Make Your Own Shoes - Leather Sandals

Make Your Own Shoes – Leather Sandals

I read sometime you should make your own shoes at least once in your life. I was at artist DeGrazia’s home and gallery in Tuscon recently, and I noticed a photo of the artist wearing some badass sandals (above). I like minimalist shoes, and I like making things out of leather.
Making my own version of leather soled sandals was a no-brainer. I decided to make my own similar to his, but with the addition of a toe strap. Here’s some shots of the process and the finished product.

Tracing my foot on the leather that will be both sole and footbed.

Rounding/smoothing out the tracing.

Flip over the right foot pattern to make an identical left foot sandal.

Trying out different lacing methods.

The sole – I used some old, water-stained leather I had lying around. The knot should flatten out with use.

Pounding the holes for the laces.

I think everyone should try to make their own shoes at some point. Making shoes should be a personal thing or a right of passage or something. It was fun, and I’ve already thought of a few ways to improve this model a little, and I think this is far from the last pair of shoes I’ll make myself.

I’ve written a follow-up to this post where I discuss my homemade DIY leather sandals and how well they work in the real world. And I’ve now made a second pair of do-it-yourself, homemade sandals, and they’re fantastic. My favorite shoes…

Thanks for looking. _____________________________________________________________________

I’ve written and illustrated two children’s books that are now available in print and digital versions; Coyote Life, and The Cat’s Glasses. If you’ve got kids, check them out. If you enjoy them, please leave a review, tell your friends, etc. Thanks.

Kid’s Books: The Cat’s Glasses

Does your cat need glasses? How do you know? Follow one little boy as he tries to find out in The Cat’s Glasses by Quinn Hall

Kid’s Books: Coyote Life by Quinn Hall

Coyote Life is a short, rhyming children’s book about coyotes in the Southwest.

Don’t forget to check out some of the fine art prints for sale in my Etsy shop.

My wife Leah also makes and sells some pretty cool leather stuff like minimalist wallets and camera straps. Check out her Etsy store for some cool gear.