how to make a shoe out of cardboard

 

If you find yourself in a bind and need to make a pair of shoes fast, cardboard can be the perfect material for you. If all materials are inaccessible or unavailable, cardboard is always ready to go.

Cardboard shoes may not be as durable or fashionable as other types of footwear, but they'll offer you protection from the elements and keep your feet warm. In a pinch, cardboard shoes can even protect you from dangerous elements.

Here are seven steps for making a pair of shoes out of cardboard.

1. Gather materials

 

Image source: https://www.target.com/

You'll need some quality cardboard for your project. The thicker the better, but do not use corrugated cardboard, which has little give and will cause blisters on your feet. You'll also need twine or string, scissors and tape. Once you have these materials on hand, you're ready to get started making your own pair of cardboard shoes!

2. Find a pair to copy

When you decide to make a pair of shoes, it's important that you find a great pair to emulate. You'll want to try these on and make sure your shoes are comfortable before you begin. If you're copying a brand, then look for the same quality in your shoes as well. If not, try and locate a cheap pair that looks similar in design. Distracting colors or designs may result in misaligned cutouts, which will throw off the end product.

3. Cut out the shoe pattern

Take one of your cardboard pieces and fold it twice lengthwise so that the crease lines up evenly with one crease line on the opposite side of its long side. This will be the outside crease of your shoe, and is the crease you want to replicate on your shoes. Using twine or string, tie the two sides of your cardboard together at the fold, then tape it closed.

 

Image source: https://www.newbalance.com/

4. Use a ruler to cut templates for both front and back soles

Using a ruler (make sure to set it on a flat surface if possible), measure from 1/2 inch from one crease line of your cardboard pattern to 5 inches from another crease line (on either side of each crease). Mark this distance down onto your cardboard with a marker or other tool. Remember, you're using cardboard for a beginner's project, so be sure to cut carefully with a regular knife or scissors. A pair of scissors will work fine, but you'll want to do this outside or in a well-ventilated area.

5. Cut out the shoe pattern (continued)

Using the measurements from step four, measure 2 1/2 inches along the crease line that parallels your 1/2 inch mark and make another mark there. You should now have four marks on your shoe pattern: two parallel lines and two perpendicular lines. Use your ruler to draw a straight line from each of these marks all the way across your cardboard soles at this point.

6. Cut out the shoe pattern (continued)

At the bottom of your first perpendicular line, make a mark 1/2 inch away from the line. Then, cut along this mark in both directions to create a 1/2 inch hole in your cardboard soles. Make similar cuts to create an opening on the other perpendicular side of your cardboard soles as well.

7. Assemble your shoes and enjoy!

When you're finished cutting out your cardboard, apply glue around the edges of one of the cutouts and attach that piece to its counterpart on the other sole. Finish gluing second sole and let dry for about an hour before wearing or using it.