How to Make Your Own Strength Shoes

A little cleverness turns a standard puck into a platform for sports shoes.

Strength shoes are usually used in sports fitness training because of the heel-less design of the shoe, which forces the calves to absorb nearly six times the weight they normally do. These shoes are also rumored to increase vertical jumps. Unless you are in possession of high-density, high-abrasion rubber and synthetic mesh, making proper strength shoes won't happen. Making a suitable alternative is entirely possible, but beware of the dangers of over-stretching your calf muscles and tearing your Achilles tendon.

Things You'll Need

• Running shoes
• Coarse sandpaper
• Two hockey pucks
• Industrial-strength glue

Instructions

1. Prepare the puck by scouring it with sandpaper. A knife is also suitable to scour and gouge the puck so it won't slip on surfaces.

2. Prepare the running shoes by bending the rubber soles so they are more flexible.

3. Apply liberal amounts of industrial-strength glue to the puck and attach toward the widest part of the shoe, near the front, where the ball of your foot will be. The arch and heel should be elevated.

4. Repeat for other shoe.

5. Wait for glue to harden completely.

Tips & Warnings

• These shoes are not meant for running, so treat them with care. These strength shoes, however, will be very suitable for step training and walking. You can even use these shoes as alternatives for regular footwear.

• For similar strengthening, run barefoot.

• Avoid running and rocky surfaces, as you can roll your ankle.

References

• Strength Shoes Jumpsoles