How to Make a Foot Cast

A foot cast is made for more than one reason. Parents often make a cast of their child's foot as a keepsake. Orthotists make foot casts as models for fabricating custom orthotics that will conform to their patients' feet. Foot-casting can be a bit messy, but it's not difficult to do. You have the option of using sand or alginate powder to make the cast.

Things You'll Need

• Alginate powder or play sand
• Water
• Plaster of Paris
• 4-Inch deep container (slightly larger than foot)
• Plastic gallon-sized bag
• Plastic mixing bowl
• Paint stirrer
• Plastic bowl with pouring spout

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill the 4-inch deep container with sand. Add enough water to make the sand damp, but not saturated. If you prefer, mix the alginate powder with water in a plastic bowl at the ratio listed on the label.

• 2

  Step down into the sand and slowly lift your foot straight back up. For the powder method, place the alignate mixture on the gallon-sized plastic bag. Place your foot on the bag and gently press the mixture around it. Hold your foot in place for several minutes until the mixture hardens. Carefully remove your foot so the impression holds its shape.

• 3

  Mix the plaster of Paris with water, using the paint stirrer and following the directions on the label, in a spouted plastic bowl. Carefully pour the mixture into the sand or powder foot impression.

• 4

  Allow the plaster to sit for several hours until it's completely dry. Remove the sand or impression material from the outside of the cast.