Sandals from an old auto tire, pt. 2

Step 3 Wire the rubber strips to the nylon straps

I used thin steel wire as 'stitching' for the straps. Strong thread or monofilament could be used, I suppose. Because I fed the wire through by hand, I predrilled the holes through the rubber strips for the wires using a very small drill bit. The hole closes up but the wire can still be easily threaded through. Poke it through the nylon and pull the whole thing tight with needlenose pliers. Be sure to run the wires from the inside out. Even though you crimp the wires down into the rubber, no point in taking a chance on a painful wire poke in the side of the foot. This solution makes clean, nonbinding straps that look professional and hold on surprisingly well. I've been test driving mine for a couple of weeks and am really satisfied. Last pair of sandals I plan on owning. Have fun.

Comments

[whisperingslim]

them soles r v tuff cut in 2 sole half way down below nylon thread .then up cinch

[Olaf_First_962]

With the rubber straps going through the bottom like that, do they tend to wear first? Would it be too hard to angle the holes out the side so you don't walk on the bottoms of your straps? Or would that cause the sole to separate? After a few more "miles" on your test drive, please let me know!

[micmac]

The rubber going through does wear a bit but not much. I doubt it would work to angle the straps through the side. In any case it is a fifteen minute job to replace the rubber straps if they get seriously thin or break.

[Olaf_First_962]

Thanks!

[bodgermorg]

Pop rivets work great too on the nylon webbing. Your wire stitches would be much easier to replace though...and cheaper.