UKRay Report post Posted March 28, 2009 The summer is coming people - no honestly it really is! I have just been asked to make up some sandals for a customer and I started out to make the same old style I have been doing since the 1970s when I realised that there are lots of people here who make different sandal designs and almost certainly do it better than me. If you make sandals could you please take a few minutes to jot down your way of doing the job and perhaps post a picture or two or your favorite style. Historically accurate, fashionable or just plain comfortable; just tell us how you make 'em! Please tell us how you get the size right? How do you know how long to cut the straps and what measurements you use? How do you fix the straps under the insole? How do you fix the insole to the sole? Do you use a crepe or leather sole and why? What glue is best? What leather works best for you? Sandals are a great project for an intermediate level leatherworker. They fit in with all kinds of re-enactment and can be very comfortable to wear so please share your sandal tips and tricks so we can all make a pair before the weather gets too warm. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gonnate Report post Posted March 28, 2009 The summer is coming people - no honestly it really is!I have just been asked to make up some sandals for a customer and I started out to make the same old style I have been doing since the 1970s when I realised that there are lots of people here who make different sandal designs and almost certainly do it better than me. If you make sandals could you please take a few minutes to jot down your way of doing the job and perhaps post a picture or two or your favorite style. Historically accurate, fashionable or just plain comfortable; just tell us how you make 'em! Please tell us how you get the size right? How do you know how long to cut the straps and what measurements you use? How do you fix the straps under the insole? How do you fix the insole to the sole? Do you use a crepe or leather sole and why? What glue is best? What leather works best for you? Sandals are a great project for an intermediate level leatherworker. They fit in with all kinds of re-enactment and can be very comfortable to wear so please share your sandal tips and tricks so we can all make a pair before the weather gets too warm. I'll be looking with interest at the replies you get, Ray - always wanted to make a pair! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Denise Report post Posted March 28, 2009 Jordan described his journey into the sandal making world here: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...&hl=sandals JustWakinUP made some flip flops for his daughter and showed us here: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...&hl=sandals (Those who can't do, point to threads of those who can...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted March 28, 2009 I posted a bunch of pics somewhere for the sandals I made. From paper pattern through finished pair. Tandy sells a ebook on sandal making, have not purchased it, but it looks like it was originally available in the early seventies as far as style goes. I did sell 1 pair last summer for $75.00. and I am waiting for the warm weather to start wearing the other pair I made. Just have to find a pair of bermuda chorts and a hawiian shirt to match Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted March 28, 2009 Ray..... always thinking ahead.........would you want me to send you some used tires to be used for the soles......... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKRay Report post Posted March 28, 2009 Ray..... always thinking ahead.........would you want me to send you some used tiresto be used for the soles......... Nah Luke - I'll manage just fine with the spare tyre round my middle thanks! Thanks for the suggestions and links guys - I was aware of Jordan's sandal adventures, the man is a regular legend! - But what I was hoping for was some of the newer people to contribute their experiences and designs. Is anyone making authentic historic sandals? Y'know, I find it pays to listen (with half an ear) to cousin Luke's attempts at humor - How do you make sandals from car tyres - anyone done it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted March 28, 2009 (edited) If I remember right there was/is a video of someone making tyre sandals on utube.A legend in my own mind me thinks. Edited March 28, 2009 by Jordan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKRay Report post Posted March 28, 2009 If I remember right there was/is a video of someone making tyre sandals on utube.A legend in my own mind me thinks. So how are the original 'Heyzueschristos' holding up, Jordan? - You must have given them some hard wear last summer. Any chance of a picture to check out the current situation? The problem with being made a legend is that people then expect you to produce the goods every time... Legend is a much overrated status IMHO You might derive some gentle amusement from the following web page - they could be just the job for the mall on a busy Saturday... http://www.instructables.com/id/The_Simple...om_Plastic_Bot/ Anyone seen the tyre sandals video on YouTube? - Do post a link please! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted March 29, 2009 (edited) The first pair are on display at the local Tandy store and the owner uses them in his travels to scout troops and such. The other pair have been waiting for summer, dang it snowed again today.! The third pair I sold this past summer, no calls so I guess they are holding up. The only irritation has been the heel strap/keeper, it needs to be wider as they tend to not ride right kind of twist a bit. Somehow the last post ended up in the wrong thread, anyway a video exists on a site called Metacafe I would post a link but my computer is not being very cooperative today. Edited March 29, 2009 by Jordan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TZHunter Report post Posted March 30, 2009 Well, never thought I'd be posting these pics. . . I am a Missionary in Africa and live among millions of folks who make and wear these tyre (tire) sandals every day. Guys here who know what they are doing (not me!) takes them about 5 minutes to make you a customized pair of these, fitting your feet exactly. Don't have a video, but am posting 2 pictures. . . only radials are used, no Steel belts. Design is pretty simple, use layers of belts/plies for straps, and 6 tacks (one on each strap end) hold the straps. To insert the strap ends into the sandal, they separate the belts with a sharp razor knife. . . To make them thinner than a normal tyre, they just peel about 1/2 of the plies off (and use for straps for other pairs). TZHunter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGGUNDOCTOR Report post Posted October 21, 2010 I remember tire sandals back in the 70' s being sold at K-Mart. I am looking to make some sandals for my Halloween costume, as my original store bought ones are crappin out, I go as a Blingy Jesus, and I was a pretty decent hit on the Las Vegas Strip last year Lots of folks wanted their picture with me. Digging through my misc leather I found some thick stuff I can use for the main body, and I have a ton of thinner rough out hides that I got cheap that I can just laminate for the sole. That, or, I may look at some vibration dampening mat my friend has for a core, or possibly the top layer. Lots of options. I have a book from 1972 that shows a lot of hippie leather. Very imaginative, and actually very cool items. Yep, I said cool. The artisans are a mix of Europeans, and some Americans. They disdain factory stamps, and are more into using everyday items for embellishment. They have a whole section on sandals, and how to fit them. Looks easy doing it their way, so I am going to give it a shot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
