A Pair of Sandals From a Cardboard Box

by Creativeman

24K6324

Intro: A Pair of Sandals From a Cardboard Box

In this instructable, I show how to make a pair of cardboard sandals, using a rescued cardboard box.

STEP 1: Mark Outlines on Box

Find a box or pieces of cardboard to trace the pattern onto. To make the pattern, use a pair of shoes or sandals that you have. Eight "soles" are needed, and two each of the top and bottom straps are cut out. The patterns for the straps were drawn free hand, then cut out and fit onto the sole to see if any adjusments were needed. If so, redraw and recut.

STEP 2: Cut All Pieces Out

I use the bandsaw for this step, but it can be done with scissors or craft knives.

STEP 3: One Piece of Sole Is Cut for Straps

See picture to see how space is made for straps. This layer will be second from the top, i.e., will have one complete sole covering it for strength.

STEP 4: Glue All Pieces Together

All pieces for one sandal are glued at one time. Use a fair amount of glue, but don't overdo it. These pieces can be weighted and left overnight. The longer the cure time, the better.

STEP 5: Add Decorative Hem Made of Kraft Paper

Kraft paper from a grocery bag is used for the hems. I cut the strips about 1 and 1/4 inch wide. See pictures for complete details.

STEP 6: Make Fasteners for the Straps

To keep the sandals on, velcro is used to assure closure. In one picture, you can see where I had sewn these pieces on. That's a good idea for strength, but decided to just glue them on using the glue on type of velcro.

STEP 7: The Completed Sandals

Sandals completed.

STEP 8: What's This? a Pair of Feet for the Sandals!

Cut from cardstock.

23 Comments

jen8927 7 years ago

I love this idea! I'm always running outside to get something and need something quick to put on and can never find my shoes. lol.

Creativeman 5 years ago

Glue OR sew...depends on your usage. Either way is easy to do.

murfeliz 5 years ago

Hi, I'm new to this, and I a want to use your cardboard sandals for a vacation bible school project. Some of the work to be done by the children 6-13. I am also thinking to use fake leather for the top of the sandals.
How was the sewing the straps on? Or does this have to done before hand, as at the prep for the project.

Uncle Kudzu 10 years ago

Cool! Recyclable house shoes, or prototyping for more durable huraches? Both!

catherinetodd 12 years ago

I think the idea of using these terrific cardboard sandals for "hospital sandals" is a really great idea, and using recycled cardboard is even better. I hope people don't think that having "produced nothing" yet doesn't mean someone shouldn't ask a question or post a response. Lots of great ideas in any case. Love Instructables!

Creativeman 12 years ago

Thanks for your comment. I think you are fine responding as you wish...I think that is the point of Instructables...

catherinetodd 12 years ago

Gracias. Love instructables and hope everyone feels the same.

Pichu47 12 years ago

Seems like a cool idea, but if you walked in a puddle.... yea. If i made these, i might duct tape over the cardboard to make it more water proof.

meddler 12 years ago

I think this is neat. Hey Cman, sometimes an idea can inspire an improvement on the original, or generate a new idea. Like maybe using old motorcycle tires or some other more durable material. Etc etc. I would hate to think of someone not posting a great idea because they are afraid of negative comments.

chenillerae 13 years ago

Wow, this is only my second time to this site and all I can say, is I really enjoy the creativity of many minds on here. Enjoyed the sandals. As a single mother of three always looking for great ideas for fun. Thanks!

CrawdadMan 14 years ago

Very Nice! Hows the Comfort factor?

astrialkil 14 years ago

not to be a jerk but what good are these? for in home use only? even dew on the lawn would ruin these.  HOSPITAL SANDALS!

Creativeman 14 years ago

Not wanting to refer to you as a jerk (hmmmm that's two references to a name, unpronounceable btw, astrialkil, of JERK...must mean something) it's called art, fun, something to MAKE.  Since you have produced exactly NOTHING, I can understand how you can't grasp those concepts. Pity....Cman
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