Snow Slippers

This is a quick do-it-yourself instructable to create a Snow Slipper. The Snow Slipper is a modification of a boot that you can conveniently “slip on” to walk outside in adverse conditions without having to change into real snow boots.

In this project, we used:

· Rain boots

· Two Belts, one for each boot

· Hammer

· 4 Nails

· Scissors

Step 1: Prepping the Sole

The first step is to prepare the boot to connect the belt. First, mark the point where the belt will be attached to the boot by nail. The point where the mark should be located can be found by following the shin of the boot down to the sole.

Step 2: Prepping the Sole Continued

Next, hammer 1 nail into the sole to create a small hole. Make sure to align the nail parallel to the bottom of the sole so that it does not poke through the top or bottom. It is preferred to use a drill to make the process easier. Ensure the diameter of the drill hole is a size smaller than the diameter of the nail.

Step 3: Prepping the Belt

The second step is to prepare the belt. Place the belt upside down beneath the boot and wrap the belt once until the non-buckle end until it reaches the sole. Mark the belt where it begins to wrap over the boot from the bottom of the sole.

Step 4: Prepping the Belt Continued

Repeat the process with the buckle end of the belt however only wrap until the buckle is mid-toe. Mark the belt where it begins to wrap over the boot from the bottom of the sole again.

Step 5: Prepping the Belt Continued

Cut the belt across the marks with a pair of scissors. Cutting longer than the mark would be best to ensure your final product can be adjusted.

Step 6: Prepping the Belt Continued

At this point in time you should have three separate pieces of belt, the middle section of which can be disregarded.

Step 7: Prepping the Belt Continued

Create a hole slightly above each cut of the belt to your desire. Start by pushing a hole through with the nail. If necessary use the hammer on a hard surface. It is preferred to use a drill to make the process easier. Ensure the diameter of the drill hole is a size smaller than the diameter of the nail.

Step 8: Attaching the Belt

The third step is to attach the belt to the boot. Align the drilled hole of the sole and the drilled hole of one belt piece and use the hammer to secure a nail into the hole. When hammering, make sure the nail follows the premade holes in the boot. Repeat the process for the other belt piece on the other side of the boot.

Step 9: Cutting the Boot

First, it may be a good idea to test cut the boot. Do this towards the top of the boot on a section that will not be used for the final product. This example utilized a rain boot that could be easily cut with scissors. Other boot materials may require a different tool to cut, which makes the test cut an important step in the process.

Select a heel height based on preference. Choose a height that may be higher than desired as more material can be removed later. Pinch the heel at this point to make an initial cut, utilizing the deepest part of the scissors.

Step 10: Cutting the Boot Continued

Once this cut is made, open the boot and insert the scissors into the newly created opening so only one half of the boot can be cut. Cut horizontally until the tip of the scissors hits the front/shin part of the boot. At this point, switch to the other side and cut to the front/shin part again.

Step 11: Cutting the Boot Continued

Grab the heel portion of the boot and pull it over the shin part of the boot as far as possible. This will make it easier to completely cut off this section.

Step 12: Cutting the Boot Continued

The next cut is based on the type of boot and desired comfort of the user. Based on the location of the belt, a heel may be needed for added stability. If the fit of the boot is too tight with a heel, this part can be modified or removed to the user’s preference.

The boot used in this design has a harder plastic section above the sole of the boot. The cut was made along this edge for simplicity in this example. Cut both sides of the boot along the path desired until the toe is reached.

Step 13: Cutting the Boot Continued

Grab the heel portion of the boot and pull it over the toe part of the boot as far as possible. This will make it easier to completely cut off this section.

Step 14: Finished Product

The snow slipper is now completed! This instructable can be modified based on personal preference. Try out different materials and feel free to share your experiences!