I want to make a pair of wedge sandals...easier said than done?
When I look at wedge sandals, I see blocks of cork, some strips of leather, lots of Shoe Goo, some rubber and metal hardware, and a few stitches.
In shoes and bags, sometimes the leather edges are stitched and other times they appear to have just been cut and left raw (example). What is the difference? When must you stitch, when can you leave raw, and are there other ways of finishing leather edges?
Is there a special type of cork used in shoes?
What’s the best material/product to use for the insole and outsole?
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Possible. Go for it.
Leather edges may be stitched when they would rub against the skin, when the leather shows a distinctive grain and may tear on the grain or when the finish just looks better than leaving it raw. You could also bind the edges with another piece of leather or a piece of fabric. Or stitch a trim to the leather edge, such as rope or fabric-covered piping.
I don’t know about the specialties of cork, but I’d assume that it would have to be treated to withstand any dry conditions, since old, dry cork crumbles upon touch.
As for the best material for the insoles and outsoles, that may depend on what feels good to you, what wears best, what you can put your hands on. Leather once did all of it, but cotton or wool flannel linings absorb moisture, and modern technical fabrics for running and biking wick moisture away from the skin, so your choices abound.
edit: note how the edges in the picture seem beveled, and the fabric wrap may be linen or canvas. You do have to stitch to keep the buckle in place, so stitching everywhere ties the design together.
Thank you @DaphneT! Yeah for the soles, as much as I love leather and don’t care for synthetics typically here I actually would prefer something synthetic over leather.
You know there are people that can make them for you…..and then you buy them…..
@College_girl Yes, of course, but I have smaller than average feet which means my options are fewer than average. Combine that with my obsession with detail and expensive taste, and it is tough going. There are a few styles available right now that I like, but they’re about $150 and more than I want to spend on something that looks pretty straightforward to make. Plus, I love making stuff and this is a project I’ve been thinking about for a while now.
Have you hunted the thrift shops for tacky wedge sandals that you could make over?
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