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Making Shoes, Part 3: Sand the Soles Shape your shoe's sole. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-413

Smooth out those rough edges!

The handmade shoes are starting to take shape. In this part of the project, Michele Beschen shows how to sand the rough wooden soles. In addition to smoothing out any rough spots, the sanding will give you an opportunity to test-fit the shoes and adjust the soles as needed. Michele Beschen also will show how to add a rubber tread to the shoe soles and give the wood a protective finish.

Scroll down for the next part of this B. Original how-to.

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Part 3: Sand the Soles

Materials:

For this part: rough shoe soles from Part 2 contact cement one piece of rubber stair tread scissors craft or utility knife hammer and small nails (optional) power sanders sandpaper mineral spirits wipe-on polyurethane rags

For the final step: pieces of leather decorative upholstery tacks nails or plain tacks hammer or air nailer double-sided tape uppers from dismantled shoes heavy-duty scissors fabric or leather trim (optional)

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Note: As you sand, be sure to follow the form of the shoe. You went to a lot of trouble to get a shape based on a pair of shoes that fit – don't reshape it now. You're simply smoothing everything out.

• Begin sanding with a bench or belt sander. Start by sanding the bottom of the shoe on the sander so it sits evenly (figure A), then sand the sides of the shoes and the inside sole (figure B).

  Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and use caution when using a power sander or other power tools. Follow all of the manufacturer's safety instructions.

• After sanding as much as possible on the belt sander, use an oscillating sander to sand in the smaller spaces such as the area where the heel meets the sole (figure C).

• Periodically stop sanding and try on the shoe to check the fit. Sand to remove any rough spots or uncomfortable bumps.

• Finish off by hand-sanding around all surfaces of the shoes. Rub the shoes with mineral spirits to remove any dust or grime.

• Stand the shoes on a piece of rubber stair tread – available at any carpet or home improvement store – and trace the bottoms of the shoes (figure D). Use scissors to cut out these shapes.

• Use contact cement to glue the rubber treads, rough side out, to the bottoms of the shoes. Spread the contact cement on both surfaces, paying special attention to the edges of the shoes and treads (figure E). Wait 15-20 minutes until the cement becomes tacky – check the cement package for specific times. Adhere the treads to the shoes, and let the cement cure completely.

• For added protection, you can install small nails around the edges of the rubber treads to help hold them in place. Make sure to sink the nails into the rubber so they don't catch as you walk, and use nails that won't poke up into the insole of the shoe.

• Trim away any excess rubber with a sharp craft or utility knife.

• Apply three coats of wipe-on polyurethane to the wood surfaces of the shoe, sanding between each coat.

The bottoms of your shoes are done! Go to Part 4 to finish up your couture footwear.