Flashback: Old Sole, New Shoe

When it comes to mending, strappy sandals always elude me. How can you fix that busted strap and still have the shoe look cute? Back in CRAFT Volume 07, the talented and innovative Thomas Maiorana offered us a major project on cannibalizing the soles of your shoes and adding new, custom straps (one version of the end product shown above). Making or even modding shoes seems a bit intimidating at first, but Thomas writes in the intro: “Unless you’re super rich (unlikely) or a shoemaker (even less likely) you probably haven’t considered custom footwear. However, making your own shoes is easier than you think.” I would add: especially when you are using an existing sole.
Thomas takes us step-by-step through the process, starting with removing the existing straps:

To planning your new design and making a felt pattern:

To putting the finishing touches on your fancy new custom sandals:

Anything is possible when you have a great teacher! Here is the article in our Digital Edition. Make sure to pick up your copy of CRAFT Volume 07 at the Maker Shed for tons more shoe how-tos, including making any pair of shoes into roller skates (!!!), making adorable baby shoes, and knitting a pair of Converse high-tops.