Introduction: Galoshes From Inner Tubes and ATV Tire Tread

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About: I like making things out of items that would have otherwise been discarded. Check out my other projects!

These are galoshes - of sorts.  I use them for wearing inside on the outside of my rain boots.  But you could just as easily use them for outside wear if water is less of a daily concern for you.  You see, I live in a rain forest.  We get around 10 feet of rain a year.  So wearing rubber boots is an almost daily occurrence.  And taking off your shoes at the door is necessary.  Everyone does it here. 

But if you're working outside and need to dash inside for a tool, a drink, to go to the bathroom... well, these are great to slip on when you walk in the door!  Or, if you just need to dash out on a rainy day to take out the trash or get something from the car these are the ticket too!

Step 1: Tools and Materials

You'll need:
  • A non-steel belted tire from an ATV
  • A bicycle inner tube - probably about a 2 inch diameter one
  • Utility knife
  • Scissors
  • A sewing awl with thick cord
  • Binder clips or something similar to hold materials in place

Step 2: Cut Out the Soles

Using an aggressive tread like this for an "indoor" sole is definitely overkill.  It will take me lifetimes to wear them out.  But what's neat is that they dish just right to contain any water from the shoe you wear inside these.  Because of the shape of the wheel it will cause a bowl to form so you won't just be splattering your wetness through the house as you dash inside for the 9/16 inch socket.  (No matter how much you swear that bolt was only 1/2 inch.  Maybe it was metric.  Yeah - that's a good excuse.)

Use a utility knife to cut a pair of soles wide and long enough to put your biggest boots on top of.  If you can fit your foot perpendicular to the normal use of the tire it curves very nicely for the roll of a foot. 

Looks like i can get exactly six pairs of these out of this one tire!

Step 3: Cut Inner Tube Pieces

Cut the inner tube near the valve stem and then cut along a line that is in the interior of the tube.  Now cut off a few pieces to either form the sides of the galoshes.  You can do a half-shoe like I did or the entire side for a more weather-proof version. 

Step 4: Start Stitching

If you have never used a sewing awl before they can be a little tricky.  There are some great videos on YouTube such as this one.    depending on the brand of your sewing awl will depend on the directions you should follow.

Step 5: Trim Extra Inner Tube

Once you have one of the side panels in you can trim away the extra inner tube from the inside using your scissors.  Repeat for the other side and the center seam.  Now make one for the other foot!

Step 6: Tips

A few strong binder clips or small clamps will be helpful in shaping the tire and tube.  Don't be too afraid to pull out stitching and try over if you don't like the progress.  My first one i made with two side panels and a top piece.  It ended up far too loose.  So I modified my plan to a much tighter fit.  Also, stitching with the awl on the inside of the shoe is much easier - especially with the second side.  Otherwise, a pair of needle-nose pliers might keep you from poking many holes in your fingers!

Step 7: Try Them Out!


Alchemy Goods Inner Tube Reuse Contest

Second Prize in the
Alchemy Goods Inner Tube Reuse Contest