you sure get to fill a bit of a ninja even wearing them while doing the dishes!

[Nical_Critical]

there's the picture! (I replied on mine instead of yours comment!! oops)

[a splosion]

Cool thanks for the picture. They look much more attractive than mine.

Also, my glue hardly gets any traction whatsoever (this may be because the soles contain a high concentration of dirt and pebbles) What brand of glue did you use?

[Nical_Critical]

I don't know, I just asked for glue sticks, and I took 6 of them. there is a lot of glue left.
Perhaps you should try covering the glue sole with something else, like polystyrene or polyourethane...
I use them mainly indoors, that's why they will be looking good for a long time, plus I am still on a desinging phase. The more I wear them the more flaws I discover. When I will perfect the desing I will deal with durability...

[N8Maher]

Cool idea! Please let us know how many miles you get from them before you have to recoat/replace the socks.

[a splosion]

Ok, I will have to keep a journal. Currently 1.5ish miles of running and a lot of walking ouside around the house (I sort of throw them on as sandals to take out the compost or go to the mailbox).

[a splosion]

I'm guessing they lasted about 20 miles before developing some huge holes where the glue attaches to the sock.

[LittleGrace]

I am totally doing this for my kids for Halloween. My daughter needs a pair of gray ankle high boots and so I am putting my gray socks over her shoes and using this technique to keep them from taring apart during the trick or treating. Such a great idea. Thanks!

[a splosion]

Awesome! I'm really happy that you coming up with a new reason for this technique. Way to go!

[GuitarPlaya13]

Awesome idea!! Where would I go to find the sticks of high temperature hot glue??

[PearlZenith]

A craft store should carry them.

[GuitarPlaya13]

thanks, i wasn't sure whether to get the type of glue for glue guns or glue sticks

[PearlZenith]

Oh yeah, that would make a big difference. Glue gun type is what you want.

[GuitarPlaya13]

cool thanks a lot

[kheick]

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip might hold up better than wax. just a thought.

[Isurvival]

Great idea!

[Exocetid]

Very clever!