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Make your own wear anywhere "barefoot" shoes

Make your own wear anywhere \"barefoot\" shoes
*NOTE! The following images were created using Model Magic in order to model the finished project. Sugru would be stronger, apply more smoothly and look MUCH nicer! Model magic does not smooth very well and therefore there are many bumps/crevices.

How to make your own "barefoot" shoes/slippers!


Walking around barefoot has recently become more recognized as an acceptable form of fashion and comfort. Multiple studies have shown that the shape and increased height of typical shoes has resulted in increased back pain, foot pain, and poor posture. People who commonly go barefoot generally have stronger feet, with better flexibility and mobility, fewer deformities like flat feet or toes that curve inwards, and less complaints. Walking barefoot enables a more natural stride, eliminating the hard heel strike and instead, allowing for a rocking motion of the foot from heel to toe. Similarly, barefoot running usually involves an initial forefoot strike, instead of on the rear of the foot, generating smaller collision forces. *If you want more information on barefoot running... Google it!
Multiple companies have taken these studies to heart (such as Vibram) and have created shoes which make a user feel as though they are barefoot, yet these shoes are quite pricey! 

In this instructable I will be showing you how to easily  create cheap "barefoot" shoes. These shoes are great because the bottoms are waterproof and will not scratch indoor floors, making them the ultimate cheap shoes/slippers. They can be warn to the beach, outside, inside, college showers... pretty much anywhere!
 
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Step 1Materials

Materials
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  • IMG_0037.JPG
  • sugru.png
Materials:
1: A pair of toe-socks

2: Sugru! can be purchased at http://sugru.com/
Unfortunately, the Sugru I had ordered for this project has not arrived yet, so the project is not yet complete. In the mean time, I used model magic clay in order to model the finished project. The Sugru was scheduled to arrive around the 15th, but there have been multiple cases where people have not received their package in over 17 days... thats holiday mailing service for ya!

3: Soapy water (just put in a cup for now)- only a very small amount of soap is needed

4: Some sort of mesh to create texture or even a hairbrush

5: A sheet of wax paper or something to prevent sticking. I used pieces of packing tape and just folded it over itself to get rid of the sticky side.

6: Optional rubber gloves to prevent fingerprints. When experimenting with the model magic, multiple fingerprints were visible. I am hoping that by using rubber gloves dipped in soapy water, the Sugru will smooth onto the sock nicely.
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26 comments
Mar 27, 2012. 6:53 PMpyrobanana says:
how many sugru packets did it take per foot?
Feb 13, 2012. 9:35 AMk24tea says:
It's been a while since this Instructable was posted using Model Magic (not Sugru as originally intended), and there are a few comments about using Sugru or Oogoo instead for greater durability. I'd really like to hear from somebody who has actually made them using Oogoo, regarding their durability after using them a while. Not Sugru (too $$ for me). I wouldn't want to have my 'sole protectors' suddenly fail me several miles from home, on a sharp gravel road in the middle of nowhere!

This is a brilliant Instructable, but I'd love to see it updated with the results from the other suggested materials. If I make them with Oogoo, I'll be sure to report back here. Meanwhile, does anybody have some experience with Oogoo's longevity in this application? Please?
Mar 24, 2012. 7:48 PMblorgggg says:
Bump
Dec 20, 2011. 9:04 AMbuddha_123 says:
I tried the sugru. It's a nice idea but the surgu lacks the initial stickiness to adhere properly. So save some money anyway and use one of the substitute instructions floating around this website. I know that you can change the stickiness by how much of an ingredient you add. So while I wouldn't use sugru, I think this instructable is a fantastic baseline plan for the shoes! Peace
Jul 18, 2011. 9:56 PMbluepen08 says:
Hey I was wondering if you ever received your sugru and finished your shoes... I see it has been a while since you last posted on this instructable
May 26, 2011. 4:29 PMsuayres says:
Could you perhaps use the stuff you dip tool handles into to provide a cushy nonslip grip? Perhaps paint it on?
Feb 19, 2011. 12:28 PMkikiclint says:
I just made a useable pair out of Oogoo( silicone caulk mixed with cornstarch), and they work pretty good. I wasn't able to get that good of a finish, since my stuff came out pretty clumpy, but I now have custom fit thin soled running shoes. I did notice I was running a little more hard on my feet, than just barefoot though. Thank you for this wonderful Idea. It only cost me about 1/2 of a tube of $6 silicone. Mine were set and ready to use in about 3-4 hours.
Apr 10, 2011. 7:02 PMNaturalCrafter says:
What made you mix the silicon with the corn starch? I love experimenting. What does the corn starch do to the silicone.
May 24, 2011. 5:18 PManoderwanabe says:
The cornstarch absorbs the moisture and allows the acid in the caulk to dissipate to form a sugru like substance. They are awesome molds. There are some instructables that give you the right mix
May 8, 2011. 7:12 PMJesusFreke says:
It's an idea that has been floating around on Instructables. I've seen it used/mentioned in several on the site. See: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Sugru-Substitute/
Mar 28, 2011. 6:05 AMtizart7 says:
I'd really love to see that. Hope you find time to post it here. All the best!
May 9, 2011. 7:21 PMNaturalCrafter says:
I wonder if some of that beady styrofoam mixed with silicone would make a great mix. I am reminded of the floam that the kids bought and played with till it dried out. What a cool project if they could have molded their feet..lol
May 1, 2011. 1:28 PMvagabond10 says:
Love the project! Did you ever finish them up with Sugru? It would be great to know how they work and hold up under use.
Apr 10, 2011. 7:14 PMNaturalCrafter says:
You are quite creative. I would love to see more.
Dec 13, 2010. 8:41 AMIam4NUru says:
Hmm maybe grease your foot somehow and apply the sugru straight to your foot?I feel like you might slide out of a sock, maybe not so much with a toe sock.
Just throwin' out ideas.
Apr 10, 2011. 7:04 PMNaturalCrafter says:
That might be cool. Then just add an ankle strap? I am interested..More photos please. Love it!
Dec 13, 2010. 8:43 AMIam4NUru says:
That is if you are going to be using these for running.
Feb 3, 2011. 8:39 PM12koolgirl says:
Did the model magic actually work? Just a curious mind...
Dec 23, 2010. 3:50 PMNelson_Yepez says:
So you didn't actually used Sugru?
Dec 14, 2010. 6:16 PMbrian2inven says:
Cool, can't wait to see the finished project!!!!
Dec 12, 2010. 1:31 PMrustyjack says:
These are really nice and I'm looking forward to making these but how much surgru do you need? I would like to cover a little more than you have covered and do you think that 30g is enough for one shoe? This is a great idea and I love these kinds of shoes so I definitely will make these but I don't want to spend more than 40 $ including s & h.

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