How To Make Platform shoes for Cosplay, Tutorial Part 1

I'm the Evil Ted who makes props and costumes. I’ve worked on Star Trek Into Darkness, Walking Dead, Fifth Element and Guyver, among lots of others. I've made pretty much everything out of every material, but foam is my favorite.
I'm here to share my skills and shortcuts, and help you learn how to make foam costumes and props, too.
To see more, check out my site: eviltedsmith.com
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[@amireliad]

hey Ted! awesome vids! Some helpful tips I've discovered: 1. You can screw the wooden soles together before sawing them to final shape and saw them together by the marks so they'll be identical (unscrew them afterwards) *but you'll have to make sure the jigsaw blade is long enough to cover both pieces, the bandsaw won't have any problem thou. 2. If you drill the wooden sole while the wooden block (the platform) are at its final position, the sole\block won't move when you screw them and will stay dead on the mark (a pre drilled hole to guide the screws) I hope some of us will find the tips helpful (0: and thank you again for the vids, youre doing a great job! (you've just convinced a woodworker to cosplay) (thank you)

[@EvilTedSmith]

Amir Eliad Thank you for the great tips.

[@alliemazing5774]

I absolutely adore how you call all your tools "trusty". I know I've been watching older videos, but I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make all these tutorials. they are so helpful and well explained. you're very talented and sharing your knowledge and talent is something to be thanked for. :)

[@eternal8song]

Hey, I work in a theatre costume shop, and I have a tip for you. When we use barge to replace the rubber on shoe soles, we find that it holds much better if, after the sole has been placed, you whack it pretty well all over with a mallet. This makes the two layers of barge meld together even stronger for a much better and more permanent bond, especially with fickle things like rubber. Hope that helps!

[@bgtherobit]

All the other tutorials for making platforms that I've seen seem to be "glue a bunch of foam flip-flop bases to the bottom of your shoe", I like yours better because it seems so much sturdier and the wood isn't just going to squish weird like the flip-flop foam would. Plus, your tutorial keeps the curve of the shoe intact while the flip-flop ones make the shoe sole flat and they seem very uncomfortable. Thanks for this!!

[@eveknowles5014]

I absolutely am in love with videos. Its almost as if there is no screen between us and you really are just teaching us all how to make them. When you said "I'll tell you later"; I felt myself nodding because it feels like you're there ^^

[@samanthavictoria3308]

Anyone know if this would work as heel platforms too? Like using the same ideas and stuff but having it be two pieces?

[@moonlight_oats]

I mean I feel like it would just be easier to buy heeled boots and then do this exact same video

[@kaylynnmaxey5848]

Just finished watching Part 1 and this is major help. I'm currently making a goth/punk dress from scratch (testing skills for college). I absolutely LOVE platform shoes and if I ever make some (and I will), I won't forget to mention you and your videos. Highly detailed and very professional. No skipping about what to do next at all. I totally recommend this! 🙌

[@brittneypotter4791]

Did you ever make some? :) I’m interested in making dresses. Is there a chance you could msg me somehow?

[@gingernightmare9152]

thank you, ankle support. I'm wearing Powerisers but I would also like some platforms as well.

[@DeadTom22]

You are my hero Ted, your tutorials are detailed, well put together and you don't skimp out on steps. Looking forward to part 3.

[@cherylbrown6746]

So glad to have you in my life!!! So many videos... I have materials coming and I cant wait to share my creations!!!

[@LancelotDigitalProductions]

Ted your amazing and have been a life saver! thank you so much for the fantastic job you do and keep em coming my man!

[@fictionfactory7458]

Thanks ET. I need this for a Frankenstein cosplay build.

[@NarumiChIan]

I didn't know you had this tutorial up, awesome!

[@lordxnermal9430]

Hey Ted! Where'd you find those awesome looking boots

[@DocZoppaII]

First off, great vid, I love watching and learning from you. I would make one modification. The weight bearing point in a person's foot when they step off, almost across the human race, is the ball of the foot just behind the large toe. The rest of the toes just help with balance. What that means for these platform boots is that the weight shift will not be sitting directly over the vertical board, which in time means the screws will loosen and eventually strip and cave. My suggestion is either offset the board underneath the big toe with a half to full inch dowel rod as a support closer to the outside of the foot OR reverse putting the dowel just behind the area under the big toe, where the ball of the foot sits. This will properly support movement. What do you think?

[@logan5326]

Only true international player...from the Himalayaaassssss wear them! 🕺🏿

[@pinkheartsist]

your armor tutorial help a lot. made my war craft armor the same way... upload more please!!!

[@mellamoemmanuel]

this is perfect for my Pyramid Head cosplay, thank you!

[@oliverking9652]

Hey +Evil Ted Smith big fan of the videos they helped me out. I was wondering if you have ever made a sword out of foam it's been giving me some trouble and i could use any pointers you can give me.

[@richardretrotation4952]

Was a raver back in the day, and the guy that platformed my sneakers rounded the heel starting 1.5 inches from the back and the front from the ball toward the toe. try it. WORLDS OF DIFFERENCE.

[@mosesmontiel249]

Hey! This stuff is really cool! But I was wondering if you could give help and tips on this cosplay I wanna do. Its kamen rider hibiki and kabuki.

[@michaelatoia7880]

Thank you so much for this video! So helpful and simple.. please keep making codplay and costume vids!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Michaela Toia I will! Thank you for watching.

[@dorothysdungeondetails5713]

I'm working on creating a cosplay, Robecca Steam, in which I need a pair of heels with multiple "suction cups" on the sole. I was thinking that I might be able to do a simpler process using the wood as you did here. Do you think this would work on high heels?

[@jinxkitten9946]

For extra support could I add an extra board in the middle between the two sole pieces of wood?

[@samanthavictoria3308]

Thinking about doing this for a starchild (from kiss) costume. Hoping I will be able to/afford what’s in this video (haven’t watched yet)

[@tomjoemachinceworks5492]

this is really a big help for me !!! Your works are awsome !! such pro !! double thumbs up !! super like :) .,

[@EvilTedSmith]

PING MACHINCE WORKS Thank you.

[@kevincanary]

I've just discovered your work today, I think it's fantastic, you have some grat ideas, best way to do platforms. Just one quesiton, do you think if I make it higher the wood would still support my weight?

[@EvilTedSmith]

+kevincanary Hmm, don't go to tall. Might be hard to walk around without falling.

[@petenissen1970]

You would need to use a thicker center piece ( maybe 1-1/2" to 2" thick) and longer screws something like these www.aspenfasteners.com/8-x-2-1-2-deck-screws-bugle-phillips-drive-coarse-p/sc001-8x212-002500.htm Good luck!

[@RinjiCreative]

Hey Ted, I got a question: do you have any experience with this technique on a regular shoe base (rubber texture, not wood) ? If so, does this technique work?? Thanks for the vid. I always have the problem with cosplay shoes that the sole will come loose when you are at a convention walking around all day :\ . Hopefully it will not tear with this way.

[@cupcakeebunnyaj2421]

it be cool to use drywall stilts as a fram hard part would be getting dimensions right

[@alexcomixinc]

This year for Halloween, I’m doing Gene Simmons in his Kiss uniform. This video was very helpful.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@count-countess8464]

do you know if it will last for continuance use? cause i kind of want to where them everyday

[@allys.8629]

Can you put a link to the rubber tread stuff. I am remaking my costumes stilts and i need something to cover the bottom that wont slip.

[@dufusrunescape]

since the shoes contact rain,snow. wouldn/t it be better to use decking screws? as long as they don't react with the redwood and cause streaking. lol

[@TheElectronicDoctor]

Do work boots/hiking boots work? They have steel toe ends.

[@Mimimaya934]

plz keep making more cosplay vids ;.; your amazing

[@EvilTedSmith]

Misa Cosplayer Thank you and keep watching.

[@jrel1kor]

You could even go out to some place to like Walmart or Target and get a cheap $10 or $15 dollar pair of black running shoes and tear off just the rubber soles of those shoes. May take a bit of doing, but it might be slightly better since that is made for shoes. Just staple up through the bottom of the souls between the crevices of the soles and not through the cleat portion. Just a thought.

[@IAmADragonHearMeRoar]

Do you know how to make articulated costume parts? I have some dragon wings (using my arms) that I want to make but I don't know how. I'm a fast learner though.

[@EvilTedSmith]

I have not made any thing like that yet. But I'm sure some one out there as.

[@jedidiahhannibal6574]

Thank you for this Tutorial! This is solid gold. (And may actually prevent me twisting an ankle). What would you say is the height limit on a build like this? I'm looking to built platforms at minimum 18" high. Will the construction outlined here have stability issues at that height? I know you might not see this comment/question so many years after posting, but thanks all the same for the clear directions and great engineering outlined in the video.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Building something that high, it’s always risky. The only way to make it less of an ankle twister is there a wide base, basically big feet.

[@jedidiahhannibal6574]

@@EvilTedSmith Thank you! Increasing the base size makes a lot of sense.

[@half-wallhockey]

im currently making a couples borg cosplay (if locutus and 7o9 fell in love awww) and i love your videos so much. honestly u are my hero. i put my heart and soul into creating cosplays and i would loveeee to intern for you

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Keegan McNally I don't have an intern right now, but I'd be happy to look at your resume/work for future possibilities. You can send it to me through my website, www.eviltedsmith.com. Thanks. And that cosplay sounds great.

[@PulseVideoProduction]

the only thing i'd recommend is to cut it so the wood grain is vertical rather than lateral it'd give it more strength and less prone to break is someone does take a side step like you mentioned.

[@hollow55]

Do you think that it's possible to make platforms 20cm high (7"~8")? Or should I ask - is it possible to walk in them? I really need such high platforms and this is the best idea so far :x

[@goliath1961]

Patt no

[@ecoolcutie]

If making them shorter in height(2-3in) will using just layers of eva work instead of using wood?

[@stormcastaway7]

Emily B I kinda try to make hoof shoes and I try Eva gym mats and they are kinda squishy and they squeak 😂 but it was a practice, but I heard you can use plastic pvc pipes to help with it and to make good sounds. But I hope some of this is helpful for your platforms shoes 😅 maybe you can do both pipes and Eva foam to help with sculpting and for comfort?

[@emilymay7679]

Hate to be that guy, but I've done something similar in some regards where, i replaced the plate on an old pair of skates, what really helps is unlacing the boot and pre drilling the holes,(so those holes in the upper of the boot don't need to happen, you can always relace the boots) then taking a large ish screw and threading it thru both the hole in the boot and the board in this instance and securing it with a nut under the board still using a washer between the screw head and inner sole, it can be a bit fiddly but totally worth it. Another tip i have received (but have yet to try) is using Bondo to fill either holes made by mistake or the recesses left by the bolt/screw this combined with an insole will significantly decrease the risk of rubbing and blisters, overall great tutorial from an obvious master and super helpful.

[@emilymay7679]

As a side note this is not something I have personally tried or claim to have mastery over just something I thought of while watching the video

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thanks for the info. I ended up remaking the platform shoes out of foam. kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=4fanKUMDzU0

[@barrygunn8594]

been watching your video's for while now and this one is just what I need. I am 5.9 and have been working hard on my Vader costume but I am a bit on the small side so need some form of platform to give me height. so thanks for this video.

[@alliemazing5774]

Vader is actually not super tall. but these would be perfect to add some height. just don't make them quite as tall! I can't help but mention that you could go as a storm trooper so people can ask you "aren't you a little short for a storm trooper!?" sorry, I really couldn't help myself. good luck! Vader is my main squeeze. I bet you'll rock it!

[@barrygunn8594]

Allie Mazing thanks, I did go with some lifts in my boots, but was bit uncomfortable. so I have created eve soles to with some rubber heels to give me about 6 and half inch more. so not overly tall with my vader helmet gives me the right look now. and have just added some mini fan's to my helmet to keep me cool and stop lenses steaming up.

[@SkidmarkSteve]

Why did you use a board and not a block for more support?

[@miasassi1486]

I think it has to do with the weight, you wouldn't want your shoes to bed too heavy or else you'll have a hard time walking in them.

[@rwikedesigns]

how would I go about making platform boots to make Gene Simmons Dragon boots?

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Robert Wike The same way I did this video.

[@AdolfHaltmish]

Sé que si supiera mejor ingles esto sería aún más increíble de lo que me parece

[@audreydarcovich643]

How much did the supplies (excluding the boots) cost?

[@audreydarcovich643]

+o FuzziePeach333 o And I also don't mean the power tools. Mostly the wood I guess

[@DarkLumiya]

is barge cement same as contact cement? i can't seem to glue rubber with anything

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes, there both contact cements.

[@DarkLumiya]

how come mine won't work on the rubber i have? it just pulls away like PVA does from skin after drying

[@StefenColalillo]

Since rubber has a smooth surface, heres nothing for the glue to stick to. You need to take sand paper or a knife and rough up the surface to make the glue stick to it.

[@DarkLumiya]

i did try it with the knife. really scratched it up.. still didn't work

[@StefenColalillo]

DarkLumiya Oh? I have no idea then, sorry.

[@ibrahimkilic2888]

What kind of wood should I use?

[@EvilTedSmith]

yung vuitton I used wood leftover from building a library for a school. Any wood that's light and that you can cut is good.

[@theparodymonster1]

could this be possible with skiing boots as well?

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Kristoffer Wallenberg Not sure? It would be hard to drill though ski boots.

[@theparodymonster1]

+Evil Ted Smith ok. i have a build in mind and while skiing boots isn't required i would really like to use them since it would fit into the theme. also they give tons of ankle supporr :P

[@T_rob]

Good old trusty like so

[@ofira211]

What material is 13:40?

[@miafisher4149]

Amazing tutorial but what was the total money you spent???

[@EvilTedSmith]

Here a better and cheaper way to make platform shoes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apfEn36Lgqmti5I

[@kaildozulnisha8631]

I'm not even going to wear them for cosplay I'm going to wear them when ever.

[@andyonionade581]

How’s it working

[@noellebaca6872]

what if i cant cut wood on my own?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Get someone to help that can?

[@noellebaca6872]

thank you

[@one1girl]

Do you sell these?

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Ruckus, Bonni Ruckus Sorry, no I do not.

[@sesshyrose784]

PLEASE tell me you make these to sell!!!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Sorry to say...No

[@sesshyrose784]

+Evil Ted Smith Awww :(

[@--M--1111]

Charles Ingalls did that for a girl in the tv series

[@lasarith2]

Would Caterpillar boots-see picture www.nushoe.com/images/Caterpillar-Boot-Repair.jpg work just as well since they have Ankle support, or

[@lasarith2]

Do I need boot with more support like the ones you used 🙂 ( I pressed the send by mistake on my iPad above lol)

[@lasarith2]

+lasarith2 update: just made my platforms, (still to add the Eva) had to add Gorilla glue to the contact cement from B&Q for the little flaps as they wear to thick for the Staple gun (total with the caterpillar boots, is 7" added height.

[@Nekochan12itsumo]

might as well buy a pair for a $100....

[@NN-jd5ul]

Wooden soled platforms are the most uncomfortable footwear to walk in.

[@sarahsnickersnee8425]

Are they comfortable to wear? Or does it feel like you are walking on wood lol

[@kookoo9800]

Honestly I wouldn't use this video because if that's how it looks then I would never wear those and they don't look very confortable at all

[@kittycatH-hh1wz]

I actually made these and it is comfortable its all about the shoes you use because if your shoes are comfortable then they will be too and if you're short like I am then it'll take a little bit to get used to

[@barrygunn8594]

Sarah Snickersnee see part 2

[@valkylva]

lmao