We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Ah, winter. It’s rich with picturesque scenery of snow-covered landscapes, a desire for hot chocolate, and dread for the monotonous chore of snow removal. Yes, traditional methods like shoveling or using a snowblower are practical and efficient, and there are plenty of hacks to make snow removal a snap, but they’re no fun — at least not when compared to DIY snow shovel shoes! This one-of-a-kind approach adds an element of amusement to snow removal and ignites the spirit of DIY craftsmanship.
The concept of snow shovel shoes is simple yet ingenious. It involves modifying a pair of shoes with attachments that allow you to shovel snow as you walk. This DIY originated from Instructables creator @HPandLOTR, who, after needing to invent something unique for a project, became inspired by completing the routine task of clearing snow. The result was a pair of shoes that doubles as a snow shoveling tool.
To embark on this project, choose an old, warm pair of shoes or boots to serve as the foundation. PVC pipe is used for the shovel due to its durability and ease of handling. Grab a section with a 3-inch diameter for $10.96 at Home Depot. You’ll also need heavy-duty, weather-resistant glue to secure the PVC to the shoes. Original Gorilla Glue does the job and is available on Amazon for $12.48. Finally, pick up some sandpaper at Home Depot for $11.06. For tools, you’ll need a Dremel or rotary tool for shaping, a drill for making necessary holes, and a hacksaw for cutting the PVC.
How to make your own snow shovel shoes
@zachle3d
Video inspired by the amazing @outsidebrendan #snow #shoveling #crocs #crocsandsocks #zacccccccccc
♬ Material Girl – Madonna
Now that all of your materials are ready, let’s begin. Measure a section of PVC about 4 to 6 inches wide, depending on your shoe size and the desired size of the shovel blade. Next, cut the PVC pipe in half. This would be the time to sand down any rough edges. You’ll want to cut a hole in the PVC using a drill where the toe of your shoe will be inserted. This step requires a bit of precision. A helpful tip from the creator suggests tracing your shoe’s toe onto the center point of the PVC pipe blade to achieve a better fit. Start by measuring the toe of your shoe, then reduce this measurement by half an inch to allow for some margin. From there, you can fine-tune the fit through trial and error with your Dremel.
Once the PVC is shaped and fitted to your shoes, generously apply the glue to the shoes and blades, making sure each blade’s curve faces outward. Use plenty of glue to ensure a strong bond and maintain its structural integrity. After the glue has dried, your snow shovel shoes are ready for action. Consider using a waterproofing spray on your shoes for extra resistance against snowy and wet conditions, like this one from Gold Standard for $15 on Amazon. Although the inventor used old canvas shoes, a hardier pair of waterproof, insulated boots would be a better option for this hack. Shoveling snow will become a fun activity with these DIY shoes.
