How to Make Barefoot Sandals

Barefoot sandals are popular to wear at beach weddings and other formal, outdoor occasions. They're also worn by hippies and naturalists who enjoy going barefoot and want to circumvent the "no shoes, no service" rules of many commercial establishments. Barefoot sandals are essentially the tops of thong flip-flops sans the soles and can be designed to look elegant or rustic, depending on your preference or the event to which you plan to wear them. It's easy to learn how to make barefoot sandals.

Things You'll Need

• Toe ring
• Ankle bracelet
• Thin strip of cloth, lace, or twine
• Neutral-colored thread
• Sharp scissors

Instructions

1. Put the toe ring on your long toe, which is the one right beside your big toe.

2. Fasten the ankle bracelet around your ankle.

3. Stretch out your cloth, lace or twine between your ankle bracelet and toe ring. Make sure it's tight, as you don't want any slack on your sandals.

4. Cut the cloth, lace or twine, so that it fits snugly between the ankle bracelet and toe ring.

5. Decorate the cloth, lace or twine with beads if you desire. Sparkly beads that look like gems are popular for wedding barefoot sandals while many naturalists prefer wooden beads.

6. Attach one end of the cloth, lace or twine to the ankle bracelet, using a small piece of sturdy thread in a neutral color.

7. Tie the thread tightly in a double knot and trim off any excess thread.

8. Attach the other end of the cloth, lace or twine to the toe ring, using a piece of the neutral-colored thread that is tied in a double knot.

9. Trim any excess thread off as close to the knot as possible.

10. Repeat this process for your other foot to make a pair of barefoot sandals.

Tips & Warnings

• Make multiple pairs of barefoot sandals for a variety of occasions, such as weddings, picnics, a day at the beach or around the house. Decorate each pair of sandals to match the event, such as faux gemstones for weddings, wooden beads for beach days and colorful lace or elastic for wearing at home.

• Be careful when walking around outside in your barefoot sandals. Since they don't have soles, your feet won't be protected from such hazards as broken glass and sharp stones. Keeping an eye on the ground will help you avoid getting injured.