Barefoot Running Plasti-Socks

If you like the idea of barefoot running, but want a little bit of protection from rocks and sharp stuff without sacrificing foot mobility, you may enjoy this inexpensive alternative to minimalist running toe shoes.

Step 1: What You'll Need

All you'll need to make Plasti-socks is 1) a pair of socks (with toes or regular--your choice), 2) a paint brush, and 3) Plasti Dip. You may want to stuff your socks to stretch them to the approximate size of your foot. Water shoes work well inside of regular socks.

Comments

[socks69]

This is great! I'm not much of a runner but I have basically been using my regular socks as shoes for many years. I go everywhere and do everything in socks. I'm definitely going to try plasti-dip if it still gives me the barefoot freedom while at the same time making my socks last longer!

[vectrasj]

Can I use common SILICON insteed of plastic?

[msaraann]

You can certainly try any type of hardening rubber. I've heard of other materials working, but I've only tried the Plasti Dip.

[NaturalCrafter]

The foam draw liner can be cut to the shape of the bottom of your foot and added to the bottom of a sock. I have done this and it works pretty well. Though not waterproof, it does cut down on harm from stones and bits of glass but allow more breathing of the foot. a good pair of felted, low cut style shoes would be a good way to go, I prefer a leather soul and sometimes find scrap very reasonably.

[ingeva]

I finally found PlastiDip in Canada. Home Hardware has it.

[jolshefsky]

My standard reaction re: "barefoot shoes" is "I do not think that word means what you think it means." The term you're looking for is "minimal shoes". With literal barefoot running, your nerves get the quickest response from the ground allowing your body (and particular its natural reflexes) to act quickest. Quick reflexive reactions maximizes learning good form and minimizes injuries. A protective layer deadens the nerves and your reaction time is slower by a few hundredths of a second allowing an ankle roll to go from a harmless stumble to an injury.

Nonetheless, the idea is pretty interesting. I'd be curious to know how well they hold up. I have $5 water shoes from ye olde K-store that I bought many years ago and they have sustained more than 100 miles and are just starting to wear thin. I run in them when the temperature dips below 35°F or so.

[msaraann]

I agree with the barefoot vs. minimal definition. Barefoot is barefoot. I use the title "barefoot shoes" because that's what a lot of people search for when they're looking for minimal shoes. Personally, I prefer running totally barefoot. I like minimal shoes for going places where people expect shoes. My daughter prefers the Plasti-socks, so that's why we made this Instructable to share.

Water shoes are the most substantial shoes I ever wear. These Plasti-socks are much less substantial. Minimal shoes probably make a nice transition for someone between regular shoes and barefoot if they're so inclined.

[Oryctolagus habilis]

I concur that liquid electrical tape and Plasti-Dip both work well for gloves, though I'm no longer in any condition to run. More inspiration from gloves: I wonder if you can get wide enough pieces of Kevlar to make socks, then spray them for grip? Then you could make urban environment barefoot socks!

[peacenique]

This is fantastic! My Mother now has balance problems. Coating some comfy socks with this Plasti-Dip should be just the ticket to help her from slipping and breaking a hip!
Thanks!
Oh, and I too am a barefoot person. I cannot wait to try these for myself!

[moonpuppy]

This is brilliant! I make felted wool slippers and sometimes end up outside where they get wet. I can't wait to try this. Thank you!

[lisascout]

Hi,
Where do I find this stuff called Plasti-Dip? Is it from my local DIY store, like Home Depot, or do I go to a crafts store?

Thanks,
Lisa

[e-gr2learn]

cnunelley "nailed it" - or "dipped it" - right! Electronics parts stores often have it, too. When I worked in computer, monitor, & printer repair, we dipped the handles of our tools in it to avert any "shocking encounters" between hand, tool, and device under test.

[cnunnelley]

Another thought. I have done this same project using "Puff Paint" -- That is a brand name but any brand of paint for making three-dimensional decorations on clothing will work. It may not be as durable as Plasti-Dip. I don't know since I have not tried the Plasti-Dip. But they are essentially the same thing, I think. I wear mine for slipper sox/house shoes, and have been very happy with them. (I hate shoes!)

[greenfreak]

hello!... were could i get some of this magical "Plasti Dip" stuff?! :D just love these!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[msaraann]

I got mine at a TrueValue hardware store, but the Plasti Dip folks have a website, too.

http://www.plastidip.com/

[greenfreak]

wondrful! thanks!.... do you think latex paint would work? :)

[cnunnelley]

Plasti-Dip has a "where to buy" page: http://www.plastidip.com/diy_where_to_buy.php

or you can order it online from Amazon, Sears, and about 2 dozen other places. (I just did a Google search to find them.)

[primedlt]

Usually the product can be found at Lowes and Home Depot.

[noel0leon]

Nice Instructable. How does the plasti-dip handle sharper objects on the road such as pins/sharp rocks?

[msaraann]

My daughter and I run comfortably over gravel. I suppose it would depend on how accustomed you are to barefoot and how many coats of plasti dip you put on. I only put 2 layers, but I'm typically barefoot or in minimal shoes, so I'm used to some gravel.

[kewpiedoll99]

My husband has a uniquely formed left hand due to a birth defect, and I made him work gloves that fit his hand by knitting them custom and then (this is the relevant part) spraying the palm side with several coats of Plasti-Dip (which I got on Amazon). If you are interested, you can read about it here: http://goo.gl/2hQHC I've long thought about making house slippers by putting shoe goo on the bottom of socks, but never got around to trying it. This is a great Instructible!

[lorijean]

Great idea. My roommate is an avid runner and was wanting to buy some of those really expensive rubber barefoot running socks. I am not familiar with plasiti dip. Where can i find it?

[msaraann]

Plasti Dip has a website, http://www.plastidip.com/, but I picked up a can at my local TrueValue hardware store.

[Phoghat]

I'min Mexico and Ace Internationale has some stors here that carry it.
There's others also but I didn't look into them

[NitroRustlerDriver]

Plasti-dip also comes in a spray can too. It's made to coat the handles of tools for those that did not know. It also works great as a satin/slightly textured paint as it doesn't chip, since it is basically rubber.

[msaraann]

Cool! I didn't know about the spray.

[shellerae]

Awesome! Thanks everyone!

[shellerae]

I've never worked with Plasti Dip. I'm curious if the toes stay flexible? I'm also wondering if you painted between them?

[msaraann]

I didn't paint between the toes, and yes it stays flexible.

[Kasm279]

Plastidip stays flexible when dry and is rather rubbery.

[Dominic_Smith412]

This looks interesting. Have you also tried Zem Gear? It's somewhat similar to this one and its protection against rocks are just amazing. Here's a detailed information about this shoes - http://barefootrunningshoes.org/zem-shoes

[msaraann]

Cool!

[wobbler]

Great instructible. This other instructible http://www.instructables.com/id/2-Running-Shoes/ suggests making some cardboard inserts for the size of your feet to put the socks over when you apply the goo. They also suggest using hot glue sticks, which might prove easier to find in other countries.

[RyansRiggs]

You could wrap your feet in plastic wrap then dip them in the Plasti Dip or just brush it on. Then it will really form to your feet. Several coats would help also.

[msaraann]

I like the cardboard cut out idea. You can probably find hot glue sticks at a craft store. I think the Plasti Dip is easier, though, because you don't need to melt it.

[crazyndhed03]

This is great! I have been thinking to myself "Why not get toe socks, and coat them in rubber?" This is a nice alternative. Additionally, you could likely use any of the various rubber compounds (such as roofing compound) to give it a more "official" feel. Well done.

[foobear]

awesome! how does it hold up over time and use? genius idea!

[msaraann]

So far so good. I've been using mine for about a year. I imagine you can reapply the Plasti Dip if it looks thin. I haven't had to yet, though. And, of course, it's easy to make a new pair.

[=3]

Are you just using them to wear around, or for running sports such as Track?

[msaraann]

My daughter and I both use them for running pretty much everyday. We run on sidewalks, roads, and hard packed sand.