Thread: How to add "Height" ???

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Anybody ever use stilts or some sort of platform shoes or something to add height to their character? Some of us aren't blessed with being 6'4"
(I'm 5'9") and want to add some height so we can be a little bit scarier while in costume for different characters. I think its kinda hard to dress up as characters like Jason or a Grim Reaper without having that height and size that intimidates and scares much more then somebody only 5'9". So just wondering if anybody else has had this problem and found a solution. It also has to be something that I can wear/use that will fit under a pair of pants or costume and still be able to move. Thanks!

Hi. I have used two pair of stilts in my haunt for several years . My daughter found a site that has free plans and thought that I would like to try them. She is a pro stiltwalker (tonya kay.com.) The stilts are easy to build and lightweight to wear. They take some getting used to if you have never stiltwalked before. I would suggest building a short pair (maybe 6" or 12" to start. ) The ones my son wears are 24" and mine are 36". Since I built mine I have gotten a bit older and a bit heavier and took a fall at a costume contest held by one of the pro haunts 2 years ago. I haven't gotten back up on them since. The stilts have held up well though. I am 6'1" , 265 lbs and 61 years old. They have taken all that just fine, even the fall didn't bother them. I know it is hard to see but my avatar shows a pic of me in costume measuring in at about 10'6". I wear a full mask with very limited sight. I would not recommend that. Use one of the prosthetic masks with full view capabilities if you want a safe walk. The site for the free stilt plans is www.stiltman.com. They are very cheap to build. I probably have less than $10 into 3 pair. I had the wood, glue and fasteners around the shop. Good luck!

If you are wanting real height and don't want to build, you can always try some drywaller stilts like these:

http://www.amazon.com/SkyScraper-Sti.../dp/B001B4I5SI

I would think you might be able to find some in a builders supply store, but they aren't coming up when I search...

Platform Boots!

5 Gallon plastic paint containers with the shoes bolted to the containers with some gel inserts. I think Home Depot has orange ones with out the paint. It should give you a good 18"
with very little cost.

well you could buy a night terror costume or use foam outside the mask to balance it on shoulders or pvc piping in a body shape and use that i dont think the stilts would be safe but then again i am quite clumsy

wanna get FUNKY widdit, howbout rollerblades?

im 5''10 and i use platform boots all the time. being i am gothic i can actually hlep you out by telling you a good boot company to look at online. the name of the company is demonia.

im will be useing demonia i belive they are called demonia mega's 708. but they will make me at least 7ft and at best 7''1 so check them out you can find them where i shop onine and the web site is www.cryoflesh.co or www.demonia.com i belive is their site but dont quote me on that.

Look on YouTube. There are some ideas for stilts on there. I am going to make some Digigrade stilts for my dragon rider costume. You can get some fairly light weight adjustable drywall stilts on ebay. They are a little higher in price but if you plan on using them more than once, they are worth it.

Here is a Youtube video on digigrade stilts.

Platform boots do work well. I'm also 5'9" and have used them with several costumes. Another option that won't get you as much height but may be easier to find is to go to a military surplus store and check out some of the boots they have there. Have fun!

- Jake
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