When I was a senior in high school I had a good friend who was really into making leather stuff. He made leather journals, belts, bags, and then he got into making leather shoes. As you can probably guess, I tend to gravitate toward people who make stuff, or might be described as "crafty". I was super stoked when he made me one of his first attempts at a gladiator sandal. I thought they were way cool, I think in part because I was obsessed with Athena at the time.
Gosh, this probably makes me sound kind of nerdy (which I'm not denying). BUT, I would like to point out that this was before gladiator sandals came back into style and before Katniss ever let her first arrow fly (which is Athena's weapon of choice as well). So basically I was a trendsetter. Clearly.
😉
Anyway, I got the hankering to make some summer sandals, and I kept thinking about those homemade gladiator sandals from high school. My sandals are not quite as advanced…I simply used espadrille soles and customized them (so easy to do!). Here's how I made mine in case you're curious.
Supplies:
-espadrille soles (I bought mine on Etsy. The brand is Prym. They also sell add-on items to make the rest of the shoes too if you don't want to pick out your own leathers/fabrics)
-scrap paper and pencil
-scissors
-scrap leather, pleather, or other sturdy fabric (you don't need much!)
-embroidery thread
-needle (for leather or tapestry)
-velcro or buckles
Note: I originally planned to use fabric glue (pictured), but after trying it, I just didn't think it held up as well as I wanted, even though it said it was good for leather projects (LIES!). So I just stitched the velcro on instead. So, skip the glue if you're doing this project.
All together these shoes cost around $14 to make (not including the glue because, like I said, skip it).
Step One: Use scrap paper to make a pattern or template for your shoe straps. Feel free to get creative here! Also, really do put your foot on the sole and hold the pattern in place to make sure it works well. And remember, you can always cut your leather (or other fabric) a little smaller if needed. Trimming is easy, adding on if it's too small is not.
Once you have your pattern how you want it, use it to cut out your pieces.
Step Two: Stitch on your pieces. Remember that you will be wearing these, so don't be afraid to double up your thread or sew through each hole twice for extra durability. Espadrille soles are great for this because they are made of plaited fiber (kind of like sewing through soft rope). Stitch on your velcro or buckles too.
Step Three: Wear your new shoes a few times and see what you think. If you notice the leather stretching a little (like most leather will) you can stitch them a little tighter.
Make some sandals this summer! It's super fun, easy and pretty inexpensive. xo. Emma
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photography: Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
nice idea, want to try it soon! 😉 Thanks for sharing this, gives me something to do, thinking of making the front a burnt orange with a brown back.
Can’t believe you’ve made your own shoes, these are amazing
Lauren
livinginaboxx | bloglovin
Sandals are the best shoes for the season. So wow on this project. I have a few questions what is the measurements of the shoe pattern or how did you start to measure the shoe pattern? Thanks
Thanks for the info. Pat
I would never have thought of this! What a great idea!
Definitely have to try this! <3
http://www.trishasales.net
didn’t know I could do this..I’ll probably try it 🙂
xx,https://letsjusttalkabouteverything.wordpress.com/
This is so cool! I really want to give these a try.
This is brilliant! Really love the white and black tones.
I am definitely going to be making these soon!
Just when we thought you girls couldn’t get any cooler you make your own shoes!!! Blown away.
♥Heather + Melissa
Very cool project! If I can get my hands (or feet?) on the espadrille soles, I’m down to make this one. I’ve seen so many similar pairs, so it’s definitely a trendy style.
Monica / Mocha and Moccasins
This reminds me of making leather sandals in college for an art class. They were so comfortable because they fit my feet. Great job. Thanks for sharing.
Beti
Simple & cute! Probably costs a little less than buying the actual shoe! 🙂
Love espradilles for summer, they are the best shoes for hot days
http://www.mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es/2015/07/summer-sales.html
Hi Pat! You can find them on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/209687263/prym-espadrilles-soles?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=prym&ref=sr_gallery_1 🙂 -Jacki
These are so cute. Can’t believe how easy it looks. http://www.hannamarielei.com
Oh my goodness these are lovely! If it were on sale I’d surely buy it. On a different note, I also tend to lean to crafty and creative people. It’s probably also the reason why I was so drawn to this blog when I stumbled upon it a few years back.
http://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/
Absolutely love them. Will be on my ‘To Do’ lists now. Love your waistcoat too x
I did this diy project myself and they turned out to
be my favourites this Summer. Instead of leather
I used a pretty fabric.
https://instagram.com/p/2dCr6so-3-/
I love your Blog!!!