Finally the Perfect Minimalist Shoe: The ones I'm going to make for myself
(using your helpful advice)
After 3 years of wearing minshoes and 2+ years of barefoot running, I can say that my feet are much less shoelike and more like the normal feet of the habitually unshod. As such, no commercially made shoes will now fit me comfortably. That's okay. They can keep their foot coffins. (Before the shoddies sneer, I still have a pair of nice dress shoes that I can manage for the once a year formal occasion.)
Before deciding to make my own, I looked at several options.
Itasca Moccasin will make custom mocs from tracings. However, my feet would require a much wider toebox, and as a result, I don't think that mocs they would look very good. Also, the soles are leather only.
Sodhoppers are great shoes, and I think that the style would look fine with a wide toe box. Though, they do fit snug and require some breaking in. With my bunions, I'd prefer something looser. I'd also rather have shoes that I could slip on and off easily, as I sometimes kick off the shoes under the desk while at the computer.
So, after running out of custom options, it's time to try to make my own. There's actually some good information online.
http://design.seamlyne.com/design/costume/footwear/footwear_index.asp
paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/14813#.UumfQ_41j1Q
Eventually, I decide that something simple was best. If Runamocs were wider, I'd just buy them. However, they served as inspiration, since the upper is essentially one piece that is sewn onto a sole.
Seams can be uncomfortable. Apparently, seams don't have to be on the inside.
I could also add a sole like in the photo above, but use a thin Vibram outsole.
Itasca Moccasin suggested elkskin on their website due to its stretchy properties for people with bunions, so that's what I've ordered.
I'm not sure if I can successfully use my sewing machine to stitch the upper to the innersole, but I can manage using an awl.
I've ordered some leather glue for the seams.
That's the general idea. I understand that I should practice with some felt first to make sure that my pattern is correct. Also, these shoes are strictly for the office. I'll have shoes to wear to and from the parking lot, especially for rainy days and such.
Any suggestions?
Update: Unfortunately, Itasca moccasins did not work out for me, but they may work out for others.
http://www.thebarefootrunners.org/threads/itasca-moccasin-cota.17866/
The Soft Star Original Runamoc worked well for me.
(using your helpful advice)
After 3 years of wearing minshoes and 2+ years of barefoot running, I can say that my feet are much less shoelike and more like the normal feet of the habitually unshod. As such, no commercially made shoes will now fit me comfortably. That's okay. They can keep their foot coffins. (Before the shoddies sneer, I still have a pair of nice dress shoes that I can manage for the once a year formal occasion.)
Before deciding to make my own, I looked at several options.
Itasca Moccasin will make custom mocs from tracings. However, my feet would require a much wider toebox, and as a result, I don't think that mocs they would look very good. Also, the soles are leather only.
http://design.seamlyne.com/design/costume/footwear/footwear_index.asp
paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/14813#.UumfQ_41j1Q
Eventually, I decide that something simple was best. If Runamocs were wider, I'd just buy them. However, they served as inspiration, since the upper is essentially one piece that is sewn onto a sole.
Seams can be uncomfortable. Apparently, seams don't have to be on the inside.
I could also add a sole like in the photo above, but use a thin Vibram outsole.
Itasca Moccasin suggested elkskin on their website due to its stretchy properties for people with bunions, so that's what I've ordered.
I'm not sure if I can successfully use my sewing machine to stitch the upper to the innersole, but I can manage using an awl.
I've ordered some leather glue for the seams.
That's the general idea. I understand that I should practice with some felt first to make sure that my pattern is correct. Also, these shoes are strictly for the office. I'll have shoes to wear to and from the parking lot, especially for rainy days and such.
Any suggestions?
Update: Unfortunately, Itasca moccasins did not work out for me, but they may work out for others.
http://www.thebarefootrunners.org/threads/itasca-moccasin-cota.17866/
The Soft Star Original Runamoc worked well for me.