Boot Spikes

[voraq]

I am currently attempting to make a pair of the TNG era uniform boots (Ninja tabi style).

I can't think of a way to make realistic looking boot spikes.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[weslipuqlod]

Methods used by some include carving the spikes from bass wood, available through any hobby store, sealing and painting them to taste.  The spikes can be glued to the boot or drilled and affixed with a screw through the boot or in some instance, the metal guard.  

I have also seen them sewn from scrap leather and stuffed to shape, then attached with either velcro or sewn to the boot.

Both methods are relatively inexpensive considering the possibility of loss.  It is nothing to have an extra pair of spikes available for repair when travelling.  

Other methods I have seen include carved antler, cast resin, and ground metal.  The affixing is usually the same.
 

[voraq]

Well, I'm glad to see that they have been made out of wood.  That's what I thought of using.  

I am thinking of putting a hole in that portion of the boot and fastening a metal grommet to it so the hole won't shred.  Then putting a bolt into the bottom of the spike and attaching it to the boot with a nut.   This way if the spike breaks I will not have to repair the boot.


Metal spike???  I wonder how much time goes into making that one.

[Kesvirit]

The spikes can be glued to the boot or drilled and affixed with a screw through the boot or in some instance, the metal guard.

I have also seen them sewn from scrap leather and stuffed to shape, then attached with either velcro or sewn to the boot.

I am thinking of putting a hole in that portion of the boot and fastening a metal grommet to it so the hole won't shred. Then putting a bolt into the bottom of the spike and attaching it to the boot with a nut. This way if the spike breaks I will not have to repair the boot.

I advise against using a screw or a nut to secure the spike to the boot. You don't want anything besides your feet and your socks inside your boots.  Even the best-fitting boots will have some "slop-room" inside to allow for flexion of the foot as you walk. A screw with a very flat head that fits flush up against the inside of the boot could work, but a nut-and-bolt assemblage inside the boot will most assuredly chew up your toes.

I recommend weslipuqlod's methods of either sewing the spike directly to the boot or sewing velcro to the attachment site and bottom of the spike.

As for gluing, visit a shoe repair, leather, or craft shop.  Many sell specialty glues or epoxies (a two step, mix-it-yourself adhesive) for attaching different grades of leather, or leather to other materials.

-=- Kesvirit, who did some boot repair back in the day, and keeps breaking this one toe...

[KAllen]

Because the boots I use are thigh high female boots, the foot region is really small.  But I have a small foot anyway so it doesn't matter.  However, I went to Wally*World and got some cheap sandles big enough to put my boot in compeletly.  To this sandle I attached my boot spike and "metal" wrapping.  

The boot spike is made from Sculpy. this is a clay type substance you can simply form it to the spike and bake it till it hardens.  I then screwed it to the sandle(btw...make sure you make a hole for the screw before you bake it...or it'll break...I know).  This way I don't have the base of a screw scraping my toes and the sandle actually adds about 1" to my height. So I went from 5'10" to 5'11".  

[Kesvirit]

::momentarily stunned speechless by the elegance, simplicity, and economy of the solution, then launches into Thought Master manque mode::

In violation of normal mathematical principles, cheap times cheap-from-Wally's equals twice as cheap in price, but cheap squared in quality.  I suspect that such heavy use of the sandals as a Klingon would give them in a manner for which they were not designed will cause them to wear out very quickly. I urge you to get multiple pairs if they are still available!

-=- Kesvirit

[ngabwI]

::momentarily stunned speechless by the elegance, simplicity, and economy of the solution, then launches into Thought Master manque mode::

jIQochbe'. nap 'ej qutlh 'ej val. majQa'! pov qech.

HIp vItuQbe', 'ach vItuQchoHchugh, qeSlIj vIlajbej.

Agreed. It's simple, inexpensive, and clever. Well done. An excellent idea.

I don't dress up, but if I start to, I will certainly heed your advice. }}: )

HovpoH 701992.3

[dghor1966]

 Ok here is what I did
I sculpted a spike out of clay then made a mold of it, then got a two part resin pour it into the mold made two of them, then I glue them on my boots they came out great here is some pics one with my boots go to the star trek folder
http://community.webshots.com/user/Musketeer1966

 Qa'pla
 D'ghor

[Edit -- you can go straight to the boot at http://community.webshots.com/photo/551698291/2300095430091774602xPqaFD.]

[SoplaHtaHwI']

I must say, I'm impressed by the array that is your uniform.

The boot spikes do look good, although I would put them further toward the nose of the boot...

[Abbot Nej vIt]

Because the boots I use are thigh high female boots, the foot region is really small.  But I have a small foot anyway so it doesn't matter.  However, I went to Wally*World and got some cheap sandles big enough to put my boot in compeletly.  To this sandle I attached my boot spike and "metal" wrapping.  

The boot spike is made from Sculpy. this is a clay type substance you can simply form it to the spike and bake it till it hardens.  I then screwed it to the sandle(btw...make sure you make a hole for the screw before you bake it...or it'll break...I know).  This way I don't have the base of a screw scraping my toes and the sandle actually adds about 1" to my height. So I went from 5'10" to 5'11".  

I am having a difficult time imagining this idea as looking "Klingon"... Perhaps you can post some pics to help put the concept into perspective? I am very curious about how you made the Boot Plate armour as well...

[L'Shar Anara Rokta]

I have been successful in making my spikes from sculpy clay also.

[27 July 2007]
I happened on the perfect boots yesterday, which I purchased, so new boot spikes are also in order.  Pictures and an update when I have them.


L'Shar Anara Rokta

[Merged Double post -Klythe]