Handmade natural crepe rubber woven boots, without stitches and glue, 2021.
Natural crepe rubber is soft and easy to scrape, it can be repaired by scraping off dirt and attaching newly scraped natural crepe. It can be attached by slightly melting them with thinner. The scraped natural crepe rubber is applied without thinner.
Rubber has been a versatile material throughout history. It has been used since the time of the ancient Aztecs to make balls and simple sandals. It is a natural resin latex that is biodegradable. Natural rubber outsoles are still used today. They have excellent cushioning and elasticity and are very comfortable to walk in.
Sato: ‘However, like other natural materials, it has its weaknesses. It is an allergen and aging cannot be prevented. Natural crepe rubber is sensitive to heat and the sole is melted when exposed to direct sunlight in summer or when walking on heated asphalt. In addition, dust and dirt easily accumulate on the surface and it is slippery on wet roads. Although it is no longer used much, natural rubber still has many unique properties, so like to explore new possibilities and designs that are unique to rubber.’
© Wataru Sato.
