Gatekeeper
Sr Member
So, I figured I'd start from the, well, bottom with my Keaton suit. Found the Nikes, got me a couple of bottles of leather dye and went to town:
A generic pair of Air Trainer III. Not the best color for the project, but at least most part of the soles are black, which makes things easier.
Testing the dye... I learned that two bottles were needed - one for the plain leather, one for the nubuck trim. If only "regular" dye is used on nubuck, the result will be purpleish and splotchy - much like trying to paint the shoe with a Sharpie.
After dyeing the leather, it was time to move over to the nubuck. As it is a lot more porous compared to regular leather, nubuck needs a lot more dye to turn black.
Just the plastic parts left to paint...
I thought about different ways to tackle the boot tops. Making my own, cutting up existing boots... finally decided to try equestrian short caps/gaiters. They're available in leather and synthetic, and are quite inexpensive. I went for a pair in stretchy faux leather. Figured it won't matter if I mess them up with superglue, velcro or whatever I choośe to attach the armor with.
A quick test fit. Really comfortable - will see what they look like with armor attached.
A generic pair of Air Trainer III. Not the best color for the project, but at least most part of the soles are black, which makes things easier.
Testing the dye... I learned that two bottles were needed - one for the plain leather, one for the nubuck trim. If only "regular" dye is used on nubuck, the result will be purpleish and splotchy - much like trying to paint the shoe with a Sharpie.
After dyeing the leather, it was time to move over to the nubuck. As it is a lot more porous compared to regular leather, nubuck needs a lot more dye to turn black.
Just the plastic parts left to paint...
I thought about different ways to tackle the boot tops. Making my own, cutting up existing boots... finally decided to try equestrian short caps/gaiters. They're available in leather and synthetic, and are quite inexpensive. I went for a pair in stretchy faux leather. Figured it won't matter if I mess them up with superglue, velcro or whatever I choośe to attach the armor with.
A quick test fit. Really comfortable - will see what they look like with armor attached.
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