How to Build Moon Shoes
Moon Shoes, a registered trademark of Nickelodeon, hit the market in the 1990s and were advertised as trampolines for your feet. Edmund Scientific currently produces a similar toy product called "Anti-Gravity Boots." These toys generally don't allow you to jump much higher than you normally could, but they provide a bouncy sensation, and can provide a great workout while aiding in a child's balance and coordination. You can make a simple version of this classic toy at home.
Things You'll Need
- Sneakers
- Elastic 1.5 inches wide (exact length will vary)
- Hot melt adhesive
- 2 milk crates (at least an inch wider and longer than the shoes, and at least a half a foot deep)
- 1 thin slab of rubber (bigger than two milk crates)
- Scissors
- 4 Velcro fastening straps (long enough to go around the shoe and through the middle of the milk crate)
Instructions
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1
Place the milk crates open end up on a table away from disruptions. Keep in mind that you will be using a very strong adhesive. Keep this area clean and away from anything that the hot melt might accidentally come in contact with.
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2
Cut the elastic into strips long enough to cover the entire opening of each milk crate.
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3
Use the hot melt adhesive to glue these elastic bands to each milk crate. Make sure to cover the entire opening. Let dry completely.
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4
Place each milk crate on the rubber slab and cut the rubber along the edge of the crates.
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5
Glue the pieces of rubber to the bottom (not the elastic side) of each crate. This is going to provide friction when jumping around. Allow to dry completely.
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6
Place one foot on the elastic and test the strength by applying pressure. If it can support your weight, continue to Step 7. If not, apply more elastic bands until you can stand on the milk crates and bounce without the elastic breaking.
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7
Thread two Velcro straps through the natural holes in each milk crate.
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8
With shoes on, place your foot on the elastic of one of the milk crates and fasten the Velcro straps. Make sure one strap goes around your toes, and one on the top of your foot near your ankle. You may need to reposition the Velcro straps to find the best comfort and snugness. Repeat with the other foot on the other milk crate.
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9
Glue the middle of each Velcro strap to the milk crates. Make sure that you will still be able to strap your shoes into the elastic side of the milk crates once the glue has dried. Gluing the straps is merely to provide more security and comfort while bouncing around. Allow the glue to dry completely.
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10
Strap each foot (with shoes on) to the elastic side of each crate. Then, carefully, stand up. Make sure you are with someone who can support you if you fall.
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11
Test the toy once more by bouncing.
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Tips & Warnings
The length of elastic you'll need depends on how much weight you're putting on them. Always overshoot; for instance, if you think you'll need 10 yards, purchase 20. You can never use too much elastic.
If you keep adding elastic and it still will not support your weight, try threading the elastic through the milk crate and then gluing each end together in a loop. Make sure that the loops are taut.
The same advice goes for the Velcro straps. There is no set rule for how long they need to be; when your feet are in the shoes, the straps must fasten around them tightly.
If you find that you are slipping at all while wearing the Moon Shoes, try threading the Velcro straps under the laces of your sneakers for more support. Don't attempt to play with the Moon Shoes if you aren't completely snug in them.
Make sure the milk crates are strong enough to support your weight. The measurements provided can change depending on the size and weight of the person wearing them. Remember that you are going to be wearing these milk crates like shoes, so don't aim too big and heavy, but also not so small that you can't bounce in them.
Always work in a well-ventilated area when using hot glue.
