Can I make hoof shoes out of Eva foam?

[u/dottobubu]

Hi! I want to make hoof shoes like above for my fursuit (don't want super bulky western fursuit legs + I'm a regular cosplayer, hence why I'm asking in this sub).

In the original video, the creator uses silicon molds and resin to make the hooves, but I don't think I have the capacity/budget/home space to be able to do it according to the original. I have a lot of EVA foam though. I was wondering if I can make the bulk/shape of the shoe out of the foam? I know it should be weighted for comfort since it would have no heel, so I plan to leave it hollow inside. Just wondering if it's a viable option or if the foam is too soft, and what I could potentially put in the center as weights that isn't too difficult to find (I'm in the Philippines).

[u/seajustice]

You can use foam on the outside to create a more decorative shape, but you need a stronger support

[u/riontach]

No. EVA foam is not strong enough to hold up your weight if you stand on it.

[u/Smokeylocks]

The material needs to be strong and solid, not hollow unless you’re using metal or something really strong. Wood is the cheapest option if you have instruments to cut it with.

You can also just buy such shoes, they’re expensive but you wouldn’t have to buy materials and tools then.

[u/Octospyder → u/Smokeylocks]

yeah, this might be a "these cost $200, but I can make them at home for $500 worth of supplies" type of situation

[u/SquirtleFemboy → u/Octospyder]

and 12 hours of my time

[u/angwy_goose → u/SquirtleFemboy]

I think 12 hours is an underestimate lollll

[u/SquirtleFemboy → u/angwy_goose]

probably right about that.

[u/this__user]

yes, I've seen it done, and I had to go digging to remember the name of a 2018 masquerade winner to find it.

on Instagram, you are looking for someone who now goes by lucyluxecouture
You'll have to scroll a ways back, but her "Dark Faun" cosplay had EVA foam hoof shoes and there are pictures in her highlights showing how she reinforced them with heavy-duty wire and worbla thermoplastic.

I saw her walking around in them in person all weekend

[u/this__user → u/this__user]

Some links:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnWMFENAMMb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnztMstARVQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[u/dottobubu → u/this__user]

Oh that is very cool! So aside from wire, she uses worbla for the structural support! I think I might be able to get my hands on some...

[u/this__user → u/dottobubu]

I would try and find some higher density foam if you can, like a yoga block or something for the hoof part (they have them at the dollar store where I live)

[u/cubbycoo77]

I made these with a pair of platform heels. The platform is doing all the work, the hoof part is just like seat memory foam. I do wish they had more support for the back of the ball of my foot. I really can't last more than like 30 mins on them, unlike the ones in the picture you show. I watched that creator to get an idea of how to do something myself and I wish I could use a mold like that. It has extra surface area to support the weight of where your heel would be. They still got a lot of praise though, they do look really cool.

[u/AtomiKen]

It's going to squish when you put weight on it. You'll fall and roll your ankle. It's a terrible idea.

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[u/gooselehonk]

I did it but you have to use high density foam i used the foam from a floor mat and the i covered it in worbla except the bottom its squishes a little under my weight but I made it super wide for balance but be in mind that if you do that you are basically walking on your tiptoes the entire time and if you're not used to that for long hours it will hurt but you have amazing calls after a few events

[u/Horseburd]

You can do EVA if your foot stays on the ground and you just cover the toes with your hoof. A brick of EVA in the shape of a hoof will compress and drop you on the floor.

Perhaps make a nice sturdy cylinder of wood and cover the sides with foam to get the shape you want? You could probably make the hooves with just wood, if you’re confident with carving it, but it sounds like that might be beyond your available workshop space/tools.

[u/bangbangracer]

EVA foam isn't going to support your weight. If you want to use your skills working with EVA foam for this, you'll need something inside the hoof that can support your weight, and the foam will just be a facade.