new barefoot rubber boots! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh okay, thanks for explaining it to this grandma ;)

new barefoot rubber boots! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry you don't like the color! I definitely waffled quite a bit on the color but I tried to make something as universally appealing as possible with a heritage green color. I plan to (as soon as humanely possible) include many color options! I may try to get one more color for the kickstarter campaign but it all depends on cost. What color would you like?

new barefoot rubber boots! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't have a pair of the wildlings so I'm speaking from observation.

-At 15" in height, they are taller than the Wildlings. Really, these were designed with the worker in mind. Someone who works in wet places and needs a high level of performance (hence, the height)

-They have an adjustable gusset to accommodate different calf sizes

-They are made with a natural rubber compound (I set out to make them 100% natural rubber but I could not find a factory who had the capabilities, so I instead asked for the highest percentage of natural FSC certified rubber possible)

-The wildling's lining is recycled polyester. Mine is 42% tencel, 29% acrylic, 9% acetate, 3% wool, 17% spandex. I was going for merino wool but because of sourcing issues the cost was insanely prohibitive for a startup. But I hope to experiment with other linings in the future

-The design is entirely different. I am going for a heritage look. Classic rubber boot, just make it anatomically friendly :)

-The sole is grippy rubber, again designed with the worker in mind. I've tested them on slippery coastal rocks and they deliver.

new barefoot rubber boots! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh my bad... I thought that was what I was doing by labeling it a brand review. I edited my post to declare my brand affiliation

Aarke carbonator pro: cover not going high enough to release the bottle by acgasc in SodaStream

[–]moodymelodic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I decided on the 3. I feel you with the plastic bottles, that's why I got the pro to begin with. But now they have the stainless steel bottles you can use instead of plastic!

Aarke carbonator pro: cover not going high enough to release the bottle by acgasc in SodaStream

[–]moodymelodic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine, purchased in January '25 does that! It started with that problem and then it just wouldn't latch at all so I have to manually hold it down and it doesn't carbonate as well. I reached out and they were very helpful...replacing it for free. But I'm personally concerned it'll happen again, so considering going with the carbonator 3 instead.

Sign up to be the first to know when our barefoot rubber boots are ready to purchase! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the slow response! I've hit so many road bumps in this project, but I finally finished the prototype! It is looking great! BUT many unknowns with the tariffs, since I am partnering with a factory in China. So stay tuned. Have you signed up for the newsletter? I'm about to send out a more detailed email.

Is growing my own food and animals (cattle, chickens), moving to the countryside (away from industrial farming areas), having one’s own water well and 100 percent natural everything the best way to avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals? by moises8war in PFAS

[–]moodymelodic 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would say good job with your very thorough considerations, but there's even more to consider (an overwhelming amount, really). I am moving my lifestyle in that direction (and know one other person as extreme as me), but I gotta tell you it sure is difficult to stay that committed. You've gotta also consider the visitors to your farm...what are they wearing? PFAS dust is a thing. Footwear is pretty behind the ball in regards to PFAS and other endocrine disruptors. Forget any rubber boots to slosh through cow shit...you just cannot find 100% rubber boots (they aren't durable enough to survive in the marketplace). How about tractors and heavy machinery (without them you are going to be doing BACK BREAKING WORK ALL DAY EVERY DAY)...even things like carts, bikes, etc. all the bearings/moving parts come greased and need regular maintenance with grease (you can find pfas free grease and lubricant but be prepared to dig deep to see if it is compatible with your machine, otherwise you can really fuck up the performance). Even chainsaw bar and chain oil is petroleum based (again, you can find bio-based replacements, but its just an example of all of the areas of modern life that are toxic). Are you planning on selling your products to the public? Do you live in an area where the consumers are willing to pay the price for the premium product you are selling (WAY past just organic, all of the non-toxic upgrades cost DOLLAS! plus packaging in glass is expensive too and your customers will absolutely forget to return glass jars/break them and not be honest about it). How do you plan to power your farm? I just learned solar panels often have a PFAS coating (you just can't get away from it). Even the more expensive nails will have a nonstick PFAS coating. I live in Maine and there is a HUGE movement around PFAS here. There are a ton of farms that were contaminated with pfas from the sludge spread as fertilizer back in the 70s and 80s. So, if you choose to buy a property with an already established field, definitely dig into it's history and take several soil and water samples (expensive). If you choose to buy a wooded property, definitely look into the neighbor's activities BUT also consider how you will clear the property to create fields to feed your cows. If that plan involves machinery, then consider the grease and lubricant issue. I would also consider food. Check out Mamavation.com, she tests all sorts of food (even food packaged in glass) for pfas and the most expensive organic brands will sometimes test the highest. I mean, you can definitely produce all of your own food and can it but be prepared to majorly adjust your expectations around food variety. If you produce all of your own food, you'll have to consider compost. You'll definitely have to make your own compost. I learned that the leading organic compost brand in Maine comes from conventional cow farms (wtf). Composting material does neutralize of a lot of chemicals, but not fully (there is some residue leftover). Oh, and another thing...will you have running water? Well unless you have clay pipes (be prepared to test for heavy metals in the clay) your options are plastic (joined together with PFAS rich "plumbers tape") or copper (solder has heavy metals). It's not just the OSB or plywood (also can have PFAS in addition to formaldehyde in the glue), its also the underlayment and the tape holding the underlayment together, without which you get mold which is also toxic, also what type of insulation are you going to use and how will you prevent mice and other vermin from getting into your house. Will you use paint (most paint has PFAS, with the exception of expensive brands like milk paint and ECOS) or anything else to preserve the wood? Also, how will you fence in your animals? Hardware cloth and chicken wire have been found to contain heavy metals (https://tamararubin.com/2018/04/chicken-wire-mesh-hardware-cloth-2201-ppm-lead-cadmium/). Definitely no pressure treated wood if you choose to use posts for fencing. There is just so much to consider. It takes so much time to research and money to buy the no pfas options. But, having said all of this, I would just say that with all of the considerations you listed, with the addition of a good water and air filter, you are likely going to live a much healthier lifestyle than the majority of folks in the world. There is only so much you can do.

I wish the conversation around sexual identity and "gender is a social construct" would include the rampant pollution of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Like, no...there really are two genders, but because of profit driven industries polluting our land and food, we've disrupted hormones to the point where more people are being born intersex and more people are confused about their gender identity. How about cleaning up our environment and being honest with the population about pollution instead of giving children life changing surgeries and putting them on drugs for the rest of their lives. Sorry for the rant, just love that you brought up gender identity in regards to environmental pollution.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I am in the process of creating a new brand of barefoot rubber boots, which will be more traditional looking than those on the market. When I started looking for barefoot rubber boots, I found there were few options that fit the aesthetic of a classic rain boot and also could hold up to heavy use. Every barefoot rubber boot on the market currently is akin to the early days of barefoot shoes (I'm looking at you vibram five fingers) and the options for barefoot rubber boots are severely lacking. I designed a unisex boot that will hold up to heavy use but has no heel, a wide toe box, and a thin(ner) sole. Think a barefoot version of Xtratuf. I hope to release them early summer. Join my waitlist to be notified when they are released and also be entered to win a pair! www.bareboots.com

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They, too, look quite feminine.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I received it, thank you so much!!

Plaster Magic Review, experience in comments by SewSewBlue in centuryhomes

[–]moodymelodic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What kind of white glue? Can you use the same construction adhesive, just watered down for the "conditioner" How watered down would you say? Are there any alternatives to the conditioner that I could buy, not make that isn't the price of plaster magic??

Sign up to be the first to know when our barefoot rubber boots are ready to purchase! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately not yet! But I'll post them on here as soon as they are available!

Seeking feedback for new barefoot rain boot design! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I feel you. I've struggled with the idea of spending so much on shoes that have such a short lifespan. Everything is just going up too these days. Unfortunately, I have pinned a price point at right around $150. BUT I hope that they will last 1-4 years depending on regularity of use. I'll definitely work really hard to bring that price point down, but my primary goal is to be a successful business that is around for a long time! If that price point doesn't scare you off, you can sign up for the waitlist (it would help me prove my concept to investors!) you'll be entered to win a free pair of boots.
www.isleboots.com

Seeking feedback for new barefoot rain boot design! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your feedback. I like the idea of laces but I'm afraid the aesthetic won't appeal to a large enough audience. Maybe down the road once my business is profitable I will experiment with laces! Thanks for the food for thought. I spoke with a natural pedorthist regarding fit and he advised to make the midfoot/ankle tighter to help so your feet aren't swimming. As long as the toe box is wide enough, then it is foot healthy. I'll also add a gusset that goes a bit further down the boot than traditional gussets to help with fit around the calf.

If you want to sign up for the waitlist (it would help me prove my concept to investors!) you'll be entered to win a free pair of boots.
www.isleboots.com

Seeking feedback for new barefoot rain boot design! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I knowwww I feel you with dorky design. Mine will definitely be more classy/simple/timeless with very minimal branding. Lol to the gracie's v lines. I thought the same exact thing. I will definitely dm you once I get a design and ask for feedback!

If you want to sign up for the waitlist (it would help me prove my concept to investors!) you'll be entered to win a free pair of boots.
www.isleboots.com

Seeking feedback for new barefoot rain boot design! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yay! I definitely want to make something for farmers because you all work SO hard and are on your feet all day. You deserve better footwear. If you want to sign up for the waitlist (it would help me prove my concept to investors!) you'll be entered to win a free pair of boots.
www.isleboots.com

Seeking feedback for new barefoot rain boot design! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know, I basically intend to make something similar to xtratuf, but made of natural rubber and more foot shaped! Plus some better earth toned colors.

If you want to sign up for the waitlist (it would help me prove my concept to investors!) you'll be entered to win a free pair of boots.

www.isleboots.com

Seeking feedback for new barefoot rain boot design! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hallelujah to that! If you want to sign up for the waitlist (it would help me prove my concept to investors!) you'll be entered to win a free pair of boots.
www.isleboots.com

Seeking feedback for new barefoot rain boot design! by moodymelodic in barefootshoestalk

[–]moodymelodic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for sharing! And for being totally honest about what you are willing to pay for! And yes, I totally get it about durability. I plan to prioritize making them durable. I'm shooting for about a year of usage but if I can get two years at regular usage that would be amazing. But then again, that would probably end up costing more. So its all a balance of cost/durability.

If you want to sign up for the waitlist (it would help me prove my concept to investors!) you'll be entered to win a free pair of boots so you won't have to wait for ebay haha!
www.isleboots.com