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DIY leather boots?

ie Offline Don Pablo

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DIY leather boots?
on: October 26, 2017, 12:17:18 PM
Has anyone here ever made their own boots?  :D

I'm looking for a project, and making some hiking boots sounds good. I don't require that they be waterproof, or have ankle support, all I need is that they protect my feet from sharp and pointy stuff while being light and not prone to giving me blisters.  :cheers:

Enter the roman "Caligae". The boots that the roman soldiers used to march all over Europe. :drool:

I'm pretty impressed with these, in theory....
They are light, because they are so open, and the way they lace up means you can get them nice and snug juuust right, irregardless if you are wearing thick socks or no socks....

I don't consider getting my feet wet during a hike to be a Bad Thingtm, so long as you can dry them off and get them toasty warm at the end.

Construction seems straight forward, 8oz leather used throughout, and a grand total of three pieces to cut out(two sole pieces, and another sole piece with all the laces attached), the whole thing held together with hob nails.
http://www.romeacrosseurope.com/?p=2534#sthash.YpwNIBtS.dpbs

What do you think?
And if you think that I'm making a bad decision, please tell me and why.  :cheers:

Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


00 Offline Mechanickal

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #1 on: October 26, 2017, 12:23:35 PM
Forgot your shoes while going to Ibiza?


nz Offline Syncop8r

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #2 on: October 26, 2017, 12:43:00 PM
Forgot your shoes while going to Ibiza?
Perhaps he was booted out.
Now he's doing some sole-searching...
« Last Edit: October 26, 2017, 12:44:11 PM by Syncop8r »


00 Offline Mechanickal

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #3 on: October 26, 2017, 12:47:08 PM
Forgot your shoes while going to Ibiza?
Perhaps he was booted out.
Now he's doing some sole-searching...
If he was booted out, all he needs is a swimsuit:D


nz Offline Syncop8r

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #4 on: October 26, 2017, 12:50:31 PM
Forgot your shoes while going to Ibiza?
Perhaps he was booted out.
Now he's doing some sole-searching...
If he was booted out, all he needs is a swimsuit:D
Flippers then?


wales Offline magentus

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #5 on: October 26, 2017, 12:59:31 PM
If you're dead set on this Pabs you will need a red woollen cape to set the sandals off.

Look on the BCUK forum - http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/forum.php There is lots of info about making your own shoes. The resident Viking reenactor Wayland has been making shoes for a long time, including Caligae, and says that whilst they can be comfortable etc he would never wear them full time as they just aren't as comfortable as modern footwear (except high heels I imagine).

Good luck if you go ahead with it, and remember - Veni Vidi Vici! Go claim some empires for Ireland!  :salute:
'Use the force Harry' - Gandalf


nz Offline Syncop8r

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #6 on: October 26, 2017, 01:05:29 PM
Reminds me of the time I bought some shoes off a drug dealer.
I don't know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day.


mc Offline Gerhard Gerber

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #7 on: October 26, 2017, 02:15:12 PM
I've been itching to do something similar for years.

My plan was/is to cut soles out of old car tyre tread and make sandles with nylon webbing.

I view footwear as one of my survival weaknesses, due to my size and weight I destroy shoes, so I wanted something tough and repairable.


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #8 on: October 26, 2017, 04:17:29 PM
Forgot your shoes while going to Ibiza?
Perhaps he was booted out.
Now he's doing some sole-searching...
If he was booted out, all he needs is a swimsuit:D
Flippers then?
Reminds me of the time I bought some shoes off a drug dealer.
I don't know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day.
:facepalm: Groans
 :twak:
:P
If you're dead set on this Pabs you will need a red woollen cape to set the sandals off.

Look on the BCUK forum - http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/forum.php There is lots of info about making your own shoes. The resident Viking reenactor Wayland has been making shoes for a long time, including Caligae, and says that whilst they can be comfortable etc he would never wear them full time as they just aren't as comfortable as modern footwear (except high heels I imagine).

Good luck if you go ahead with it, and remember - Veni Vidi Vici! Go claim some empires for Ireland!  :salute:
Thanks for the advice on where to look!  :cheers:
As for the comfort issue, it seems to be that "it depends". Some roman reenactors on a reenacting forum seem to find custom made caligae to be more comfortable than modern hiking footware, blisterwise.  :think:  :drink:
We'll see.

First things first, I need a source of 8oz(or so) leather. Any recommendations anyone?  :think: :cheers:

Then the next thing, hobnails or not?  :think:
I may have to experiment and make multiple pairs with different kinds of soles.  :ahhh

I've been itching to do something similar for years.

My plan was/is to cut soles out of old car tyre tread and make sandles with nylon webbing.

I view footwear as one of my survival weaknesses, due to my size and weight I destroy shoes, so I wanted something tough and repairable.
Go for it!  :cheers:
What's the worst that could happen?  :D
I found this link, but I don't know if it's relevant for you.  :think:
http://www.hollowtop.com/sandals.htm
« Last Edit: October 26, 2017, 04:19:00 PM by Pablo O'Brien »
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


il Offline pomsbz

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #9 on: October 26, 2017, 05:00:25 PM
Very cool project. Would love to see you document it!
"It is better to lose health like a spendthrift than to waste it like a miser." - Robert Louis Stevenson


wales Offline magentus

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #10 on: October 26, 2017, 05:01:31 PM
Gotta have hobnails Pabs!

Unless...... How about incorporating a modern twist on an old idea by using tire rubber for the sole? That way you get the grip (and you really need to get a grip), plus it will be a harder wearing surface than leather, and I think hobnails will skid and knacker your floors.

Keep us informed of your progress - this is really interesting.  :cheers:
'Use the force Harry' - Gandalf


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #11 on: October 26, 2017, 06:00:20 PM
Very cool project. Would love to see you document it!
If this gets off the ground, I will definitely document.  :cheers:

Gotta have hobnails Pabs!

Unless...... How about incorporating a modern twist on an old idea by using tire rubber for the sole? That way you get the grip (and you really need to get a grip), plus it will be a harder wearing surface than leather, and I think hobnails will skid and knacker your floors.

Keep us informed of your progress - this is really interesting.  :cheers:
That's an interesting idea! :popcorn:
What do you mean exactly by tire rubber? Inner tube? I can't exactly imagine using the thick outer rubber from a car tire, but then again, I'm often wrong.  :facepalm:
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


wales Offline magentus

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #12 on: October 26, 2017, 06:12:14 PM
That last link you provided is all about making sandals from tyres.  Check your sources dude!

Tyre rubber looks the shizz homey.
'Use the force Harry' - Gandalf


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #13 on: October 26, 2017, 06:44:22 PM
Ah yes...  :facepalm:
Truck, pick up, or car tire, with no steel cable reinforcement.
Hit the scrap yard?
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


wales Offline magentus

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #14 on: October 26, 2017, 08:54:25 PM
Ah yes...  :facepalm:
Truck, pick up, or car tire, with no steel cable reinforcement.
Hit the scrap yard?
Hit the scrapyard!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=863fYC-Mb_Q
'Use the force Harry' - Gandalf


nz Offline Syncop8r

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #15 on: October 26, 2017, 09:43:38 PM
I think the Viet Cong used tyre sandals.  :think:


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #16 on: October 27, 2017, 11:27:22 AM
I don't know how hard it will be to find steel-less tires, but in any case, my plan of action is to:

Make a prototype out of cheap faux leather, to confirm fit and to get an idea of how long it will take to cut out the parts. Also will need some special leatherworking tools, like flexible needles and tiny awls, and cutty things to make cutting out small shapes easier.  :think:

Meanwhile, I need find a source of 8oz leather. Any recommendations?

Going on at the same time, looking for appropriate old tires and some hobnails.

Cut out the pattern in the leather. Stitch together and add sole.

Profit!  :tu:
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


nz Offline Syncop8r

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #17 on: October 27, 2017, 11:46:08 AM
There are some posts around here somewhere on leatherworking tools and books, especially by Chako.
LOTS of info...

This might be a good place to start: https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,72600.msg1532024.html#msg1532024

Oh and https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,66857.msg1429888.html#msg1429888
« Last Edit: October 27, 2017, 12:29:49 PM by Syncop8r »


wales Offline magentus

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #18 on: October 27, 2017, 01:31:09 PM
I think you'll need veg tan leather so it absorbs whatever treatment you give it, and there's plenty on the 'bay, unless you get an idea of what you're after and buy a couple of handbags in a charity shop. Getting large enough single pieces may be challenging.

Are there any cows where you live? If so are you emotionally attached to any of them?  :D
'Use the force Harry' - Gandalf


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #19 on: October 27, 2017, 01:43:55 PM
This is Ireland, we have LOTS of cows.  :D
I'd nab one, except for the tricky part of tanning the leather.  :facepalm:

The charity shop is probably out of the question if I don't want mismatched leather on my shoes.  :ahhh
And yes, everything points to veg tan leather being optimal.  :tu:
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


wales Offline magentus

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #20 on: October 27, 2017, 02:39:09 PM
This is Ireland, we have LOTS of cows.  :D
I'd nab one, except for the tricky part of tanning the leather.  :facepalm:

The charity shop is probably out of the question if I don't want mismatched leather on my shoes.  :ahhh
And yes, everything points to veg tan leather being optimal.  :tu:
If you're out and about wearing those shoes Pabs, mismatched leather will be the least of your problems. The youth can be so cruel. :D

Nabbing the cow is the tricky part - tanning it will be easy compared to the nabbing.
'Use the force Harry' - Gandalf


us Offline ironraven

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #21 on: October 28, 2017, 11:51:21 PM
The look like frostbite would be a problem.

Then again, I'm rrather attached to my toes and come from a place where measuring snow in feet does happen.
"Even if it is only the handful of people I meet on the street, or in my home, I can still protect them with this one sword" Kenshin Himura

Necessity is the mother of invention. If you're not ready, it's "a mother". If you are, it's "mom".

"I love democracy" Sheev Palpatine, upon his election to Chancellor.


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #22 on: October 29, 2017, 12:16:56 AM
Frostbite? That's an alien concept for me.  :P
It only snows a cm or two a few times a year, and the temp only drops below freezing a few days a year.
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


nz Offline Syncop8r

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #23 on: October 29, 2017, 12:31:41 AM
Nabbing the cow is the tricky part - tanning it will be easy compared to the nabbing.
You reckon? I don't think they make suntanning beds that big?  :think:


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #24 on: October 29, 2017, 12:38:01 AM
Nabbing the cow is the tricky part - tanning it will be easy compared to the nabbing.
You reckon? I don't think they make suntanning beds that big?  :think:
My eyes hurt from all the rolling they've been doing.  :facepalm:
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


scotland Offline Gareth

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #25 on: October 30, 2017, 11:33:35 AM
:popcorn:
Be excellent to each other and always know where your towel is.


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #26 on: October 30, 2017, 12:23:50 PM
I wanted to use veg tanned 3mm leather, but I may have to settle for 2mm chrome tanned?  :-\
Large pieces of Thicker stuff seem to be rarer, and largee pieces of thick veg tanned leather rarer still.
By large I mean about one square metre, but not an entire cow  ::)
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


us Offline ducttapetech

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #27 on: October 30, 2017, 12:58:29 PM
Dolly and Molle has a cow or two to use.
20171024_170721_1024x1024.jpg
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us Offline ducttapetech

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #28 on: October 30, 2017, 12:59:48 PM
Reminds me of the time I bought some shoes off a drug dealer.
I don't know what he laced them with, but I was tripping all day.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Nate

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ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: DIY leather boots?
Reply #29 on: October 30, 2017, 01:31:00 PM
Dolly and Molle has a cow or two to use.
But can they tan it without stinking your workshop up to high heaven?  :P
Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


 

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