Duct Tape Sandals

Intro: Duct Tape Sandals

If you want to have some sandals for a warm day or a trip to the beach/pool and are as cheap as I am here is a quick and inexpensive solution.

STEP 1: Materials

Gather these materials:
- 1 cardboard box (or any sturdy cardboard for that matter)
- A Cutting utensil- Exact-o knife, box cutter, or Scissors
- A writing utensil- Pencil, Pen, Marker
- One role of duct tape- If you really want to make your sandals flashy they do sell duct tape in assorted colors besides traditional metallic grey.

STEP 2: Making the Sole

Begin by cutting the cardboard box into flat panels. Then place your bare foot onto a sheet of cardboard and trace a line around your foot about 1/4 to 1/2 inch out from your sole and round off the toes. After that, use a cutting utensil to cut out your initial outline and then trace three replicas on the remaining cardboard. Cut the remaining cardboard soles each sole will consist of two cardboard cutouts.

STEP 3: Foot Straps

Now that you have the basis for the sole of your foot its time to make the strap. For each sandal tear off one strip of duct tape about 8 inches long and another strip about 6 inches long (the lengths may vary based on the width of your foot so a ruler shouldn't be necessary unless your picky). Lay the 8 inch strip adhesive side up and place the 6 inch strip over it so that only the ends have adhesive showing (Don't skip this especially for those with hairy feet or you will discover a new way to wax). Now, place your foot on one of the cardboard soles (only use one layer so that the strap fits in between the cardboard layers) and wrap the duct tape strap you just made over the top of your foot just before your toes tight enough so it wont slip while wearing and loose enough to easily slip on and off. The adhesive ends should be sticking to the bottoms of the sole. Repeat the step for the other foot.

STEP 4: Wrapping It Up!

Now that the sandal is basically made all you need to do is place the extra cardboard sole on the bottom of each shoe so that the ends of the foot straps are in between the 2 layers of cardboard. This is for extra padding and support. Now, "wrapping" things up, (Ha ha...man I come up with some crummy jokes.) wrap each shoe completely with at least 3-4 full layers of tape. The more layers the more durable; just don't add too many or they could become to tight on your foot. Try to keep tape edges as seamless as possible this is to keep them more water-resistant and so that the shoes don't fall apart while wearing them.

STEP 5: Show Off the Merchandise

Now that you have your new sandals wear them out and show your friends. Who knows maybe you'll start some new trends or at least create an interesting conversational piece. Enoy!

Comments

[god squad 101]

i say take an old pair of flip-flops or sandals and trace those.

[sunkiller]

I MADE ONE PAIR, BUT I NEED TO LEARN TO CUT STRAIT. I DID HAVE AN IDEAL. YOU COULD USE THICKER CARDBOARD. WEBER GAS BARBEQUE GRILLS COME PACKED WITH 1, 2, & 3" THICK CARDBOARD. MY LOCAL HARDWARE STORE ASSEMBLES AND DILIVERIES THIER GRILLS; ALSO, THEY COMPACK ALL THIER CARDBOARD WASTE. I HAD TO ASKS THEM TO SAVE ME SOME. THE BEST TIME TO ASK WOULD BE A WEEK BEFORE ANY SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

[Derin]

[Derin]

Calculating emphasis..... BZZZZZZZZZZT overload waaza wooza smelly duct tape rolls killer bees sting the insert comin beep beep beeeeep BEEEEEEEEEP

[leileah]

Thanks for not having disgusting feet. It really helped in the viewing of this instructable. :D Thumbs up.

[shadow12952]

made mine a little different but their awesome/everyone should make some/I call them my hobo-sandals

[johndoe5595]

This is one of the best Instructables I've seen yet and I've seen quite a few. on mine on the top layer I had padding on it before I duct taped it and it's really comfy. I did the same on the strap above, it feels great and I love wearing them around my house. I also agree with everyone else, nice drawing, the Exacto looks real.

[White_Feathers]

Very nice instructable! And like people have said... your artwork is beautiful. :) Nice shading and stuff! Have a great day.

[BigPupChuck07]

Really good artwork now i have cheap shower shoes for my dorm!

[cubemonkey]

Great artwork, man. Awesome.

[GorillazMiko]

wow, cool instructable, you are an amazing artist!