Make Fantastic Summer Clogs

Intro: Make Fantastic Summer Clogs

Make your own beautiful clogs at home using recycled wooden soles!

This project allows you to make sandals quick, there is no sole work to do and no stitching so you can concentrate on designing beautiful and unique uppers. High fashion clogs can be really pricey but these clogs can be created for very little money.

STEP 1: Prepare the Soles

If you are using second-hand clogs, strip the clogs off everything they come with (topsole, straps) so just the wooden soles remain.

Sand the sides of the soles to get a smooth and unblemished surface.

STEP 2: Design the Clog Uppers

Make a design out of paper first. Cut stripes and fit them around your foot and check the sizing.

STEP 3: Prepare the Upper

Cut all the pieces out of your leather.

Finish all the edges with an edge slicker.

Punch slots into the leather.

Dye the pieces. In case of the blue cogs I also dyed the sides of the sole.

STEP 4: Secure Buckles

Secure the buckles if using, you can either stitch them on or fasten them with a rivet.

STEP 5: Do the Fitting

Fit all the pieces together and try the upper construction on your feet.

Adjust the straps if necessary to fit your feet perfectly.

STEP 6: Glue / Nail Straps to Soles

Either glue or nail your straps to the soles, which of the 2 will depend on your design.

What I did: In the case of the blue clogs, I glued all strap to the underside of the leather top sole. I also added some leather cut-outs to the sides of the soles to hide some of the holes that appeared when I removed the old straps from the clogs.

In the case of the red clogs, I used upholstery nails to fasten the upper construction to the soles.

That's it. Enjoy your new and unique summer clogs, nobody else will have a pair like them!

On my blog (www.secondskinblog.com) I have a lot more footwear making projects, check it out if you like.

Comments

[Clayalotte]

I have just been getting interested in upcycling shoes, so this was very helpful. I do have a question: how exactly did you glue the blue shoes? There weren't any photos of the gluing, so I'm not sure I understand.

[secondskinblog]

I use non-toxic water-based glue Renia 315. You apply it to both surfaces then let it dry for 30 min and then press the surfaces together.

[Clayalotte]

Thank you.

[MxLeather]

Very cool! I'd love to try shoes but it's such a challenge!

[secondskinblog]

Thank you! I have an eBook about shoe and boot making, that might be interesting for you. It's on my blog here https://secondskinblog.com/shoe-and-boot-making-eb...