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Monday, September 12, 2011

Hooved Shoes Update



Hey guys!
Glad to say I've found some extra time to work on my hooved shoes.
For those of you who've been keeping up with them or even know what they are, I'd finished a prototype for a very realistic-looking shoe this past May and I've been getting a few requests for them. However, I did happen to take them for a 14 hour spin at a local convention only to learn the hard way that the hoof used in this shoe is muuuch too heavy and makes extended use very difficult, so I've told a few people that I'd rework them with a lighter and more durable hoof. Well, I've finally begun to work on the new pair and things are looking good so far!


I will now have "male" and "female" hooves, which are really not so different from each other, other than size. The male hooves are about 1" longer and .5" wider than the female pair, allowing them to support a larger shoe size and also to make balance much easier for smaller shoes. They're not exclusive to guys, though. Anyone who would prefer the extra surface area or simply wants a larger looking hoof can order the male hooves.

I think I may also market a more simple pair that will be cheaper and that can be more affordable for those of you who can't afford the newer pair I've been working on. For now, everything is still in the works, but I'm just throwing some ideas out so you guys can get an idea of what may be happening soon.


I've also been surprised about how many guys have actually requested these shoes! For all the guys out there who may be reading, I just want to let you know that these hooves require a stiletto (shoes with 3" or more in heel height). I imagine most guys have never walked in heels before nor do they even know where to purchase them. Heels in men's sizes can be readily found at stores or websites for drag queens. If you'd prefer to not buy the shoes yourself, I will hunt a pair down for you, but I would STRONGLY recommend buying the heels and practicing in them. Then when you see how they fit, how they feel, and what it is you're up against. You can also send them to me and I will knock you a discount off the final price for already having the shoes.

Some FAQ


Q: How difficult is it to balance and walk in these shoes?
A: You have to consider a lot of things when answering this question. Your height, weight, composure, posture, and experience with high heels will influence how hard or easy it is. For me, it's rather easy to balance and walk in the shoes, but I have probably spent around 60 hours walking in them. They do take adjustment and getting used to. I also weigh only around 100 lbs and am 5'2 so I am very close to the ground and I don't put much weight on the heels themselves. If you are taller or more heavy set, you may not be able to wear them for longer periods or time or you may find balancing in them more difficult. You just have to practice, really.

Q: What does it feel like to walk without a heel?
A: Anyone can really just put on a pair of stilettos and simply not let the heel touch the ground as they walk and they would feel how it is to walk in these. It's not all that hard, but it's a different style of walking that some people may find difficult. Just like normal heels, when wearing them over long periods of time, your feet WILL hurt.

Q: Where exactly are you standing? On your toes?
A: No, all the weight is distributed on the balls of your feet. It is like tippy-toeing but really it's just like how you'd feel with walking in heels. After long periods of time the balls of your feet and the back of your ankles will hurt the most. Your toes will only hurt from pressing them down against the shoes for balance, not from weight.

Q:
Is a walking stick a good idea?
A: YES! A walking stick is a great thing to have to help you balance out your weight and to transfer some stress away from your feet. It's also an amazing way to keep your balance, even when standing still. I would strongly recommend using a walking stick.

Q: How are these shoes made?
A: The base of the shoe is a stiletto heel that I'd recommend 4" or higher for a more realistic look. I do NOT use boots nor do I recommend boots for these shoes. The heels are then removed from the shoe and placed on top of a "hoof structure". If you plan on making these yourself, you can use many things for your hooves. Wood is a great material because it's easy to work with and cheap to use, but it's not waterproof and will splinter with extended use. I then add straps onto the heels to secure your feet into the shoe and place velcro at the base of the shoe to attach a cover. The covers I use for the shoes are stockings, leggings, or dress socks. I feel these really capture the silhouette and also show the seamless blend of the hoof into your legs. Fur pants are optional, but I do not recommend them at all. The silhouette created from these shoes is very subtle and realistic, and since fur pants cannot be fitted very tightly and since they're relatively thick, they will only destroy the silhouette.
I WILL be posting a fully detailed tutorial on ways to make your own hooves in the near future, so keep an eye out!

Q: How much will you be selling them for?
A: No less than $200. Sounds expensive, but the materials used are pretty expensive as well as the time it takes to make make it reasonable.


Q: How durable are the hooves?
A: Rock solid. They're pretty much indestructible. They're impact resistant and water proof, so they won't break during a day at the renaissance fair like many other hoof designs.

Q: If I order a pair, how long will it take you to make them?
A: I would say around 4-6 weeks. The hoof itself takes the major amount of work to make, detail, and then depending on the material, to cure.

Q: I already have a pair of heels I'd like to use. Can I send them to you so they can be used for my shoes?
A: Certainly~ Just don't send me any shoes you really like because I will be tearing them apart, haha. Again, for the best effect, you're going to need a shoe with at least a 4" heel. The shoe should fit snugly and it should have a very solid arc support. If you do end up wanting to do this, I will certainly knock some money off the final price.

Q: Where can I wear these shoes?
A: It all depends on you. I would recommend paved, flat surfaces for walking. If you're using them for a photoshoot and don't plan to do any walking in them, then just so long as you can place both feet on the floor in a somewhat flat position, you should be fine. Paved surfaces are the easiest, carpet is more difficult without being hard, grass is a bit harder but not impossible, rocky or very uneven surfaces are difficult and can be very dangerous, and sand is nearly impossible.

Q: Are these shoes dangerous?
A: They very well can be, yes. It really depends on where you're wearing them, how well you can compose yourself in them, and the adjustments you make for your body type. If wearing them at a location with paved, flat floors I would say they're safer than wearing them outdoors in a grassy or rocky terrain.

Q: Do you have any more videos or photos of your hooved shoes?
A: Yes, I have lots more. I have mostly production pictures of my newer hooves and lots of finished pictures of my very first pair of hooves. I will list them below:

Photos:
Multi-shot photo
Ganon Cosplay
Draenei Cosplay
Satyr Cosplay


Videos:
Hooved Shoes - Walk Test
Draenei - at 2:40
Ganon - at 1:07

31 comments:

  1. Please e-mail me at Buldinn@gmail.com

    I'd love to commission you to make me a pair of these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love her work, too. Here's the Etsy link! https://www.etsy.com/listing/101865866/hooved-shoes?ref=shop_home_active_3

      Delete
  2. I, too, would be very interested in a pair. I'm in central Florida. odem@concentric.net.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://www.etsy.com/listing/101865866/hooved-shoes?ref=shop_home_active_3

      Delete
  3. Myself and my friend may be interested in commissioning some of these hoof shoes as well. If you could please send me some information on them, I would greatly appreciate it. My email is DevilBunnie.Luz@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have the heels, but how do you make the base? If you don't mind me asking. If not, I'm interested in them for a convention I'm going to. email me if you don't mind. gdegrasse@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm interested in commissioning you to make a pair. Where do I get a quote? email me on lennehart@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Me too, me too, me too! Oh man, these are just ELEGANT! Why on earth don't you list them on your etsy shop?

    ReplyDelete
  7. me 2 jenny_pher_17@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. have write you over etsy but i didnt get answer, want comission please write back kletterkind@googlemail.com
    greets from germany

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi! I'd love to learn how to make them or even to commission a pair for a burlesque show, how do I get in touch with you?
    My e-mail is alyzarine.burlesque@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Im a big fan of this style of shoe..id love to commission you! ive been trying to hunt down somewhere i could buy this shoe but have had no luck!

    please e-mail me at
    jlg_photo@yahoo.com
    or msg me of facebook at
    http://www.facebook.com/ItsJimmyLopez

    thanks a ton and i look forward to hearing from you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Highly interested in commissioning you, stormyeyedkitten@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have a convention coming up on June 29th and I would love to have these for my cosplay! Please email me at vanelliott007@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. What material do you use to make the hooves themselves?

    ReplyDelete
  14. I would be interested in a pair of these if you have any horse-style hooves… 7@=e

    Wsteinmayer@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. i want these so bad.
    I'd love to commission you for a pair, i have the money up front, and everything.

    email me at corrosive_catfish@Hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. very interested in a pair have the shoes already email me as soon as you can letting me know the details chrisjdemicco@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. i need a pair of of horse hoof shoes for halloween

    ReplyDelete
  18. How much for a pair??? I really like some

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  19. Hi there, would love to commission a pair of these !!!

    devynwaitt@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am very interested in these. Could you please send me details on the hooves and how much it would be to commission some for myself. Thank you

    My Email is: kiraofmidnight@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. can i order a pair of hooves from you so that i can put them on a pair of shoes myself?

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'd love to commission you for a pair of hooves. Please email me at hugothewolf777@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey! these shoes are amazing perfect for the cosplay I'm dreaming to do! if you could Email me all the cost details, etc that would be amazing id love to buy a pair! if you have a size 7 pair you are selling omg pleeeasee!

    alissathecurly1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm trying to make a cosplay and these are absolutely perfect for it! Could you please contact me at Hopkinson.zoie@gmail.com to discuss them?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hiya, will you be making any more of these/taking on more commissions. They are beautiful and don't look as bulky and wide as a lot of others I've found. Would really love a pair for my D+D character cosplay if your interested please let me know :) x I really hope you see this! annabelle.g.harris@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I would love to buy a pair! My email is Die4mylife@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Kanti, just love them! mind if i ask about how do u attach the hoove itself to the shoe sole? nails? screws? glue? all of them? i'd really appreciate it, thanks (and greetings from Argentina!) Nico

    ReplyDelete