Shoes, Boots, Sandals and Moccassins
434 topics in this forum
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This tutorial is aimed at replacing zippers in riding boots, but the basics are the same in case you need to replace zippers in e.g. motorcycle boots or fashion boots. Materials & tools needed: - A zipper of the correct type and length, - double sided tape for fabric/leather (I use 1/4" wide tape) - A patcher sewing machine. Initial considerations and "warnings" Riding boots come in different models and designs, some are easier to work on than other, here is my ranking from easy to hard: -zipper on the back -zipper on the side -zipper on the front including short boots -Dressage boots are much more unwieldy than jumping boots due to the buil…
Last reply by Northmount, -
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This is my fourth leather project and fourth pair of boots. Each time has incorporated new techniques and tweaks. So far, I’m the most pleased with these.
Last reply by FDC, -
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Hi everyone. I'm trying to repair dented toe boxes in typical western style pull on boots. When new, the toe box is molded and stiffer than the rest of the upper. They have both been slightly crushed by outdoor work (tree work) and I'm looking for tools and tips for getting them back in shape. In my mind, I see a curved tool that I can get down in the toe and manipulate the toe back up in place while heating the leather. My hand doesn't fit. Does that make any sense? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you, D
Last reply by Drummist, -
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Hi! Can someone please recommend a good book that will walk me through making a pair of mens dress shoes? I just killed another pair of formal shoes (they lasted a month & a half!) and I think it's time I tried to make shoes myself. Thank you, Chavez.
Last reply by ricksharma, -
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Bill Shanor is absolutely wonderful, and I'm honored that I was able to sneak in a class right before he retired. Non-lasted shoes will certainly do the job with much less time investment, but they're really better suited to moccasins and flat boots - so I'm super happy about adding this to my toolkit. :D
Last reply by BridgerAlec, -
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I was wondering from all you sandal professionals, do you line the leather straps with a nylon or webbing to increase strength? Similar with the midsole. Would a nylon canvas provide durability for thinner soles? Neoprene or sheet cork? I saw a video suggesting a wooden tongue depressor for a shank to provide rigidity. Would you? I am very open to what makes handmade sandals well worth the making. Other above-average things to add to a design. Thank you all.
Last reply by BridgerAlec, -
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I am working last for working boots and thinking is the last correctly shaped. The sides of the last is more like convex-form (does not thin-out so), when commercial lasts and other I have seen are more thin and not having this much material on the side. Should I remove wood from sides? See the image with green line what I was thinking of.
Last reply by Ferg, -
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Last reply by Northmount, -
- 13 replies
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I'm planning doing leather boots with hand stitching using waxed linen thread. Idea is to create as water repellent boots as possible. And because seams are the weakest point in boots, I was thinking that could the hand stitched seam be good for this. Is the saddle stitching with waxed linen thread creating more waterproof seam compared to machine sewn with ex. cotton thread? Can I create more tight/locked seam this way to prevent water going through.. Or is it just a waste of time and efforts.
Last reply by Larryvaan, -
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For whatever reason, I’ve had a terrible time making moccasins correctly. Theoretically, they should be easy. Practically, I have had a difficult time developing a pattern that works properly. I have Tony See’s pattern and need to make another go at using it, as I tried to get cute and cut a few corners the first time I used it (don’t do that). Anyway, I finally made a rather ugly, imperfectly-fitting pair out of some utility pull-up buffalo I bought for a steal at Tandy. Planning to revamp (no pun intended) the pattern a bit and make a second pair here soon. I put enough work into these that I wore them to church today even though they’re not especially attractive. (I do…
Last reply by Mablung,