Hack your shoes - zero drop Tiger Ultimate 81
Channel: Tyson Cecka
Date: 18/02/2014

I get a lot of questions on shoes that I modify, though it's really not complicated. Hack apart what you don't like and fasten it back together again :) Expand for details

videos mentioned:

Why you should train barefoot - Parkour Visions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW7hZlxlTlo

Stop Being a Newbie & Start Training Barefoot! - APEX Movement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koU1bM4shTk

Additional detail:

0:35 I cut right along the line provided by the white and grey foam border with a utility blade.
1:10 Trying to stay right at the line I cut through with a long blade.
1:34 Soaking in boiling water can weaken the glue holding the rubber on. It's not easy to get this right, heat gun would probably be easier. Try to get the rubber right at the boiling water line.
2:07 A fair bit of off-camera prep cutting off left over foam and leveling.
2:08 Scoring the surfaces for a better glue-up.
2:33 Haven't found a better glue than Shoe Goo.
3:22 It's difficult to clamp the shoes for a good glue-up. Taping works decently, I've also just wrapped the entire shoe with gaff tape rather than bothering with strips.
3:50 Leave to cure overnight
4:15 Cut off extra rubber
4:28 Chamfering the edges helps to prevent peeling. Shoe Goo is not very good on the edges where things can peel.
4:57 There is also a stupid fake arch support under the insoles, you can just peel it off and clean it up.
5:32 Done!

If you are doing this to a new pair I'd recommend sanding down the grip as well - it sucks at first. It's been holding up well, decent shoe but narrower than I would like.