Better straps....

[2ManyHobbies]

First time posting. 
They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Here are more than 14,000 of them.  Apologies for the quickie iPhone shots and the stitching;  the holidays are here, so I'm short on time and my $20 @ a garage sale sewing machine has 2 speeds -- none and done. 

The materials and problem:

Sizing the new ring:

Testing the fit after the first cuts:

Using a straight-edge:

First cutting with the ring sewn in:


Sizing and trimming the velcro:



Velcro stuck on with the adhesive backing:

Velcro sewn on and test fit:

Fin:


The bill of materials:

Material	Cost	Straps per	Cost/strap
Leather	$6.42	10+	$0.64
3/4" Strap Keeper	$1.92	10	$0.19
Velcro	$7.71	30+	$0.26
Total	$16.05	N/A	$1.09

For those wondering, the leather was a latigo remnant.  It is soft and supple, but probably a little heavier (thicker) than needed.  It is oiled, so it won't dye, but it should have some durability against moisture. 

Not bad for $2.18 and a few hours of work.  They did good around the house today.  I'll have a mile or so on them tomorrow and a 5k on Saturday, so expect followup information.   

[Rana]

Welcome! 

Talk about kicking off your arrival here with a bang - great mod! 

[Hawkeye]

Nice mod. I bet they're look great with the brown treks. My only nit pick is black and brown together looks weird.

[marley mission]

nice work - i love it!

[justin]

Wow now that's some major modification right there! 

I'll be curious to know how the leather straps hold up.

[TsuaSai]

Wow that looks great!

[2ManyHobbies]

They worked as expected in the 5k and are approaching the point of break-in now.  I'll keep an eye on them and post updates as they get more miles.  The spots on the leather where the webbing straps would fray have picked up small burnish marks, but nothing unexpected.  I'll also be watching for any wear on the VFF mesh, tops, or heel areas.  They will get worn through the holidays but I don't know how much running I'll be able to do before the new year.  Expect photos around the 20 mile mark or so. 

[2ManyHobbies]

It has been almost 3 months since my original post, so I thought I'd post updates and pictures on how the improved straps are holding up.  They've seen daily use and a little bit of running, but not as much as I had hoped with the weather. 

My observations to those that want to duplicate:

• Use the heaviest synthetic thread you can find.  Cotton just disintegrates. 
• Use a stitch length of 7 per inch or coarser.  Too fine a stitch can actually weaken leather and industrial velcro. 
• The leather burnishes at the contact points instead of sawing through as with the factory straps. 
• Your SO will want a pair too.  Not a case of sawing through (the arch is much higher than mine), but instead the rings pull out of the ends on that pair. 
• The fear of extra wear on the heal and mesh sides has so far proven to be unfounded. 

[jadias]

Very cool. I don't suppose you'd be willing to make and sell these? Might be interested in some for my brown Treks, if they ever arrive...

[2ManyHobbies]

Very cool. I don't suppose you'd be willing to make and sell these? Might be interested in some for my brown Treks, if they ever arrive...

I can't say I wouldn't entertain a group buy offer or anything but my estimate for doing my own freehand is about two hours per pair.  ~30 minutes to cut the leather, ~30 to cut the velcro, and ~60 minutes of sewing for a pair.  My current sewing machine really isn't up to the task so it is mainly useful to place holes in the leather for hand stitching. 

If I were doing a moderate quantity, I'd build a cutting template for each size needed, construct a hold-down jig, and then make a significant investment in an industrial grade sewing machine.  After shipping, taxes, materials, consumables, and labor break-even would be $15-$20 per pair from my living room on the weekends.  I am not sure how much of a market there would be at that price, but wouldn't turn down feedback on it. 

At the other end of the spectrum would be higher end custom work.  Shark, ray, gator, ostrich, etc accents to really show off, but I don't know how many people would spend more on a strap than they would Treks.